Comments on: Blast from the Past – Dealing with Problem RPG Players

By: Harrison McLeod

Harrison McLeod — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:23:24 +0000

@JP: It definitely takes something more than just knowing the rules to be a good DM…hmm…I feel a post bubbling to the surface.

But yes, someone might know the rules inside and out but if he can’t tell a story, he won’t be able to spark the enthusiasm in his players.

Harrison McLeods last blog post..Separating Fantasy from Reality

By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 20:52:44 +0000

@ James P – I can see that, too. I’ve occasionally found myself internally criticizing another GM’s plot devices because I had what I thought was a better angle.

The composition of your group has a lot to do with this dynamic, too. I agree with that.

By: James P

James P — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:33:43 +0000

@ Editor – It’s not so much a rules thing as it is a DM skill thing. Maybe its just me, but I really don’t feel like anyone in my group is a very good storyteller or DM. This gets me thinking I should join another local D&D group as a PC and see if I have the same trouble.

By: Editor

Editor — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 20:12:15 +0000

@ Harry – I like to think that’s the case for me, but experience tells me otherwise. I think what gets me is that final point – I take DMing a hell of a lot more seriously because I have more invested personally. Not saying it’s right, mind you.

@ James P – That’s intersting to me. I don’t see myself calling out rules as a player, even in my head. I just roll what I’m supposed to.

@ Cole – The boys at Capturing Fantasy had a wonderful post on This sort of conflict. I think you’ve hit it on the head – not taking it personally is key.

The problem is that, sometimes, we do take things personally. Those are the toughest times, I think, to handle.

Yet another reason why I prefer to DM – I get to be above and beyond player conflict, and view all that from a distance.

By: Cole

Cole — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 18:25:39 +0000

I always give the person the benefit of the doubt when I am faced with situations like the one you described. Making sure not to take it personally is the first step into resolving most conflicts. Coles last blog post..Religion in Echoes of Heaven

By: James P

James P — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:39:23 +0000

I am very rarely if at all not the DM (I think I’ve played 2 sessions as a PC in my many years). For the most part I think this is because of my unwillingness to release control of the game. As a DM you can (within reason) do whatever and call all the shots. You run the show. When I am a PC I might act like the fact that my character just fell 100 feet because of a failed reflex save is fine and dandy, but in the back of my mind all I can think about is how the DC should have been 15 not 18. Besides this I think I make a very good PC because I know what I want from my players as a DM and I try to fulfill those wishes for my DM.

By: Harrison McLeod

Harrison McLeod — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 13:42:40 +0000

I think having played both sides of the screen I’m more aware of what’s required of me when I’m on one side or the other.