How would you guys handle this situation?

[rasputinradio]

I just started playing in a campaign with a bunch of newbies, one other experienced player and a dm who is new to dming. We just recently had our first session and I noticed that the other "experienced" player wasn't really following the rules. He would use a full attack action after making a full move. He wasn't applying penalties to his two weapon fighting. Also, the dm seemed to forget about a lot of things like attacks of opportunity. I mentioned a few things during the game, but I didn't want to act like a rules lawyer. I know the dm can really "rule zero" anything he wants, but it doesn't really seem like he even notices the things he is doing. I am of the opinion that if most of the phb rules are followed the game is fairly balanced, but when one guy uses all his benefits without taking into account the penalties it makes the game less fun for others. How would you guys handle this? Am I just being a crybaby here?

 

[Mark]

Is the experienced player not following the rules because he thinks he can get away with something, or are they legitimate mistakes on his part?

There are nice ways to point out mistakes but if he is actually cheating things can get more confrontational. No one objects more loudly to being called out than someone purposefully in the wrong. If you deal with this in anyway, be prepared to back up what you say as emotionlessly as possible to limit the conflict.

Is the DM actually aware that the rules are not being followed and allowing it, or is he really unaware of the violations?

Discussing things with the DM after the game, possibly alone, might be the best6 approach. Be sure to accept what he says if he is aware of the rules being lax.

 

[rasputinradio]

I really don't know if the player did it on purpose, but the one time I did mention something to him he got very defensive. As for the dm, he didn't lookover anyone's character. He beleives in people being honest. I reminded him of a few rules during the game and he seemed receptive, but I picked my spots. His main goal is for proplr to have fun and I really don't want to do anything to cause a controversy.

 

[Grishnak]

I personally would speak with the Dm, ask him what his house rules are on the situation, if he doesn't know what is happening, explain it to him and see what he says. I know how hard it is to Dm for the 1st time, the amount you have to take in is huge and you do let things slide a bit until you are get used to the rules etc from a Dm's perspective. Once I was upto speed I pretty much used all the rules and checked after game time if we weren't sure. But make sure you do this out of game time as it could turn into a long discussion.
It's not being a rules master just wanting whats fair for the whole party. I would be annoyed if I used my penalties and someone else didn't!!

 

[Angcuru]

In the Words of Red Mage:

"They’re jealous of your obvious superiority. They’re jealous of you and they plot against you. They’re plotting right now. You need to subtly let them know that you’re on to them. Don’t make it too obvious; just drop a few tiny hints that you’re not going to let the plotting continue.

Step one is to buy an axe.

Then carve the words “murderin’ axe” into the handle. Start bringing it to the games. If they ask why you have an axe, tell them it’s for “chopping down trees, duh.” Refuse to answer any more questions on the subject. From then on, every time they question you, calmly make your point while tapping the head of the “murderin’ axe”. Eventually they should get the point."

 

[garetjax8]

My guess is that your DM may not be fully comfortable with all the rules but doesn't feel comfortable asking about the rules in game (he is the all powerful DM afterall). I agree with speaking with him out-of-game. If he replies that he just wants to make sure everyone has a good time -- consider reminding him that he has several newbies with the group and it is to their advantage to learn the rules of D&D. It must be confusing for the newbies to read about a rule in the players handbook and then to have the DM ignore that rule in-game without explanation.

Secondly, to assist the DM and other players -- have you considered DMing a few sessions for everyone while sticking closely to the rules? You don't need to preface this by stating that you want everyone to learn the rules properly and therefore will DM to teach -- just say that you'd like to DM a couple of games and try out some ideas of yours if the other players don't mind.

 

[Mark Chance]

I just started playing in a campaign with a bunch of newbies, one other experienced player and a dm who is new to dming. We just recently had our first session and I noticed that the other "experienced" player wasn't really following the rules. He would use a full attack action after making a full move. He wasn't applying penalties to his two weapon fighting.

Continue calling him on it during the game. Something to the effect of, "You can't do a full attack after a full move." Et cetera.

More stuff by rasputinradio
Also, the dm seemed to forget about a lot of things like attacks of opportunity. I mentioned a few things during the game, but I didn't want to act like a rules lawyer.

Pointing out things like missed attacks of opportunity when appropriate is not rules lawyering. It's helping the game work the way it is written. My players do this sort of thing all the time.

 

[Dingleberry]

As a DM, I appreciate a player pointing out rules when I've forgotten it, provided the player does it every time he notices it, not just when it's to that player's benefit.

 

[Tortoise]

In the Words of Red Mage:

"They’re jealous of your obvious superiority. They’re jealous of you and they plot against you. They’re plotting right now. You need to subtly let them know that you’re on to them. Don’t make it too obvious; just drop a few tiny hints that you’re not going to let the plotting continue.

Step one is to buy an axe.

Then carve the words “murderin’ axe” into the handle. Start bringing it to the games. If they ask why you have an axe, tell them it’s for “chopping down trees, duh.” Refuse to answer any more questions on the subject. From then on, every time they question you, calmly make your point while tapping the head of the “murderin’ axe”. Eventually they should get the point."

I had to clean the soft drink off my monitor because of this one.

 

[Angcuru]

I had to clean the soft drink off my monitor because of this one.

*takes bow*

Thank you, thank you.