Think like a DM or a PC?

[Crothian]

So, do you think like a DM or a PC most of the time. It doesn't matter if you are actually a PC or a DM, some people seem to think more like one or the other.

DMs find themselves thinking about the bigger pictures and balance.

PCs think more of who things effect them and the party and how they can deal with them.

I think like a DM. When we get treasure my first thought is usually if it was something I'd give away in my games. When we met NPCs I always seem to think of the plot twists they can be involved int.

 

[the Jester]

I definitely think like a dm. Sometimes when I'm playing I catch myself wanting to "correct" the dm (I try not to, though) on the way he runs his game. Urgh... I guess I went from 1989-2001 as a dm with hardly any (prolly like five sessions) time as a player, so it's a hard habit to break.

 

[Deadguy]

Yup, Crothian, I know what you mean, and for myself, I am a DM-thinker. Whenever I play I am incapabale of entirely switching off my DM-mode!

For example, whenever a significant new element is added to the setting, my first thoughts tend to be about how it integrates into the game. Sadly, I sometimes blurt out the analysis without realising it, which can really annoy fellow DMs. Mostly I am sure it's because it's a failure to respect the DM's authority, but it can also touch a raw nerve when you've pointed out a significant flaw that they're going to have to plug at some point. I always apologise, but sometimes that isn't enough. Maybe I need to join 'Inadvertent DMs Anonymous'!

Of course, it extends far beyond just the games themselves. I can find myself watching TV or a film, and thinking how the details integrate ("That doesn't make any sense!" or "How the hell are they going to handle that in the long run?!") Still, on the plus side it does mean that I've considered a wide range of things: the PCs are less likely to really throw me with what they do!

Or maybe I'm just a borderline delusional schizophrenic...

 

[Mr Fidgit]

DM

maybe that's why there are so many rules lawyers. everyone's thinking like a DM (?)

 

[Crothian]

DM

maybe that's why there are so many rules lawyers. everyone's thinking like a DM (?)

No, I think that's different. That's players trying to control the game by making sure everything makes sense to them at the moment.

 

[Lela]

No, I think that's different. That's players trying to control the game by making sure everything makes sense to them at the moment.

But, if they can start thinking like a DM or a PC, they can really be incredible gamers. One of the best DMs I know used to be a rules lawyer.


And I too think like a DM. When watching TV or reading I'm thinking about the overall story and cosiquinces of introducing this item or plot twist. Of course, it's especally prevelent when gaming. Always thinking about how what's happening will affect the game world. How the other players or myself could best mess with the DM and how I would counter that were I DMing.

The other players don't like it because I'm likely to mention it to the DM later. Sometimes around other players.

 

[Suldulin]

DM I guess, heh, there's alot of listing as DM's it seems, maybe a poll would have been better eh?

 

[Crothian]

A poll would have been too easy. I'm always more interested in the reasons surrounding the answer then just the answer.

 

[fba827]

For me, DM, without a doubt. I find myself doing many of the things mentioned on this thread without realizing it half the time

So, do you think like a DM or a PC most of the time. It doesn't matter if you are actually a PC or a DM, some people seem to think more like one or the other.

DMs find themselves thinking about the bigger pictures and balance.

PCs think more of who things effect them and the party and how they can deal with them.

I think like a DM. When we get treasure my first thought is usually if it was something I'd give away in my games. When we met NPCs I always seem to think of the plot twists they can be involved int.

As for the prevalence of "DM-thinkers" on here, I think that may be related to the fact that (and I think it was a poll sometime back) more of EN World vistors are DMs...

 

[Lela]

DM I guess, heh, there's alot of listing as DM's it seems,

Well, as it the question was phrased, not many are going to say PC.

Also, I think it's DMs who tend to frequient these boards. DM thinkers are the ones who have a tendency to go looking for game ideas. I'm betting that's what got many of us to these boards in the first place. It also makes it a great place to share ideas and ask for help.