Common Wisdom for the Roleplayer's Heart

JongWK · December 18, 2006, 09:38:34 AM

1) No GM plot survives contact with the players.

2) No PC plot survives contact with the GM.

3) If the GM smiles and asks "Really? OK...", you know you're in deep shit.

4) It takes time to develop gaming skills, and there are few "naturals." That kid playing a 25th level Paladin over there? He used to be you.

5) You can always learn something new.

6) Most people play a game for fun.

Come on, post your own!

JongWK denies any responsibility for this thread's title.

TonyLB · December 18, 2006, 09:43:19 AM

7) The players will be much smarter than you could imagine them being.

The players will be much stupider than you could imagine them being.

9) #7 and #8 will often happen simultaneously.

10) When you become a player, #7, #8 and #9 will very much apply to you.

joewolz · December 18, 2006, 09:47:08 AM

11) Being a good GM does not make you a good player.

12) Begin a good Player does not make you a good GM.

JongWK · December 18, 2006, 09:56:07 AM

13) Make sure every player understands what your campaign is about.

Blackleaf · December 18, 2006, 09:59:19 AM

14) The funny/cool thing that happened in the game is probably not as funny/cool to people who weren't playing the game.

Settembrini · December 18, 2006, 10:04:27 AM

15) having fun at the table is awesome

16) having awesome at the table is fun

17) Beware fully stated NPCs with their own illustration!

James J Skach · December 18, 2006, 12:29:39 PM

18) It's OK to be a 25th level Paladin - if that's what rocks your world.

kryyst · December 18, 2006, 03:22:31 PM

If your GM goes to the bathroom and you take a peek at his notes - never assume that is actually going to be what happens or ensures your future success.

Silverlion · December 18, 2006, 06:51:32 PM

We so need Chicken Soup for the Gamer...

HEHE!

Abyssal Maw · December 18, 2006, 08:29:48 PM

20) Don't be ashamed of your hobby. Gaming is fun.

20a) If and when it ceases to be fun, or you eventually find out that the only fun you can have is in pretending to not be a gamer, (whilst you maintain your gaming blogs and talk mostly about how other people are gaming..) -- do us both a favor and quit. Don't look back. This is your last year. It's over for you, buddy.

David R · December 18, 2006, 08:57:06 PM

21) If you are the GM and the players are having fun, but you are not* (for whatever reason), stop running games.

*Find out why. Resolve the issue. Carry on if possible.

Regards,
David R

mythusmage · December 18, 2006, 10:01:23 PM

22. Taking on an opponent who obviously outclasses you because you know you have to have an even chance of winning is known as, suicide by assumption.

23. There is nothing heroic about a useless death.

24. Fear of appearing undignified ruins more sessions than any other cause.

joewolz · December 19, 2006, 01:53:32 PM

25. Heroism is defined by useful death.

jrients · December 19, 2006, 02:09:09 PM

26. No matter how intricate the plotting and characterization in your campaign there will be nights when all that the players want to do is break some shit.

droog · December 19, 2006, 05:09:14 PM

27. Telekinesis is cheating.