1. The DM is always right
2. Never give an orc an even break
3. Thou shalt not mix worlds
4. Thou shalt not kill party members
Are you making that up? Or was that actually on this list? And, do you know who made this list I'm talking about?
You might want to edit the thread title to something like "seeking a '!0 Commandants of D&D' article" to clarify your intent.
Never, ever, post a list of any kind in this forum with the expectation that people won't add stuff to it. Look at all the 101 and 1001 threads running around...then realize your mistake.
You might want to edit the thread title to something like "seeking a '!0 Commandants of D&D' article" to clarify your intent.
Who said I wasn't expecting it? I just wondered if the thing he/she posted came from the list I'm talking about.
Who said I wasn't expecting it? I just wondered if the thing he/she posted came from the list I'm talking about.
What list are you talking about?
Well, one and three are already laughable ...
you don't agree that what the DM says goes?
however I do think that not mixing worlds is a little silly, though mixing worlds and NOT telling people is kinda mean. last think I want to do is be told its forgotten realms...and then people with shotguns attack me.
you don't agree that what the DM says goes?
I agree that what the DM says goes. That is not the same thing as the DM being right.
4. Thou shalt not kill party members
Oops... What's the punishment for breaking this one? Cuz I sorta threw my brother's druid off the edge of a floating island last game. He fell at least 60,000 feet to the next set of islands, but who knows if he actually made contact. For all we know, he's still falling.
That's what he gets for being a punk.
4. Thou shalt not kill party members
4a. Thou shalt not act like such a total craphead that your fellow party members feel justified in killing you.
What list are you talking about?
Like I said. As I was only able to provide a partial list, I was hoping someone was familiar with the list I am talking about and could provide the rest.
I agree that what the DM says goes. That is not the same thing as the DM being right.
I don't. Well, I agree the DM must be reasonable. I am there to have fun and while it must have reasonable limits, I am not to be subject to the DM's every whim. The players can always find another DM easier than a DM can find say- 8 new players.
Oops... What's the punishment for breaking this one? Cuz I sorta threw my brother's druid off the edge of a floating island last game. He fell at least 60,000 feet to the next set of islands, but who knows if he actually made contact. For all we know, he's still falling.
That's what he gets for being a punk.
LoL, and no one knows what happened to Mace Windu either.
I don't. Well, I agree the DM must be reasonable. I am there to have fun and while it must have reasonable limits, I am not to be subject to the DM's every whim. The players can always find another DM easier than a DM can find say- 8 new players.
What happens when a player and a Dm can't agree? As a player do you tell the Dm "Hey it's easier to get a new Dm than 8 new players.."
To me when you decide to be a player in another dm's game then you agree to let him run the game. When there is a disagreement between player and Dm, Dm gets to make the call. If players can't deal with that, they can get a new dm.
Mulhull do you Dm? What if you had a disagreement with a player and he told you, "Hey try to get 8 players to Dm.", because I don't like your ruling.
A player is should not be subject to the Dms every whim, but the Dm should not be subject to every whim of the players. In the player/ Dm relationship the Dm has the responsiblity to run the game, that is why the dm gets the final say.
What happens when a player and a Dm can't agree? As a player do you tell the Dm "Hey it's easier to get a new Dm than 8 new players.."
To me when you decide to be a player in another dm's game then you agree to let him run the game. When there is a disagreement between player and Dm, Dm gets to make the call. If players can't deal with that, they can get a new dm.
Mulhull do you Dm? What if you had a disagreement with a player and he told you, "Hey try to get 8 players to Dm.", because I don't like your ruling.
A player is should not be subject to the Dms every whim, but the Dm should not be subject to every whim of the players. In the player/ Dm relationship the Dm has the responsiblity to run the game, that is why the dm gets the final say.
I'd say it's a sybiotic relationship. The players can refuse to play after all, if they really take issue with the DM. You are there for your enjoyment, not to be bossed around. Although, I think either imbalance is bad. If the DM says he's always right and imposes his ridiculous rules and the players have to live with it. Or the Players control the DM, refusing to play unless he gives them what they want. I'm just saying the players have more power in this case, they can find a new DM if they don't like it, a lot easier than he can find more players. Of course in this case, the resentment of the DM would have to unanimous (say 8 people didn't like the way he was running it) and the DM would have to find new players.
It actually has happened before, people just getting up and leaving because they resent the DM, in which case will create more work for them, having new NPC's to control, if he doesn't just wink them out of existence.
No, I don't DM, I jumped into once and saw it would require more preparation than I did, luckily it was only with one person, he went to the other room and played ActRaiser. Doesn't mean I won't ever try again.
The players can always find another DM easier than a DM can find say- 8 new players.
Eight players would be a lot. Most DMs run 4-6. But really, a DM only needs to have one player (back when I first started, it was myself and a friend. In the past, I had also DM'd solo adventures for friends to introduce them to the game or to pass time while camping).
-Unfairness (cheating) shall be returned 10-fold in timely fashion. Karma.
-DM has the last word and the 1st say.
-Respect each others minis, character sheet, and die pools, pencils, calculators, food/drink, etc. ie) hands off until permission is granted.
-Your PC is exactly where you left him (on the grid). Your responsibility.
-Texting, e-mails, irrelevant calls, etc. shall be regarded as forfeit of said action-time in game. Requests for a pause are generally granted when asked, not presumed ever.
-Never give anyone static for dumb (un)luck like the fate of a die roll. A stupid decision on the other hand is where that is apt, and even then...
-Time, food, weather are as relevant, if not moreso, than HP, spells, dmg.
I'd say it's a sybiotic relationship. The players can refuse to play after all, if they really take issue with the DM. You are there for your enjoyment, not to be bossed around. Although, I think either imbalance is bad. If the DM says he's always right and imposes his ridiculous rules and the players have to live with it. Or the Players control the DM, refusing to play unless he gives them what they want. I'm just saying the players have more power in this case, they can find a new DM if they don't like it, a lot easier than he can find more players. Of course in this case, the resentment of the DM would have to unanimous (say 8 people didn't like the way he was running it) and the DM would have to find new players.
I agree a jerky Dm is not going to have any players. Players can control DMs with out threat of leaving. I've seen players bully dms into doing what they want at the expense of the DMs fun. I've done it in the past.
I've had a playerwalk a way from my game because he did not like my ruling. Then try to come back at a later time. I banned him permenetly from my games. Dms can walk away from jerky players as well.
Also, on a small island that I live on, 8 players may not find a new DM.
It actually has happened before, people just getting up and leaving because they resent the DM, in which case will create more work for them, having new NPC's to control, if he doesn't just wink them out of existence.
Will if a total revolt and all players leave then he has nothing to work on. If it's just one player leaving because he is upset at the dm, I can make that character die in the next fight, have him fall into a bottomless pit, be struck by lightining , are taken to Hell by a Devil. It's easy to write a pc out of the story. I've done it a lot. People come and go from gaming groups for various reasons.
No, I don't DM, I jumped into once and saw it would require more preparation than I did, luckily it was only with one person, he went to the other room and played ActRaiser. Doesn't mean I won't ever try again.
Still What do you do as a player, if the dm made a ruling you disagreed with? Said Dm listens to your argument, and still stands by his ruling. Do you leave the game? Or would you accept his ruling and continue playing? I ask because this happens a lot between my players and me. In the end, I always get the last say. It is an agreement I have with my players. But i'm a good Dm. I've had people on waiting lists to get in my game.
Anyway thanks for the dialogue. Good luck with Dming and don't let yourself be bullied into running a game you don't want too.
2 - Thou shall not make wrongful use of the name of your DM. No rude names, nor cursing, unless thy character is drunk.
3 - Remember the Game Day and keep it available.
4 - Honor thy father and mother, unless they were killed when thou are young. Or be enemies most powerful. Or be demons and devils. Or if thou forgot to fill out a thy background.
5 - Thou shall not kill. Except during combat. Otherwise you tred upon the path of Chaotic Evil.
6 - Thou shall not commit adultery. Heck, don't even get married. That's just a sure-fire way of getting a NPC killed.
7 - Thou shall not steal. Unless you have the highest of ranks. The loot thy party collects is exempt.
8 - Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor, for thou shall be homeless, traveling the world at my, thy DMs, bidding. And there shall be enough evidence as it is.
9 - Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife, for those who sit next to thy body shall not be married as well. (see Commandment #6)
10 - Thou shall not covet anything that belongs to thy neighbor, though if they should fall, feel free to see what they have.
1 - I am the DM thy god. Thou shall have no other gods before me, unless thy be a cleric or wish to play thy role. Erstwhile, leave thy sheet in part blank. Thou shall not make for thyself an idol, but holy symbols are acceptable.
...
10 - Thou shall not covet anything that belongs to thy neighbor, though if they should fall, feel free to see what they have.
Pure win!:D
1 - I am the DM thy god. Thou shall have no other gods before me, unless thy be a cleric or wish to play thy role. Erstwhile, leave thy sheet in part blank. Thou shall not make for thyself an idol, but holy symbols are acceptable.
2 - Thou shall not make wrongful use of the name of your DM. No rude names, nor cursing, unless thy character is drunk.
3 - Remember the Game Day and keep it available.
4 - Honor thy father and mother, unless they were killed when thou are young. Or be enemies most powerful. Or be demons and devils. Or if thou forgot to fill out a thy background.
5 - Thou shall not kill. Except during combat. Otherwise you tred upon the path of Chaotic Evil.
6 - Thou shall not commit adultery. Heck, don't even get married. That's just a sure-fire way of getting a NPC killed.
7 - Thou shall not steal. Unless you have the highest of ranks. The loot thy party collects is exempt.
8 - Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor, for thou shall be homeless, traveling the world at my, thy DMs, bidding. And there shall be enough evidence as it is.
9 - Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife, for those who sit next to thy body shall not be married as well. (see Commandment #6)
10 - Thou shall not covet anything that belongs to thy neighbor, though if they should fall, feel free to see what they have.
1 - I am the DM thy god. Thou shall have no other gods before me, unless thy be a cleric or wish to play thy role. Erstwhile, leave thy sheet in part blank. Thou shall not make for thyself an idol, but holy symbols are acceptable.
2 - Thou shall not make wrongful use of the name of your DM. No rude names, nor cursing, unless thy character is drunk.
3 - Remember the Game Day and keep it available.
4 - Honor thy father and mother, unless they were killed when thou are young. Or be enemies most powerful. Or be demons and devils. Or if thou forgot to fill out a thy background.
5 - Thou shall not kill. Except during combat. Otherwise you tred upon the path of Chaotic Evil.
6 - Thou shall not commit adultery. Heck, don't even get married. That's just a sure-fire way of getting a NPC killed.
7 - Thou shall not steal. Unless you have the highest of ranks. The loot thy party collects is exempt.
8 - Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor, for thou shall be homeless, traveling the world at my, thy DMs, bidding. And there shall be enough evidence as it is.
9 - Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife, for those who sit next to thy body shall not be married as well. (see Commandment #6)
10 - Thou shall not covet anything that belongs to thy neighbor, though if they should fall, feel free to see what they have.
Awesome.
Rule 1 - Thou shalt never give the GM ideas.
Rule 2 - Thou shalt never split the party.
Rule 3 (more of a saying) - Any plan never survives contact with thy enemy.
A player is should not be subject to the Dms every whim, but the Dm should not be subject to every whim of the players. In the player/ Dm relationship the Dm has the responsiblity to run the game, that is why the dm gets the final say.
here here!
4. Thou shalt not kill party members
That's just crazy talk right there.
2: Feed the dm lots of fibre ... and when he finally hast o use the toilet; have a look over the dm screen so the party can survive the next 4 hours of hell :x (harsh DMs deserve it :P)
3: If one feels guilty ... treat the above as though it was divine intervention by the Gods ... of whom all love you :x
1 - I am the DM thy god. Thou shall have no other gods before me, unless thy be a cleric or wish to play thy role. Erstwhile, leave thy sheet in part blank. Thou shall not make for thyself an idol, but holy symbols are acceptable.
2 - Thou shall not make wrongful use of the name of your DM. No rude names, nor cursing, unless thy character is drunk.
3 - Remember the Game Day and keep it available.
4 - Honor thy father and mother, unless they were killed when thou are young. Or be enemies most powerful. Or be demons and devils. Or if thou forgot to fill out a thy background.
5 - Thou shall not kill. Except during combat. Otherwise you tred upon the path of Chaotic Evil.
6 - Thou shall not commit adultery. Heck, don't even get married. That's just a sure-fire way of getting a NPC killed.
7 - Thou shall not steal. Unless you have the highest of ranks. The loot thy party collects is exempt.
8 - Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor, for thou shall be homeless, traveling the world at my, thy DMs, bidding. And there shall be enough evidence as it is.
9 - Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife, for those who sit next to thy body shall not be married as well. (see Commandment #6)
10 - Thou shall not covet anything that belongs to thy neighbor, though if they should fall, feel free to see what they have.
That is awesome.
Sigg'd. :D
"3. Thou shalt not mix worlds"
---
every campaign we do..when friends make new characters and since we mainly do planescape... we always mix stuff and the results are alot of fun
Imagine the roleplaying opportunity and watching the players try to talk their way through why their companion is a half giant and a thri kreen from darksun, while they try to enter Waterdeep :P
Sanjay
Take care, friends.
As a DM, thou shalt judge when playful teasing is no longer playful and ask the parties responsible to cease.
Thou shalt not bring OOC events IC and vice versa.
Thou shalt not hide behind thy alignment/character/various BS justifications when acting like a douche IC.
Thou shalt not interrupt something the PCs are having fun with with your story, it can wait.
2) There is no #2, really. However, read #1 again just to be sure.
If you're going to bring a girl then you have to bring one for everybody.
There is no 'overkill'. There is only 'open fire' and 'I need to reload'
"needs more dakka" is an appropriate response when negotiations start going sour
hahaha:
"3. Thou shalt not mix worlds"
---
every campaign we do..when friends make new characters and since we mainly do planescape... we always mix stuff and the results are alot of fun
Imagine the roleplaying opportunity and watching the players try to talk their way through why their companion is a half giant and a thri kreen from darksun, while they try to enter Waterdeep :P
Sanjay
Ditto here. It helps that I'm the kind of DM who says "I will allow ANYTHING as long as the player provides a sufficient backstory and is willing to take the flaws of the race/class along with the perks". Heck, my current party consists of a tossed-through-time-and-planes human psychic, a Star Elf (Faerun race) Duskblade, a Rokugani Water Spiritfolk Binder from the Scorpion Clan, and a pair of Dvati Monks. :D
It also helps that I prefer non-official homebrew worlds or a very loose interpretation of Greyhawk, rather than either of the other three major settings.
The answer to your problem is "fire". if fire doesn't solve your problem, you're not using enough of it.
There is no 'overkill'. There is only 'open fire' and 'I need to reload'
"needs more dakka" is an appropriate response when negotiations start going sour
1 human swordmage (FR)
1 dwarven werewolf fighter (FR)
1 Aasimar with weird ties to the abyss (half-angel,no not a deva where in our games is something else...a new addition to the aasimon family) wild mage (using our house ruled magic system) (hence his chaotic magic)
1 elven cleric (using some minor house rule additions) (FR)
1 elven wizard (using 4E casting system) (FR)
1 lillendi bard (yes, she can fly!!!) (planescape, forgot the plane...Arborea or something)
1 half-orc barbarian (FR)
1 drow Warlock (FR)
That combined with the house rules we use that theplayers voted on, the party is pretty messed up...
hehe
Sanjay
"I respect and encourage anyone who thinks of what their character would actually do and goes through with it in-character. However, if it involves splitting the party for lengthy periods of time, especially during combat-rich environments, just don't do it."
2# If you are actually wondering about rule #2, please, reread rule #1 and make sure that you understand it.
There are no rules for having fun that apply to everyone
-Thou shalt bequeath unto the DM thy last slice (of pizza).
BEST RULE EVER!
Must make it top of the list for 5E!!!
6 - Thou shall not commit adultery. Heck, don't even get married. That's just a sure-fire way of getting a NPC killed.
Wow, I am so glad my players have never heard this rule. I love crafting amazing NPCs that the characters really enjoy, just to have them either die or betray them.
You weren't supposed to mix worlds because it didn't work so well back in the day. Today, everything is interchangable, but a while back, two different worlds could have a completely different system. Like 4e Psionics and 4e Martial classes. They're just different.
As far as the DM always being right, that is also an outdated idea. I remember the old DM=God thing... Not exactly true. Anymore, its really up to the group as to who is right, and how it's decided.
The whole list goes like this.
#1 The DM is God
#2 The DM is always right.
#3 If the DM is wrong, prove it.
#4 If the DM is proven wrong, refer back to #1 and #2.
#5 If you say it, you play it. (Basically, whatever you say you do, you do. You can't take it back.)
#6 The Players are not the Characters. (Don't get mad at the character because you are mad at the player)
#7 The PC's are the Heroes. Reguardless of their allignment, they are the good guys, their enemies are the bad guys, and everyone else doesn't matter.
#8 The characters are Adventurers, not Gods. Basically, there's always something out there that can, and most likely will kick your arse if you get too high up on that horse.
#9 Characters are not Players. If you've read the monster manual, that doesn't mean your character succeeds every knowledge skill check on them. If you can see the miniature, that doesn't mean your blind character can.
#10 My Name is not Monty Haul. I am not a game show host. I'm not going to give you awesome stuff for absolutely nothing. You have to work for your awesome items. Mithral Godplate Armor doesn't exactly grow on trees.
So there ya have it, the 10 commandments of D&D. Most are still right.
Source:penguinsandalpacas.blogspot.com/2009/09/...
The 10 Commandments of D&D
1. Thou shalt roleplay, it’s not all about the dice.
2. Thou shalt watch your damn alignment and act within it.
3. Thou shalt not bitch at the DM regarding loot.
4. Thou shalt not bitch at the DM regarding anything, really.
5. Thou shalt not worry about your kill-count.
6. Thou shalt keep your character’s level up-to-date.
7. Thou shalt not fail to perform a search check. And re-check…
8. Thou shalt beware of the sneak attack.
9. Thou shalt never forget about the attack of opportunity.
And finally:
10. Thou shalt remember that what the DM says, goes.
Seem pretty reasonable. And are rather common sense too
10 commandments of MY D&D games.
10. Let everyone have their turn. If its not your turn, don't act like it is.
9. Dice are to be rolled when they need to. Rolling dice constantly is annoying and often leads to all of your loot being stolen while you sleep.
8. DO not complain if a RAT/WOLF or other lesser monster does not have treasure. Keep your mouth shut and wait for the big haul, you will get phat lootz. I promise.
7. After a game session has begun, no one cares what you did at work, or the fine girl you slept with. Save it for after the game, or before or during breaks, or you will spent the rest of THAT game session with very bad luck. (losing valuable magical items, money or unable to regain powers and healing surges. Don't interrupt the flow of the game.
6. Unless stated before hand, you can not pimp hoes and sleeping with every female npc/commoner you meet will not end well for you. Maturity is a must, or you will earn the D&D STD, which lowers all attributes to 3.
5. Sexually harrassing female players playing female characters will get you banned from the game until you learn how to act. A second offense is a lifelong ban. No exceptions. Also, if you are not female, you should not be playing a female character, as I'm sick of male players playing female skanks. Don't try to live out your freakish sexual fantasies in my games.
4.Questions about a ruling made by the DM, write it down and address it during a break. DO NOT stop the flow of the game to argue a rule. Rule lawyers are banned for life from all gaming circles.
3. Keep it friendly, hostility towards another player, In or out of game, is a serious no-no and can result in a temp ban or a life time ban. Hostility towards the DM is amusing and often results in being abused in game even worse. Maturity is a must, or you die.
2. Much like a movie, turn your cellphones off, or atleast put it on silent/vibrate and don't answer unless its an emergency. Rude and disruptive players are not welcome.
1. Wash your damn hands before you touch my books or my dice, or you will never be allowed to use them again.
*I have enough adult players that these rules are followed easily, without issue, but sometimes I have to lay down the rules for new players. I'v only have to remove 3 players of the hundreds I'v played with in my time as a DM.