Tourists at the table

[LazerPointer]

Do you guys mind if people who've never played the game sit in for part/all of a session, or do you find it cramps your style? I have a rule that anyone who wants to come along has to participate fully. After last nights session I realized I've invited friends into my campaign who, though playing, don't put any effort in. (even worse than tourists!) One wasn't there, the other forgot his character sheet and didn't do anything all night.

 

[Crothian]

I've never had a problem with it,m but then again it so rarely happens that its most not an issue.

 

[Patlin]

I allow it on the theory I want to grow the hobby. Doesn't come up much.

 

[Imret]

It depends on the game...our full-scale campaign? Not on your life. Lacking any restrictive house rules on gender/orientation/moral or ethical outlook for PC's, some scenes get....strange. It's very swept up in character motivation, and in fact some dishes and one poor ancient deck chair have been destroyed during moments of tense or heated discussion. Yes, the responsible player has always paid for replacements... except the chair, but I was gonna burn it later anyhow.

But we'll run briefer, less-role-intensive games for 'tourists'. In the few cases they've been very interested in D&D, they get "promoted" to DM aide; sort of a background helper; you know, tracking spell durations, the "magical poison minute", off-camera NPC rolls (such as for businesses the PC's own), and Spot/Listen checks to avoid tipping off players (the assassin on the balcony, orc skirmishers creeping along the flanks of the battle, and whatnot), and some note-taking. If this seems like a dull place at the gaming table, we've gotten three new players out of it, and one who -requested- to keep it up for four months...but I guess that's the kind of thing accountants enjoy?

 

[DrZombie]

I voted "yes, as long as they dont...." but that inevetably happens. And I agree, players that don't participate are worse then tourists. But hey, I can't turn my buddy away when his wife and 3 kids allow him to escape for one night per two months, now can I?

 

[LazerPointer]

I voted "yes, as long as they dont...." but that inevetably happens. And I agree, players that don't participate are worse then tourists. But hey, I can't turn my buddy away when his wife and 3 kids allow him to escape for one night per two months, now can I?

You could, but it might affect your alignment.

 

[Mark]

I said "no" in that I do not ask people to come watch the game, nor do I agree to allow people to come watch the game if they ask to do so specifically, but when playing in a gamestore I certainly don't chase people away who pass by and stop to check it out. In fact, usually we'll play a bit further and then I will invite the person to join if it seems appropriate.

 

[Trickstergod]

I answered no, but that's not always quite true.

A few times in the past, I've had people ask if someone could come along to just watch the game. Most times, I just say no.

However, that's just if someone's coming over to more or less watch the game. On the other hand, if someone is, say...thinking about joining in the game, well, I wouldn't mind them just kind of hanging around for a session. The same with someone who's going to join the game, but doesn't have a character yet so wants to get a feel for where he might fit in.

There are any number of reasons that I might allow someone at the table. But to just watch and with no purpose beyond that? Eh, dun like it much.

In particular for people that don't even play RPG's. I've had one or two people in the past ask if they could bring along their S.O. or something like that to just kind of hang out and presumably not get jealous. Eh. While I'm all for trying to get new people into the game, I want them to at least be somewhat interested to begin with.

 

[Gilladian]

I wouldn't allow it on a regular basis; it would certainly become distracting. But sometimes when a person is interested in "finding out" what it's all about, I'll let them come once or twice.

I had a parent insist on attending once before letting her (then) 14 year old and 12 year old sons play on Saturday nights at the game shop. She wasn't comfortable leaving them in an unfamiliar place to play an unfamiliar game with mostly older folks.

I could certainly respect that. However, once she realized I was the Librarian who is friends with HER mother, she decided it was okay! and the older boy's played in our game for the past two years.

 

[pogre]

I allow observers anytime, but I try to get them involved in the game. It does not come up that often as we play in a private home. Usually it is someone who wants to see what its all about or wants to see what I do with all of those miniatures and scenery.