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Message: <blockquote data-quote="innerdude" data-source="post: 6302712" data-attributes="member: 85870">I think there's a big difference between having a GM inherently determine outcomes, and a GM framing a situation based on the character's fictional position, setting, cultural dynamics, and interrelationships with the other in-world participants. If, as a GM, I've framed a situation where a particular noble A) has clearly made it known through edict, "Wanted" posters, direct communication through underlings, etc., that he doesn't want anything to do with the PCs, and B) will instruct people under his influence to arrest the PCs on sight, then I don't think it's unreasonable to forcefully apply the effects of that fictional positioning should the PCs attempt to enter a location directly under the influence of that noble.If the PCs simply roll into town without any thought given to what will happen, then yeah, they don't deserve to "interact with their player mechanics" when the bulk of the town guard descends on them to arrest them. Can they attempt to notice the ambush? Sure. Can they attempt to escape if the do notice it? Sure. If the players then want to interact mechanically through the use of powers, spells, negotiation, or combat to avoid the arrest attempt, hey, more power to them, that's why the rules are there. If what you're saying you don't want to happen is, "Okay party, you roll into town, and oh, guess what, you're immediately beset upon by the guards, arrested, and detained," then I agree, that's hardly fun. I get where you're coming from, [MENTION=22779]Hussar[/MENTION], I really do. It's clear from your posts here and elsewhere that in the past you've been subjected to some of the worst kinds of heavy-handed GM fiat, and it's something you never care to repeat or represent to your players.I'm just really uncomfortable with the idea that a GM simply doesn't have the authority to say "No" under any circumstance.It's a very precarious line, however. If you're saying "No" to some mechanical eventuality supported by the rules, and directly applicable to the PCs, there'd better be a very good reason to say it. I'm a little less forgiving when it comes to PCs having control over the scene framing itself, but even then, there's definitely times when you want to allow some player / PC control over the framing, and even instances where the rules assume that players have that control (as far as I can tell, the entire premise of Fate falls somewhere in this spectrum).The opposite end of the spectrum, of course, are jerk players who do nothing but have their PCs run around and "poke holes" at the scene framing and rules, trying to find the exceptions that give them advantage. Or do it out of course of habit because eventually they think the GM will cave to the request.</blockquote>

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