What is a GM/ST/DM/etc?

[Barastrondo]

I honestly can't think of any definition for how our group treats the GM, whether it's me or someone else running, that is more accurate than just the person's name. We treat Jeff as though he were Jeff; which is to say, as a long-term friend who will sometimes run and frequently play, who has some good world-building skills and an interesting tactical mind, and who isn't too picky about what he'll eat when my wife feels like cooking. Oh yeah, and he'll feed our dogs when we're out of town. That's pretty cool.

So... 2, I guess?

 

[Piratecat]

I'm not sure #2 is true. In both my campaign and the ones I play in, the GM is treated with far more respect than other players are. (That's not to say other players are treated rudely, but when the DM asks that folks focus, it happens without having to flex any more authority.) The DM is largely responsible for the amount of fun that everyone is having, and that means it's my job as a player to help make sure they're having fun as well.

 

[billd91]

I'd go with 1 + 2 + Adjudicator + sometimes 5. I've never felt overworked and underpaid as GM/DM/Keeper/etc.

Though the GM's role at the table encompasses more than the other players and isn't exactly like the the other players, he's still a person/player at the table with the right to enjoy the game as much as the other players.

 

[Umbran]

I'm not sure #2 is true. In both my campaign and the ones I play in, the GM is treated with far more respect than other players are.

I was gong to say "A player, but one unlike the others". The GM is a person who should have fun at the table, too, but the GM's role is different, which calls for slightly different treatment at the table.

 

[shadzar]

Besides that #2 is always the correct answer, I think you´re missing:

5) The player who volunteered for the role that no-one else wanted to take.

Not everything can be added to a poll poll, and I just offered some food for thought with the list.

Wasn't really getting into WHY the GM is the GM, as that would alter getting a response as to how you view and treat them.

Likewise 2 is simple for the same reason. Is the GM even considered a player in any way shape or form, not as to what duties the individual players have. Items 3 and 1 indicate those in part of them to show the GM doesnt play the game the same as everyone else, but oddly there are some people that view 1 to be the answer without consideration of 2 coming into the picture....

So the list isnt finite, just things to think about while answered the posed questions as a functioning poll attached to the thread would have drive-by votings with no real discussion of the questions being asking at the end of the post, or simply in the title.

 

[TheAuldGrump]

6. God of gods, king of kings, look on my works ye mighty and despair....

Alternately, director of an improvisational drama. More than just generating the situations and encounters he is also responsible for keeping the game running on an even keel and directing in such a way that when/if the players look back they can go 'that's what was going on!' - so that the game can be seen as a whole, not just a bunch of disconnected episodes.

The Auld Grump

 

[steeldragons]

Not everything can be added to a poll poll, and I just offered some food for thought with the list.

Wasn't really getting into WHY the GM is the GM, as that would alter getting a response as to how you view and treat them.

Likewise 2 is simple for the same reason. Is the GM even considered a player in any way shape or form, not as to what duties the individual players have. Items 3 and 1 indicate those in part of them to show the GM doesnt play the game the same as everyone else, but oddly there are some people that view 1 to be the answer without consideration of 2 coming into the picture....

So the list isnt finite, just things to think about while answered the posed questions as a functioning poll attached to the thread would have drive-by votings with no real discussion of the questions being asking at the end of the post, or simply in the title.

I am...obviously quite drunk OR what you say makes no sense.

>Wasn't really getting into WHY the GM is the GM, as that would alter getting a response as to how you view and treat them.

Nooo I don't think anyone was getting into "Why" the GM is the GM, just WHAT a GM is.

>Is the GM even considered a player in any way shape or form, not as to what duties the individual players have.

I'M a native english speaker...can ANYone tell me what the above sentence means?

>So the list isnt finite, just things to think about while answered the posed questions as a functioning poll attached to the thread would have drive-by votings with no real discussion of the questions being asking at the end of the post, or simply in the title.

Again...English? What does this all mean? I feel like I'm in the Ascot scene of My Fair Lady..."Done her in, did you say?...Whatevah does it mean?"