Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Zaku 05-30-06, 10:32 AM	Hey. Some of you might know me from several stupid rants and posts. I'm now writing for advice. My DM is constantly riding on my a**. He treats me like dirt and its hard to play. He interupts sessions simply to inform me how stupid I act and how foolish my actions are. Though party members do stupid and worse things(namely macing my character in the nuts) he never bothers them. How can I deal with a dumb a** DM aside from the obvious "Let's disscuss this problem... :D ." I've tried it, it didn't work.
Radijs 05-30-06, 10:39 AM	Get the DMG and roll your own? If you're not having fun there's no point in playing.
donteatdave 05-30-06, 11:02 AM	I had a very similar situation with a DM for a long period of time--several other players and I tried talking it out with him, all the usual stuff. Eventually, we left. Luckily, we all had had enough of the guy, so we were able to keep playing without having to go through the trouble of finding a new group. That's my advice--just get out, find a new group, or get some new people interested in playing and you run.
hmmmm 05-30-06, 12:10 PM	Ditch him, really if he is going to be a (Against the CoC) then why play with him. Find a new GM or if you want to become one your self just get the DMG and MM (Asumming you have the PHB as a player).
LouSapphire 05-30-06, 12:45 PM	From the sounds of it your DM just wants to Bully you. Tell him quite simple in front of everyone to "**** off" the next time he calls you stupid for something. Personal insults, unless between 2 close friends that know when it's going to far, should never come to the game. If you don't want to do that take every opportunity during your next (and last) game session to point out everything the DM does that's stupid, do the point of being anally retentive. DM Says an NPC walks through a door, point out how stupid he is for not opening it, DM makes a simple mistake when talking, laugh loudly and for the next 5 mins constantly refer to his mistake while making "duhhhh" noises. Yes I am aware this is childish, but sometimes the only way to show up a bully is to show him what he's doing. Hell if you can get the others players just to turn round when he calls you stupid and say "Man, that's not cool" or whatever you hip kids say might be enough to stop him. Anywho, if he doesn't stop leave. This is a game, the minute you stop enjoying the game it's time to leave. Remember that.
hmmmm 05-30-06, 01:23 PM	I agree with LouSapphire, just annoy him until he stops, I mean it, go purposly ignoring obviouse plot hooks or adventures that you know he has spent alot of time on. You might want to check out the "How to annoy your DM" thread for some good ideas. :)
HeartbreakerHabberdasher 05-31-06, 02:42 AM	Whoa, hold on. As DM, I get a say. That is quite funny about that guy that hit him in the balls. That was one of the people that he invited and the rest of the party advised against. Actually he's invited a lot of people, just giving them characters and they show up for one session to womp his butt and leave. I just said "You reap what you sow." And then we get in discussions about some of the dumbest things that I alter so that he won't have any problems. Like how spell books would have paper made of pulp so that the spells would not compleatly wash out in water. It's things like that, that I insult him on, as he wants the bad things as it seems so that we have an hour of arguing and time wasting.
Pajaul 05-31-06, 03:43 PM	Seems to me like you both have problems. To the DM: He brings new people to the game? What is wrong with that? It sounds like you are not even giving them a chance because he brought them. And maybe he isn’t a good judge of character, you should let him know, kindly. After all. He is in YOUR group. He is one of your own. You should try at least a little to take care of him. And no I don’t mean baby him, or bend to his every whim, but remember you guys are on the same side. If he brings in a player who is a jerk, let him know and ask if he is okay, don’t blame him for it. It’s doesn’t sound like he is trying to ruin your game, just being more people in. And the more people the better! It just seems he isn’t very good at it. Can you blame him for that? Also it seems to me like you are not quite sure how to handle questioning about your new ideas. You shoot them down immediately without giving them a second thought simply because of the past. You hold a grudge in this way. Paper that lets you not loose your spells in case of dunking them under water? Sounds pretty flavorful to me. But I don’t know the whole story, so why wouldn’t it work? Discuss it. Explain it. Don’t just shoot it down because it sounds stupid, or because he came up with it. Who knows, he may come up with something really interesting. But repeatedly insulting him for trying to understand your new ideas is not the answer, do you want to stifle creativity? No matter how clumsy it is, you should encourage it, because the more practice he and you have at creating things the better they will get. But you will never know if you won’t let him question it. …unless of course he is just be contrary and has no argument against it other then it was YOU who made it. But if he said something like “The Chemicals that are used specifically to turn wood chips into pulp have not been invented in this world, unless you use some kind of alchemist properties, I’m not sure this would work.” Etc. To the PC: it seems to me that you are trying too hard to be funny, or wacky, or entertaining to me. People who do this often just end up sounding annoying. You want to do something unexpected, something unique. But it doesn’t turn out right, so now you have a track record. The best thing to do in this instance is to calm down. Simply calm down and don’t try so hard. Play normally, when you get the urge to act wacky, think about the consequences, if any negative actions would easily result from it. Don’t do it. Then after the game, ask them if your playing was better. I’m not telling to not to have fun, but it seems to me like your play style is being tedious and no one is having fun. Remember you are apart of a team, so trying to do cool or unique things on your own can become hazardous for the team. Think about your actions, tone down your craziness, they are on your side after all. And also, remember some people don’t have the same sense of humor, they should tell you if they don’t think it is funny without insulting you. But you should remember that and not constantly try to make them think it is, or throw it in their face. Go for something else. Have fun! That is the whole point of the game! Well… If we had more information we could tell you more, but so far all I see are PC: My DM is stupid because he doesn’t listen to me and insults me. DM: My PC is stupid because he doesn’t listen to me and brings stupid people with him. PC&DM: HE IS SO STUPID! Going to need more then that before I take a side. *shrug* Edit: Spelling.
hmmmm 06-01-06, 10:33 AM	Seems to me like you both have problems. If we had more information we could tell you more, but so far all I see are PC: My DM is stupid because he doesn’t listen to me and insults me. DM: My PC is stupid because he doesn’t listen to me and brings stupid people with him. PC&DM: HE IS SO STUPID! Going to need more then that before I take a side. *shrug* I agree with you That is quite funny about that guy that hit him in the balls. That was one of the people that he invited and the rest of the party advised against. Actually he's invited a lot of people, just giving them characters and they show up for one session to womp his butt and leave. I would find it annoying if a player were to bring a new person who would kill some one for no good reason (At least thats what it sounded like but I need more details on these "Murders" to have a side) and then just leave, the number of characters would be such a waste as they only use them once, if that. Like how spell books would have paper made of pulp so that the spells would not compleatly wash out in water. It's things like that, that I insult him on, as he wants the bad things as it seems so that we have an hour of arguing and time wasting. Now about that one hour argument on the spell book, what was the problem here? Was his book wet and arguing against the spells being lost, or was he using a water spell on another wizard so the opponents book would be useless? I need more information on that one as well. Are you two close friends who can work this out or just people that met by a gaming group?
Bulletproof_Condom 06-01-06, 10:38 AM	D&D is a game. If it's not fun, stop doing it.
hmmmm 06-01-06, 10:42 AM	D&D is a game. If it's not fun, stop doing it. I don't know if that should be an option for this, as it seems more of a misunderstanding now then it was before. But this I do not know so I might be wrong, we will have to wait for the GM or player to update again.
HeartbreakerHabberdasher 06-05-06, 07:01 AM	Paper that lets you not loose your spells in case of dunking them under water? Sounds pretty flavorful to me. But I don’t know the whole story, so why wouldn’t it work? Discuss it. Explain it. Don’t just shoot it down because it sounds stupid, or because he came up with it. Was that adressed to me, 'cause I wanted to have the book that could get wet, it was him who said that I could not do that as DM, when I was DM. Then I said that they would not be since he did not want them as paper and then he quit. Which I felt a little mad about considering my other friend sat there for over an hour listening to us argue.
hmmmm 06-05-06, 09:40 AM	Interesting, as when you dunk paper in water (I dropped a book in water recently) it seems to screw with the writing and I am sure they did not have the kind of ink that they have now as well as the printing abilitys so it would be worse. Now I bet there is a spell that changes the reaction to paper in water but I don't know what level he was on and I doubt that he had it as a continuing spell or if it even exists.
Mandarbgrim 06-05-06, 11:10 AM	Ah, You didn't read that Supplement? The Monk-Scribes of Locke De Tezenithgalzk perfected the techniques of using mystical inks centuries ago to prevent ink from blotting when parchment became wet accidently. It was mainly to stop young Dwarven wizards from ruining their spellbooks when they got drunk and spilled their ale.
hmmmm 06-05-06, 11:26 AM	I really don't think that he is a Monk-Scribe of Locke De Tezenithgalzk, unless he forgot to post that.
hmmmm 06-05-06, 01:34 PM	One more thing that I forgot to ask, have these arguments been mostly out side, or inside of game time? If they are out side then we have a different argument, but if they are inside this could be a growing problem, not for only you but for the other players as well.
Zaku 06-05-06, 01:41 PM	I bring in new people because they profess honest intrest in the game. I let them in because, quite honestly, I know what it is like to be left out. If someone wants to play, why not. Secondly, I defended the spell book getting wet because it is common sense. I do not care whether it effects me or not, but by the laws of nature, wet paper fragments, wet parchment, depending on age, will either rub the ink away or simply fragment. Third, what the dm fails to point out, but several players do, is that these arguments exhume mass amounts of time and energy and by the end of them, the session is near over. I've been insulted before. Yeah it sucks, but one moves on. However, others suffer time wise because of them. Finally, my style of play is far from goofy. In a party with a drunken dwarf and an ever changing ally, who, at times, is even evil, I always maintain poise. I threw out all the negative traits of my character, save his arrogance(he is a grey elf). Yet, amazingly, I am in fact the most hated ally and most prone to friendly fire. And the DM does nothing excepts snigger quietly to himself at the end of every session.
hmmmm 06-05-06, 02:30 PM	I bring in new people because they profess honest intrest in the game There is nothing wrong with that as people have to start somewhere. If they show interest in the game then let them play, if they start to attack you for no reason and kill you it might be an out-of-game problem, I would try talking to them about it before jumping to conclutions and banning them forever. Also it might be easier with more examples than just this one "Incident". If someone wants to play, why not. Correct. I defended the spell book getting wet because it is common sense. I do not care whether it effects me or not, but by the laws of nature, wet paper fragments, wet parchment, depending on age, will either rub the ink away or simply fragment. That is true. How was this book subjected to water though? Was it dunked, splashed, or submerged for a long time? And what type of material was it made out of, did it have any magical properties or was it a normal spell book? Third, what the dm fails to point out, but several players do, is that these arguments exhume mass amounts of time and energy and by the end of them, the session is near over. That there is a main problem as it is wasting time for both you, and your group, not to mention the GMs preperation time and work. This should be sorted out as one of the first things even if you don't solve the "ragging" problem you will save game time and energy. Wait until after the game to sit there and argue if you can't help but think something is wrong. owever, others suffer time wise because of them. Who is them? You only mentioned you and the GM arguing. I am in fact the most hated ally and most prone to friendly fire. And the DM does nothing excepts snigger quietly to himself at the end of every session. There is another problem, if the GM sees this (He might not) and does nothing it is the problem of the GM and you two should work it out with the group before you play again. Now if he has tried to stop it and they keep on attacking you with insults of hurting your character then you need to explain that it is annoying you and they should stop, if it continues then talk to the GM about them being booted from the game. You could also try (If none of the above from any of the posts work) spending one whole game session talking about the actions of the GM and the players and how you think that they can improve.
Dag 06-05-06, 02:38 PM	My advice is for the other players in this group. Dump these two clowns and be done with their immature squabbling. Let the Drunken Dwarf take charge of the party, for, though his character may be a bit silly it doesn't sound like he is making problems for the other players at the table. These two are arguments waiting to happen every session, you are all better off without them and will enjoy your playing more when they are gone. Until they can grow up and learn to play nicely with the other children they should not be involved in a cooperative game with other people.
Zaku 06-05-06, 02:49 PM	I strongly disagree. First of all, its quite unfair not to give me a chance. I never initiate these squabbles. I participate though. Second, after much thought, it has come to my attention that the DM has the best in mind for all. I would probably be fustrated as well if none of the players talked to anyone. I still have a problem however, with being singled out.
hmmmm 06-05-06, 03:01 PM	How is it in the GMs right to insult a player for playing the way he likes?
Zaku 06-05-06, 03:12 PM	That is true. I am however keeping in mind that the dm, like the players, is human.
hmmmm 06-05-06, 03:58 PM	That should not change the fact that this is a game and you are all playing to have fun (Unless I am missing something here)
HeartbreakerHabberdasher 06-06-06, 01:28 AM	Edited: If you want me to stop, I'll stop. Just like how I stopped asking why the dwarf fighter always wants to smash something. And for the record, most of the people that you meet will give you a quest, but considering that you insult them usually, let the other guy talk to them.
hmmmm 06-06-06, 03:26 AM	And for the record, most of the people that you meet will give you a quest, but considering that you insult them usually As he mentioned above that was part of his character. And even in the real world there are going to be people like that.
Pandaemoni 06-06-06, 03:36 AM	Next time he says your are acting stupidly, tell him, "I only act this way because you touch yourself." Seriously, tell him he's being unreasonable and, as a result, you don't give a damn what he thinks. If leaving the game is not an option (in some places it'd hard to find an alternate game), and the DM cannot be reasoned with, then there's little you can do but learn to revel in his annoyance.
hmmmm 06-06-06, 04:01 AM	Next time he says your are acting stupidly, tell him, "I only act this way because you touch yourself." :rofl:
Bob Loblaw 06-06-06, 10:52 AM	Zaku, when you are bringing in these new players, do you talk to the DM before (like a week prior) or do you just show up with new players? If you just showed up at my game with a new player I would be more than irritated. You would have invited someone to my home without talking to me first and then invited them to join in a session I hadn't had the chance to plan for. I wouldn't insult you, but I would tell you that you were in the wrong and to take your new player somewhere else because I don't have room for another person (I physically don't have room for a 6th player). As for both of you, grow up. You don't need to be spending your time insulting each other. As DM HeartbreakerHabberdasher, you are supposed to be in charge. Your actions set the tone. If you want a smooth running game, then you need to be smooth running yourself. When the disagreements turn to insults it's time to put the dice away for the night. Work things out like grown ups. Tempertantrums don't belong at the table. You both need to sit down outside of the game and this message board and figure out what the problem is. Fix it and get back to being friends and gamers (in that order). If you need to bring in a mediator, then do it. Make sure that the person isn't a member of your group and is unbiased. In the end, my advise is to quit acting like 2-year olds.
hmmmm 06-06-06, 12:19 PM	I concur.
Zaku 06-07-06, 04:12 AM	I did not invite people out of nowhere. In fact, I did not even invite them to the DM's Home. We were playing at school. And there was much prior notice and if the DM has issues with people, then we not only have a probem in the game but this could be a serious mental or emotional issue. Pardon me for not wanting anyone to be left out. Sorry for having a conscience.
hmmmm 06-07-06, 04:46 AM	Right, well as a GM I get annoyed when people randomly pop into my games. I don't know about the GMs problem with people but if he has one and is playing Dungeons and Dragons or any other Roleplaying game then you might have another problem that you should work out, as Dungeons and Dragons is a social game. Maybe try something else if your troubles go this deep.
Bob Loblaw 06-07-06, 09:17 AM	I did not invite people out of nowhere. In fact, I did not even invite them to the DM's Home. We were playing at school. And there was much prior notice and if the DM has issues with people, then we not only have a probem in the game but this could be a serious mental or emotional issue. Pardon me for not wanting anyone to be left out. Sorry for having a conscience. So you asked well in advance and it was approved. That's great. From the way you and HeartbreakerHabberdasher were explaining things, it seemed like these people would just "show up." My fault for assuming too much. However, now the issue is with the general attitude between you and your DM. As a player, you need to accept your DM's rulings. If he makes a ruling that you think is "stupid," then so be it. So long as it doesn't affect the game negatively (and I don't see how wet paper is going to have much significance even if it is a scroll), then let it go. You even said: Third, what the dm fails to point out, but several players do, is that these arguments exhume mass amounts of time and energy and by the end of them, the session is near over. So take these types of discussion away from the table after the game is over. This is the exact type of discussion that belongs in email or discussed over burgers at Wendy's. You are contributing as much to the problem as he is. Let little things like this go. If he is such a problem DM, why are you even gaming with him? You mentioned that there are a bunch of people who want to play. Why not get them together and start up your own group. You have enough grasp of the rules to DM, so DM. Show these new people how you feel the game should be run. The name calling and insults at the table are childish. I understand you are in school, but you are not in 1st grade. It's time to start acting like you are maturing. You have a choice to make here. You can retain your friendship with your DM and leave his game or you can stay there, shouting insults back and forth getting angrier with each other. The last option will leave you without a friend and DM. That's a losing situation all around.
hmmmm 06-07-06, 09:31 AM	From the way you and HeartbreakerHabberdasher were explaining things, it seemed like these people would just "show up." My fault for assuming too much. Not only your fault, I assumed the same thing. but you are not in 1st grade. You never know, they could be. :P
draco1119 06-08-06, 12:12 AM	Edit: Double post
draco1119 06-08-06, 12:13 AM	I don't think these guys are in the group I used yto play with (they were all out of school), but I used to play a drunken Dwarf. The party met me while I was laying under a keg with the tap on "full." Judging by my experiences with my old group, I have three suggestions: Switch DMs periodically. If HH has been the DM for six months straight, maybe one of the players could run a short campaign, or maybe even a longer one. Don't make him(?) be in charge EVERY...SINGLE...TIME. Give him the option to let his hair down, and not have to referee every game. However, the player who takes over as DM MAY NOT RETALIATE for perceived slights in HH's game. We're all human, no matter what race we choose to play. Create a backstory for your character. I know, I know, the character is just a creation from your head, but trust me, if you know what your character has done in the past, you have a better idea for what they will do in the future. Have your character do what your character would do. Example: the drunken Dwarf I was telling you about steps into a room with an exceptionally LARGE glowing emerald floating in the exact center of it. I know that it's a trap, but my character is a Dwarf, and has an average Int, and slightly above average Wis (he was a Cleric). But this is a Dwarf, with a fascination for jewels, so he runs into the room, setting off three lightning runes and making the floor collapse, so he falls 2 stories. Remember, you may know what an illithid looks like, but your peasant-turned-fighter probably wouldn't.
LivingShadow 06-08-06, 01:58 PM	Here is a very annoying prank you can pull at a fairly low lvl (approximatly 5-6) first go and buy a cursed item (yes I said cursed) preferably the Helm of Opposite Allignment and give it to the BBEG at the first opprotunity (and don't tell anyone what it is unless they ask if not asked what it is specificly answer,"a magic item") this will create such an annoyance if the BBEG uses it for obvious reasons (a chaotic evil BBEG turning Lawful Good is very funny and if the DM trys to change him back point out the item's description)
hmmmm 06-08-06, 03:17 PM	That would work, except that the GM has been reading this thread. Hmmmm :)