Jaeger
That someone better
I agree. Most players of this type are better served by Computer RPGs.Sure. I get that. But it's a false sense of control and protection. The GM is still there and can still make a call. The players can point to the book all they want, but ultimately the GM is in charge of the game. The rules don't replace the GM. The GMs make the rules. As long as they're not tyrants about it, it works just fine. A lot of those players need to lighten up. If someone wants a game with a GM but also wants to be protected from the GM, I'd suggest they don't actually want an RPG.
Which bears out as crpgs have a vast and large following. (And are frankly far more lucrative than tabletop RPG's.)
But this seems to emphasize the fact that trust between players is a key element to an ttrpg unlike video and board games with more defined rules. Not only because of dm discretion as the referee and final arbiter of the rules, but also because of ‘problem players’ of various kinds. I think without that trust and level of communication rpgs are not worth playing. Story games do a good job of providing advice for both gms and players for how to approach the social situation of playing an rpg.
Absolutely. If you are unable to trust, RPG's may not be the hobby for you.
I can trust your intention without trusting your skills - if, in order to have fun with the game, I need to first make sure the dm is good at running the game, a set of skills not measurable by knowledge of rules, systems, or other provided knowlege, then any time I join a game it's a gamble as to whether the game will be fun. Because maybe you're not good, and my evening will be crap. Unless you know of a reliable method for judging the skills of a dm that's noticeably easier than playing with them?
No system can prevent BAD GMing. No amount of rules can stop a bad GM from doing his thing.
Yes, joining an unknown group is a gamble. That is just the way it is.
You just have to vote with your feet until you find a group that fits. Not gaming is better than staying in a RPG group that sucks.
I sat in single sessions for 3 different groups before I found my current long term one. It was worth the effort.