"No, I Will NOT DM Your Stupid Game!" [Archive] - Wizards Community

"No, I Will NOT DM Your Stupid Game!" [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
tsuyoshikentsu
08-18-06, 02:30 AM Y'know, ths is really becoming a problem for me.

How do you a tell a group of players that have specifically assembled to ask you to DM for them that you're sick of DMing and just want to play?
Salla
08-18-06, 02:34 AM Y'know, ths is really becoming a problem for me.

How do you a tell a group of players that have specifically assembled to ask you to DM for them that you're sick of DMing and just want to play?

Like that, but maybe a little more polite?

"Guys, I DM all the time. I'm really getting burned out on it. I'd really like to take a turn on the other side of the screen, please?"
Atirakis
08-18-06, 02:35 AM Well its never happened with me, I love being a DM, but I suppose I would handle it the same way I handle everything else, calmly, directly and honestly. With everyone there say "I am kind of burnt out on DMing and really feel that the campaign would be better served with someone else as DM. I still want to be a player so the group wont be short anyone, but could someone else please DM for this campaign?"
Steelwill
08-18-06, 02:49 AM Y'know, ths is really becoming a problem for me.

How do you a tell a group of players that have specifically assembled to ask you to DM for them that you're sick of DMing and just want to play?

pretty much like you just did. :D
Salla
08-18-06, 03:38 AM Well its never happened with me, I love being a DM, but I suppose I would handle it the same way I handle everything else, calmly, directly and honestly. With everyone there say "I am kind of burnt out on DMing and really feel that the campaign would be better served with someone else as DM. I still want to be a player so the group wont be short anyone, but could someone else please DM for this campaign?"

Last line optional depending on just what kind of players are asking you to game.
"Okay, the campaign is just starting out, so everybody make 60th level evil characters," is probably not a good sign (and I've actually recieved an invite into just such a game).
ccerose
08-18-06, 04:45 AM I typically DM for about 4-5 month period, then one of the other players will run a shorter 2-3 month campaign, giving me a chance to play. After that, I put on the DM mantle once again.

I also play about once or twice a month in an RPGA game.

That's usually enough for me to get my player fix.
Atirakis
08-18-06, 05:00 AM Ive been a DM for 15 years. I never taken a break ever.
The_Black_Dragon
08-18-06, 08:30 AM Ive been a DM for 15 years. I never taken a break ever.
Lucky.

We rotate.

For example, I'll run something, the PCs will utterly run it into the ground. My turn's over.
Then the next guy comes. He's DMed longer than me, so his adventures last a bit longer. But still, the adventure is destroyed. His turn's over.
Then the girl DMs. She's new, but she's good at keeping things under control. However, the adventure will collapse after a while.
Then, it's my turn again (unless one of the other members (who like to play rather than DM) decide to take a shot at it).

:P
X-Codes
08-18-06, 08:51 AM Y'know, ths is really becoming a problem for me.

How do you a tell a group of players that have specifically assembled to ask you to DM for them that you're sick of DMing and just want to play?
Be yourself.

Say just that.

They might look at you wierd otherwise. :P
renren
08-18-06, 10:19 AM We rotate, we have 3 D.M.s out of 5 total, so it works well.
Masterfulks
08-18-06, 11:57 AM I think every group should rotate a little bit.

Being a DM at some point is just part of the game. You're missing out if you never try it. It's like getting play anything you want without the cheese of rerolling every week.

Email your players this topic.
BlaineTog
08-18-06, 11:58 AM I've been a DM for 15 years. I've never taken a break ever.I find these two mistakes humorous when taken in context with your signature.

EDIT:
I think every group should rotate a little bit.

Being a DM at some point is just part of the game. You're missing out if you never try it. It's like getting play anything you want without the cheese of rerolling every week.I disagree. Some people suck at DMing, and they certainly shouldn't be forced to DM. Some people don't have fun DMing, and since this is just a game, it isn't really important for everyone to "experience all aspects."
Toloran
08-18-06, 11:59 AM My group also rotates DMs. We have three people who can DM (myself, my friend, and the father of one of the other players), and a total of 12 players. We are also teaching one of the other players (who has been in the group longer then me even) how to DM. The rest of the players either have a lack of interest in DMing or a lack of... how should i say it... creativity? That and they aren't as comfortable with the rules as our usual DMs are.
Sulaco
08-18-06, 12:11 PM Y'know, ths is really becoming a problem for me.

How do you a tell a group of players that have specifically assembled to ask you to DM for them that you're sick of DMing and just want to play?

You say "I'm sick of DMing and just want to play."
Conskite
08-18-06, 12:17 PM Pick out the player who has been the most critical of your DMing style. Bait him into being critical of you next time the group is together. Tell him 'he should try being DM for a change'. Storm out of the room and scream at the top of your lungs. They should be willing to give you a nice long break after this little scene.
Milandros
08-18-06, 12:38 PM Pick out the player who has been the most critical of your DMing style. Bait him into being critical of you next time the group is together. Tell him 'he should try being DM for a change'. Storm out of the room and scream at the top of your lungs. They should be willing to give you a nice long break after this little scene.

Hmn. I politely completely disagree with this approach. If your relationship with your friends is so awful that you need to try to manipulate them with theatrics, then you need to rethink the basis of your friendship, your friends and yourself.

I say just go with the approach any sensible adult should be able to go with. If you're fed up with always getting pizza, you don't throw a fit or pretend to be allergic to it, you just say "hey guys, I'm getting a little fed up with pizza, how about chinese for a change?" In the same way, telling people who aren't complete jerks "hey guys, I don't have the time and energy to DM at the moment, but I'd love to play. Does anyone else want to DM for a while?" might get dissapointed comments - which are, in fact, compliments of your DMing skills - but should also get a decent response. Who knows, maybe one of your players is dying to give it a go, or has a great campaign idea they're dying to try.
Conskite
08-18-06, 12:39 PM Hmn. I politely completely disagree with this approach. If your relationship with your friends is so awful that you need to try to manipulate them with theatrics, then you need to rethink the basis of your friendship, your friends and yourself.

I say just go with the approach any sensible adult should be able to go with. If you're fed up with always getting pizza, you don't throw a fit or pretend to be allergic to it, you just say "hey guys, I'm getting a little fed up with pizza, how about chinese for a change?" In the same way, telling people who aren't complete jerks "hey guys, I don't have the time and energy to DM at the moment, but I'd love to play. Does anyone else want to DM for a while?" might get dissapointed comments - which are, in fact, compliments of your DMing skills - but should also get a decent response. Who knows, maybe one of your players is dying to give it a go, or has a great campaign idea they're dying to try.

You sir, are an azzardly barely-child.
LordHawkeye
08-18-06, 01:05 PM You sir, are an azzardly barely-child.

Says the guy who voted for the drama queen approach.

Fortunatly for me, I'm one of those few who actually loves DM'ing and can't get enough of it. My campaigns have a lot of NPC allies who come and go and it works nicely. I don't feel left out and they don't stick around long enough to really overshadow anyone so it goes nicely. (They unlikely would anyway. I keep them pretty well equal to the others at best)
Atirakis
08-18-06, 01:18 PM I find these two mistakes humorous when taken in context with your signature.
I only saw one mistake not two but thank you anyways.
Milandros
08-18-06, 01:20 PM You sir, are an azzardly barely-child.

I assume this is some sort of insult. [Sigh]. I refuse to respond, beyond requesting that you act in a civil and polite manner. If you disagree with my opinions then please do so with a counter-argument, not insults.

Though for information, I'm 36 and my first child was born a week ago. I certainly don't feel like a "barely-child".
Masterfulks
08-18-06, 01:41 PM I find these two mistakes humorous when taken in context with your signature.

EDIT:
I disagree. Some people suck at DMing, and they certainly shouldn't be forced to DM. Some people don't have fun DMing, and since this is just a game, it isn't really important for everyone to "experience all aspects."

I see a group of dnd players as a group that should each help make the game better. Nobody should be forced to DM, but I think it wouldn't kill everyone to try it out.

DnD is a great game and unless you DM you are missing out on a huge part of the game. No it's not for everyone, but nobody should claim DM status all the time if somebody else in the group wants a shot. Unless the rest of the group votes against it for some reason.

Plus if your DM can no longer play for some reason it's good to have other people that can jump in and keep the game going.
Conskite
08-18-06, 01:45 PM I assume this is some sort of insult. [Sigh]. I refuse to respond, beyond requesting that you act in a civil and polite manner. If you disagree with my opinions then please do so with a counter-argument, not insults.

Though for information, I'm 36 and my first child was born a week ago. I certainly don't feel like a "barely-child".

Sir a barely child is one that is born within wedlock but six months after marriage.
Milandros
08-18-06, 01:55 PM Sir a barely child is one that is born within wedlock but six months after marriage.

So it is indeed just petty name-calling. Oh dear.

Please refrain. Childish name-calling is, in fact, a clear indication that you don't have a good argument or point to make. If the best you can do is call me a b*stard then I (a) will ignore you and (b) report you to the moderators.
OravennasBrother
08-18-06, 02:00 PM Darn, seeing the title of the thred I half hoped it was a rant against the players who expect the DM to be subservient to their whims. YOu know the vocal dozen or so onthese boards who, every time a conflict between Player and DM is presented invariably jump onto the "Slam that DM you Da Playa" bandwagon.

On topic I have a similar problem, the last six (or is it seven?) DM's I've tried have all been problematic in terms of reliabilty; one I gave three separate chances and he flaked - after two sessions once, and the other two times after a single session - flaked as in "I'm not able to DM because I've given up RP'ing for...."(insert name of new Video game RPG). He was typical of the quality of the DM's I was able to find.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
tsuyoshikentsu 08-18-06, 02:30 AM	Y'know, ths is really becoming a problem for me. How do you a tell a group of players that have specifically assembled to ask you to DM for them that you're sick of DMing and just want to play?
Salla 08-18-06, 02:34 AM	Y'know, ths is really becoming a problem for me. How do you a tell a group of players that have specifically assembled to ask you to DM for them that you're sick of DMing and just want to play? Like that, but maybe a little more polite? "Guys, I DM all the time. I'm really getting burned out on it. I'd really like to take a turn on the other side of the screen, please?"
Atirakis 08-18-06, 02:35 AM	Well its never happened with me, I love being a DM, but I suppose I would handle it the same way I handle everything else, calmly, directly and honestly. With everyone there say "I am kind of burnt out on DMing and really feel that the campaign would be better served with someone else as DM. I still want to be a player so the group wont be short anyone, but could someone else please DM for this campaign?"
Steelwill 08-18-06, 02:49 AM	Y'know, ths is really becoming a problem for me. How do you a tell a group of players that have specifically assembled to ask you to DM for them that you're sick of DMing and just want to play? pretty much like you just did. :D
Salla 08-18-06, 03:38 AM	Well its never happened with me, I love being a DM, but I suppose I would handle it the same way I handle everything else, calmly, directly and honestly. With everyone there say "I am kind of burnt out on DMing and really feel that the campaign would be better served with someone else as DM. I still want to be a player so the group wont be short anyone, but could someone else please DM for this campaign?" Last line optional depending on just what kind of players are asking you to game. "Okay, the campaign is just starting out, so everybody make 60th level evil characters," is probably not a good sign (and I've actually recieved an invite into just such a game).
ccerose 08-18-06, 04:45 AM	I typically DM for about 4-5 month period, then one of the other players will run a shorter 2-3 month campaign, giving me a chance to play. After that, I put on the DM mantle once again. I also play about once or twice a month in an RPGA game. That's usually enough for me to get my player fix.
Atirakis 08-18-06, 05:00 AM	Ive been a DM for 15 years. I never taken a break ever.
The_Black_Dragon 08-18-06, 08:30 AM	Ive been a DM for 15 years. I never taken a break ever. Lucky. We rotate. For example, I'll run something, the PCs will utterly run it into the ground. My turn's over. Then the next guy comes. He's DMed longer than me, so his adventures last a bit longer. But still, the adventure is destroyed. His turn's over. Then the girl DMs. She's new, but she's good at keeping things under control. However, the adventure will collapse after a while. Then, it's my turn again (unless one of the other members (who like to play rather than DM) decide to take a shot at it). :P
X-Codes 08-18-06, 08:51 AM	Y'know, ths is really becoming a problem for me. How do you a tell a group of players that have specifically assembled to ask you to DM for them that you're sick of DMing and just want to play? Be yourself. Say just that. They might look at you wierd otherwise. :P
renren 08-18-06, 10:19 AM	We rotate, we have 3 D.M.s out of 5 total, so it works well.
Masterfulks 08-18-06, 11:57 AM	I think every group should rotate a little bit. Being a DM at some point is just part of the game. You're missing out if you never try it. It's like getting play anything you want without the cheese of rerolling every week. Email your players this topic.
BlaineTog 08-18-06, 11:58 AM	I've been a DM for 15 years. I've never taken a break ever.I find these two mistakes humorous when taken in context with your signature. EDIT: I think every group should rotate a little bit. Being a DM at some point is just part of the game. You're missing out if you never try it. It's like getting play anything you want without the cheese of rerolling every week.I disagree. Some people suck at DMing, and they certainly shouldn't be forced to DM. Some people don't have fun DMing, and since this is just a game, it isn't really important for everyone to "experience all aspects."
Toloran 08-18-06, 11:59 AM	My group also rotates DMs. We have three people who can DM (myself, my friend, and the father of one of the other players), and a total of 12 players. We are also teaching one of the other players (who has been in the group longer then me even) how to DM. The rest of the players either have a lack of interest in DMing or a lack of... how should i say it... creativity? That and they aren't as comfortable with the rules as our usual DMs are.
Sulaco 08-18-06, 12:11 PM	Y'know, ths is really becoming a problem for me. How do you a tell a group of players that have specifically assembled to ask you to DM for them that you're sick of DMing and just want to play? You say "I'm sick of DMing and just want to play."
Conskite 08-18-06, 12:17 PM	Pick out the player who has been the most critical of your DMing style. Bait him into being critical of you next time the group is together. Tell him 'he should try being DM for a change'. Storm out of the room and scream at the top of your lungs. They should be willing to give you a nice long break after this little scene.
Milandros 08-18-06, 12:38 PM	Pick out the player who has been the most critical of your DMing style. Bait him into being critical of you next time the group is together. Tell him 'he should try being DM for a change'. Storm out of the room and scream at the top of your lungs. They should be willing to give you a nice long break after this little scene. Hmn. I politely completely disagree with this approach. If your relationship with your friends is so awful that you need to try to manipulate them with theatrics, then you need to rethink the basis of your friendship, your friends and yourself. I say just go with the approach any sensible adult should be able to go with. If you're fed up with always getting pizza, you don't throw a fit or pretend to be allergic to it, you just say "hey guys, I'm getting a little fed up with pizza, how about chinese for a change?" In the same way, telling people who aren't complete jerks "hey guys, I don't have the time and energy to DM at the moment, but I'd love to play. Does anyone else want to DM for a while?" might get dissapointed comments - which are, in fact, compliments of your DMing skills - but should also get a decent response. Who knows, maybe one of your players is dying to give it a go, or has a great campaign idea they're dying to try.
Conskite 08-18-06, 12:39 PM	Hmn. I politely completely disagree with this approach. If your relationship with your friends is so awful that you need to try to manipulate them with theatrics, then you need to rethink the basis of your friendship, your friends and yourself. I say just go with the approach any sensible adult should be able to go with. If you're fed up with always getting pizza, you don't throw a fit or pretend to be allergic to it, you just say "hey guys, I'm getting a little fed up with pizza, how about chinese for a change?" In the same way, telling people who aren't complete jerks "hey guys, I don't have the time and energy to DM at the moment, but I'd love to play. Does anyone else want to DM for a while?" might get dissapointed comments - which are, in fact, compliments of your DMing skills - but should also get a decent response. Who knows, maybe one of your players is dying to give it a go, or has a great campaign idea they're dying to try. You sir, are an azzardly barely-child.
LordHawkeye 08-18-06, 01:05 PM	You sir, are an azzardly barely-child. Says the guy who voted for the drama queen approach. Fortunatly for me, I'm one of those few who actually loves DM'ing and can't get enough of it. My campaigns have a lot of NPC allies who come and go and it works nicely. I don't feel left out and they don't stick around long enough to really overshadow anyone so it goes nicely. (They unlikely would anyway. I keep them pretty well equal to the others at best)
Atirakis 08-18-06, 01:18 PM	I find these two mistakes humorous when taken in context with your signature. I only saw one mistake not two but thank you anyways.
Milandros 08-18-06, 01:20 PM	You sir, are an azzardly barely-child. I assume this is some sort of insult. [Sigh]. I refuse to respond, beyond requesting that you act in a civil and polite manner. If you disagree with my opinions then please do so with a counter-argument, not insults. Though for information, I'm 36 and my first child was born a week ago. I certainly don't feel like a "barely-child".
Masterfulks 08-18-06, 01:41 PM	I find these two mistakes humorous when taken in context with your signature. EDIT: I disagree. Some people suck at DMing, and they certainly shouldn't be forced to DM. Some people don't have fun DMing, and since this is just a game, it isn't really important for everyone to "experience all aspects." I see a group of dnd players as a group that should each help make the game better. Nobody should be forced to DM, but I think it wouldn't kill everyone to try it out. DnD is a great game and unless you DM you are missing out on a huge part of the game. No it's not for everyone, but nobody should claim DM status all the time if somebody else in the group wants a shot. Unless the rest of the group votes against it for some reason. Plus if your DM can no longer play for some reason it's good to have other people that can jump in and keep the game going.
Conskite 08-18-06, 01:45 PM	I assume this is some sort of insult. [Sigh]. I refuse to respond, beyond requesting that you act in a civil and polite manner. If you disagree with my opinions then please do so with a counter-argument, not insults. Though for information, I'm 36 and my first child was born a week ago. I certainly don't feel like a "barely-child". Sir a barely child is one that is born within wedlock but six months after marriage.
Milandros 08-18-06, 01:55 PM	Sir a barely child is one that is born within wedlock but six months after marriage. So it is indeed just petty name-calling. Oh dear. Please refrain. Childish name-calling is, in fact, a clear indication that you don't have a good argument or point to make. If the best you can do is call me a b*stard then I (a) will ignore you and (b) report you to the moderators.
OravennasBrother 08-18-06, 02:00 PM	Darn, seeing the title of the thred I half hoped it was a rant against the players who expect the DM to be subservient to their whims. YOu know the vocal dozen or so onthese boards who, every time a conflict between Player and DM is presented invariably jump onto the "Slam that DM you Da Playa" bandwagon. On topic I have a similar problem, the last six (or is it seven?) DM's I've tried have all been problematic in terms of reliabilty; one I gave three separate chances and he flaked - after two sessions once, and the other two times after a single session - flaked as in "I'm not able to DM because I've given up RP'ing for...."(insert name of new Video game RPG). He was typical of the quality of the DM's I was able to find.