Bathrooming

[jcfiala]

In my collection of DM tricks and techniques, I've got one I call 'Bathrooming'. I don't have to use it too often, but it's useful.

You use it when your game is going along nicely, you've set up your players to go with option A or B... and they decide to take option Q. You didn't really expect option Q - it requires you to come up with a couple hours worth of material right now, and you don't have it. (This happened to me last night. "You ally with the Lich?")

So, you go to the bathroom. Take care of the necessities. And then take some time to brainstorm up something to use. No one will interrupt you in th bathroom. No one will be staring at you while you try to come up with something new. You're alone, you've got something to sit on if you need it, and you can talk to that nice, understanding GM in the mirror as you try to figure something out.

And then you come out, and continue the game.

 

[Henry]

And who DOESN'T do this???

Actually, I might also call a "kitchen break" and tell them I've got to "think about something." -- and I'll go get a drink, or a snack, and think while finishing the snack.

 

[diaglo]

i like to kill PCs while they have their pants down too.

 

[KB9JMQ]

I have done both the bathroom and kitchen break routines.
It is better than sitting in front of the group with the "deer in headlights" look trying to figure out what to do now that they have destroyed Plan A, Plan B and the super secret I wont have to use it Plan C.

I have also told my group to take a snack/drink break before so I can "get things in order"

 

[Berandor]

And here I thought this was a GenCon thread...

 

[greywulf]

Just remember to keep a copy of the more obscure Monster Manuals in the bathroom for inspiration

Also, if you run out of paper, Monstar Manual II will at last have a use too.........hehehhehehe.......

 

[Blue_Kryptonite]

Real DMs "spontaneously" grin ferally before "catching" themselves. Then try to make it look like they're surprised.

Works every time. My players start third-guessing themselves.

Of course, I Improv all my sessions, but they{/b] don't know that.

 

[JoeBlank]

i like to kill PCs while they have their pants down too.

It is dangerous. First he plies me with coffee, knowing I can not resist but also knowing I have a small bladder. Then I have to go to the bathroom, and I'm not safe there.

 

[Ranger REG]

And who DOESN'T do this???

Honestly, I have never DMed nor played a session while in the bathroom. I don't like people talking to me while I'm doing my "business" there.

But I do utilized Time-Outs or Recesses, especially if you're saved by the time or by hunger.

 

[Clueless]

Done it. I also take "coffee breaks" - no one bothers me while I have scalding hot liquid in my hands...