How Do you Say "No" to your PCs

[Limper]

You chaps are nuts! First you have them purchase you a copy of the book they want to use (since you dont have it... if you do return it for store credit).

After you've examined the book THEN you say no.

What turnip truck did you fall off of?

 

[demiurge1138]

Very easily. Sometimes maniacal laughter works. Sometimes the whole multiligual approach is best. It depends on the situation.

The most universal, however, is the question "Do I look like an idiot?" It always seems to work for me, oddly enough.

Demiurge out.

 

[psychognome]

Whenever I DM I disallow Splatbooks completely, because, IMO, most of the material is seriously broken. Two of my players whine at this judgement, but I usually remain strict on these terms. I might on an occasion allow them to use Non-Corebook material, but only after I've looked into it. The thing that pisses me off most is when players use Non-Corebook material without asking for my permission. I'll just have to be more strict in the future.

 

[Kal Skid]

Blunt as a warhammer. In my game, there is NO tip-toeing through the tulips.

 

[S'mon]

I have a simple rule for my current game:

"Anything not in the PHB requires consultation with me. I will decide whether to allow it, amend it to fit my game, or disallow it."

The same rule applies to splat books (WotC & 3rd party), DMG, prestige classes created by my players, etc.
So far this has worked fantastically well & caused me no stress. I think one of the great things about 3e is that it's very easy to assess whether a new addition is overpowered or not.
Maybe I have a particularly great group of players, though.

 

[Black Omega]

I've usually had good success being blunt. I started off by saying what was ok, and everything I'll consider on a case by case basis. Except Relics and Rituals, I'll beat with a whiffle bat anyone who even asks about most stuff in that.

I'm lucky though, my players are pretty reasonable about things.

 

[Waylander the Slayer]

Speak to the players, not the characters

Damn!! i knew i was doing something wrong!!

It is interesting how personally involved people get with their characters. A lot of times people take an in game "no", as a personal affront. Damn whiners

 

[alsih2o]

Nr., Nr., sind Sie idots schrecklich. ich werde eine bessere Gruppe erhalten!

 

[Holy Bovine]

. It's my game dammit. It's not like they're paying me for this.

They're not?! What the heck is wrong with you man?! Haven't you adopted the Dungeon Mastering Pay Scale yet? I have some literature I can send you if you like. We can get those cheapskate players of yours making your car payments in no time flat.



Sagan Darkside - I'm with you. I like to work with a players' enthusiasm for a new PrC or race rather than squash them completely (save that for the game itself ). I have found that my players are very reasonable about what they want for thier characters and since I run a fairly high-powered, high level game right now they can indulge themselves without worrying that they might ruin the game for everyone (that's my job)

err...no wait

 

[Pylar]

Make 'em work for it!

I agree that the game has to be fun for everyone, but that doesn't mean I'm just going to lay down and let my players walk over me. If a player REALLY wants to change/adopt some strange class or ability for their character, I just say. WRITE IT UP. I make the player write up a synoposis of their plans for the character, usually in a narative showing how it fits their character. If the Player really wants the option then they spend the time writing. I get a better idea how/why they will use the ability..and sometimes I get to read a nifty story. If the players are lazy, and don't want to put effort into their character to write the narative, then why should put effort into the campaign to make room for their request.