Roleplaying? Yeah right!

[Psion]

What I meant was: look at what D&D does for you if you want to (for example) go explore a dungeon. All sorts of stuff for that. Another system (let's say Star Wars d6) might not get in the way, but it doesn't have as many dungeon-exploring tools.

I think that's a horse of a different color. Talking is something I can meaningfully do at the table. Emulating a rogue working at the delicate mechanisms of a trap is something that is much more appropriately a matter of emulation and modeling. The need for rules enhancement here is much less pressing and much more likely to clash with playstyles.

 

[TarionzCousin]

I ran a group of eight players. Those eight ran the spectrum of player types. I was in a similar situation of being frustrated until I realized that I was part of the problem. Silly me, I wanted everyone to be as invested in my campaign as I was. It didn't happen no matter how hard I tried, what incentives I gave. Eventually I figured out the makeup of my group:

<snip>

When are you moving to Oregon and starting a new campaign?

Seriously, this is great advice. It can be a real challenge to tailor the game to different types of players; I'm struggling with it myself. But when it works it is really the most fun for everyone, IMHO.

If you need to, explain what you are doing to everyone. If the powergamer can't handle letting someone else have some fun, and so tries to ruin it, then that is a different problem than gaming style and he should probably find a different game. Likewise, if you cannot handle players who don't want to meet your expectations for roleplaying, find a new group and don't complain if you cannot find one suitable for you.

And if it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out.

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

When are you moving to Oregon and starting a new campaign?

I am currently without a gaming group, so I can start with just a little prep time. What kind of job on Biotech can you find for me (or alternatively what salary will you pay me to DM), and how do you plan on convincing my wife to move? Required benefits will also include protection from grandparents angry about taking their grandchildren to the opposite coast.

 

[danzig138]

Some kinds of "Fun" really are Bad and Wrong.

Yes, some kinds of fun are Bad and Wrong. Typically, those kinds of fun wind up with someone in the joint for a nice stretch or dead. What that has to do with gaming. . . I don't know. I do know that in the context of rpgs, you're pretty gosh-darned wrong, including your attempt to "clarify" your position.

 

[Oryan77]

It can be a real challenge to tailor the game to different types of players; I'm struggling with it myself. But when it works it is really the most fun for everyone, IMHO.

I tried tailoring the game to the group but I don't think it's working out for me. I spend so much time prepping plotlines & NPCs and coming up with ideas tailored to the PC's lives that I feel it's a waste of time. That's the part I enjoy about D&D but it doesn't mean much if players don't get involved.

The hack-n-slashing that I've tailored to is wearing thin on me. I could be so much better off if we just played the DDM game and saved me from the preparation time that goes into a D&D game. But I like living out the lives of characters in D&D...not just wargaming. At least I can say I tried

 

[Thornir Alekeg]

I tried tailoring the game to the group but I don't think it's working out for me. I spend so much time prepping plotlines & NPCs and coming up with ideas tailored to the PC's lives that I feel it's a waste of time. That's the part I enjoy about D&D but it doesn't mean much if players don't get involved.

Do none of them get involved? It is a waste of time to come up with plotlines and NPCs tailored to PCs of players who don't care, so don't do it. If you only have one player who cares, tailor things to that one player. Sure, the entire story will be driven by that one player, but if the other players don't care why they are fighting something, they shouldn't care that it is always about the one player, they are just muscle providing combat support.

The hack-n-slashing that I've tailored to is wearing thin on me. I could be so much better off if we just played the DDM game and saved me from the preparation time that goes into a D&D game. But I like living out the lives of characters in D&D...not just wargaming. At least I can say I tried

Ultimately if you aren't having fun, you should not be DMing, but maybe you can find some middle ground? Good luck, and if it doesn't work out, maybe you will have a better idea of things to ask prospective players in the future and will find people better suited to your own enjoyment.

 

[LostSoul]

I think that's a horse of a different color. Talking is something I can meaningfully do at the table. Emulating a rogue working at the delicate mechanisms of a trap is something that is much more appropriately a matter of emulation and modeling. The need for rules enhancement here is much less pressing and much more likely to clash with playstyles.

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that simply not interfering is the best a rules system can do for talky-talk resolution?

 

[Mark Chance]

Not everyone is a amateur thespian.

Quite true. IME, this is no more true than when dealing with people who think they're great at playing a role. What self-delusion sees as talented in-character interactions, clearer eyes see as kind of silly and annoying. It's sort of like watching Casper Van Dien on film. Sure, he thinks he's acting, but the audience knows better.

 

[Psion]

I'm not sure I understand. Are you saying that simply not interfering is the best a rules system can do for talky-talk resolution?

For specific purposes that aren't fairly captured by face to face interaction, and for modeling aspects of the PC that aren't represented by player, rules can play a role.

That said, all too many attempts to facilitate roleplaying via rules are hamfisted and feel forced and artificial to me. I think the best thing a rules set can do is to get players thinking about nuances of their character and then back off.

 

[TarionzCousin]

I am currently without a gaming group, so I can start with just a little prep time. What kind of job on Biotech can you find for me (or alternatively what salary will you pay me to DM),

http://www.intel.com/jobs/index.htm

and how do you plan on convincing my wife to move?

Why Move to Portland?

Required benefits will also include protection from grandparents angry about taking their grandchildren to the opposite coast.

We play D&D; we have swords, axes, and other weapons designed to dissuade angry grandparents. Or, they could move here too.

I tried tailoring the game to the group but I don't think it's working out for me. I spend so much time prepping plotlines & NPCs and coming up with ideas tailored to the PC's lives that I feel it's a waste of time. That's the part I enjoy about D&D but it doesn't mean much if players don't get involved.

The hack-n-slashing that I've tailored to is wearing thin on me. I could be so much better off if we just played the DDM game and saved me from the preparation time that goes into a D&D game. But I like living out the lives of characters in D&D...not just wargaming. At least I can say I tried

Oryan, you are invited to Portland, too. Then, we'll all descend on sniffles' game.