tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2465863144787683153.post1717771828055538545..comments2024-03-27T19:02:58.368-04:00Comments on BARKING ALIEN: A Little Heart to HeartAdam Dicksteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04840144928096089178noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2465863144787683153.post-90159097824110962018-02-22T00:02:23.087-05:002018-02-22T00:02:23.087-05:00I know this sounds bad, but you have to put your f...I know this sounds bad, but you have to put your foot down. It will cause friction. It will fuel some resentment. But from everything I've read in your previous comments, I think it is unavoidable.<br />I'm a female GM and that means I have to hold my ground against the guys a lot.<br /><br />My long time players know what I need from them and they meet me half way. I always compromise and sometimes we have to revise. <br />But a few male players (I swear, I'm not picking on men) over my many years of GMing have tried to run over me with their cool and game breaking ideas. <br />Foot. Comes. Down. Also, I am not above using guilt as a weapon.<br /><br />I always work hard to make character shine and be the coolest they can be. But if it overshadows the Table, it has to be pulled back.<br /><br />I have a hunch we GM in a similar fashion. Neither of us want to interfere with players ideas. I always want to blend everybody's ideas. I GM as much from the players as the written adventure. <br />But occasionally a player consciously or maybe subconsciously traps me in a corner. <br />The overpowered, rules loopholes and character concepts that leave no room for the GM or other players to interact with are the main culprits.<br /> <br />It always takes me a while to realize there is no civil way out. :-) <br />Didn't mean for this to turn into a rant. I always keep it positive at the Table.Teresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01213481870704579199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2465863144787683153.post-52113054657818957542018-02-17T13:54:46.540-05:002018-02-17T13:54:46.540-05:00Take no offense. What's keeping you two from g...Take no offense. What's keeping you two from getting on the same page?Scott Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12067161332003628237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2465863144787683153.post-40920564644569419332018-02-17T11:06:30.672-05:002018-02-17T11:06:30.672-05:00Its less the system and more the player and unfort...Its less the system and more the player and unfortunately, how I let him get to me. It doesn't matter what the system is. He does this in practically every game. <br /><br />You see, one of the reasons my players seem to enjoy my games (according to them btw) is that I do not immediately say no to their crazy ideas and wild concepts. I like characters that are a bit unusual (depending on the setting and genre of course). <br /><br />However, some people will try to take a mile if you are willing to give them an inch. Some people are cool with that inch, and I am cool with giving two, or even three if its a good story. This one player will see that and want two miles then, no make it five. Adam Dicksteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04840144928096089178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2465863144787683153.post-30337090946696278802018-02-17T11:01:45.055-05:002018-02-17T11:01:45.055-05:00Scott, are you under the impression we don't t...Scott, are you under the impression we don't talk like grownups? Did something lead you to that assessment? <br /><br />Nothing against you personally, or even your comment, but I always find responses like this both humorous and unhelpful. It's like saying, "You have a problem? Have you tried fixing it?"<br /><br />Um...yes. Yes I have. ~_~<br /><br />Is there something about my site, posts, and over 40 years of game experience leads you to think I don't talk to my players?Adam Dicksteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04840144928096089178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2465863144787683153.post-1830303344235833442018-02-17T10:50:56.695-05:002018-02-17T10:50:56.695-05:00I would love to hear more about your DC Heroes cam...I would love to hear more about your DC Heroes campaign. It sounds awesome! Glad I could help in some way. <br /><br />I have had chats with the player. Numerous chats. He always stats out fine, but he can't help but escalate as he goes. Its in his nature. I love the guy, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a pain in a**. <br /><br />Which leads me to...Adam Dicksteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04840144928096089178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2465863144787683153.post-8316055303440874862018-02-16T14:19:59.347-05:002018-02-16T14:19:59.347-05:00Just curious as to the setting/system you're u...Just curious as to the setting/system you're using for the new campaign. Perhaps its the game that lends itself to abuse?<br /><br />I'm not sure if you're actually looking for advice, but it's rare that I've had actual game-related problems at the table that couldn't be worked out in-game. And even then (I can only recall one instance of such an occurrence) it was easy enough to outlaw a certain, game-breaking feat that threatened to munchkinize a game.<br /><br />But maybe you're game/system isn't built that way. Is it Traveller? I could assume (since there seems to be a correlation between your "draining" experience and your "waning" enthusiasm for the game). The original edition of the game made it difficult to game character creation due to the inherent mortality of the system...but even in later editions, you could ban certain careers from the table or make it difficult (or impossible) for players to start with full battle dress and plasma cannons. I mean, just spitballing here...as I said, maybe you're not even asking advice.JBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03263662621289630246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2465863144787683153.post-48183966710297121782018-02-15T13:51:16.654-05:002018-02-15T13:51:16.654-05:00Yes, try talking like grownups! This is a game. It...Yes, try talking like grownups! This is a game. It is supposed to be fun. If someone is doing something that is ruining your fun, it is OK to talk about different ways to play together. Scott Andersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12067161332003628237noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2465863144787683153.post-29316552041629503162018-02-14T21:27:52.838-05:002018-02-14T21:27:52.838-05:00Based on what you wrote, I wonder...Could you have...Based on what you wrote, I wonder...Could you have a no BS/honest positive chat with the player? Explore his strengths in the game and discuss how to direct it in a mutually beneficial way? <br /><br />I know how tough it is, Ive had to have that talk with a couple players over the many years of my DMIng.<br /><br />BTW, Ive been running a very popular long term DC Heroes RPG campaign. It starts at the DC Invasion series, but updated to modern times.<br />Your wise sage advice and sharing your experience in your Superheroes entries have been so helpful and have helped make this a big success. <br />Thank you!<br />Teresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01213481870704579199noreply@blogger.com