D&D General What wastes time at your table?

[cmad1977]

I don't know if it really "wastes" time - but about every other session there is a point where some rule comes up we have not dealt with yet or often but that seems like it might - so I insist on looking it up - but the 5E PHB index is SO FRIGGIN' TERRIBLE I struggle to find it. Seriously, I get mad whenever I look at that index.

Other than that, sometimes when we first get started we run a little slow because folks are having a smoke outside or my wife (who does not play) is catching up with one of her best friends (who does) or folks have to seek out where the pets are hanging out in the house to give them pets and scritches.

However, overall? This is the most focused group I have ever had the pleasure to run for.

Don’t look up rules in play unless someone’s life is on the line. Make a call and look up the rule afterwards, amending things if necessary.

 

[Aldarc]

As a lot of this tends be GM-side and seeing time-wasting at the table as a player problem, I would like to suggest a few things from the player-side of things:

• GM engages in self-indulgent NPC theater production that contribute nothing for moving the action forward
• GM is more interested in showcasing their world-building in the setting rather than what players want to do therein
• GM shutting down player ideas/actions and corraling them towards the GM-approved solution

 

[prabe]

As a lot of this tends be GM-side and seeing time-wasting at the table as a player problem, I would like to suggest a few things from the player-side of things:

• GM engages in self-indulgent NPC theater production that contribute nothing for moving the action forward
• GM is more interested in showcasting their world-building in the setting rather than what players want to do therein
• GM shutting down player ideas/actions and corraling them towards the GM-approved solution

I don't disagree that those would plausibly be examples of a GM wasting the players' time (or not reading the players' preferences (or something)). I think, though, that "not being prepared when it's your turn to act" would be a waste of time for fellow players, as well as the GM.

Of course, you're not saying otherwise ...

 

[mrpopstar]

As a lot of this tends be GM-side and seeing time-wasting at the table as a player problem, I would like to suggest a few things from the player-side of things:

• GM engages in self-indulgent NPC theater production that contribute nothing for moving the action forward
• GM is more interested in showcasting their world-building in the setting rather than what players want to do therein
• GM shutting down player ideas/actions and corraling them towards the GM-approved solution

Not being familiar with the monsters they've populated their dungeons with being numero uno!

 

[overgeeked]

What do you see happen at your D&D/RPG table that wastes time and slows down the game?

The rules.

 

[CleverNickName]

As a lot of this tends be GM-side and seeing time-wasting at the table as a player problem, I would like to suggest a few things from the player-side of things:

• GM engages in self-indulgent NPC theater production that contribute nothing for moving the action forward
• GM is more interested in showcasting their world-building in the setting rather than what players want to do therein
• GM shutting down player ideas/actions and corraling them towards the GM-approved solution

Oh man, I feel called out.

I've done all three of these in the past. And I didn't realize just how badly I was doing them until I stepped down and someone else took a turn as the Dungeon Master. Now I know all the signs to watch for, and I know how absolutely frustrating they can be. Hopefully my experience as a player will make me a better DM.

 

[iserith]

Not being familiar with the monsters they've populated their dungeons with being numero uno!

I'm okay if the DM forgets to use Lair Actions and Legendary Actions though since that benefits ME.

 

[prabe]

Not being familiar with the monsters they've populated their dungeons with being numero uno!

A broader version of this might be not being familiar with the adventure they're running--probably much more likely with a published adventure than otherwise.

 

[iserith]

Oh man, I feel called out.

I've done all three of these in the past. And I didn't realize just how badly I was doing them until I stepped down and someone else took a turn as the Dungeon Master. Now I know all the signs to watch for, and I know how absolutely frustrating they can be. Hopefully my experience as a player will make me a better DM.

Everybody does it. It's just for some that sort of thing is farther in the rear view mirror than others.

 

[Aldarc]

Oh man, I feel called out.

I've done all three of these in the past. And I didn't realize just how badly I was doing them until I stepped down and someone else took a turn as the Dungeon Master. Now I know all the signs to watch for, and I know how absolutely frustrating they can be. Hopefully my experience as a player will make me a better DM.

It happens to the best of us, whether we are a GM or player.

Let's add something else though: "Not being respectful of everyone else's time."