Post/Author/DateTime	Post
MadApplejack 04-26-05, 09:21 AM	I've got this player in my group who just about fits with everything associated with munchkins. While it can be annoying at times, his good humor, reliability, and teamwork make up for the annoyances. However, he has this one habit that I've not often seen associated with munchkins, and that is, he mistakenly believes everything he does should have a more powerful result than the rules say it will. As an example, last session he casts Contagion and tries to choose Mummy Rot as the disease. I look forward to seeing what new misconception he'll bring to the table; "but I thought..." has become his catchphrase. Anyone seen this before?
Lord Ian Stark 04-26-05, 09:44 AM	He is trying to get the most out of the spells and abilities he has available to him. I would expect no less from anyone playing in my game or I would think they didn't care about playing because they aren't trying to better there character and make him more useful to the party. Whether this is in a combat or an RP situation. The only problem I would have is if the guy "knew" it would not work but he tries to sneak it by the DM. However if he genuinely didn't read the next line of a feat showing his error or something I just point it out and all is well.
Ut-Napishtim 04-26-05, 10:28 AM	Yeah, I've seen that before, and yes it is a fairly common trait. As LIS pointed out it could be an honest mistake, but have you ever noticed a mistake where the player read a paragraph and only found the drawback of a certain action instead of only finding the benefit? I never have. If a player cares about playing than he cares about knowing what his character can do, I know when I get the chance to play I familiarize myself with the pros and cons of my options so I'm not caught off guard when I decide to use one. Mistakes do happen from time to time, but if this is happening so much you have to ask: Is this a common trait? then they're not mistakes. He's consciously doing it hoping that you're unfamiliar with the spell/feat/ability and it will slip by unnoticed.
Vharuck 04-26-05, 10:57 AM	There's a difference between enthusiasm and imagination: "I wanna jump over the guy's head, twist in the air, and attack him from behind!" (I actually figured that one to be- from standing still- a DC 68 or so Jump check) And munchkinism: "I thought that you added TWICE your Strength mod to damage with a two-handed weapon!" The first came from a brand new player I'm still in the [aggravating] process of teaching. The second came from a guy who played for years once he learned the DM was inexperienced and rarely called people out on problems. Be firm. Know the rules. Enforce them as written. They can complain all they want, but remember that changing the rules for them denotes precedent, which holds a lot of sway. Give them an inch, as they say...
Draco Strang 04-26-05, 11:13 AM	"I thought that you added TWICE your Strength mod to damage with a two-handed weapon!" .... came from a guy who played for years once he learned the DM was inexperienced and rarely called people out on problems. I hate that...particularly from experienced people who know better. What kind of satisfaction do you get from cheating? Personally, on the rare occasions that I've done it, I both feel guilty, and I'm suspicious about what other rules that I may be cheating myself on. A whole can of worms, if you will. Let's all just play nice.