So the new game had 7 people playing, however out of her original 7 players she was lucky if 3 would be able to make a session and one hasn't made a session yet. So my best friend and I were invited to join this game. Which is great intially as most of the other people we gamed with before have either moved away, have very different schedules, or refuse to play the 4th edition. So we make characters. He made an assault swordmage and I made a two-blade ranger.
After a few sessions we came to notice that the DM basically started to build encounters based on complete countering tactic we used in any the previous encounters or built encounters where the generally melee heavy party could do nothing more than watch the warlock and archery ranger slowly kill flying foes, while I was hoping for a crit with twin strike and there rest of the melee sat back and watched. Other encounters now tend to involve hazards that make melee difficult or painful, even when the ranged characters are not at the session. Not to mention that the DM is extremely controlling and seem that the plot she has been working on is the most important thing in the game. For example when not enough players show up for a normal session we have offered to run a one shot and the DM basically all out refuses and will go to work on some more encounters or play a video game. I am thinking that she doesn't actually want to play if it isn't in her world under her control.
While I can expect there to be encounters that work against the party weaknesses their could have been some warning on that before we joined.
As I have the best grasp on the rules the last session I was ask to help with a couple of the characters that two of the more casual players had not been keeping up to date. I correcting the mistakes on those (such a one not adding HP since 1st level ) I notice that the two of the characters had there stats rolled (were as my friends and I used the 22 point buy) one had -6 by the builder (I was using it for ease of just printing the finish product and to get power cards) and the other was -21. This last issue I can take in stride, but with the railroading and tactics arm race I am beginning to think that the social aspect of the game is not worth the hoops.
Has anyone else had similar problems and how to best deal with them. That and I really need to get my mini and tiles back as I loaned them to my friend and by default his S.O.
I only read posts with titles like this "worst DM ever - what to do?" to make sure its not me.
Seconded.
What have you got to lose? You've obviously got a solid case here, and lots of good reasons not to play in her game. Simply put it that way, but don't be aggressive about it. Explain your concerns, that encounters are boring for you because they're heavily favouring ranged combatants and as a melee fighter you spend most of the time picking your nose instead of rending your foes.
Point out that the plot seems a bit railroaded, and suggest to her some of the great articles in Save My Game (or other places) that can help with that.
Mention characters that were rolled not point buy, if she's like "oh yea, that's the way we do it" then say alright, 4d6 drop lowest? And get your dice and roll it up (or keep your point buy).
Suggest also that you come to the game to play and if you don't get enough players that one-offs, short encounters or little vingettes that focus on those present reward those who come to the game and also give them a chance to explore their characters more fully. These one-offs don't have to tie into the main plotline, but could be interesting and fun for everyone. And a great DM exercise at off-the-cuff DMing.
If all of this fails (IE: You roll a 1 on your Diplomacy check) then don't make a scene, but regretfully withdraw. Step down from the player podium and you and your friend can take your D&D desires elsewhere. Heck there are two of you, why don't you each make up a aprty of 4 (1 main and 3 companion characters) and DM for each other, every other week swapping roles of DM and player. Or put the word out that you're looking for a group, start as the DM yourself and slowly try to initiate a rotating DM or invite another player to take on the task.
As for rolling stats I made my last DM a bit crazy when I rolled at set with 4 18's and a low score of 15, with his dice, but my friend rolls 3's with a high score of 11.
As for running the game I would love to, I just need to get enough players, I haven't DM'd since 3.5, but edition doesn't change the fact that I just have to challenge my players and make sure we are having fun. That and I've been wanting to try out the idea of having my players make characters with connections to another character (maybe draw from a hat if people aren't sure right away)
I only read posts with titles like this "worst DM ever - what to do?" to make sure its not me.
Seconded.
Thirded. I call for a vote of "No Confidence" before the Quorum.
-Sarena
I only read posts with titles like this "worst DM ever - what to do?" to make sure its not me.
Seconded.
Thirded. I call for a vote of "No Confidence" before the Quorum.
-Sarena
Fourthed.
Seconding the motion for a vote of "No Confidence" before the Quorum?
Roll Call?
Also, just tell the DM. If you were invited to play due to lack of characters, and you and your friend are two of the only reliable players she has, you both have considerable leverage. It means that you as players have made yourselves people she relies on to be there, and if you leave, it sounds like the party will fall apart entirely. Therefore, if she wants this plot she holds so dear to come to fruition, she needs you to stay and anchor her party attendance. Am I making sense?
Start your own campaign. Sounds like noone in hell could do a worse job than this person. Your players having fun should be a DM's fun. Tell her to play for the players or don't DM at all.
Simply politely bow out of the game.
}The OP was written three months ago... I'm pretty sure the situation has been resolved in some way by now.
lol crap you're right. i keep forgetting that these forums don't change their kline-up as quickly as the general discussions forum and so when i see something on the front page i assume it is soemthing that is still current.
I will probably just have to bite the bullet and talk to her about it, but I have a feeling no matter how tactfully I do it she is going to take it as a personal attack. She seems to enjoy her railroad plots, where I am more of a play in the sandbox.
As for rolling stats I made my last DM a bit crazy when I rolled at set with 4 18's and a low score of 15, with his dice, but my friend rolls 3's with a high score of 11.
As for running the game I would love to, I just need to get enough players, I haven't DM'd since 3.5, but edition doesn't change the fact that I just have to challenge my players and make sure we are having fun. That and I've been wanting to try out the idea of having my players make characters with connections to another character (maybe draw from a hat if people aren't sure right away)
I think the players need to sit down with the DM and lay down what they expect from the game so the players do need to do some work.
Overall my players tactics are of little interest to me as it is what they use to defeat the challenges I set in front of them and I have no interest in trying to counter them because Ultimately the game is about the players achieving, defeating and progressing in the campaign world.
I concentrate on the encounter area's and the creatures interacting in the encounter area.