Black Box DM or Open Book DM?

[ThirdWizard]

I'm really not sure what you mean, here.

I shall clarify.

Some situations two different DMs will take in opposite directions. Neither is right, neither is wrong, but one might "punish" certain actions, at least from a player's point of view, while anohter direction is "rewarded," again from a player's point of view. Another DM might reverse that.

So, one DM might see the PCs building the stronghold, and now their enemies can find them whenever they want. They'll be under constant assualt, and have no safe place to go. Another might decide that now hopefulls come to the PCs to seek training, adventures open up because people seek aid, and nobles start to see them as equals. Another might do both. Another might do neither.

Now, that was just an example, but in general terms, the question is, before the fact, would you warn them of the consequences of their actions for situations where the consequences are difficult to predict, not because of in game facts, but because of what the DM thinks about a situation? Would it be different for long term plans (working on an alliance between two states) as opposed to short term plans (hunting down a fugative)? Would you explain yourself after the fact if not beforehand?

 

[Mark CMG]

If the players ask, I'll answer the questions.

Sometimes, I have found, players ask questions about process in an effort to shake loose in-game information, so I tend to avoid them. I say, "Play at the table, and when you're at the table, play in the game."

 

[Keeper of Secrets]

For me, those details only have a limited amount of fun. I mean it is the kind of thing that if it interests my players then I can get into it but I would rather keep things kind of vague unless it was really important.

Though at the same time, the details are also the kinds of things that I would rather go over at a bar or something rather than during game play as I can't imagine all the players want to be privvy to some of the stuff going on as it might well bore them.

 

[Graybeard]

I do not interfere with the players during a game. Whatever decision they make during the game, it stays. I often have to improvise because they will decide to do something completely unexpected. After the game, I will talk about anything they wish. Sometimes I will let them know how their decisions affected the course of the adventure. I always ask what their next plans are so I can (try to) prepare things. One example is the current situation one of my players is in. The group was invited to a party by a local well known playwrite. The groups knows that the bbeg is working for the playwrite and that there is an important hostage held somewhere on the estate. During the party, two of the party members sneak off in search of the hostage. Another party member, who had been hired as security for the playwrite, was outside patrolling the estate. The PC/guard noticed someone sneaking around in the darkness. Since he was hired as security, he investigated. One of the 2 PCs sneaking around noticed the guard and snuck around behind him. After a successful sneak attack, a fight ensued. Neither PC recognized the other until one of them was unconscious. Now, the other PC found the captive and is trying to get her off the estate unnoticed. The other 3 PCs are still inside and unawarre of what is transpiring outside. Afterwards, I explained to the players how bad their decisions were for their characters. At no time during the game did I interfere with what they were doing. All my players have been RPGing for many years and I figure they should know what they are doing. I can't wait until next session......

 

[dshai527]

I will have to put myself into the group that stays shut during the session (unless I have an NPC available with a view on the subject at hand) but answers questions outside the game. I try not to give away anything in time between games, but sometimes I make hints about where they might get more information or help. My gamers are very good about asking lots of in game questions and such about plot ideas. Occasionaly I will answer mechanics questions during game play if someone is obviously upset about a ruling I make, but mosty of the time I only explain later or during a break. I tend to think I am good about ruling on the fly, but humble enough to let my players remind me when the rules lean away from the reality that just happened. I just let them know that it will happen that way next time. Unless it is pointed out immediately and then I just kill them for making me look bad.

 

[Arnwyn]

So, here’s the basic question: do you as a DM discuss your decision making process with your players. Do you explain to them why you do what you do and ask why they do what they do?

Absolutely, and all the time.

In the end, we consider this to be simply a game, with esoteric rules and funky dice played in a non-existent world. In many cases, the world assumptions are not entirely clear, and it always helps to explain and clarify the situation.

In some of my rulings (usually in strange circumstances), I also invite discussion and input from the players. "What do you think should happen, and why?" is an oft-repeated question at my table.

 

[Crothian]

Sometimes, I have found, players ask questions about process in an effort to shake loose in-game information, so I tend to avoid them. I say, "Play at the table, and when you're at the table, play in the game."

I figure if they want to know and ruin their own fun, then I'll let them. THere's nothing really stopping them from flipping to end of the book to see who done it. THe fun at the table is the getting there and accomplishing things as they come up. So, even if the players know everything I think it doesn't matter as much as they think and it only ruins it for them in the long run.

 

[UniversalMonster]

I sometimes share OOC or "behind the scenes" info (with the understanding that OOC info is kept seperate from what characters know). Sometimes it's just because I think I am so damn clever. Sometimes the players have a good opinion or idea of what would be really cool.

I don't do it all the time, but every once in a while.

 

[dshai527]

I sometimes share OOC or "behind the scenes" info (with the understanding that OOC info is kept seperate from what characters know). Sometimes it's just because I think I am so damn clever. Sometimes the players have a good opinion or idea of what would be really cool.

I don't do it all the time, but every once in a while.

I know. Sometimes I am so anxious to show off what I have created I want to talk about it too early though and I have to watch myself. After the fact though I want to discuss how it came off and what could have made it better and such.

 

[Grazzt]

If the players ask, I'll answer the questions.

Same here. I dont openly discuss decisions or whatever with them, but if they ask, I will tell.