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Message: <blockquote data-quote="TwoSix" data-source="post: 5520177" data-attributes="member: 205">Actually, I just have a strong feeling that I know best.  Otherwise, I wouldn't keep posting on message boards. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />I don't actually use a thunderous voice for that.  Bribery is much more effective, and I never trained Intimidate.You're right, that isn't my decision to make as a DM.  But you can bet that, out of game, I'm going to get annoyed pretty quickly that you're spelunking in wells while the party is dungeon crawling, especially if the reason is "Well, it was there."  (pun intended)  Trying to understand my player's actions is a hangup?  That's...interesting.  I have a need to understand why your character does what he does.  Your character's motivations drive the plot!  If your character's motivation is utterly whimsical, I'll at least know not to tailor any plots around your character, since the character's backstory will be satisfied with searching well-placed wall fixtures and toiletry.I think we agree on something. <img src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/joypixels/assets/8.0/png/unicode/64/1f642.png" class="smilie smilie--emoji" loading="lazy" width="64" height="64" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)"  data-smilie="1"data-shortname=":)" />I think you're making assumptions about my playstyle.  I make strong efforts to assure that players keep IC and OOC information.  I do, though, talk to my players about what they want out of the game and what they want to accomplish for their characters.We'll have to agree to disagree here.  I think cooperation and teamwork is the core of the game.There may be a personality issue here as well.  You come across as more of the "rugged individualist" type.  I'm very much a socializer, and I almost always prefer compromise over conflict.  That's why I like groups I DM to act harmoniously.  I've learned over the years to make very clear that your "lone wolf" go-it-alone character background isn't going to work in my game.My players disagree all the time.  Hell, they've actively ambushed each other a few times.  I had some sessions where I never actively talked to the entire party, because they were separated and plotting against each other.But the key difference for me is they never do it alone.  It's always at least 2 against the group (which is never more than 6).  I've been pretty successful about setting up story arcs where even characters who gravitate towards soloing recognize the benefits (or near necessity of cooperation).Your freedom to act as you wish ends at the point where it impinges upon the other player's good time.  So yes, I feel justified in having certain expectations of character behavior.  Actively wasting my time and the other player's time with trivialities like dowsing in the dungeon is a decision I don't like.  I won't stop you, but don't think I'm going to roll for treasure down there.So?  He's stuck in a situation he didn't prepare for.  The relative difficulty or facileness of preparing for it is meaningless.  There's nothing in the well.  Having a Water Breathing potion doesn't make anything appear in the well.  The whole point of having that Water Breathing potion seems to be "I could explore there if I wanted to!?"  Umm, yay?More awesome is always awesome.  So moderately important, yes.  Not damning, just disappointing.Except that the system was designed around the point that those powers weren't meant to be openly available to the PCs?  It's like a reverse 10th amendment.  "All powers not seceded to the players shall be granted to the DM."Well, there goes my argument.  But the PCs are superheroes, who don't need to prepare much because they're awesome.  Besides, you CAN prepare.  As much as you want.  If your DM doesn't give you large benefits because of that, your DM is kind of a jerk.  I sure would, because what I care about most is that my players give a crap about the game.  But your preparation goes through the DM, not through the PHB."What's in the box, man?  What's in the box?  No, oh no, no no no...."Although we appear to be diametrically opposed in our opinions, this debate has been a pleasure.  So thank you!</blockquote>

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