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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Yaarel" data-source="post: 8303246" data-attributes="member: 58172">Somewhat relevant, the following is probably the biggest mistake I ever made as a DM.During mid-tier (levels 9 to 12) it became apparent, I as a DM had awarded too many magic items. The excess items were highly disruptive to balancing encounter challenges. I explained to the players the situation, and asked them to voluntarily give up the items, at least until a higher level. They refused. For me, it would be impossible to self-identify with a magic item. But they (all of them!) did. For them, these were valuable symbols and vital expressions of their character concept. But I didnt see it. I was mad at them for wanting "broken characters". Playing the DM-tyrant card, I said, "A herd of disenchanters stampedes thru the hallway. Your magic items arent working anymore." Obviously, I should have known better, especially when I was violating my own values. But I didnt see clearly where the PLAYERS had drawn the boundary of their sense of self, their character concept. When I saw their faces of horror, I apologized, pretty much immediately, and we worked things out. But that sense of gaming trust was hesitant for a while afterward.In hindsight.No matter what a DM "can" or "cant" do, the DM must be extra cautious about anything on a player character sheet. I have an entire multiverse to play, as the DM. The player has a character sheet. The sheet itself is clear enough as a No Trespassing zone.</blockquote>

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