How to be a better player
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TheGM
First Post
If you have a serious problem with the path the game is taking, talk to the GM, not every other player in the game.
If that doesn't work, go find another game, don't disrupt the one you're in. If you're the only disgruntled player, then likely you don't fit. Not fitting into a given group doesn't make you a bad player, but hanging around just to be a PITA to the rest of the group does.
If that doesn't work, go find another game, don't disrupt the one you're in. If you're the only disgruntled player, then likely you don't fit. Not fitting into a given group doesn't make you a bad player, but hanging around just to be a PITA to the rest of the group does.
Thia Halmades
First Post
To build on what TheGM is saying, work with your DM to give them (say, ME) an idea of how to define YOUR play style. What works for you? What do you want out of a game? Do you want to take a new direction with your character? Be preemptive. Don't suddenly play yourself as a CE murderer and then be surprised when everyone stares in shock and horror.
Understand the game before it starts; what is it about? What kind of situations am I going to get into? What specifics about this world do I need to know before the game begins? What races/classes are street legal, what isn't? If you're curious, ask why. Find out what the DMs style is - is she an epic storyteller, looking for a massive (3+ year) story arc, or is it a series of adventure vignettes which are more about treasure & monster bashing? Know your play style, and what you're getting into. Don't build a 14 page character history then be dissapointed because you're surrounded by hack & slashers. OTOH, don't throw some stats on a sheet then be cross-eyed when the DM writes your background for you.
H&Ser: Um... I made a fighter.
Epic DM: Cool, needed a fighter. Where's he from?
H&Ser: Eh... what?
Epic DM: From? Where's he from? Why is he a Fighter? Is he military? Personally trained by a mentor? Just that good?
H&Ser: Eh...
Epic DM: Okay. I'll write your background. Please note on your character sheet: "Plot chew toy."
You can easily imagine this going the other way. You've probably seen both scenarios. Friends don't let friends roll play in an Epic RPG.
Games are designed as cooperative story telling experiences, but your DM is writing over 50% of that material; be willing to give them feedback. "You did this, and it was awesome, this? Not so much." The DM is a player too, and many (like me) can have fragile egos. Working within the framework of the story to tell YOUR story is part of what makes the game so cool. So take advantage of the opportunity.
Remember that you are one of X total players, them having fun is as much your responsibility as the DMs, so don't do things that would detract from their entertainment. Yes, I left this intentionally broad and vague. Too many people can't handle it, and they can be great role players, but lousy gamers.
And, my favorite: don't rules lawyer with the DM mid-game. Abide the current ruling, make a note (eep! a note!) so you can refer back to it later and say "Hey, you've done this before, RAW says this, and I think this. Let's talk about it and agree on a consistent ruling."
My two cents.
LCpt. Thia Halmades
Understand the game before it starts; what is it about? What kind of situations am I going to get into? What specifics about this world do I need to know before the game begins? What races/classes are street legal, what isn't? If you're curious, ask why. Find out what the DMs style is - is she an epic storyteller, looking for a massive (3+ year) story arc, or is it a series of adventure vignettes which are more about treasure & monster bashing? Know your play style, and what you're getting into. Don't build a 14 page character history then be dissapointed because you're surrounded by hack & slashers. OTOH, don't throw some stats on a sheet then be cross-eyed when the DM writes your background for you.
H&Ser: Um... I made a fighter.
Epic DM: Cool, needed a fighter. Where's he from?
H&Ser: Eh... what?
Epic DM: From? Where's he from? Why is he a Fighter? Is he military? Personally trained by a mentor? Just that good?
H&Ser: Eh...
Epic DM: Okay. I'll write your background. Please note on your character sheet: "Plot chew toy."
You can easily imagine this going the other way. You've probably seen both scenarios. Friends don't let friends roll play in an Epic RPG.
Games are designed as cooperative story telling experiences, but your DM is writing over 50% of that material; be willing to give them feedback. "You did this, and it was awesome, this? Not so much." The DM is a player too, and many (like me) can have fragile egos. Working within the framework of the story to tell YOUR story is part of what makes the game so cool. So take advantage of the opportunity.
Remember that you are one of X total players, them having fun is as much your responsibility as the DMs, so don't do things that would detract from their entertainment. Yes, I left this intentionally broad and vague. Too many people can't handle it, and they can be great role players, but lousy gamers.
And, my favorite: don't rules lawyer with the DM mid-game. Abide the current ruling, make a note (eep! a note!) so you can refer back to it later and say "Hey, you've done this before, RAW says this, and I think this. Let's talk about it and agree on a consistent ruling."
My two cents.
LCpt. Thia Halmades
Last edited:
Altalazar
First Post
I think it is important to really think through your character's concept. Ideally, writing about it, but even if you don't, it is good to know enough so you COULD theoretically write about it if you took the time.
I think it is good to do this on an ongoing basis, either writing or not, as you play. Then you really get into the character's head, so to speak, and if you write it and share it, it lets the other players and DM get into it as well. Because no matter how much you participate at the table, there's only so much the others can absorb about your character when you place. Attention is divided. Some things are not apparent in any case.
I think it is good to do this on an ongoing basis, either writing or not, as you play. Then you really get into the character's head, so to speak, and if you write it and share it, it lets the other players and DM get into it as well. Because no matter how much you participate at the table, there's only so much the others can absorb about your character when you place. Attention is divided. Some things are not apparent in any case.
BiggusGeekus
That's Latin for "cool"
sinecure said:
Bugaboo was a troll we had a while back. He's the gold standard of ENWorld troublemakers. He'd drop in wacky-but-plausible "problems" and goad people into a furious rage.
Recently we had a guy who said he poisioned his DM. Totally not up to Bugaboo's standards. A little dissapointing really.
Okay. That makes sense. It reminds me of the time our DM split the group into boys vs. girls and had us all meet on separate nights. After awhile our male only group stopped meeting and we never heard from the female players or DM again. Go figure.BiggusGeekus said:
Are you still out there John Holmes? I want my girlfriend back!
TheGM
First Post
sinecure said:Okay. That makes sense. It reminds me of the time our DM split the group into boys vs. girls and had us all meet on separate nights. After awhile our male only group stopped meeting and we never heard from the female players or DM again. Go figure.
Are you still out there John Holmes? I want my girlfriend back!
ROTFL. Thank you, I needed a laugh today.
blargney the second
blargney the minute's son
Thia Halmades said:
That's a great phrase - I'm stealing it!
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