DMs: Do you ask players to contribute money for materials?

[johnsemlak]

DMs: Do you ask players to contribute money for materials?

If so, how does it work?

For a slightly different angle, if you are just starting a group and (which includes people who are not close friends) and your priority is to get a group going that will last, how would you handle money?

 

[Arnwyn]

Never. As DM, I buy what I want and need for my game. My cardinal rule, though, is that "if I don't own it, you can't use it". That way, I keep strict control over my game.

All I ask is that each player *must* own their own PHB, dice, and pencil if they want to participate in my game. Since they're all my friends, this was a non-issue.

Can't answer your second question (I game with close friends only).

 

[Bagpuss]

Erm nope.

After you have bought the main rulebooks you don't need money.

So its not a problem.

 

[Kichwas]

Only if you count pizza or Thai food, or something.

Everything else is private property.

 

[Fast Learner]

Nope, and even when I was a poor high school student and a poor college student I never asked.

It seems absurd to me, but perhaps I'm close-minded.

If I were to start a new group and our game was intended to be a long-running campaign, I'd certainly want the players to obtain a copy of the PHB. Of course, back before the price increase I purchased several extra copies at a discount, so I have the ability to give or sell a couple to players for about $22 each (what I paid for them).

 

[Balgus]

I never really ask anyone to buy anything for the group, but friendship and common courtesy dictates that you should pitch in for the snacks and food that you eat during game day.

At first, it got real expensive cause my friends were just used to coming and muching all my goodies and drinking my sodas and water. I soon ran out and could not afford to replenish the supply at the time. One night of tap water chenged that forever. Now, everyone brings their opwn drinks, and some for the frindly DM...

As for Gaming material, that is a harsh NO. you buy what you need, and you use what you got. But it is common practice to give DND stuff as presents- especially cause we all just graduated around the same time. That day was kinda funny- we unrapped two ELHs, a traps and treachery, and a book of challenges for grad day. And the one person who had the book he received just asked the other guy to trade. We all were really happy.

 

[Neo]

Despite the idea of a group fund being used to buy the books having some merits... the thought of the arguments over who gets the books and when or if someone leaves the group etc....... just make it seem like more effort then its worth.

Hence I have always bought the material for the game, and my players buy whatever books they feel they need for themselves also.

 

[Wicht]

No - I want exclusive ownership of my books.

Now money for food every now and then doesn't hurt.

 

[hong]

So, is anyone interested in a "Will DM For Food" bumper sticker?

 

[johnsemlak]

wow, I have to say, while I agree with everybody who has posted so far, I am a bit surprised by the uniformity and conviction of the answers.

Do agree though, it makes sense that way. I just have to find a way to control my spending urge (though living 1000's of miles away from a well stocked RPG shop helps, though PDFs are still avialable...)