But, but, you could have jumped into the fire!

[alsih2o]

O.K., I have finally found a live gaming group here in Memphis. They are all good guys (except my wife, who is a good gal) and seem to take great interest- I was given some great backstory and get lots of private and public emails about campaign happenings. They seem to be really into my homebrew world and have even inquired about bringing in a new player.

BUT- I have twice now left with the feeling that at least one player (different player in each incident) felt railroaded by a poor description of mine.

The most recent incident was a gate that turned to face the P.C.'s- my poor description left one player feeling he was being told it got in his way wherever he went, rather than it just facing him.

How do you make it very clear that there are options? I have a great group,a dn have taken pains to make a world they can wander freely in and I HATE feeling railroaded myself, so I really want to solve this. Suggestions?

 

[Mercule]

My first thought is to just tell them, "Guys, I have a feeling that you are feeling railroaded. This is not my intent. I think it's a matter of learning to communicate with new people at this level of detail. If something seems like it isn't right, it probably isn't. If you ask me about those sorts of things, it'll help me understand where our styles of description are different and adjust appropriately."

Or something vaguely like that. You aren't having a personality conflict, so there isn't any reason to beat around the bush. Just ask to find a cooperative solution to make the game better.

 

[Henry]

I have the problem from time to time, and one of my former players used to call a confusing description a "Link-ism". I would describe something which was perfectly clear in my mind, but it sounded totally different to one or two other people. The only thing I can recommend is that before each game, re-iterate that if they have ANY questions about a description, please ask to clarify.That's the only way they can be sure they aren't accidentally "railroaded." For the one or two players who couldn't visualize a description, or if it sounded wrong to them, they would go back over that description to make sure they understood me. Also, I usually let them take back the action they took if it was clear that I made a faux pas.

 

[BSF]

Don't sweat it Clay!
Remember that this is a new group and you are all still trying to learn the little idiosyncracies of communication that we pick up from each other. My best friend growing up ended up becoming an architect. At one point in gaming, he started doing maps. It was amazing how he could put together a rough drawing of a room without me providing all the explanation.

I remember one room that the group found, it had been a long forgotten storeroom with a bunch of furniture piled up against a wall. The thing is, I never explained what side of the room the pile was on, or how it was structured (in the corner, just against the wall, etc). My friend was drawing the room as I described it. He nailed it! He had it drawn out exactly as I could see it in my mind even if I hadn't said all the words. He was picking up on all the rest of my body language that the other players didn't understand. He saw me moving my hands one way and knew what I was trying to convey. The other players were baffled and I was amazed. But, it was an interesting experience.

You will pick up on the non-verbal cues between everyone with time. While that is developing, you will have "problems" like the one you are asking about. Keep in mind that your body language isn't going to have any relevancy to description for a new group. Focus on giving some solid explanation and watch their faces for confusion. Be sure to pause and give everyone an opportunity to ask questions. This can be difficult when you are wrapped up in painting the scene for the players, so be sure that everyone understands they can interrupt you if they think something sounds wonky.