Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Shadow_Bomber 07-15-04, 02:08 AM	I have a DM, that is simply cruel to all of my friends, who aren't that great at RP'ing the character, and haven't any of the roleplaying information of a class, right under their names, such as what kind of adventures they have, where they hail from, what classes they get along with, etc. So first off, my DM says, in a frustrated tone like he always does "Ok, I don't think Cody read that description thing that says what classes they get along with and stuff, and he OBVIOUSLY doesn't know how to RP. So today, I'm going to ask him, and I'll BET YOU ANY MONEY he'll say "I forgot" or "I dunno". Now I thought, "Why yell at your friend over a game, when you can just explain what he did wrong in a serious tone, and/or stop the campaign to brush up on everybody's skills?" But, knowing he was going to lash out with a stupid argument that makes no sense and gets him PO'd anyway, I kept my mouth shut. Now on a side-note, everytime we play ANY game, cards, ESPECIALLY D&D, he's going to yell at the new people for a rule they don't understand. And I mean yell. Another example, my new friend says "Oh, this prestige class doesn't get any extra attacks as they level," suddenly, "NO, MIKE THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, IT'S COMPLETELY DIFFERENT," all of this while flailing his arms at Mike, literaly. Once again, knowing he's going to get mad over it, I shut my mouth. Now yesterday when we continued, he, as I knew he would, being unable to drop a subject and think, asked my friend Cody, who was playing a druid, about the rp'ing info in the class description. "I don't know." Now I figured, "Ok, he has to stop and explain this" And he did, and it seemed fair enough at first, but then it got kind of stupid. He gives us all a situation to test out our rp'ing skills. This is the situation "Ok, you walk into a city one day, and the people are all complaining that a group of four people took over the town, and are in the mayor's office. Your party goes there, and finds them all in a room. You see a big burly guy with a club :::kicks over a table::: (this is important), you see a person who is dressed like a noble stand up. You see a person who was reading a book stand up, and you see a guy with full armor, a shield and sword stand up. Your party and theirs are facing each other. The guy with the club appears to be reeling back with his club, ready to strike. ::The wizard starts reading his book while standing up and starts waving his hand around::: (also important) The noble merely stands there. The man in fullplate also appears to be preparing to strike. What do you do to defend yourself?" This is what happens, the Druid and Psychic Warrior (my other friend Mike) prepare to attack, thinking that they're going to charge (I assume they didn't know about Total Defense, which of course the DM doesn't bother explain they could've done because he would've said "Oh, they should've known that rule YOU GUYS SHOULD REMEMBER WHAT YOU CAN DO, YOU'RE THE PLAYERS, I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DO THAT" When one of the players has a job and the other has none of the books, so they obviously got little time in for studying this game as diligantly as our DM. My rogue friend, Tom, moves away diagonaly, knowing that a big burly fighter couldn't outrun a rogue that has 40-60 movement (can't remember) And I on the other hand, knowing that wizards are frail little bastards, and they'd have to make a reflex save against a billiard ball flying at them, which they suck at, and they'd have to make a concentration check so the spell doesn't fail, I said I wanted to conjure a Thunder Billiard ball (basically like the spell, doing 1d10 per caster level, and also stunning the opponent for 1d4 rounds) A normal Billiard ball to increase the damage, and shoot the wizard. "What do you do to DEFEND yourself?" "Well, the wizard has to make 3 saves, 2 of which I HIGHLY doubt he'll fail, and the attack will most likely kill him, that's better than hiding in a corner if you ask me." "NO JOSH, WHAT DO YOU DO TO DEFEND YOURSELF, YOU CAN'T DO THAT!" "*sigh" Fine, i'll move diagonaly away (out of any kind of ray or area spells targetting range). This is what he does. He has the club guy turn invisible and attack mike. I thought "A fighter/illusionist combo? Say What?" The noble teleports behind the Druid, and attacks with his fists (A Monk/Nomad? I suppose that's understandable, Psions and Monks both look inwards for power, but I don't see why a Monk would even hang out with a band of criminals, or veer away from his teachings and choose never to be a monk again, so it was still nerfed) The guy in fullplate swings his sword, shooting a beam from it at my rogue friend (I don't recall there being a spell that shoots lasers from your sword, but I haven't memorized every spell, unlike he, so I let that slide) Now this one made me mad. "Suddenly, a big hand comes out and grabs you" *NERFAGE ALERT!* 1. A 13th level wizard against a 10th level party (Bigsby's Grip is a 7th level spell)? Bad DM'ing! 2. Not allowing me an opposed grapple? Bad DM'ing! 3. Having him prepare a spell straight from the book in the heat of battle, which should take at least a full round action (I think), but instead does it within less than round? Bad DM'ing! Suddenly he says "Wow, I would've expected Tom and Josh (me) to hide behind the table, being the roguey guys" "Hold on, didn't you say the fighter kicked the table over on the opposite sides of the room?" "No, there was one there too." Knowing that he would've called later that night and complained, I didn't walk out, as stupid as that situation was. Later on, when the rogue of our party and the druid had to fight in a tournament we were in, Tom attempts to tumble between his legs to get SA bonus, and that made perfect sense. Jeremy says, and only saying this because I told him earlier "Ok Cody, make your reflex save" I cut in "No, according to S&S, if you have a total tumble modifier of +14 or more (he had a 19), they need not make a check, they automatically succeed." "NO JOSH, THEY HAVE TO MAKE AN OPPOSED REFLEX CHECK, IT SAYS IN HERE IT DOES!!" "Yes, but read under that, Speeding Combat" "NO HE HAS TO MAKE A REFLEX SAVE" "Wasn't much of a point in stating that rule if you don't follow it, is there?" "NO JOSH YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT, SIT DOWN." Cupping my face, I shake my head with a sigh and continue. Luckily, that's as far as we got that day. But earlier, I went to a spook shop (roguey kind of store) to buy some things. The light was out, and I forgot I had DV, which was my fault, I yell for someone to hit the lights. A man turns them on, and he says "What do you want?" "Do you have any spring-loaded gauntlets?" "I don't know, do we? *extends open hand*" Muttering, I give him 5 pp. After 5 more "I think i do, *extends open hand*" attempts, I pull out my Pool Cue and say "Do you have any now?" He then hits a switch, and 3 flaming spear traps pop out of the wall, aiming at me. The rogue, who also came in, who is being played by Jeremy because of Tom's Abscense says "Nice one uncle, now give it a rest." The rest is un-important, but later on, the rogue bribes a lady in the government office to see the mayor, with 10 pp. 10 PP! I dish out 25 at a time for some gauntlets, and this guy gives 10 to a government official to see the mayor, who was pressed with business? BS. Later, he says he can RP rogues better than me. That there is Bull-**** in it's rawest form, bribing your uncle was pretty freaking convenient, if I was related he would've forked them over as well, but I wasn't. Bribing a government official with 10 pp? The lady knowing full well that she could sure as hell be fired if she let the mayor see someone, for TEN PP? She probably gets paid that much by the hour! What should I do with him? Summed up, he thinks everyone's stupid because they aren't authoritans on :::A GAME::: as he, and thinks he can rp better than everyone because his NPC's get convenient solutions, and the pc's don't. He also makes anime rip off characters, gets some broken ass feats off the internet (16d6 damage unlimited times per day) and says his characters are cool.
green_yawgmoth 07-15-04, 02:18 AM	Edit: Hooray for paragraphs! :D Your DM is a psychotic, immature control freak who has no concept of the terms "roleplaying", "fun", or "game". I would suggest you get the fudge away from him as soon as humanly possible before he stabs you for forgetting how many damage dice cone of cold does. Also, I will say that the internet, particularly sites named after a certain rainforest (hint!), have amazing deals on D&D books. http://img30.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Ssussunriyh 07-15-04, 02:24 AM	Ugh... I hate to say this, but I got about one-third of the way into your post before I gave up trying to read it. It's just one long, continuous run-on sentence, and trying to figure out all the sub-clauses thrown into the mix was making my head hurt... But to get to the point... I would NEVER play with anyone (player or DM) who belittles and browbeats people like that. The guy sounds like a total jerkface (that's as delicately as I can put it, without the language filters having a meltdown), and he needs to be taken down several notches - with a baseball bat.
Shadow_Bomber 07-15-04, 02:25 AM	I'm sorry, it's late here as well. I spaced it out. Tell me if I should do it a little bit more.
bitnine 07-15-04, 02:31 AM	Yeah, that's an example of someone with some problems. I don't suppose your group could at least ask your DM to be calm and use his grown up voice when talking to fellow human beings?
Dravenous 07-15-04, 02:48 AM	You should get away from him as fast as you can. He shouldn't ever be let near a DM screen again.
Asmodai_00 07-15-04, 02:59 AM	Shoot him in the face. With a hammer. (woo I got to use it)
green_yawgmoth 07-15-04, 03:08 AM	Originally posted by Asmodai_00 Shoot him in the face. With a hammer. (woo I got to use it) My legacy on these boards will live on forever! :D :D http://img30.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
Vaelan 07-15-04, 06:21 AM	Talk to the other players and see if they are unhappy with the game. Assuming they are as well, before the beginning of the next session, approach him about his problems. You might want to prepare an adventure since these kinds of people tend to get pissy and leave at the slightest provocation. If this doesn't solve the problem, demote him to Player. :D If this doesn't solve the problem, kick him out of your group. If this doesn't solve the problem, see Asmodai_00's post and aim to maim. No court would convict you.
General Dorsey 07-15-04, 08:59 AM	At first I thought you were refering to one of your friends as DM, but then I realized that there is no way this person could be one of your friends. Friends simply don't treat each other like that. My suggestion is to let him know that if he doesn't knock it off, then he can find another game and one of you will DM (or find another one). My guess is that he will insult you again on the way out the door, but at least you'll be able to game with some fun again. It sounds like you have a grasp of the rules, so I suggest that you run the game for a while.
Theocracity 07-15-04, 10:07 AM	What this situation needs is a level of maturity. Next time he starts flipping out over whether playing an accordion causes an attack of opportunity, I suggest repeating everything he says in a high-pitched mocking tone of voice. ...hey, I just said it needed a level of maturity, not how much maturity was needed :D.
Thorak 07-15-04, 10:56 AM	I wouldn't consider someone who constantly yells at me and criticizes my knowledge of a game a friend at all, let alone hang out with them for the hours required to play D&D. If he were another player, and everyone else was good friends, I'd suck it up. Though I'd probably snap and tell him off but good. But the DM? No bloody way. At least, not without cheating outrageously, changing flavor text to suit myself constantly, and generally thumbing my nose at him every chance I get until the other players, my actual friends, see him for the knob he is and kick him out.
MrkGrismer 07-15-04, 11:25 AM	Time for Shadow_Bomber to DM.
Astanphaeus 07-15-04, 12:26 PM	Okay, I'm going to come to the DM's defense here... ...Well. He's... ...maybe... ... ...yeah, I got nuthin'. Seriously, though... based on the description, this guy doesn't have half the clue he thinks he does. I'm surprised someone hasn't popped him in the mouth. Ditch him and his "game". ~ A.
Kaylar 07-15-04, 04:28 PM	Gotta move on. You certainly don't need someone beraiting you like that every session. Take you and your other friends somewhere else to play. Nobody likes abuse (except for that 1%), whether physical or verbal. So you may have to hear one last tirade. So you may be down one person in a new game (which you can try to recruit) and someone may have to take over as a DM, which no one may like to do, but at least you can start having fun again. And this, like any other game, is what it's all about.
Shadow_Bomber 07-15-04, 08:13 PM	Thanks alot guys, I was already starting a campaign with my players in the "Shadow Thieve's Guild" (for those with no knowledge of Faerun, it's the most prosperous thieve's guild in Faerun) And my PC's seem to be going along smoothly.
StarWolf1200 07-16-04, 12:44 AM	Well now that you're running you own game without that screaming, squabbling, and squaking(sp?) DM, if he bothers you again, I have devised a well-filed list of names you can call him in the priority of your personal defense. 1) Book-Wyrm 2) Harpy-Lover (refer to the pic in the MM) 3) Son of a Bullette 4) Stereotypical D&D Geek 5) Nerd who prefers Japanese animated girls to real ones. 6) Combine 4 & 5. Being the well-observant individual I am, I am very respective on the DM's feelings so I will not continue the list any more then 6 entries. anyways... You can also insult his pride when he yells stuff like "YOU'RE A ROGUE!! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO HIDE UNDER TABLES AND NOT MAKE ANY AGGRESIVE ACTIONS!!" by claiming in 30 years thats how hes gonna yell at his wife (? assuming he's hetero ?) and then proceed with brutal beatings. :behold: I understand that my post may contain some offensive material, but please consider it is all in good measure. :angel:
UMCorian 07-16-04, 01:05 AM	What are you all talking about? This guy is a DMing genius. I only wish I played under a DM who made us walk into this place for no reason, have four guys jump us for no reason, give them free surprise rounds, give them abilities they shouldn't have, pull spells out of his ass and not give PCs saves and use the PHB entry on how classes get along with each other as the Roleplaying Bible. If only every DM in existance was like him... *sigh* One day, perhaps.
Sphyre 07-16-04, 02:32 AM	Originally posted by Shadow_Bomber 3. Having him prepare a spell straight from the book in the heat of battle, which should take at least a full round action (I think), but instead does it within less than round? Bad DM'ing! LOL, LMAO :rofl: *gasps for air* *gets a hold of himself* *looks at that again* Bwahahahahaa!! That's at least 15 minutes there... and that's IF you have a slot open to prepare it in, in an undisturbed environment, FYI.
Six Million 07-16-04, 01:53 PM	WHAM! *dig* *dig* *dig*
Crossover-Chronicler 07-16-04, 03:20 PM	As a DM, I know how incredibly frustrating it is to have players that can't roleplay, who don't know the rules, who argue over the rules when they do know them, etc. It's a real pain, and sometimes you just want to take a power drill.... And knowing that frustration, I can say with understanding that your DM is still about 90% in the wrong here. I'm betting that your DM hasn't taken any real steps to address his concerns. Has he directed the book-less player to the SRD (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35), or loaned him any books? Has he done anything but yell and insult? Also, I think the flat-out denial of actions ("NO JOSH, WHAT DO YOU DO TO DEFEND YOURSELF, YOU CAN'T DO THAT!") indicates to me that the DM is in it for the feeling of superiority, not the love of the game. Or else (along with the yelling) it seems that he's just out of patience. Either way, I don't think he needs to keep DMing. My advice: replace him. Either buy a DMG or play directly from the SRD (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35). See how he likes being a player for a while. Having played under him, you know a lot of what not to do ;)
green_yawgmoth 07-16-04, 06:19 PM	I say the first couple of sessions, if you do let him in as a player, do the following to him, and him only: 1. Any time he disputes one of your rulings, dock him 500xp. If he complains, another 500xp. 2. Any time he tries something, scream at him NO YOU CAN'T DO THAT. Even when he should be allowed to. 3. Have everything attack him first, and give everything Dire Charge so they can full attack him in the surprise/first round. 4. At the end of a few sessions, ask him how he likes getting screamed at and not allowed to do anything he's supposed to. Then kick him in the nuts. http://img30.photobucket.com/albums/v91/yawgmoth/kittyjig.gif
The GOP Dragon 07-19-04, 11:41 PM	Y'know, I have a short temper as well (nowhere near as short as his, but I digress) and here's what you need to do to him; 1) Sit him down in a quiet room. 2) Calmly explain to him what mature means. 3) Explain to him the level of maturity it requires to play D&D. 4) Explain that it is nessesary to have that level of maturity. 5) Tell him that he MUST have that maturity or he cannot play. 6) If he continues to be a pointless fool, then leave him alone for a week or so. ***WARNING! If this does not work, do not use a baseball bat or other weapon for two reasons: 1) Who wants to dirty their stuff with such scum? 2) Who wants their flor all messy? ... ... ... ... It's wrong, to, but hardly anyone listens to that reason besides me. I suggest using Holy Smite. If only I could do that. Mmmmmm Smiting ( :drool: ).
Ximal 07-20-04, 01:20 AM	Perhaps he’s just going through his I HAVE THE POWER faze? I once forced one of my friends characters though a dimensional rift, <no save, power mongers NEVER allow saves.> and put him in a sort of limbo world with two daggers, one turned him good permanently <no save> the other turned him evil permanently. <yep, no save> Then I dumped him <he took the glowing black evil dagger> into a dimension full of cloned tarrasque, let by the evil twin of . . .well lets just say the “plot” doesn’t go uphill from there. Im not Proud of that, but I was 13 at the time and I HAD THE POWER ! Perhaps he is going though the same kind of thing . . .just with anger and shouting. My point is: Most people can get over the POWER part of D&D and start getting into the GAME part, others never manage it. But when you are in I HAVE THE POWER! Mode, then you honestly don’t know you are being a flying rats ass. Try him again in a few years, perhaps he will have learned from his idiocy and will have become a Reasonable DM But bring a shovel, sometimes power mongers just don’t learn. (quickly hides the tarrasque dimension version 2.0 plans.)
Murmos 07-20-04, 06:09 PM	Hmm . . . this guy is a piece of work. I'd have left as soon as he started taking the class relationships as RP gospel. That said, if you and your buddies aren't concerned about being mature and friendly with this guy, you should each take off a shoe whenever he starts ranting. You then hit the table with your shoes. Hey, Nikita Kruschev (sp?) thought it would work . . . :D
The GOP Dragon 07-20-04, 11:08 PM	Y'know, Ximal is right. It doesn't make your DM in the right, and you should talk ro him. Of course, the only time iI abused my poewer was by givimg the 6th level Paladin a Holy avenger (and equally powerful stuff to everyone else) so I may just be in ignorence.