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<blockquote data-quote="Blue" data-source="post: 8198420" data-attributes="member: 20564"><p>As a side note, I used to think this made sense. Now I realize that this is a lie DMs tell themselves because they've read it elsewhere and it sounds wise. It's complete bunk for most DMs, and absolutely every non-abysmal DM.</p><p></p><p>The DM isn't neutral. The DM cares that the players have a good time. The DM is on the player's side - which is not the same as he's on the character's side.</p><p></p><p>I am my player's biggest cheerleader. I want them to have a great time. I put effort into crafting character arcs, memorable NPCs, plots both deep and comedic, make handouts and find images, and all of the other parts that make up a successful game. Yes, I find it rewarding - but "I can't wait until they see <em>this</em>" is a huge boost to my enjoyment.</p><p></p><p>A referee in a sporting match needs to be neutral - that's how they add to the team who are competing. But D&D only has oen side that has real world cares and feeling, that are the protagonists that we craft the framework around and tell the story with. The players are our co-collaborators in making wonderful moments, sessions, and campaigns. While we may play merry havoc with their characters, we do it because we aren't neutral, because we want the players to have a grand time. And that includes tension and drama in game. It includes real risk and real challenges in-game so that there is a real feeling of reward because there was a chance to lose.</p><p></p><p>In-game there are sides. Outside the game there aren't - everyone wants the game to be enjoyable. There's no chance to be neutral because there are no sides. Everyone is working together in different roles but with the same goal. Fun.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Blue, post: 8198420, member: 20564"] As a side note, I used to think this made sense. Now I realize that this is a lie DMs tell themselves because they've read it elsewhere and it sounds wise. It's complete bunk for most DMs, and absolutely every non-abysmal DM. The DM isn't neutral. The DM cares that the players have a good time. The DM is on the player's side - which is not the same as he's on the character's side. I am my player's biggest cheerleader. I want them to have a great time. I put effort into crafting character arcs, memorable NPCs, plots both deep and comedic, make handouts and find images, and all of the other parts that make up a successful game. Yes, I find it rewarding - but "I can't wait until they see [I]this[/I]" is a huge boost to my enjoyment. A referee in a sporting match needs to be neutral - that's how they add to the team who are competing. But D&D only has oen side that has real world cares and feeling, that are the protagonists that we craft the framework around and tell the story with. The players are our co-collaborators in making wonderful moments, sessions, and campaigns. While we may play merry havoc with their characters, we do it because we aren't neutral, because we want the players to have a grand time. And that includes tension and drama in game. It includes real risk and real challenges in-game so that there is a real feeling of reward because there was a chance to lose. In-game there are sides. Outside the game there aren't - everyone wants the game to be enjoyable. There's no chance to be neutral because there are no sides. Everyone is working together in different roles but with the same goal. Fun. [/QUOTE]
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