DMs only: Do you actually track numbers behind your screen?

[kigmatzomat]

I do. I always have. Funny thing is that I can easily track several dozen baddies during a fight in an RPG but flake out in miniature combat games (ala warhammer 40k).

 

[eris404]

I do, partly because I really enjoy using the mechanics - I really love coming up with neat class or feat combos, etc. I also like trying rules that don't get used often in our group (like counterspelling, for example) and build a special NPC to do that. I even do this for generic mooks by making a "generic mook" NPC that I can reuse during a particular adventure.

 

[TheGemini]

I recently had a DM that made everything up on the fly, and seemed to pretend as though he wasn't doing so. I endured this for months and months, but as the PC abilities rose, his spontaneous alteration of creatures, stats, etc. became too hard to swallow. I quit.

In the game I DM, I try to have the most important NPC stats in a spreadsheet. But as for actions, etc...it's all fluid. Before the game I sort of imagine myself as each of the major NPC's involved in the storyline. I figure out what each of them is motivated to do based upon the information they each possess. Once I've gotten this in my head, and all the actual stats on paper, I'm ready.

Yes, I roll dice and keep to the rolls -- usually in front of the players. However, now that I think I've earned their trust I'm going to request rolling more behind the screen.

 

[Driddle]

Driddle, you missed the knock-down drag-out thread aboutt his very topic by about a week.

Sorry.

 

[Ranes]

Always. I'm in it for the game. I enjoy the system. I actually get a little peeved when I forget to apply a modifier.

I really need to get out more.

 

[Psion]

So be honest. Do you actually keep track of all the esoteric digits? Isn't it OK for the ends to justify your means?

Necessity is the mother of invention... or impovisation.

I generally try to have prominent NPCs stats down, because it really gives me more solid footing. Forethough as to an NPCs abilities helps me conceive their strategies and behavior and avoid hitting snags while running the game.

But in a pinch...

 

[IronWolf]

It depends on how I am flying on that night of the game. Most times I use DM Genie, so really all the important (and not so important) stats are right there. On occasion I use Index cards. Those usually contain HP, AC, BAB, Damage, Saves at a minimum.

 

[Crothian]

Everything I need to run a game is jotted down. THat includes numbers and stats and words .....

 

[Endur]

I try to roll all dice in front of the players. I try to have all combat bonuses figured out ahead of time.

For options, I'm willing to make things up on the spur of the moment.

i.e. in making up the NPC fighter, I may have given him a sword and plate armor. I might not have decided anything about whether he has a lantern, a Mom, a horse, etc. So remaining details will get decided later.

 

[Umbran]

Depends upon the game I am playing, the campaign I'm playing in, and the people I am playing with. There are times when creating and fudging events for dramatic appropriateness are called for, and other time when it pays to play by the book.

The thing is - if the players ever discover you fudging it, the nature of the game changes. If they don't like it, your game is ruined by lack of trust. If they agree with it, the activity becomes less a role-playing game, and more an exercise in collaborative storytelling.

Also, it takes very discrimiating judgement to be able to fudge well. It takes split-second knowledge of what events will make for better story, and of what will make the players feel put-upon and used. Not every DM has that kind of instinct.