Trapped DMs (Would rather be players)

[Moe Ronalds]

I like both, but it seems everytime I'm the player, I can't wait to get behind the DM's screen, plaster on a wicked grin, and force my best friends to succumb to a slow, painful death at the hands of too-high CR creatures while locked in a dungeon...

 

[Oogar]

Guess that would be me. I am in a couple of side games (don't think super highly of them, but they have a sort of relaxing quality) so I can play. I also went out of my way to become involved in those games just so I could play. I needed a break in my normal game and running, so I talked one of my players into doing a 4 session thing.

How did it happen? 3 years ago a 2nd edition game started with someone else running. He ran for about a year and a half (some of that a RTTOEE 3ed game). At times he would be busy with work, or looking for work and I would fill in as DM. Once switching to 3E he didn't really seem to take to the new system as well, and it became a problem more with him running, then playing. We also had a few problems in RTTOEE. I would rather DM then not play at all. And I like my Wednesday night crew, so better to run, then not play, Right?

 

[Sagan Darkside]

Are you a "trapped" DM? How did it happen?

My group is rather small- three players and I. Two of those players are rather casual, and the third is not much of a writer.

Two of the three have tried dm'ng, but it was not very good and it did not last long. It takes a serious commitment to running a long campeign.

The third is going to try a d20 modern game in the coming weeks, and one of the others is going to give it another shot with a post-apoc Spycraft game. I am hoping either or both clicks and they want to keep going, but I don't expect it.

And to be honest, I am probably the only one of my group who has a passion for rpg's. The others have fun, but they would not feel at a loss if they stopped playing- I would.

While I don't hate dm'ng, I am feeling a long-term burnout. If I could hang it up and put my commitment into playing a character.. then I would be much more content.

SD

 

[pogre]

Re: Re: Trapped DMs (Would rather be players)

I'm with you on this score, but consider this a bump because I am curious to hear more opinions on this.

BTW I love the pictures in your story hour (though I really do read it for the articles...)

Thanks for the story hour pimp - always appreciated!

I suspected some of the answers I am receiving here on the basis of the other thread. My problem has been getting enough consistent players - I have a rock solid four for my Wednesday night campaign now thank goodness.

Playing for me is just a reminder why I am a better DM also.

I can't wait to get behind the DM's screen, plaster on a wicked grin

My sentiments exactly!

 

[rich_f]

I like both, prefer to play.

I currently play in a 1E game occasionally, and DM a semi-regular 3E game. I'd love to play in a 3E game, but it won't happen anytime soon.

I think I prefer playing because I don't feel like I am an effective DM, mostly due to life (1.5 jobs, wife and 2 kids) being too hectic. I like running my own homebrew world, but I think I'm going to have to give in and go to a pre-fab because I don;t have the time to really do what I want with my world.

But, on the other hand, this is a good problem to have....

 

[garyh]

If any of you would like to play, but can't get your face to face group to come up with a DM, might I recommend the In Character forum right here on ENWorld? There's games starting up there all the time.

PbP Pimpin' ain't easy.

 

[rich_f]

If any of you would like to play, but can't get your face to face group to come up with a DM, might I recommend the In Character forum right here on ENWorld? There's games starting up there all the time.

PbP Pimpin' ain't easy.

Thanks, I'll consider that.



.......but it sure is fun....

 

[Tcheb]

I'm stuck GMing, although I do love it. Problem around here is that in my group no one else is willing to run a campaign (as opposed to a random one-shot here and there). The one guy who is willing the rest of the group doesn't feel would make a good GM. Leaves me as the GM. I haven't been a player in 5 years. I love it, but I'm running up on GM burnout pretty quick. I'd be nice to have my character hurt, poisoned, maimed, beaten, tortured and killed for a change, instead of just doing it to everyone else.

 

[Gospog]

I am DM about 90% of the time.

I've been lucky enough to be involved in two very short campaigns run by two different players of mine.

One was only four games and was so-so, but I did enjoy the break in GMing and the change in perspective. Even so, I felt the urge to shove the GM off his chair and start GMing. It was nuts!

The other was longer (5 or 6 games, I think) and was run by an enthusiastic but inexperienced GM. After a couple of games, I was going through serious GM withdrawl!

I'm back behind the screens, where I belong. Am I trapped GM? yes, I am.

I trapped myself.

 

[Meds]

I DM but I'd love to play... My only chances to play lately have been at conventions.