Post/Author/DateTime	Post
skywyze 03-14-05, 07:49 PM	I used to play DnD in grade school, and only recently started up again. I've been playing DnD once a week for about 7 months now, and feel I'm getting the hang of it, but I'd still like some advice. So if some of the experienced DMs and players would care to share how their dream players would behave I think it'd be very educational. There are enough "My players suck!" threads here already so some constructive ideas would be extremely welcome. Any advice at all is better than none... Thanks in advance.
Dark_Tide 03-14-05, 07:59 PM	Simply a player that knows his role, and the role of others. One who uses his abilities to help the team, not himself. One who listens, thinks, and acts methodically, but in character. I think most of my group's players are on the verge of this standard. Few have already obtained it. Lead by example.
Draco Strang 03-14-05, 08:13 PM	An ex-playmate that loves to roleplay, understands the rules to a T, and wants to date her DM. :D Oh, and if she came with all of the books, that'd be good too. P.S.-Everytime she plays an attractive female character, she insists on dressing the part.
sampi 03-14-05, 08:44 PM	Someone who doesn't complain but is willing to make suggestions and correction without being rude. Someone who roleplays correctly but still understands thats THE DM can bend the rules to make it fun. If the PCs are happy and the DM is happy, its a happy game, no matter what :D
Razoreface 03-14-05, 09:41 PM	Someone who can roleplay the character they wrote. But wrote before they had stats done. But doesn't always feel the need to speak in character endlessly. Who knows the rules, and their weaknesses, without the need to exploit them all.
thinkhard 03-14-05, 09:48 PM	someone who realizes the game is for parties to win, not a single character to "win." I get sick of d&d being a competition.
Kalanth 03-14-05, 10:12 PM	I love to see the player that takes into account the other characters skills, both in and out of combat. I play in a group as an urban ranger / Shaper, and the party rogue does what he can to mimic the knowledge skills I have. Whats the point of having the bio of being a historian when every other character knows as much as you do? With that, I also like to see players that make good battle decisions, don't complain, never question a rule because they feel the rule (as written) is unethical, and bring their own books (an hopefully have read at least the core books). I love players that don't meta game, make backgrounds (that are more than, "My parents were murdered by drunken monkeys, and I am an only child. I adventure for revenge, blah, blah, blah, blah."), and generally try to make each character different that the last. Oh, and those that powergame are fine, but only as long as they don't get wrapped up in all that powergaming.
Draco Strang 03-14-05, 11:11 PM	I forgot to mention that, in addition to the ideal player having the "playmate" template, they would bring refreshments and never ask for reimbursement.
alexanderwales 03-15-05, 12:11 AM	Okay, my dream player is 5' 6", female, redhead, athletically built (not a playmate). Very into roleplaying, makes very nicely painted minis for group use in her spare time, and a battlemat of the groups' keep complete with removable walls for those times when there's a nasty orc invasion or the like. A min/maxer that lets the other sections of the party shine in their due time. Solves party disputes in character as appropriate to what she's playing. She never plays the same character twice, but she's usually the party face. She takes death, level drain, disease, and destruction of the group's keep well OC. IC she reacts to these situations as appropriate to the character (rage, sorrow, practicality, etc.) She does voices. She knows all of the rules perfectly, even for the books that we don't have, but if I get something minor wrong she won't correct me on it (except perhaps very discreetly when we take a break). She helps other players. She writes three page back stories for each of her characters/cohorts/animal companions, and one page backstories (with stats) for each major character mentioned in her characer/cohort/animal companion backstory. She never ever metagames, and IC acts with shock when one of the characters that she's stated out in her backstory comes back with a vendetta. ::sigh:: They don't make them like that.
skywyze 03-15-05, 01:59 AM	Okay, my dream player is 5' 6", female, redhead, athletically built (not a playmate). Very into roleplaying, makes very nicely painted minis for group use in her spare time, and a battlemat of the groups' keep complete with removable walls for those times when there's a nasty orc invasion or the like. A min/maxer that lets the other sections of the party shine in their due time. Solves party disputes in character as appropriate to what she's playing. She never plays the same character twice, but she's usually the party face. She takes death, level drain, disease, and destruction of the group's keep well OC. IC she reacts to these situations as appropriate to the character (rage, sorrow, practicality, etc.) She does voices. She knows all of the rules perfectly, even for the books that we don't have, but if I get something minor wrong she won't correct me on it (except perhaps very discreetly when we take a break). She helps other players. She writes three page back stories for each of her characters/cohorts/animal companions, and one page backstories (with stats) for each major character mentioned in her characer/cohort/animal companion backstory. She never ever metagames, and IC acts with shock when one of the characters that she's stated out in her backstory comes back with a vendetta. ::sigh:: They don't make them like that. This is excellent stuff though! Keep it coming. :)
Saihtam 03-15-05, 07:27 AM	A good player should find a balance between the diffrent elements. - Find a balance between roleplay and combat. You should invest time in building a character that is combat worthy. A character that gets his ass kicked every session by either goblins or kobolds, may be hillarious but it isn't something you wanna play with. You also need to invest time in making a background for your character, deciding what his characteristics are, what makes them do what they do and what angers them and what makes them happy. - Find a balance between fun and seriousness. Try to take the story as serious as possible (your DM probably spent a lot of lonely nights developing the story), but keep it fun. A joke in game or out of game is never bad. Don't over do it : everybody loves a joke, but no one likes a clown. Maybe a few fun character quirks or skills can do the trick. I have the habit of rewarding such things. One of my players has the skill Grasswhisteling (you know when you put a piece of gras between your thumbs and blow it, to make a whisteling sound). I said that if he put 5 ranks or something in it, he would get an extra +5 or something and I made sure to incorporate it in the story. - Find a balance between the story of the DM and your own creativity. If you negate every indication of a possible quest, you're DM will probably stop making them. But if you have own ideas : use them (maybe check with your DM first). Two of my players are building (actualy hiring someone to build) a temple of Thor. This was not incorporated in my initial plan, but it will have a great impact on the game. They put some time in it (out of game) and some money (in game), so this is off course good for the DM if the players show some initiative. - Suck up to your DM as much as possible :I once awarded XP to one of my players for buying me beer.
Harold DeVor 03-15-05, 08:32 AM	A good friend that is willing to try new systems and new ideas.
Habronicus 03-15-05, 09:08 AM	Someone like me... oops. ;) An ex-playmate that loves to roleplay, understands the rules to a T, and wants to date her DM. :D Why would you want to be playing D&D then? :D j/k
Count Arioch the 28th 03-15-05, 09:14 AM	My perfect player would be, well, similiar to the gang of random jackasses I DM for now.
thinkhard 03-15-05, 11:52 AM	A good friend that is willing to try new systems and new ideas. amen to that. My ex-d&d group was full of friggen rules-lawyers. Wheres the fun in playing the game exactly as written 100% of the time?
Board_Rider 03-15-05, 11:59 AM	Jessica Alba Replete with books and a refreshing idea on character concepts. Oh, and talking about D&D is exciting to her. Of course if she wasn't that way, who cares!!! I would have friggen' Jessica Alba at my table!!!!! That actress who plays on "JAG" would be cool too......
kallisti23 03-15-05, 01:52 PM	I've always wanted a player who would keep a journal of the campaign, including major roleplaying events. I think that would be a cool player to DM for.
Faemarik 03-15-05, 02:43 PM	The perfect player is a roleplayer. They play the character to a T, no matter what the alignment and class. As stated, they don't argue about the rules, but make sure the DM is aware of the rules the player will be using in their specific class (there are a lot of things for DMs to try to remember!) I think the perfect player can take any charcter rolled, or just handed to them already made, and have fun playing it out. The key is FUN!
CzarGarrett 03-16-05, 09:13 AM	A good roleplayer is definately required to be my dream player. Also, not one of those players that become Fighter 3/Barb2/Cleric2/Frenzied Beserker5/Reaping Mauler 3/Blackguard 3. Not a rules lawyer, but will occasionally make his/her case for something to happen even if it is against the rules. Creative. If you can prove to me, using all Medieval technology and D&D magic, along with reasonable logic, that you can make a B-2 stealth bomber, there's a good chance I'll allow it. And, probably most important, will help other players, especially newer players.
MissCalculation 03-16-05, 11:11 AM	Simple. A player who creates good gaming atmosphere by playing his character.
Rigil Kent 03-16-05, 12:59 PM	I'd have to say that my ideal player would have all of the following talents: 1. Ability to actually show up to each game. 2. Ability to stay the entire session and not have to suddenly leave in the middle of the climatic battle. 3. Ability to actually roleplay during the game. 4. Knowledge of the game or at least the ability/desire to learn it. 5. Ability to respond to the GM's emails on a timely basis. That and she looks like Jessica Alba or Jennifer Love Hewitt. ;) Not asking for much...
TrothgardtheMad 03-16-05, 03:03 PM	My own party is interesting enough ti roleplay with...albeit a strange group at times. None of us are really power gamers, but we do work well together, and that tends to make all the difference. Cirein Amakiir- elven Sorcerer 4/Rogue 1/Daggerspell Mage 1 (he is a member of the local mages guild and is the self-appointed leader of the group. He typically stays quiet, but will do what it takes to get the job done. He excells at fighting single powerful opponents. He uses elven lightblades rather than daggers. however. (same weight) Dante half-elven paladin 5/kensai 1 (took his oath to my character...touching moment) He is Cirein's concience. He often finds himself pulled into questionable situations by Cirein's morality.(Cirein is chaotic good) But always pulls through in a bad spot for his charge. They are almost unstoppable as a duo. goblin(uses halfling rules....) rogue 2/cleric 4 (speaks with a studder and worships "that shiney thing back at the cave") He is something of a mascot for the team. He rides a dog he has raised since birth, named Eduardo, and speaks to it more than the other party members. David half-elven ranger 6- Drunk off his arse half the time...and the rest of the time he is in jail...as a matter of fact he found our most recent assignment in jail. He is an expert marksman, but overconfident. He tends to attempt maneuvers that are well beyond his ability and is often bailed out by his hulking dwarven companion. When hitting on a 93 year old woman on a caravan we saved, David rolled a 20 with his knowledge (erotic) check. She now stalks him when we are in town. undisclosed name dwarven fighter 6- A 4'5" 600 lbs dwarf...and he's black. Not duerger mind you...black. Speaks street and the whole nine yards. He is brave...if anything. And excells at fighting groups of weaker opponents. He is not quite as much the drunkard as David.... I found this on another thread... this would be a great group of guys/gals to DM as they seem to have great stories associated with each character. And if Drew Barrymore is free, throw her in too :) Trothgard the Mad
Greyseed 03-24-05, 09:47 PM	Mine have a few characteristics: 1. A team player. Works with others and willing to let them share the spotlight 2. Lets the rules be bent. Someone who'll go with the DM's call when they've made a call. Arguing only wastes time. 3. Understands the difference between them, and their character. Someone who will act they way someone in their backstory would. Not them in that situation. 4. Someone who understands that rule and story are one collective whole. Not someone who says, Dork:"Ok I was in the army I should be able to use a sword." Dm: "Did you take the proficiency in Longsword?" Dork: "No, I'm a wizard, I took Combat casting. But I served in the army for a while. I even used one in my backstory." Dm: "Sure, but you're taking a -4 until you take the proficency or multi-class" Dork: "But, why?" 5. Someone who knows how to use their, skills, class features, spells, and frequent combat actions. 6. Someone who has a backstory, motivation, and will act in character the way that makes sense, not the most advantageous. 7. Someone who makes a character with Goals. Ie. "I've always wanted to try griffon riding." "I'm looking for the six fingered man who killed my father." "I collect bird feathers." etc.
KismetRose 03-25-05, 01:50 AM	I really love players who come to the game to have fun. It makes a great difference in the whole feel of the group, and it makes everything easier. I very much appreciate players who keep open minds in regard to what can be done within a game, and what can be done by trying out new games. I especially find it wonderful when players keep open minds about trying out new game systems and genres. I appreciate polite players. It's not just a matter of being nice, but also a matter of having some manners. Since I host games in my own house, this is quite important. Clean up after yourself. Don't damage other people's things. If the group in general brings some food for everyone to share, go ahead and bring something; it doesn't have to be expensive. Consideration is important, especially if you intend to game a lot with the same group of people. It is very helpful when players have their own books. I don't expect for everyone to have all the books I do, nor is it necessary. It is always good to have extra PHBs handy, though, or an extra copy of the campaign setting book. I appreciate players that take some interest in their own characters. It is nice to see players thinking about where their characters came from, what they've been through. It is fun to listen to them plan what they'd like to do with their characters. It is neat to watch players come up with quirks or distinguishing traits for their characters. Most of all, it is great when players are interested in their characters of their own accord. I find that games are much easier to run when the players are not trying to be combative with me as a DM. The person who wants to argue with the DM at every turn can be very tiresome, especially if they are intent on being rude as they do so. I am also very grateful to the players who give me a good, honest chance to entertain them. They don't crucify me if I make a mistake, or forget something. They allow me to work my spell on them, to take them somewhere different and show them some wondrous things.
Chulanowa 03-25-05, 05:28 AM	For me, a Player needs to follow a few basic rules... I'm al ittle Draconian, but otherwise, I'm okay :D Rule 1) Be descriptive. If you say "I hit him with my sharp thingie", I'm bringing out the die catapult and aiming for your noggin. You don't have to give a long speech of "Ausadar roars mightily, lifting his gore-stained axe high, before bringing it crashing down upon the pointy skull of the cowering orc, spraying himself with all sorts of gooey matter"... But hey, if you DO I'll applaud. Rule 2) Your character has a history. Use it. Play it well and maybe i'll even fudge your dice a little bit. Your character grew up in the streets, but you forot to put a skill point into Gather information? Ehhhh... Have a free +1 on that. Rule 3) I am god. Do not rules lawyer UNLESS i am blatantly being idiotic and a PC life is in peril. Nine times out of ten I know perfectly well what I'm doing. These are holdovers from my days Storytelling for an online White Wolf group. Whew. The headaches. I'm honestly thrilled by any player that can stay in character. Your chararacter is not "A fighter". Your charactrer is a soldier of the Red Horde, or the bodyguard of the royal Heir, Prince Foofypants the Third... Of course, the miniature-painting redhead would be a great addition to my group. Mmmmm, redheads.
BeyondFated 03-25-05, 01:41 PM	MY dream player would have to do two simple things. 1) Listen, play-in-character when appropriate, and make hilarious OOC comments when due. and be a totaly hot babe that is all over me. ("Oh, your DMing skills make you seem so manly to me...") ...and... 2) Be able to make a character that can do eighty-bergillion damage at lvl1! :D --- Also, on a compltely unrelated note, people who don't try to make their character at least a tiny bit useful in combat, and then complain when my fighter kicks butt, really #@$^ me off. Also also, I love powergamers, for one day we shall unite and kill you all with our might! But then those bastard munchkins will stop us, MOMENTARILY! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! :evillaugh
amethal 03-25-05, 03:23 PM	I used to play DnD in grade school, and only recently started up again. I've been playing DnD once a week for about 7 months now, and feel I'm getting the hang of it, but I'd still like some advice. So if some of the experienced DMs and players would care to share how their dream players would behave I think it'd be very educational. There are enough "My players suck!" threads here already so some constructive ideas would be extremely welcome. Any advice at all is better than none... Thanks in advance. The main thing a DM is looking for in a player is someone who ACTUALLY LISTENS when the DM is talking. If you also actually take (very brief) notes of names and places that will make you a DMs hero. Try and roleplay your character a bit. It can be difficult if you don't have a talent for it (I know I don't) but anyone can (for example) make their character a bit more or a bit less sarcastic than themself, a bit more or a bit less helpful, a bit more or a bit less sinister. A little something which lets the group know you are in character goes a long way. Try to preserve an air of mystery. Your character is more than a collection of numbers on a piece of paper - so don't show your character sheet to the other players. [Exception, when one of the players politely suggests you may have made a mistake - e.g. if you are doing 1d8+1 damage with your non-magical (non-composite) longbow you might want to explain you have the point blank shot feat.] The DM is your friend. Not only show your character sheet to the DM, give the DM a copy. Check the DM is happy with your character concept, especially in a homebrew campaign - DMs are notorious for forgetting to mention that, for example, in their world twin-scimitar wielding good aligned drow are considered cursed by the gods and no one will help them in any way. Be open-minded. There aren't many threads on these boards about how D&D has brought together people with completely different backgrounds and personalities, but in my experience the game has enabled me to have a lot of fun with people who I probably wouldn't even have spoken to otherwise, and has reinforced existing friendships. BUT know when to quit. There are any number of posts on these boards where people ask what basically amounts to "One or more of the other players, and/or the DM, are making me miserable. What should I do?"