D&D General Player Responsibilities

[Reynard]

I tried the search function because I thought we have discussed this before, but alas.

What responsibilities do you think players have in the game? As players, in regards to the social contract, even economically if we are talking about things groups have to buy?

One thing that came up in another thread that I was actually surprised at my own vehemence of was this: players need to.show the GM the respect of actually paying attention and engaging the game enough to remember important events and people and things. Not every detail of all the lore, just things that actually happen in play. Take notes.

What do.you think the player responsibilities are?

 

[James Gasik]

The players and the referee have a responsibility to make the game fun for everyone. All stop. Anything that makes the game more fun is worthy, and anything that isn't....isn't.

If that means take notes so the DM doesn't have to keep recapping every session, or make sure there's an extra PHB around, or that you know the rules regarding your character abilities, so be it.

But that's not always necessary at every table.

Being the referee is a tough job, and often it feels like the players aren't giving you your due. And sometimes, the players feel like the ref is trying too hard to challenge them, and turning the game into an unfun slog.

In my experience, what should happen here, in the interests of shared enjoyment, is that the group should talk this out like adults. If they can't, well, not all people are meant to play together. Everyone is free to back out and create a new group, after all.

 

[DND_Reborn]

1. Be respectful to the DM and other players.
2. Be prompt or contact if you'll be late.
3. Provide your share of the refreshments. -- No moochers, please.
4. Know your character and the PC's features, spells, etc..
5. Put your phone on vibrate (I prefer more low-tech games).
6. Express your views/concerns freely, but understand two things: a) game time is not the time for lengthy discussions and b) the DM has final say.
7. Pay attention when it isn't your turn. As DM, I do NOT want to recap what is going on when you are present!
8. Contribute to the conversation/discussion/etc. Please don't be completely passive.
9. HAVE FUN!

EDIT: FWIW, I recommend at least one player be a note-taker as I really don't want to repeat information constantly, but if something was overlooked, etc. I have no issue reminding players occasionally.

 

[prabe]

I think the players' responsibilities are to treat everyone else at the table with respect and to take the game about as seriously as everyone else. Somewhere in those might be things like "learn the rules" and "pay attention" and "take notes."

 

[GMMichael]

I think responsibility is what separates GMs from PCs.

GM: Okay gang. Here's what you have to do this session...

PCs: (walk out)

 

[overgeeked]

In meatspace games, share the cost of refreshments and food when you can. Bring enough for yourself and some to share, if you can. If you can’t, take what you need. The rest of us over buy for a reason. Try to show up a few minutes early in case the host needs help setting up. Stay a few minutes after the game in case the host needs help tearing down. Keep cross talk to a minimum at the table. If you need to discuss things, step away from the table. Don’t talk over other players.

In online games, minimizes ambient noise as much as possible and turn off any music. Jump on the game 5-10 minutes early to catch any technical problems. Mute your mic when it’s not your turn. Don’t talk over other players. Use text or chat for table talk during combat.

In all games, pay attention as much as you can. If you know you need accommodations, speak up. If you can’t speak up at the table, speak up between games. We’re all here to play with you. If we need to tweak things to keep you at the table, let us know. If your memory is bad, take notes. If the story is complex, take notes. If you have trouble with names, take notes. Basically, take notes. Know the basics of the game well enough to not slow things down. Know the mechanics of your class well enough to not slow things down too much. Everyone’s gotta learn sometime...just try to make it happen between sessions, not during your turn. Have a default action. If you don’t know what to do in the first 20-30 seconds of your turn, use the default action.

Kindness, respect, Wheaton’s Law, etc.

 

[tetrasodium]

Learn the rules. Prepare for the game. D&D is a cooperative team game so be ready to cooperate & Don't hog the spotlight. Learn how their character's abilities work & double check when odd edge cases come up. Plan before your turn so the whole group isn't stuck watching to suddenly try to decide what you are doing for the first time now that their turn is up. Communicate with the other players at the table about the game. Pay attention to the GM & other players even when it's not your turn. K eep notes.

 

[bloodtide]

1. Be respectful to the DM and other players.
2. Be prompt or contact if you'll be late.
3. Provide your share of the refreshments. -- No moochers, please.
4. Know your character and the PC's features, spells, etc..
5. Put your phone on vibrate (I prefer more low-tech games).
6. Express your views/concerns freely, but understand two things: a) game time is not the time for lengthy discussions and b) the DM has final say.
7. Pay attention when it isn't your turn. As DM, I do NOT want to recap what is going on when you are present!
8. Contribute to the conversation/discussion/etc. Please don't be completely passive.
9. HAVE FUN!

This is a good list.

Though in most cases as GM I still need to put down the iron fist.

-For Two: show up on time, or don't bother coming. Any excuse less then "my house exploded" will not be accepted. If you have a "crazy busy" life, then you should have NEVER even said you were coming to the game.

 

[DND_Reborn]

This is a good list.

Thanks. It has been my list for decades LOL!

Though in most cases as GM I still need to put down the iron fist.

Sometimes it comes to that, yes.

-For Two: show up on time, or don't bother coming. Any excuse less then "my house exploded" will not be accepted. If you have a "crazy busy" life, then you should have NEVER even said you were coming to the game.

Stuff happens, so I don't mind if it happens on occasion, but if it becomes an issue, either make a change or drop out until you commit again.

 

[Vaalingrade]

1) Be at game
2) Make sure your participation facilitates everyone else's fun.
3) Understand the other players are human being with likes, dislikes and lives. Don't be a pest to them about it.
4) Don't impose any other 'responsibilities' on anyone else. See 2.