Should I become a Rule's Lawyer?

[robaustin]

>>> Should I become a Rule's Lawyer? <<<

Well this depends entirely on how much the Rule is willing to pay you to defend him in a court of law. I suppose you could do it pro bono - but then what's the point? Unless of course the Rule is actually looking to sue someone else for a great sum of money - and then you can request a percentage as your fee.

Or - am I being too picky about your english?

;-)

--*Rob

 

[Nifft]

DM's call

I'd just discuss it with the DM, privately. Perhaps he knows the rules "well enough" and is consciously playing fast & loose. On the other hand, perhaps he would appreciate knowing more about 3e's detailed tactical combat system -- it really does add to an encounter when both sides use the terrain as well as their native abilities.

-- Nifft

 

[Mark]

So what is the best way to handle this?

Depends on if the DM is running his game the way he wants to run it, or if he simply doesn't know any better. Ask him privately if he simply doesn't want to adhere so closely to the book rules, or if he minds if you suggest a couple of places where he can tighten up the game and make it more fun for you. Ultimately it is his game to run as he wishes for as long as he has players willing to play as he runs it.

 

[Renaissance Man]

The problem with rules-lawyering outisde of the game is that it tends to occur in response to a particular event, pressuring the DM into 'ret-conning' the situation, and generally dispelling everyone's willing suspension of disbelief. Several hotly debated life-or-death situations jump to mind.

I say, rules-lawyer away! You have as much right to a level playing ground, common understanding of the rules and their application, etc., as anyone else in the game. And as a DM, I would rather have my errors, misrulings, call them what you will, pointed out when they occur, rather than ex post facto.

But, by the same token, you need to pick your battles. That said, the specifics that you mention seem to me well worth speaking to your DM (and the rest of the group) about. Go get 'em.

 

[Olive]

as a DM, i appreciate people coming to me and saying "Nick, I've been reading the rules, and I think we've been screwing this up". That's good. I don't appreciate being told I'm an idiot mid-game.

Rules Lawyer implies the second. Don't do it unless you want the DM to get burned out and irritated very quickly.