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6 months ago ::
Jan 06, 2013 - 8:49PM
#1
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Date Joined:
Dec 31, 2012
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So, for all of you experience DM's out there:
How do you deal with someone who tells you the rules in every other sentence?
We just had our first game, we play mostly 3.0-3.5 rules with the occasional 4e house rule. I am not personally concerned with this mixing, there is a lot of overlap and there are some rules I personally don't like, my more experienced players understand this. My rule monster jumps upon this.
I can deal with him I'm just looking for any tips or tricks to head off arguments with other players, and quickly (and nicely) resolve any rules discussions so that we can continue with the game (we also go to the same school so tips for dealing with him out of play would be well apreciated.
Thanks,
Jenna
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6 months ago ::
Jan 06, 2013 - 8:56PM
#2
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So, for all of you experience DM's out there:
How do you deal with someone who tells you the rules in every other sentence?
We just had our first game, we play mostly 3.0-3.5 rules with the occasional 4e house rule. I am not personally concerned with this mixing, there is a lot of overlap and there are some rules I personally don't like, my more experienced players understand this. My rule monster jumps upon this.
I can deal with him I'm just looking for any tips or tricks to head off arguments with other players, and quickly (and nicely) resolve any rules discussions so that we can continue with the game (we also go to the same school so tips for dealing with him out of play would be well apreciated.
Thanks,
Jenna
Are the rules codified in any sort of way or is it all informal? If the latter, you're asking for trouble for someone that genuinely wants to play. A person that is heavily invested in a game will want to know, understand and use the rules of that game.
I'm on a journey of enlightenment, learning and self-improvement. A journey towards mastery. A journey that will never end.
If you challenge me, prepare to be challenged. If you have something to offer as a fellow student, I will accept it. If you call yourself a master, prepare to be humbled. If you seek me, look to the path. I will be traveling it. #SuperDungeonMasterIITurbo
My blog and stuff http://dmingtowin.blogspot.com/
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6 months ago ::
Jan 06, 2013 - 9:02PM
#3
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Date Joined:
Dec 31, 2012
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Ah.. That is an aspect I had not considered. They are mostly informal.
Thank you for the point
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6 months ago ::
Jan 06, 2013 - 9:04PM
#4
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Ah.. That is an aspect I had not considered. They are mostly informal.
Thank you for the point
Not a problem. The less "informal" a games rules, the less issues a heavily rules-invested player will have. Its just important to remember that a player that refers to the rules a lot probably really wants to play. It is personally important to them to understand the game and its rules so that they can play as well as possible. As a DM this is typically awesome because it means the person gives a heckuva damn about whats going on.
I'm on a journey of enlightenment, learning and self-improvement. A journey towards mastery. A journey that will never end.
If you challenge me, prepare to be challenged. If you have something to offer as a fellow student, I will accept it. If you call yourself a master, prepare to be humbled. If you seek me, look to the path. I will be traveling it. #SuperDungeonMasterIITurbo
My blog and stuff http://dmingtowin.blogspot.com/
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6 months ago ::
Jan 06, 2013 - 9:27PM
#5
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Date Joined:
Aug 15, 2011
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Firstly, make sure all players are provided with your house rules before they even begin to make a character.
Secondly, make one of those rules that any rules discussions or questions will be dealt with after the game; you don't want the game to grind to a halt with an argument.
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6 months ago ::
Jan 06, 2013 - 9:31PM
#6
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Date Joined:
Jul 21, 2004
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I can deal with him I'm just looking for any tips or tricks to head off arguments with other players, and quickly (and nicely) resolve any rules discussions so that we can continue with the game (we also go to the same school so tips for dealing with him out of play would be well apreciated.
If you can deal with him, then I think the way to head things off is to make your ruling and then have him deal with you instead of any other players.
The basic recommended approach is "rule and go," which means make a ruling and keep the game going, with the understanding that any disagreements can be handled outside of the game.
This speaks of trust issues. In game and out, do what you can to earn this guy's trust. That's no mean feat, but basically just try to be open and sincere, admit your mistakes, give him the benefit of the doubt, and base your relationship on truth, rather than tricks. Good luck.
[N]o difference is less easily overcome than the difference of opinion about semi-abstract questions. - L. Tolstoy
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6 months ago ::
Jan 07, 2013 - 4:16AM
#7
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I find dm job = selfless, fair, sensible, ultimate judge who is also a fantasy writer, servent, director, psychologist, mediator, benevolent dictator and a host...with a good sense of humor.
I find players = one who tests the dm with everything above.
You is the dm. Can't stop them from testing you (it is a test) but you can make it all work, right or wrong. Probably not the 1+1=2 answer you may be seeking. Only you know your players. Rule monsters only want to test the dm. They only take over when dm allows it, usually because dm bows down to their expertise, or else their "point" would be directed at the dm and not another player.
You is the dm. Selfless, fair, sensible, ultimate judge... Benevolent dictator and a host.
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6 months ago ::
Jan 07, 2013 - 11:33AM
#8
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Date Joined:
Jun 15, 2004
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I'm just looking for any tips or tricks to head off arguments with other players, and quickly (and nicely) resolve any rules discussions so that we can continue with the game
- House rule: "rules discussions can be replaced with a quick die roll (low=bad for player, high=good for player) until it can be researched later."
How do you deal with someone who tells you the rules in every other sentence?
Either use formal rules, or make it clear to him that the rules don't matter (maybe via an official house rule).
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6 months ago ::
Jan 07, 2013 - 1:02PM
#9
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Date Joined:
Jan 11, 2007
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When you talk about a rules monster, I'm guessing that's a rules lawyer. With these guys, I use a few stategies.
(1) I test how well they know the rules over time.
(2) I would make it clear what house rules you have.
(3) I also state that I don't stop the adventure to look up rules myself.
(4) Rules checking is done by the Rules monster or another player, I give them a job at the table and a time limit. Keep them busy. If I get past the situation before they find the answer, times up.
(5) If I'm not sure of a rule, I'll ask the rules lawyer what they know. Use them as a reference book and guide.
(6) In the end everyone needs to know that the DM will make a call and if there is a rules problem it is dealt with outside of the game.
I have my rules lawyer on my side most days and tucked into my pocket.
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6 months ago ::
Jan 07, 2013 - 1:04PM
#10
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I think YagamiFire pretty much nailed this one. I'd take it one step further though - why not ask your rules monster for input into your current ruleset? They might have some interesting insights that you'd never considered, and they'll be far more supportive of the ruleset you're using if you've given them a chance to provide input.
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