D&D General DM Authority

[Mecheon]

Where?

Those optional (but official) rules previously mentioned. We wouldn't discard them much the same way we wouldn't say anyone's no longer adhering to D&D rules by using any of the other optional rules, so, they're officially printed rules, just an option most people don't use.

Frankly I think the Neverwinter Nights example's a bit better at it because that's designed whole longstanding worlds around the idea of occaisonally just having a DM hop in and spice stuff up a bit for the players

 

[Oofta]

And official rules say otherwise.

Heck, how do you treat the actual D&D games that can be used for D&D-esque activities? I'm moreso thinking of the NWN modules that recreate some of the PNP modules as faithfully as possible. You don't need a DM for those and can otherwise interact with them exactly as with the modules, does that make them no longer D&D? Despite being in a 3E based system and based on D&D things?

I think someone should just whip up one of those memes people use for the definition of sandwiches and re-do it for D&D

The rules state "One player, however, takes on the role of the Dungeon Master (DM), the game’s lead storyteller and referee. "

I'm not saying you can't play a game based on D&D without a DM. You can. Castle Ravenloft is one such game. EDIT: the last time solo play was mentioned was in 1E. The game has changed a lot since then.

In any case, this is one of the sillier arguments. Nobody is wrong if they want to play a game without a DM. Wouldn't work for me, but if it works for them, great.

 

[Charlaquin]

In part I'm probably being stubborn because chaos keeps saying I've said things I have not. In part because I think people should be free to express their opinion however they want on this forum as long as they aren't rude, telling others what to do, or that what they're wrong.

I'm not telling anyone they're doing it wrong. I haven't put words in their mouth. Time and time again I've told them that their opinion, even though it's different than mine is perfectly okay. But I also don't appreciate being told that I'm not allowed to express my thoughts on a subject because I don't phrase it in the correct fashion.

You’re allowed to express your opinion any way you want. I’m just telling you that saying “in my opinion, X isn’t D&D” doesn’t come across any less exclusive than “X is objectively not D&D.” Do with that information what you will, I guess.

 

[Helldritch]

Should I remind you that ages ago, TSR had gotten out solo adventures where a DM was optional? So in a sense, a DMless game could be possible with the old rules of random dungeons of the 1st edition. I wonder what would be the result... It might be an interesting thing to try out.

 

[Maxperson]

Those optional (but official) rules previously mentioned. We wouldn't discard them much the same way we wouldn't say anyone's no longer adhering to D&D rules by using any of the other optional rules, so, they're officially printed rules, just an option most people don't use.

Frankly I think the Neverwinter Nights example's a bit better at it because that's designed whole longstanding worlds around the idea of occaisonally just having a DM hop in and spice stuff up a bit for the players

I missed it. I've heard about 1e rules, but I've not seen 5e rules on it. Where are the optional 5e rules for it?

 

[loverdrive]

Not "random dungeons or whatever", but there are rules in 5E DMG for playing with at least rotating GMs.

 

[prabe]

Not "random dungeons or whatever", but there are rules in 5E DMG for playing with at least rotating GMs.

That's in the same vicinity as the "shared campaign world" stuff, innit?

 

[loverdrive]

That's in the same vicinity as the "shared campaign world" stuff, innit?

Maybe, depends on what you mean here.

I don't know the exact page number, but it's under the Plot Points optional rule and goes like "any player can spend a plot point to become the DM, so everyone should come at least somewhat prepared"

 

[prabe]

Maybe, depends on what you mean here.

I don't know the exact page number, but it's under the Plot Points optional rule and goes like "any player can spend a plot point to become the DM, so everyone should come at least somewhat prepared"

Yeah. In the alternate rules section, near where things like Healing Surges and suchlike are. I remember seeing it, now that you mention it, but I'm too lazy to walk to the next room and find it.

 

[Helldritch]

Maybe, depends on what you mean here.

I don't know the exact page number, but it's under the Plot Points optional rule and goes like "any player can spend a plot point to become the DM, so everyone should come at least somewhat prepared"

I would never play with such rule. If I take time to build a campaign or an adventure; it is not to see it derailed foe some sudden flash of inspiration (good or bad) from a player to take control and move the campaign in an other direction... no way. If a player does not want me as DM, he can leave.

And rotating DM (if within the same campaign) is just a sure way to see things derailed. Everytime I saw it and tried it, it ended up with one DM finally taking full control; usually the one that was always (and better) prepared. Improvisation is pretty much a required skill, but you still need some prep and improvisation means that a DM mist take a lots of notes.

Nope, D&D is better played with players and one DM.