Is DM fiat okay?

[Felix]

On the player side, I want to have (probably more than normal) input on what happens.

You do, at that.

 

[Felix]

Double Post

 

[Psion]

Fiat is only a problem if you don't trust your GM.

I'd say Fiat is a problem if your GM is untrustworthy.

 

[RedWick]

Ehh...half a dozen of one, half a gross of another.

 

[Thurbane]

DM fiat is both a right and responsibility - it's a right in the fact that as the DM, you have sacrificed your time to run a game for everyone else, you are trying to run an enjoyable and cohesive game, therefore you have the right of fiat.

On the other hand, if you consistently pass down bad or unfair judgements, expect players to get unhappy very quickly, and start leaving the game soon after that.

In my own group, we all acknowledge that the DM has the right to make a final decision. We are free to ask why, or to offer suggestions that perhaps he hadn't thought of, but if the decision stands, we abide by it. Outside of the session, we all feel free to discuss rulings and say whether we thought it could have been handled better.

The one thing we all want to avoid is bickering and rules disputes during a session. To this end, we are all prepared to accept a DM ruling, even if we mightn't agree with it.

 

[airwalkrr]

Not only is it ok, it is mandated.

 

[diaglo]

I'd say Fiat is a problem if your GM is untrustworthy.

Fiat is not reliable. it gets terrible gas mileage too.

so i guess you could say it is untrustworthy when it gets older.

YMMV

 

[Jupp]

I voted "Yes" because with the DM having the last word (DM fiat is an ugly term and is marked with too much negativity) it will prevent rules discussions and unneeded breaks that interrupt the flow of the game. Such things can then be discussed later on while the group eats pizza or pasta Regarding rule changes that deviate from the RAW it shoud be a collaborative effort between the DM and the players. In the end houserules should be there to make the game more interesting/easier to play for both sides.

 

[Hairfoot]

Perhaps a more revealing poll Q would be "do you trust your DM to use fiat fairly?".

 

[Doug McCrae]

Fiat does not imply arbitrary or capricious.

Actually it does. From www.dictionary.com:

3. an arbitrary decree or pronouncement, esp. by a person or group of persons having absolute authority to enforce it: The king ruled by fiat.