DM might be loosing interest, what to do? [Archive] - Wizards Community

DM might be loosing interest, what to do? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Aelstrom
12-08-05, 11:13 PM I've got a bit of a problem. It seems like my DM is loosing interest in gaming lately. I don't think it's player related, because we all have a good time and get along well. It just seems like he doesn't care what we do with our characters; and as someone who is very anti-powergaming it seems odd.

He's letting each player pick a rule that really bothers them, such as pre-reqs for a PrC that don't seem to make sense, and change them. He says it's a "D&D x-mas present", but when I asked him why he was letting us do it, he just said, "I don't really care, as long as you guys are having a good time that's what matters". The fact that he said you guys and not us really bothers me.

I'd like to do something to try and make it more enjoyable for him, but I can't think of anything. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks in advance.
Psychoticpsymon
12-08-05, 11:29 PM Your only option is probably to give him a break and let him play. I know alot of DM's who DM because otherwise, no one plays.
Wizards_White_Knight
12-08-05, 11:31 PM If it is a X-mas present from him to you, it will be "you guys" and not us.

If you are still worried about it, prepare an adventure for him. As in, you DM and let him join in on the game. Even if its only 1 or 2 or 3 sessions long, it'd be a nice change for him I am sure.

WWK
Ivar the terrible
12-09-05, 12:22 AM Perhaps some examples of the specific details of the laxing on some rules. IMC I have lifted some PrC reqs. For example it is possible for a non-elf to become an Arcane Archer, so long as the PC is trained by an existing Arcane Archer.

It might be a good idea to get the DM some playing time, I know. As the main DM for my 1 player remaining it is crucial that I get a lil time away from behind the screen. It won't matter soon, he is leaving for the Navy in March, which will effectively end the campaign for at least 5 years, with perhaps the occasional session when he gets stateside for leave.
Morbid
12-09-05, 01:47 AM I like the "giving him playing time" idea. But there's two ways to go about it.

1. Make him have tons of fun, and be reminded of why he loves the game, or...

2. Make a horrible campaign with malformed plots, and the BBEG who begins all his statements with "You guys is stupid, cause..." and make him remember why HE should DM and no one else.
Gailbraithe
12-09-05, 03:18 AM Why not ask him if there is anything that would make the game more fun for him?

I think it's cool that you're concerned about your Dm's enjoyment of the game. That's refreshing.
Jovknee
12-09-05, 05:07 AM I agree with the general opinion here, give him some time as a PC and not a DM. My DM has stated a fair bit how much he misses just being a player. I might be starting a game as a DM soon to give him some reprieve.
KJW
12-09-05, 09:55 AM Another option is to see if he wants to switch to something else for awhile. I often get burned out on my D&D campaigns after a few months and will switch to a sci-fi or modern setting for a few weeks or maybe a month or two before going back to D&D. Giving him a chance to play is also a good idea, but honestly DMs can be rather picky players, I know I am.
Sevil
12-09-05, 10:18 AM Muffins.

Muffins make everything all better.
tarsia
12-09-05, 10:42 AM I prefer cookies to muffins, but . . .

I agree with the general thought that he might just be getting burned out a bit with DMing. Giving him a break, even if just for a few sessions, should help. I've seen DMs get tired not playing and have been in the situation myself. Currently what we're doing is I DM, but every few months someone else runs a 'one-shot' adventure (even if it takes a couple sessions). Really recharges the old batteries.
Aladdar
12-09-05, 11:50 AM DM'ng can be a lot of work and if the game session isn't great the DM is who takes the crap, definitely not the players. I get so sick and tired of players whining that their DM sucks (I'm not talking about this thread) when the problem could be fixed by the players actually taking a little initiative as well. The DM is the most maligned person in D&D, they have the toughest job, and take the most flack. It's easy to get burned out.

Offer as a Christmas present to him for you to run a game for a while so that he can take a break and enjoy the game again.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Aelstrom 12-08-05, 11:13 PM	I've got a bit of a problem. It seems like my DM is loosing interest in gaming lately. I don't think it's player related, because we all have a good time and get along well. It just seems like he doesn't care what we do with our characters; and as someone who is very anti-powergaming it seems odd. He's letting each player pick a rule that really bothers them, such as pre-reqs for a PrC that don't seem to make sense, and change them. He says it's a "D&D x-mas present", but when I asked him why he was letting us do it, he just said, "I don't really care, as long as you guys are having a good time that's what matters". The fact that he said you guys and not us really bothers me. I'd like to do something to try and make it more enjoyable for him, but I can't think of anything. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance.
Psychoticpsymon 12-08-05, 11:29 PM	Your only option is probably to give him a break and let him play. I know alot of DM's who DM because otherwise, no one plays.
Wizards_White_Knight 12-08-05, 11:31 PM	If it is a X-mas present from him to you, it will be "you guys" and not us. If you are still worried about it, prepare an adventure for him. As in, you DM and let him join in on the game. Even if its only 1 or 2 or 3 sessions long, it'd be a nice change for him I am sure. WWK
Ivar the terrible 12-09-05, 12:22 AM	Perhaps some examples of the specific details of the laxing on some rules. IMC I have lifted some PrC reqs. For example it is possible for a non-elf to become an Arcane Archer, so long as the PC is trained by an existing Arcane Archer. It might be a good idea to get the DM some playing time, I know. As the main DM for my 1 player remaining it is crucial that I get a lil time away from behind the screen. It won't matter soon, he is leaving for the Navy in March, which will effectively end the campaign for at least 5 years, with perhaps the occasional session when he gets stateside for leave.
Morbid 12-09-05, 01:47 AM	I like the "giving him playing time" idea. But there's two ways to go about it. 1. Make him have tons of fun, and be reminded of why he loves the game, or... 2. Make a horrible campaign with malformed plots, and the BBEG who begins all his statements with "You guys is stupid, cause..." and make him remember why HE should DM and no one else.
Gailbraithe 12-09-05, 03:18 AM	Why not ask him if there is anything that would make the game more fun for him? I think it's cool that you're concerned about your Dm's enjoyment of the game. That's refreshing.
Jovknee 12-09-05, 05:07 AM	I agree with the general opinion here, give him some time as a PC and not a DM. My DM has stated a fair bit how much he misses just being a player. I might be starting a game as a DM soon to give him some reprieve.
KJW 12-09-05, 09:55 AM	Another option is to see if he wants to switch to something else for awhile. I often get burned out on my D&D campaigns after a few months and will switch to a sci-fi or modern setting for a few weeks or maybe a month or two before going back to D&D. Giving him a chance to play is also a good idea, but honestly DMs can be rather picky players, I know I am.
Sevil 12-09-05, 10:18 AM	Muffins. Muffins make everything all better.
tarsia 12-09-05, 10:42 AM	I prefer cookies to muffins, but . . . I agree with the general thought that he might just be getting burned out a bit with DMing. Giving him a break, even if just for a few sessions, should help. I've seen DMs get tired not playing and have been in the situation myself. Currently what we're doing is I DM, but every few months someone else runs a 'one-shot' adventure (even if it takes a couple sessions). Really recharges the old batteries.
Aladdar 12-09-05, 11:50 AM	DM'ng can be a lot of work and if the game session isn't great the DM is who takes the crap, definitely not the players. I get so sick and tired of players whining that their DM sucks (I'm not talking about this thread) when the problem could be fixed by the players actually taking a little initiative as well. The DM is the most maligned person in D&D, they have the toughest job, and take the most flack. It's easy to get burned out. Offer as a Christmas present to him for you to run a game for a while so that he can take a break and enjoy the game again.