What basic skills should every Dungeons and Dragons player "no"?

[DonTadow]

So in what was a complete throw away thread for me, an issue came up with basic skills needed for Dungeons and Dragons.

I'm not talking about spot and listen. What are the basic human skills needed to play the game.
I've had a half dozen players over the years whom just couldn't add 2 digit numbers. On several occasions players have brought calculators. This frustrated other players and I've had to ask these players to leave.

My first thought is math and reading of at least a 3rd grade level is required. Then I started thinking about other skills that might be needed. Basic critical thinking skills are neccessary as is a healthy imagination.

Then again I could be wrong and all that is needed is for a person to show up and role play? What do you think are the basic skills needed for the game?

Disclaimer: This thread is in no way demeaning anyone. The opinions are those of the DMs responding and their games.

 

[I'm A Banana]

The skill to sit in one place for four hours and pretend to be some sort of imaginary fairy creature is vitally important to D&D.

Other skills....eh.

 

[Nifft]

How to spell "know". Else, he won't know where his Knowledge skills are!

- - -

Seriously:

1/ Ability to separate fantasy from reality, and ability to separate a fantasy conflict from a reality conflict. Ability to see his character's losses as part of the game rather than spite from the GM or other players.

2/ Ability to immerse in fantasy. Ability to make sub-optimal decisions when his character would do so. (Ability to think in-character.)

3/ Ability to think critically about options. Ability to see optimal choices when creating his character.

4/ Attention span.

5/ Basic math, reading, and spelling.

6/ If you bring drugs, bring enough for everyone.

Cheers, -- N

 

[sniffles]

I'd agree with Nifft's #1. And also with his comment about spelling.

But I'd say a much-overlooked necessity in gaming is the ability to be cooperative and considerate of others. It makes it a lot more fun to be at the gaming table with someone if they aren't always trying to go against the rest of the group and are able to think of someone other than themselves.

I think that's much more important than math or reading skills, or critical/tactical thinking. If they aren't good at those skills the other players can help them. But if they're rude selfish jerks there's not much anyone can do for them.

 

[boredgremlin]

I agree with basic math. When you tell me you got a 7 on your damage and i ask you what that is with your modifiers i really dont want to have to hum the "jeapordy" theme while you struggle to add 3 numbers together before finally asking for help.

 

[Fishbone]

Skill Number 1
Planning AKA KNOW YOUR !@#$ Modifiers!!!
Its not too hard but I see people forgetting this all the time. Especially in combat.
Base+Key Modifier+Feats+Miscellanae+d20. Even buffed to your absolute gills and keeping in mind other situational mods like striking a prone foe, flanking, high ground, etc you should only have seven or eight things to keep track of. I've seen grown men and women bog down combats by whipping out their calculators for math that I'd tear into a second grader for not being able to figure in his or her head.
Skill 2
Discrimination
Quickly finding the best thing to do on your turn, knowing what happens when that thing is carried out, and quickly doing it. Closely related to number 1 and like number 1 if this skill isn't well learned it will drag a combat down into the deep Morass of Boringness.
Skill 3 Not Being a Dick
People skills aren't really needed for D&D, as long as you are not a dick everything is fine. Sadly this seems to be another skill that plenty of players need to learn.

 

[Joshua Randall]

But I'd say a much-overlooked necessity in gaming is the ability to be cooperative and considerate of others.

Hell yes. Preach it, brother.

I would rather game with an illiterate, innumerate, non-critically-thinking but cooperative person than the opposite.

 

[MerricB]

A player needs the following...

#1: Basic Arithmetic

#2: Must be able to listen

#3: Must be able to co-operate with others

#4: Must be able to talk in a coherent fashion

#5: Must be able to make decisions in a timely manner

Cheers!

 

[jdrakeh]

A player needs the following...

#1: Basic Arithmetic

#2: Must be able to listen

#3: Must be able to co-operate with others

#4: Must be able to talk in a coherent fashion

#5: Must be able to make decisions in a timely manner

Cheers!

That seems like a good list, though I'd re-organize it a bit. Math, while necessary, can be performed by other players and/or with electronic aid if need be. Things such as The ability to work well with others, communicate clearly, and listen when being spoken to do not have such easy work-arounds.

 

[darkseraphim]

The most important are a lack of fear, a feeling of acceptance, and a willingness to learn in cooperation with others. All of the basic skills, even literacy and arithmetic, stem from those. And prejudice of others stifles their learning. So take any and all who are willing to learn, and teach them. You'll meet some interesting people.