DM's: You player just had a great idea...

[Telperion]

So, you are running a game of D&D, and suddenly one of the players gets a scared look on his face. He calls for attention and then relates a truly horrible possibility, that you as the DM haven't really thought about. After a moment of consideration you note that the idea is actually very good, and the BBEG would probably do it, if he thought of it. The sessions ends, you hand out XP and everyone goes home.

Now comes the hard part: do you use the idea that one of your players just gave to you, even though he didn't really mean to? It was just one of those "what if" comments that come up every now and then.

Do you, as a DM, implement your players ideas into the game world?

 

[Piratecat]

We refer to this as "Rule One."

Rule One: never give the DM any ideas.

 

[Volaran]

All idea sources are valid!

Moreover, as much as a horrid possibility being realized can make players grown, that one particular player will gain respect by being the one who called it. If they live, they will listen to his/her advice more often...and it will destroy them!

 

[Li Shenron]

I think the player is going to feel very glad if he got what was going to happen... so why not?

 

[orchid blossom]

Take the idea, make sure the group will be able to handle it, (easily or with great difficulty), give it a couple twists and run with it. Your player will feel brilliant for figuring it out, and you can use your original idea in another session.

 

[Inconsequenti-AL]

I'd use it... twist it round a little so the details are different, but a good idea is a good idea - no matter where it comes from! As long as it's survivable, that is.

 

[Dingleberry]

I'm a huge fan of throwing a whole mess of plot lines into a campaign and letting the players come up with theories on how they all tie togeher. Then I adopt whichever theory I like the best and the players (i) are pleased they figured it out and (ii) think I'm a great DM for giving them just enough information for them to figure it out without making it obvious.

 

[Hand of Evil]

My players keep their mouths shut because ANYTHING discussed at the table can and most like will find its way into the game.

 

[Kae'Yoss]

Care to ralate the idea he had? The other DM's here might think it sufficiently cruel to do it to their players, too

 

[Frostmarrow]

Anything you say can, and will be used against you in a game of Dungeons.