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Do you think changing the default assumption of the game that the DM makes the final ruling would change anything? Because there's still plenty of text that says the DM should listen to feedback and make the game fun for everyone. How would it change a truly bad, manipulative DM? What about...

I don't really trust polls on here, but there is a difference between "I don't like the campaign the DM is running" or something like "the DM's game was boring" and "the DM was abusively using their power". I agree there are bad GMs. Changing the text in the books is never going to...

Homebrew, I run a very open and flexible campaign trying to do that with published materials is more work than doing it myself.

Saying that I belittle my players because I have a different preference is calling me a bad GM. After all, if I was a good one I'd agree with you, right?

I've never gotten around to playing a ranger but I have played a rogue to 20th, hoping to play my barbarian to 20. Wizard? Mine was just getting going at 12th when the campaign ended. I wish I could have kept playing them. Any character class that I would like to play I would enjoy playing to...

I've explained my opinion. Group dynamics can be messy and I don't believe design by commitee is necessarily better. I don't know what else there is to discuss, we disagree. But you repeatedly saying that I belittle my players is insulting. I value and respect my players but I also think...

I disagree that I was badmouthing anyone and it's insulting that you think I am. I have given multiple examples of people asking for explicitly overpowered things. In my current groups, I think there is a very good chance of significant power creep - two of my players would likely want to push...

I've played some one-shots with DMs where we knew we were going into a killer game and had a lot of fun. It's all about the GM setting expectations so you know what you're getting into. There also has to be a chance to survive or at least a fun and glorious way to die. The killer GM I had ...

I think that the manipulative DM would have just used other means to be manipulative. Text in a book isn't going to change the person running the game.

Considering how many DMs I've had over the decades, there have only been a couple that I would consider "bad" along with a few that just weren't for me. After a certain point I suspect that if a person considers the majority of the GM's they've had "bad" it's a reflection on the player having...

I've had exactly one "killer DM". One is also the number of sessions he ran for us.

It's been many, many years since I targeted character's equipment. When deciding how to run the game I ask myself if I were the player would it add to the game for me. So, for example, I don't want it guaranteed that my character will survive especially if I do something stupid. But...

I don't see why they would be different given the definition you gave. There were no official rules for the races requested. I think the vast majority of people would not consider creating a custom race different from any other house rule. Even if this had happened during 3.x or 5e they did...

I still remember the fear in the wizard player's eyes as I had them roll saving throws for their equipment, including their spellbook, when hit by a fireball. Good times. :)

Part of the reason I've never used rust monsters is that it's already hard for fighter types to compete with wizards at high levels. Lose that sword, your armor and shield? That can hurt. The wizard losing his belt buckle? Not really much of an issue until his pants fall down. Meanwhile the monk...

Captured by the bad guys during a cut scene? Of course they take all your gear and instead of using it so you can retrieve it later, it gets destroyed. Even worse is the game sequel trope where you no longer have the equipment you had before or the training and skills. But you are totally the...

If you've been playing with people for over 20 years the dynamic is different. Most people don't have that luxury.

Nobody can force a person to play a game they don't like. If a core assumption of any optional leisure time activity doesn't work for you and you can't find people that will change that assumption, perhaps the activity isn't for you. edit - it has nothing to do with "morally unacceptable"...

We're all allowed to state our opinions as long as we respectfully state our opinions especially when we disagree ... although some of the responses have been borderline. Whether or not the DM makes the final call on rulings, house rules, all sorts of things comes down to preference and opinion...

No, I'm badmouthing my players because I acknowledge that a small percentage will push the envelope on acceptable house rules. That, and many people if asked to vote would feel uncomfortable telling someone no. Mostly I just view it as a way to denigrate my opinion because I disagree.