Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="El Mahdi" data-source="post: 5834648" data-attributes="member: 59506">We'll have to agree to disagree on that one.  I can't imagine anybody doing a hobby unless they enjoy it, or doing it in a manner in which they can enjoy it.  I have to acknowledge that it's certainly possible for someone to DM even though they don't enjoy it, or do it in a manner they don't enjoy, and can be that selfelss about it.  I can't.  I would expect that would be an incredibly extreme case, to the point that I doubt such a person as a DM actually exists or has existed.  But again, anything is possible.  If one is an Entertaining sort of person, and your group desires and appreciates this type of DM, then Yes. But that's hardly Universal. Many groups don't give a whit about a DM as entertainer, and simply want a pure adjudicater. In that case, any entertainment skills a DM has would be wasted on an audience looking for something else. And a group that likes randomness, absolutely love random tables. A DM who uses them with that group is entertaining their group and giving them exactly what they want.  There are lots of styles of DM's and groups.  Some want a competitive DM, that plays NPC's and Monsters as if they are competing against eachother ant the goal is to win.  Others want a DM that simply adjudicates Monster and NPC actions, and follows the rules as written with no deviation or variation.  Others want to be entertained through the DM's descriptions of the environment, through acting of NPC's, or as a pure story teller.  The variations are infinite, and each is as valid, appropriate, and skillful as any other. But, you're absolutely right though that the responsibility of a DM is an Umbrella, an Umbrella under which many different styles and tools exist.  Being able to come up with things on their own is one possible tool, but one that is not necessarily a requirement or responsibility of the DM...and therefore not an abdication of responsibility if they don't use that specific tool.    Incorrect.  This is defining what the proper use for a tool is to someone else, and that's something nobody here is qualified to do.  There is no one on this site or in this hobby that has the ability, qualification, or imperative to tell people what is acceptable or not acceptable, proper or improper, good or bad, or even better or worse, as pertains to a subjective hobby.  All anyone here can say is what's better for them, at their table, and with their group.  What's more enjoyable for you or for others here, is not universally more fun for somebody else or some other group. However, continuing to tell others that their way of doing something, or applying a tool, or playing, DM'ing...whatever...is insulting and condescending.  It's marginalizing how somebody else plays and the experience they have as one that's less than yours.  And that just is not right, in any context, at any time, when applied to RPG's.  My opinion is that I would like to see some basic random tables in the Core DMG for D&D Next, and many many more random tables with varying levels of applicability on DDI. I understand that DDI is the future of D&D as pertains to continuing revenue for WotC.  But that does not mean that DDI is the future of D&D for each and every gamer or DM.  The game still needs to be playable as a stand alone, books only, table-top game.  Which is why I think the DMG should include some basic random tables.  Ones that cover some basic environmental factors, campaign/world building tools, and even some basic adjudication/action description tables.  I think they would be an excellent inclusion and nod to experienced DM's and groups who like these, and an especially invaluable tool to new DM's/Groups.</blockquote>

Verification