Do players map the dungeon when you play?

Omega · May 15, 2014, 04:56:59 PM

Quote from: jibbajibba;748968My previous point remains unanswered why is mapping essential in old school D&D but not in say the exploration of an ancient lost city in CoC or another pulp game? What meme triggers mapping as a key part of the process in one game but not in another?

Think I found your reason.

Early TSR Modules.

B01 In search of the Unknown and is in my Keep on the Borderlands.

QuoteOne player in the group should be designated as the leader, or "caller" for the party, while another one or two players can be selected as mappers (at least one is a must!).

and

The player or players mapping the explored area should use graph paper. Orient them according to the same directions on the referee's map.

and

Encourage good mapping skills and an attention to detail rather than falling into the rut of continual player map questions.

jibbajibba · May 15, 2014, 09:18:27 PM

Quote from: Omega;749670Think I found your reason.

Early TSR Modules.

B01 In search of the Unknown and is in my Keep on the Borderlands.

Great stuff

Anyone still use callers ?

LibraryLass · May 15, 2014, 09:38:37 PM

Quote from: jibbajibba;749727Great stuff

Anyone still use callers ?

I think they're probably less necessary in the smaller groups that tend to be favored nowadays. It's easier to keep four people coordinated than it is six or seven.

That said I've always wanted to give it a try.

jibbajibba · May 15, 2014, 11:45:46 PM

Quote from: LibraryLass;749733I think they're probably less necessary in the smaller groups that tend to be favored nowadays. It's easier to keep four people coordinated than it is six or seven.

That said I've always wanted to give it a try.

I think it fell away when PCs became more character than playing piece.

I used to run games for 12+ players at the same table but because they were all pursuing their own agendas a common caller would never have worked.

Omega · May 16, 2014, 12:24:41 AM

Quote from: jibbajibba;749727Great stuff

Anyone still use callers ?

I am often singled out to be the caller. Group player dynamics sometimes thwarts that.

Planet Algol · May 16, 2014, 02:50:33 AM

When I DM the PC with the highest level & CHA is the caller.

NOT a dump stat.

Gronan of Simmerya · May 20, 2014, 12:27:02 PM

Quote from: Omega;749752I am often singled out to be the caller. Group player dynamics sometimes thwarts that.

Gary and Dave (and many others of us) play the game partially as a simulation... if the players are yammering over each other and making so much noise the caller can't hear the ref, or talking over him, or arguing, or whatever, then their characters are standing around in the dungeon running their mouths, arguing, talking about how much ale they drank last night and how many bar wenches they banged, etc, etc, etc...

...in a fucking lightless monster-filled hellhole deep under the ground.

Haffrung · May 20, 2014, 03:31:43 PM

Quote from: Old Geezer;750642Gary and Dave (and many others of us) play the game partially as a simulation... if the players are yammering over each other and making so much noise the caller can't hear the ref, or talking over him, or arguing, or whatever, then their characters are standing around in the dungeon running their mouths, arguing, talking about how much ale they drank last night and how many bar wenches they banged, etc, etc, etc...

...in a fucking lightless monster-filled hellhole deep under the ground.

We've always played like that. Bickering or yapping off-topic while exploring the crypt of the lizard king? Those sarcophagi start to open ever so slowly... Want to discuss tactics at length while the gnolls are firing arrows at you from across the chasm? Go ahead. But that's your turn. And in the meantime they're signalling to their hidden allies to flank you as you stand dithering about what to do next.

RPGPundit · May 20, 2014, 07:41:07 PM

I never force any of my players to map; but of course I also don't help them if they get lost in the dungeon. In any case, in any group I've found there's usually one guy who is keen to map things out without even being asked.

Gronan of Simmerya · May 20, 2014, 08:41:56 PM

Quote from: RPGPundit;750807I never force any of my players to map; but of course I also don't help them if they get lost in the dungeon. In any case, in any group I've found there's usually one guy who is keen to map things out without even being asked.

Yeah, mapping evolved out of what the game needed, not something that was arbitrarily put in.

David Johansen · May 20, 2014, 08:48:47 PM

A charmed local is another handy lazy adventurer's solution.

Gronan of Simmerya · May 20, 2014, 09:10:25 PM

Quote from: David Johansen;750848A charmed local is another handy lazy adventurer's solution.

Anybody low level enough to charm knows nothing.

Omega · May 21, 2014, 06:37:48 AM

Quote from: Old Geezer;750642Gary and Dave (and many others of us) play the game partially as a simulation... if the players are yammering over each other and making so much noise the caller can't hear the ref, or talking over him, or arguing, or whatever, then their characters are standing around in the dungeon running their mouths, arguing, talking about how much ale they drank last night and how many bar wenches they banged, etc, etc, etc...

...in a fucking lightless monster-filled hellhole deep under the ground.

Yeah, thats the thwarted part for sure.

Though luckily never had players actually jabbering while the DM is talking.
But once the DM stopps talking, whoooo, Ive had a two groups where one or several players just wouldnt shut up.

Least it was in character banter and got the group in grand trouble. This sort of comedy writes itself.