RPGing and Alcohol.

[DDK]

I've run games stoned, drunk, speeding, tripping...

In fact, I remember a game where even the non-stoners got high 'cause I made the foulest, most awfully disgusting and totally non-palatable chocolate cake full of weed... and they ate it...

Nowadays, though I'm anally straight. No illegal substances are allowed near my gaming table. Anything more than a beer or two and I get angry at people. Gaming and drugs, man, just don't mix.

Having said that, it could be said that gaming is a drug

 

[Shadoe's Lady]

Our current DM has been known to partake of a few beers during a session. As in 2-3 over the course of 6 hours. And only when his SO is in attendance to drive him home. I can't drink because I'm on medication. Which means my hubby can't drink because he's driving home. Which is probably why most of us don't drink at game-because everyone comes in separate cars. I don't have a problem with people drinking while gaming as long as someone else drives home and they can still pay attention to what's going on in game.

 

[Flexor the Mighty!]

We usually drink beers while we play, and have the occasionaly shooter of Bushmills. We are all pretty heavy drinkers and all have a pretty high tolerance for alcohol so it's not that big of a problem. When people are getting too smashed, or I'm feeling too tipsy I'll call it a night. Our timing is good as we go about 4-5 hours before someone is drunk, which is about how long our sober sessions are. The key is playing with people who are lushes like me.

 

[Arnwyn]

Some groups allow drinking during gaming, others believe that it is a hinderance to the gaming experience and shouldn't be allowed.

What are the norms for your group or what would you say to a gamer who wanted to drink while gaming?

For us (er, me, but I'm the DM) it's a hindrance and is not allowed. If a gamer wanted to drink during my game, I'd tell him/her to eff-right-off (of course, it's my house and they're my buddies, so we can say that).

 

[Cygnus]

I think that the key word is "gaming." It is a game. The purpose is to have fun. Drink or do not drink, it really doesn't matter. Some people will take things too seriously at times, but that is ok. Even if some might view gaming as an extension of life, they should relax and remember not to take it too seriously because "no one gets out of life alive."

 

[Sagan Darkside]

What are the norms for your group or what would you say to a gamer who wanted to drink while gaming?

We play at my place and I don't allow alcohol in my home.

If a player brought alcohol to the game, then he could stick it in the fridge until he leaves. But, he will not be drinking it at my table.

SD

 

[Apok]

It's very rare that our group ever drinks. Maybe on occasion someone will have a beer but that's about it.

Of course, that is in 3e. Back when I was still playing 2e, our DM was a major Heineken drinker. It didn't really affect the game much (he could handle the stuff well) but it did loosen the atmosphere. It made dealing with 2e's godawful ruleset alot easier to handle, at any rate.

Then there was the night when we pitched in & got our DM a Keg. We all became gods, that night...

 

[Utrecht]

The problem becomes when one person imbides to much and becomes a detriment to others enjoyment. I have been in sessions where one individual gets drunk and begins to

1) Make bad decisions that affect the group
2) Become antagonistic to others players - (i.e. calling them sissies because thier character will not blindly charge into combat)

That is where I draw the line. Having a beer or 2, is no big deal - but getting out of control is.

 

[Maitre Du Donjon]

We're all good friends that have known each other for many years. We want to have a good time, so everyone does what he wants, as long as it doesnt bother anyone else. 3 out of 4 drink beer during the game (4-8 in a 6-8 hour period) (i'm the 4th. i can't stand beer. God it tastes awful, and i'm not even drinking american beer). 1 will sometimes light up glaucoma medication, but thats about it. We're never too drunk to play badly.

Maitre D

 

[bolen]

So will some gaming company please make a module simple enough for us poor drunks to play?

I mean really.