Most of these personal guidelines should be obvious, but maybe we need a reminder from time to time.

• Concentrate on role-playing monsters, think less of numbers
• Create characters with different personalities
• Create strong villains who fight intelligently
• Don’t let all monsters always fight to the death
• Don’t tell the players everything
• Don’t give the players suggestions
• Don’t let the players be in control, be fair, and don’t go ahead until you’re ready
• Keep game rythm in mind and have encounters as neccessary
• Use a monster menu to choose from, not a chart and dice
• KISMIF (keep it simple, make it fun) – see Dragon Magazine issue no. 175
• Action is more fun than architecture
• People are more interesting than buildings
• Don’t create lengthy battles with unworthy adversaries