How can I please my DM?

[Album Cover X]

Yes feedback... I live for the feedback... gotta have the feedback.

That and just a sense that the time and effort you put forth into the game/campaign doesn't go unnoticed. I am also glad when a player develops "ownership" of the game. When it ceases being "My game" and becomes "our game". For me, that makes it all worth it.

 

[Caliban]

Hello folks!

This thread is mostly for DM's but I'm sure insightful players can contribute as well. My question is, how can I as a player make my DM happy? I ask because I recently learned something my DM _don't_ like, and I learned it the the hard way: don't question. I love to discuss aspects of the game but apperantly my DM didn't, so he politely asked me to just accept his decisions... Wow, never occured to me, I always thought he liked to discuss rules.
So, now I'm sitting here thinking how I can show my appreciation in different ways. I realize this is something I should ask my DM, but I'm sure there are some general things you can do.

Suggestions?

Pay attention to the fricken storyline and help the plot along when it makes sense. Actually participate in the storyline (assuming the DM has one).

Don't go out of your way to make a character that doesn't really fit with the DM's game world or gaming style.

 

[The_Gneech]

Get into it! Taunt the villains! Flirt with the wenches (or the burly farmhand, as appropriate)! Knock over tables! Come up with crazy plans!

During combat, figure out what you want to do before your turn comes up, and if necessary, look up the rules/stats for your spell/action/feat so you're ready to roll. And do crazy stuff -- sunder opponents' weapons and demand they surrender, instead of just whacking on them 'til they run out of hit points.

Oh, and this is important: be scared of the villain! Overcome your fear and go get him anyway, but at least have the decency to be intimidated first. Nothing makes a DM say "Why do I bother?" faster than having the BBEG mocked and laughed at.

-The Gneech

 

[BiggusGeekus]

Showing up with your character is always a nice start.

Not that my expectations are so low I limbo to games or anything.

 

[Faerl'Elghinn]

Hello folks!

This thread is mostly for DM's but I'm sure insightful players can contribute as well. My question is, how can I as a player make my DM happy? I ask because I recently learned something my DM _don't_ like, and I learned it the the hard way: don't question. I love to discuss aspects of the game but apperantly my DM didn't, so he politely asked me to just accept his decisions... Wow, never occured to me, I always thought he liked to discuss rules.
So, now I'm sitting here thinking how I can show my appreciation in different ways. I realize this is something I should ask my DM, but I'm sure there are some general things you can do.

Suggestions?

Simple. Buy the beer... that's what I do.

 

[JDJarvis]

Sacrifice pizza, soft drinks and crunchie cheese snacks unto the DM.

It could work but personal tastes vary, for me best results would be gotten with chinsese food, stuffed peppers and beer but the pizza soft drinks and crunchie cheese snacks is probably a safer place to start.


more serious reply: Contribute to the enjoyment fo the game without throwing the flow of the game out of whack. Ask questions after the game or between sessions if you guys do email.

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

I love it when my players talk about the games, and really don't mind if we have to stop a game to discuss a rule or point, as long as it's resolved quickly. Your DM has control issues...lol

 

[derelictjay]

First as a DM, here's something to never-ever-ever-ever do. Do not, repeat do NOT, try to run the game for the DM. That happened to me and I killed the game the next session. Yeah it made a few people unhappy, but the others understood.

If you argue rulings, have a legitimate reason, not "you can't do that" followed by stuttering and looking around for help. Of course don't get to technical or the DM will be very confused.

Buying beer/pizza never hurts (though I'm not a big drinker).

Back me up as DM when the previously mentioned thing (not the beer) happens. It makes the game go faster.

 

[DM_Jeff]

Pleaseing the DM

>>I especially like it when the players do not just sit there waiting to be served, but rather show interest and contribute themselves. It's not like I want to tell them a story, I could pick up a book and start reading aloud then.

Yeah, what Thanee said. Plus, as others have nailed:

* Be on time to the game.

* Know the rules pertaining to YOUR PC and how they work with actions you want to try.

* Get involved, and don't digress into off-topic conversation.

-DM Jeff

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

Most of the things I would like have been said here. The one thing I would add is: try to understand the story behind the action. I like to run adventures that have a story behind them; there is a reason the BBEG is trying to get that magic item and there are bits to put that story together scattered about. Try and put them together so you understand why you are on this adventure other than "the wizard hired me" or whatever. There are few things more rewarding to me than seeing the light suddenly go on in an "ah ha!" moment - and I didn't have to bash them over the head with the clues.