A player's gripes [Archive] - Wizards Community

A player's gripes [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
fuzzypants
01-22-06, 11:19 PM The players of the group I participate in are unhappy with our DM. We had a long discussion about it last night. The party consists of two brand new D&D players, one experienced player, another experienced player who can’t always make sessions and a supposedly experienced DM. I’m one of the new players, and one of the other new players had to bow out because she lives overseas.

One of my biggest problems is that the DM is lazy. Not only is he lazy, but he’s arrogant. Below is a list of my gripes.

Me and the regular experienced player tried to talk to him today, but he seems unwilling to admit that any of this is his doing beyond that he does have crappy NPCs who are rigid, unhelpful and all the same. I felt like he was basically blaming us for not being happy or satisfied. I’m just interested in everyone else’s input. I think I’m ready to quit, but I don’t want to give up my gaming on the weekends.

Anyway, onto the list.

My DM frustrates me because he…

• never has the stats for anything written down, which means a lot of time is wasted flipping through books and muttering about how he hates flipping through books. He gets mad at players for not bringing books he would like to use rules and enemies out of, yet doesn’t ask them to bring the books

• introduces us to important NPCs all the time, but never has a name for them unless they’re PCs he once played (in campaigns that we have not had part in, so it just seems like he’s gloating about the awesomeness of his past D&D glories)

• constantly pits us against monsters that we are ineffective against because of any number of circumstances (ex. Yesterday’s session began with a duel between our paladin of freedom and a battle mage of sorts who altered himself into a troglodyte. All week, the DM gleefully mentioned PKing the paladin, and when we managed to kill the battle mage thanks to perfectly timed natural 20s, he seemed disappointed – yet he claims not to want to PK)

• does not fully think through what certain situations will turn out with or how our characters will react/if they can be effective, so is unprepared when a character is taken out of battle or does something unexpected (ex. My character is petrified by cockatrice. He did not realize there was a saving throw of DC 15 to survive the cure. Instead of reading and planning ahead, he ignored that rule because a PC death would be most upsetting to the player and a mess up on his part)

• there were three brand new players at the beginning of the campaign. Rather than teaching them the PHB’s creation rules, he assigned them an array of stats: 17, 15, 12, 10, 10, and 8. The new players later feel cheated by this array because it’s low powered and it means they’re only good at one thing, which is often not even effective anyway

• made the campaign a low-powered one for the PCs, but all the NPCs are untouchable

• the party has been railroaded into becoming fugitives and two of the members have earned arch nemeses who apparently have the ability to know where we are at any time and also have the ability to kick our butts whenever they want

• has created a homebrew world where culture blurs the lines of good and evil, thus causing OOG disputes between the new players who have not experienced a “typical” D&D world and the experienced players

• created a homebrew race and let the other new player play it, but he basically made the character for the player, so player has no say over much of the character’s personality. Character is also unbalanced in that she is rarely ever effective in any situation

• creates NPCs are never helpful and almost always outright rude

• has not allowed us to attain anything near the wealth of 6th level
characters according to the DMG (except for one player – the homebrew character is still at AC 14!)

• says he hates deviating from the rules, yet his whole world basically deviates from the fact that gods really do exist and the black and whiteness of good and evil

• is not consistent with house rules. In fact, he never gave us a list of the house rules so it seems like he makes them up as he goes along, especially if they’re in favor of his dice rolls

• takes great glee in pitting us against creatures or NPCs that we have no chance against in battle

• expresses disappointment if we somehow do manage to get the upper hand on the above adversaries

• has taken the gritty seriousness of his world and gone out of his way to make the characters weak and meaningless so that the players are frustrated more often then elated during game play. If something good happens, it seems to always be followed up by something devastating

• says that no one recognizes the momentous things the PCs have done, even though their actions often have large consequences (be they good or bad) – only when the consequences are bad does it seem we’re recognized (hence fugitive status)

Honestly, I'm playing D&D because I want to be a bad***. If I wanted to play in something low-powered where my character had no significance, I would go back to playing WW's World of Darkness.

Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Dragoon
01-22-06, 11:37 PM Well, first things first. We regard the Steps of Player-DM Confrontation "Resolveshun."

Step One: Talk to your DM and explain his mistakes, but be sure to research them and come up with ways to stand your ground [DM Skill: Plot Weaving]

Step Two: Search the Group for a Better/Likely DM [DM Skill: Character Potential]

Step Three: Inform Area D&D Players about the First Bad DM

I would follow the first step, if matters become worse, proceed to number two. Step Three is a give-in. It is player consideration and a warning to other players so they don't play under him.

I know it's not much, but from what I see, these three "steps" should be able to help you a bit.

-Dragoon would like to point out that the saying "Shoot him with a hammer" should apply here.-
WhylniaPendragon
01-23-06, 12:11 AM It seems you DM isn't following the rules that are expressly given in the DMG.
Perhaps your DM should read pages 45-46 of the DMG. It tells Good Campaign structure and Bad Campaign Structure. In fact, maybe he needs to sit down and re-read the whole DMG.
For me, though, the unwritten rule #1 is: If your players aren't having a good time, then something is wrong. As DM, it is my job to fix this. While many might look upon being a DM as having complete control and having the ability to make the players do what you want, it simply doesn't work this way.
My advice is to try to find another group to game with, and if you do so, invite others from your group that feel the same to leave with you.(Provided the new DM and group are okay with bringing new people in.)
I totally understand needing to get your game "fix", but it sounds as though nobody in this group is having any fun, but the DM.
If you aren't having any fun, then what is the point of playing?
Just my thoughts on the subject. Good luck in whatever path you choose.
loaba
01-23-06, 12:29 AM Hola, I am the experianced player in the group. Fuzzy and I tried to talk with the DM today over chat. I had asked that we all get together in person and discuss the issues in an email. Our DM was not really interested in a group conversation, rather he wanted to talk individually. He pretty much said that was the only way he was going to do it. He finally backed down and agreed to a personal audience, but only after much insistence. In the end I rather think that's not going to happen now.

On the surface he has crafted a very elaborate world, however, once you scratch the surface, it becomes apparent that there isn't much infrastructure backing up the outer facade. He is alternately a controlling DM, then an accomodating DM. I guess you could say he's quite arbitrary.

The guy means well, but I do think he mau stroke his own ego at the player's expense. We are low-powered and the world around us is clearly not.
Bob Loblaw
01-23-06, 10:21 AM From what you are saying, it seems like you need to find another DM or someone is going to have to take on the mantle from the group. If he isn't even willing to hear the gripes, then he has no intention on fixing any potential problems in the game. A good DM is willing to make the game enjoyable for the players. While they won't like everything the DM does, they will enjoy the game as a whole.

My advice, since you have already tried to talk to him about it, is to step up to the plate and run something. Even if you don't know how. Edison said that he learned 99 ways to not make a light bulb. You have learned several ways to not DM.

Good luck.
Milandros
01-23-06, 11:29 AM I think you're doing pretty much everything right at the moment. He's really doesn't sound like a good DM - he's not the worst I've heard of, but he's making most of the classic mistakes. Some people can just wing it and keep things consistant, but for most the more preparation the better.

It's always the same. First you talk about the problem, then you see if you can agree on some resolution. If he simply is no good, then you have to decide, together with the other players, whether you're going to try to find another DM or if one of you wants to try DMing yourself. Whether you invite the current DM to play depends on your relationship with him.

And it's good to see a group trying to talk about the problems first. The first and second responses on these boards is far too often "use physical violence to solve your problems" followed by "try and spoil everyone's fun then walk out dramatically!"
fuzzypants
01-23-06, 11:43 AM Well, the DM has completely poopoo'ed the group discussion, which tells me he's really not fully open to talking about where we are unhappy. He says he's open to one-on-one discussion, but the problem with that is that this guy easily dismisses one person's opinion (because he thinks he's always right anyway).

Quite honestly, I'm not a big fan of the guy outside of the game. In game, I usually have fun, but lately it's just been a drag.

Right now, the other players want to give him another chance. I think I will end up going along with it just because I don't want to be left out of the game. If I'm still not happy after next session, then I will have to make a choice that I may not want to make.

The DM expressed that this is his hobby, not his job, so he shouldn't feel like he's being written up at work when we let him know we have qualms with the current game. Gaming is my hobby, too, and if he's the only one that's happy, then I have every right to express my distaste.

Aside from being able to talk to him like I wanted, he has said he will do his best to prepare better, give us help in the form of NPCs, level out the wealth of each character, and so on. He has shown willingness, I guess, so I should respect that and see if it's enough for me.

I will keep you guys posted.
Bob Loblaw
01-24-06, 12:32 AM "It's only a hobby" is a horrible excuse for not trying to do a good job running a game. If he doesn't want the job, then he should let someone else do it. The DM's job is to run a game that the players have fun playing in. If he isn't willing to do that, then he shouldn't be DM.
Bruunwald
01-24-06, 02:22 PM If your DM is so bad that you must make a list of about fifty things that irk you on a constant basis or at least in a serious way, then why are you playing with him at all?

A lot of what you listed is a serious pain. Some of it stems from your own ignorance of rules or of how DMing works. My favorite part is where you complained about being pitted against monsters against which you are supposedly ineffectual.

There's no such thing. Challenge sometimes requires putting PCs up against encounters that are not easily solvable simply by exercising a standard action and a well-placed class ability. Oh well. Couple that with your remark about wanting to be super-powered and being cheated by a character with 17, 15, 12, 10, 10, and 8, and I begin to wonder if you would not be happier simply having each victory served you on a silver plate by a Chippendale's dancer.

Your stats don't make a remarkable character, dear. Your playing does.

Anyway, your DM does seem to stink. But instead of griping about the completely obvious, why don't you take the good players with you and find a new DM? That's got to be preferable to pointing another person's foibles out to him constantly and then expecting a happy "thank you" and change for the better.
FeceMan
01-24-06, 02:40 PM My favorite part is where you complained about being pitted against monsters against which you are supposedly ineffectual.

There's no such thing. Challenge sometimes requires putting PCs up against encounters that are not easily solvable simply by exercising a standard action and a well-placed class ability.
I mean, obviously!

Clearly the players could have succeeded battling against several Harpy Archers at their level! Surely there was some solution that the players could have figured out as the harpies loosed arrow after arrow against them! Obviously!

...

I have this sneaking suspicion that the DM creates more combat-oriented encounters that are solvable only by that.
fuzzypants
01-24-06, 02:50 PM Isn't part of DMing teaching new players about the game, Bruunwald? Obviously, I prefer a different kind of game as you, so I would ask that you respect that. I would also ask that you respect the fact that I am new and therefore have an "ignorance of the rules," as you so affectionately put it, sir.

As for the list, I posted it to receive feedback on what options to take. I enjoy the campaign I play in, overall, but there are too many frustrations to ignore, and they're hampering the enjoyment. I prefer working things out over just throwing in the towel, hence why I'm still sitting at the table playing with him. My point was to, perhaps, get some personal experiences of people on these boards and how they dealt with some of the same things I'm experiencing with my DM.
Bob Loblaw
01-25-06, 11:27 AM In nearly 26 years of gaming with people all over the country, I have yet to see a DM who adamantly refuses to change become a DM worth gaming with. I have walked out on DMs who's story telling and adventure writing are some of the best I have ever seen simply because they railroad and have no desire to change it. If I'm not having fun I don't stay in the game.

I'm telling you from experience, not just from gaming but from real-world experience, that he isn't going to make the game any more enjoyable just because you want him to. If he isn't willing to make the changes or even listen to what his players want, then you are wasting your time there. Find another game that you enjoy.
MysterYvil
01-25-06, 05:54 PM In nearly 26 years of gaming with people all over the country, I have yet to see a DM who adamantly refuses to change become a DM worth gaming with. I have walked out on DMs who's story telling and adventure writing are some of the best I have ever seen simply because they railroad and have no desire to change it. If I'm not having fun I don't stay in the game.

I'm telling you from experience, not just from gaming but from real-world experience, that he isn't going to make the game any more enjoyable just because you want him to. If he isn't willing to make the changes or even listen to what his players want, then you are wasting your time there. Find another game that you enjoy.And a hearty "Ditto!" from me!

On a related note, many of the things that my players appreciate about me as a DM are things I learned through negative example at other DMs' tables.
fuzzypants
01-29-06, 12:38 PM Well, yesterday was game time, and I have to say, it was an amazing session. We had NPC help, a PC died and was raised without a problem, we got some swanky gear, and so on. It was really, really awesome.

The best part is that I was going to decide, based on yesterday's play, if I would continue on with the DM and his campaign. I am happy to say that I feel rejuvenated and excited about his game again.
FreeTheSlaves
01-29-06, 01:29 PM This dm is plain broken & you need a new one. I suggest promoting someone that is literate & has access to the core rules. Do not add supplements until you've mastered a campaign from 1st level to high level. Learning to walk comes first.
weasel fierce
01-29-06, 03:51 PM Getting rid of the archaic notions of "good" and "evil" is the first step to bringing D&D into the 21'st century as an RPG.

Apart from that, it sounds like he simply has no idea hwo to make the game fun to play in. If you think he can be salvaged, talk to him and explain that this sucks.
If not, you're better off starting your own game, or finding another DM. Bad gaming generally is NOT better than no gaming.

And.. whats with the 13 year old style of making disparaging remarks about other companies, at the end of a post ?
Grow up. The worlds nicer that way
Fox Lee
01-29-06, 05:24 PM Sorry to be dismissive, but there's one option here, and it's the obvious one - discuss your GM's problems with him, and if he isn't at least willing to accept and work on them, don't play his game. That's about all the advice there is.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
fuzzypants 01-22-06, 11:19 PM	The players of the group I participate in are unhappy with our DM. We had a long discussion about it last night. The party consists of two brand new D&D players, one experienced player, another experienced player who can’t always make sessions and a supposedly experienced DM. I’m one of the new players, and one of the other new players had to bow out because she lives overseas. One of my biggest problems is that the DM is lazy. Not only is he lazy, but he’s arrogant. Below is a list of my gripes. Me and the regular experienced player tried to talk to him today, but he seems unwilling to admit that any of this is his doing beyond that he does have crappy NPCs who are rigid, unhelpful and all the same. I felt like he was basically blaming us for not being happy or satisfied. I’m just interested in everyone else’s input. I think I’m ready to quit, but I don’t want to give up my gaming on the weekends. Anyway, onto the list. My DM frustrates me because he… • never has the stats for anything written down, which means a lot of time is wasted flipping through books and muttering about how he hates flipping through books. He gets mad at players for not bringing books he would like to use rules and enemies out of, yet doesn’t ask them to bring the books • introduces us to important NPCs all the time, but never has a name for them unless they’re PCs he once played (in campaigns that we have not had part in, so it just seems like he’s gloating about the awesomeness of his past D&D glories) • constantly pits us against monsters that we are ineffective against because of any number of circumstances (ex. Yesterday’s session began with a duel between our paladin of freedom and a battle mage of sorts who altered himself into a troglodyte. All week, the DM gleefully mentioned PKing the paladin, and when we managed to kill the battle mage thanks to perfectly timed natural 20s, he seemed disappointed – yet he claims not to want to PK) • does not fully think through what certain situations will turn out with or how our characters will react/if they can be effective, so is unprepared when a character is taken out of battle or does something unexpected (ex. My character is petrified by cockatrice. He did not realize there was a saving throw of DC 15 to survive the cure. Instead of reading and planning ahead, he ignored that rule because a PC death would be most upsetting to the player and a mess up on his part) • there were three brand new players at the beginning of the campaign. Rather than teaching them the PHB’s creation rules, he assigned them an array of stats: 17, 15, 12, 10, 10, and 8. The new players later feel cheated by this array because it’s low powered and it means they’re only good at one thing, which is often not even effective anyway • made the campaign a low-powered one for the PCs, but all the NPCs are untouchable • the party has been railroaded into becoming fugitives and two of the members have earned arch nemeses who apparently have the ability to know where we are at any time and also have the ability to kick our butts whenever they want • has created a homebrew world where culture blurs the lines of good and evil, thus causing OOG disputes between the new players who have not experienced a “typical” D&D world and the experienced players • created a homebrew race and let the other new player play it, but he basically made the character for the player, so player has no say over much of the character’s personality. Character is also unbalanced in that she is rarely ever effective in any situation • creates NPCs are never helpful and almost always outright rude • has not allowed us to attain anything near the wealth of 6th level characters according to the DMG (except for one player – the homebrew character is still at AC 14!) • says he hates deviating from the rules, yet his whole world basically deviates from the fact that gods really do exist and the black and whiteness of good and evil • is not consistent with house rules. In fact, he never gave us a list of the house rules so it seems like he makes them up as he goes along, especially if they’re in favor of his dice rolls • takes great glee in pitting us against creatures or NPCs that we have no chance against in battle • expresses disappointment if we somehow do manage to get the upper hand on the above adversaries • has taken the gritty seriousness of his world and gone out of his way to make the characters weak and meaningless so that the players are frustrated more often then elated during game play. If something good happens, it seems to always be followed up by something devastating • says that no one recognizes the momentous things the PCs have done, even though their actions often have large consequences (be they good or bad) – only when the consequences are bad does it seem we’re recognized (hence fugitive status) Honestly, I'm playing D&D because I want to be a bad***. If I wanted to play in something low-powered where my character had no significance, I would go back to playing WW's World of Darkness. Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Dragoon 01-22-06, 11:37 PM	Well, first things first. We regard the Steps of Player-DM Confrontation "Resolveshun." Step One: Talk to your DM and explain his mistakes, but be sure to research them and come up with ways to stand your ground [DM Skill: Plot Weaving] Step Two: Search the Group for a Better/Likely DM [DM Skill: Character Potential] Step Three: Inform Area D&D Players about the First Bad DM I would follow the first step, if matters become worse, proceed to number two. Step Three is a give-in. It is player consideration and a warning to other players so they don't play under him. I know it's not much, but from what I see, these three "steps" should be able to help you a bit. -Dragoon would like to point out that the saying "Shoot him with a hammer" should apply here.-
WhylniaPendragon 01-23-06, 12:11 AM	It seems you DM isn't following the rules that are expressly given in the DMG. Perhaps your DM should read pages 45-46 of the DMG. It tells Good Campaign structure and Bad Campaign Structure. In fact, maybe he needs to sit down and re-read the whole DMG. For me, though, the unwritten rule #1 is: If your players aren't having a good time, then something is wrong. As DM, it is my job to fix this. While many might look upon being a DM as having complete control and having the ability to make the players do what you want, it simply doesn't work this way. My advice is to try to find another group to game with, and if you do so, invite others from your group that feel the same to leave with you.(Provided the new DM and group are okay with bringing new people in.) I totally understand needing to get your game "fix", but it sounds as though nobody in this group is having any fun, but the DM. If you aren't having any fun, then what is the point of playing? Just my thoughts on the subject. Good luck in whatever path you choose.
loaba 01-23-06, 12:29 AM	Hola, I am the experianced player in the group. Fuzzy and I tried to talk with the DM today over chat. I had asked that we all get together in person and discuss the issues in an email. Our DM was not really interested in a group conversation, rather he wanted to talk individually. He pretty much said that was the only way he was going to do it. He finally backed down and agreed to a personal audience, but only after much insistence. In the end I rather think that's not going to happen now. On the surface he has crafted a very elaborate world, however, once you scratch the surface, it becomes apparent that there isn't much infrastructure backing up the outer facade. He is alternately a controlling DM, then an accomodating DM. I guess you could say he's quite arbitrary. The guy means well, but I do think he mau stroke his own ego at the player's expense. We are low-powered and the world around us is clearly not.
Bob Loblaw 01-23-06, 10:21 AM	From what you are saying, it seems like you need to find another DM or someone is going to have to take on the mantle from the group. If he isn't even willing to hear the gripes, then he has no intention on fixing any potential problems in the game. A good DM is willing to make the game enjoyable for the players. While they won't like everything the DM does, they will enjoy the game as a whole. My advice, since you have already tried to talk to him about it, is to step up to the plate and run something. Even if you don't know how. Edison said that he learned 99 ways to not make a light bulb. You have learned several ways to not DM. Good luck.
Milandros 01-23-06, 11:29 AM	I think you're doing pretty much everything right at the moment. He's really doesn't sound like a good DM - he's not the worst I've heard of, but he's making most of the classic mistakes. Some people can just wing it and keep things consistant, but for most the more preparation the better. It's always the same. First you talk about the problem, then you see if you can agree on some resolution. If he simply is no good, then you have to decide, together with the other players, whether you're going to try to find another DM or if one of you wants to try DMing yourself. Whether you invite the current DM to play depends on your relationship with him. And it's good to see a group trying to talk about the problems first. The first and second responses on these boards is far too often "use physical violence to solve your problems" followed by "try and spoil everyone's fun then walk out dramatically!"
fuzzypants 01-23-06, 11:43 AM	Well, the DM has completely poopoo'ed the group discussion, which tells me he's really not fully open to talking about where we are unhappy. He says he's open to one-on-one discussion, but the problem with that is that this guy easily dismisses one person's opinion (because he thinks he's always right anyway). Quite honestly, I'm not a big fan of the guy outside of the game. In game, I usually have fun, but lately it's just been a drag. Right now, the other players want to give him another chance. I think I will end up going along with it just because I don't want to be left out of the game. If I'm still not happy after next session, then I will have to make a choice that I may not want to make. The DM expressed that this is his hobby, not his job, so he shouldn't feel like he's being written up at work when we let him know we have qualms with the current game. Gaming is my hobby, too, and if he's the only one that's happy, then I have every right to express my distaste. Aside from being able to talk to him like I wanted, he has said he will do his best to prepare better, give us help in the form of NPCs, level out the wealth of each character, and so on. He has shown willingness, I guess, so I should respect that and see if it's enough for me. I will keep you guys posted.
Bob Loblaw 01-24-06, 12:32 AM	"It's only a hobby" is a horrible excuse for not trying to do a good job running a game. If he doesn't want the job, then he should let someone else do it. The DM's job is to run a game that the players have fun playing in. If he isn't willing to do that, then he shouldn't be DM.
Bruunwald 01-24-06, 02:22 PM	If your DM is so bad that you must make a list of about fifty things that irk you on a constant basis or at least in a serious way, then why are you playing with him at all? A lot of what you listed is a serious pain. Some of it stems from your own ignorance of rules or of how DMing works. My favorite part is where you complained about being pitted against monsters against which you are supposedly ineffectual. There's no such thing. Challenge sometimes requires putting PCs up against encounters that are not easily solvable simply by exercising a standard action and a well-placed class ability. Oh well. Couple that with your remark about wanting to be super-powered and being cheated by a character with 17, 15, 12, 10, 10, and 8, and I begin to wonder if you would not be happier simply having each victory served you on a silver plate by a Chippendale's dancer. Your stats don't make a remarkable character, dear. Your playing does. Anyway, your DM does seem to stink. But instead of griping about the completely obvious, why don't you take the good players with you and find a new DM? That's got to be preferable to pointing another person's foibles out to him constantly and then expecting a happy "thank you" and change for the better.
FeceMan 01-24-06, 02:40 PM	My favorite part is where you complained about being pitted against monsters against which you are supposedly ineffectual. There's no such thing. Challenge sometimes requires putting PCs up against encounters that are not easily solvable simply by exercising a standard action and a well-placed class ability. I mean, obviously! Clearly the players could have succeeded battling against several Harpy Archers at their level! Surely there was some solution that the players could have figured out as the harpies loosed arrow after arrow against them! Obviously! ... I have this sneaking suspicion that the DM creates more combat-oriented encounters that are solvable only by that.
fuzzypants 01-24-06, 02:50 PM	Isn't part of DMing teaching new players about the game, Bruunwald? Obviously, I prefer a different kind of game as you, so I would ask that you respect that. I would also ask that you respect the fact that I am new and therefore have an "ignorance of the rules," as you so affectionately put it, sir. As for the list, I posted it to receive feedback on what options to take. I enjoy the campaign I play in, overall, but there are too many frustrations to ignore, and they're hampering the enjoyment. I prefer working things out over just throwing in the towel, hence why I'm still sitting at the table playing with him. My point was to, perhaps, get some personal experiences of people on these boards and how they dealt with some of the same things I'm experiencing with my DM.
Bob Loblaw 01-25-06, 11:27 AM	In nearly 26 years of gaming with people all over the country, I have yet to see a DM who adamantly refuses to change become a DM worth gaming with. I have walked out on DMs who's story telling and adventure writing are some of the best I have ever seen simply because they railroad and have no desire to change it. If I'm not having fun I don't stay in the game. I'm telling you from experience, not just from gaming but from real-world experience, that he isn't going to make the game any more enjoyable just because you want him to. If he isn't willing to make the changes or even listen to what his players want, then you are wasting your time there. Find another game that you enjoy.
MysterYvil 01-25-06, 05:54 PM	In nearly 26 years of gaming with people all over the country, I have yet to see a DM who adamantly refuses to change become a DM worth gaming with. I have walked out on DMs who's story telling and adventure writing are some of the best I have ever seen simply because they railroad and have no desire to change it. If I'm not having fun I don't stay in the game. I'm telling you from experience, not just from gaming but from real-world experience, that he isn't going to make the game any more enjoyable just because you want him to. If he isn't willing to make the changes or even listen to what his players want, then you are wasting your time there. Find another game that you enjoy.And a hearty "Ditto!" from me! On a related note, many of the things that my players appreciate about me as a DM are things I learned through negative example at other DMs' tables.
fuzzypants 01-29-06, 12:38 PM	Well, yesterday was game time, and I have to say, it was an amazing session. We had NPC help, a PC died and was raised without a problem, we got some swanky gear, and so on. It was really, really awesome. The best part is that I was going to decide, based on yesterday's play, if I would continue on with the DM and his campaign. I am happy to say that I feel rejuvenated and excited about his game again.
FreeTheSlaves 01-29-06, 01:29 PM	This dm is plain broken & you need a new one. I suggest promoting someone that is literate & has access to the core rules. Do not add supplements until you've mastered a campaign from 1st level to high level. Learning to walk comes first.
weasel fierce 01-29-06, 03:51 PM	Getting rid of the archaic notions of "good" and "evil" is the first step to bringing D&D into the 21'st century as an RPG. Apart from that, it sounds like he simply has no idea hwo to make the game fun to play in. If you think he can be salvaged, talk to him and explain that this sucks. If not, you're better off starting your own game, or finding another DM. Bad gaming generally is NOT better than no gaming. And.. whats with the 13 year old style of making disparaging remarks about other companies, at the end of a post ? Grow up. The worlds nicer that way
Fox Lee 01-29-06, 05:24 PM	Sorry to be dismissive, but there's one option here, and it's the obvious one - discuss your GM's problems with him, and if he isn't at least willing to accept and work on them, don't play his game. That's about all the advice there is.