Suppose that you wanted to do something that was in line with your character.

Suppose that when trying to do this over several sessions, you run into more difficulties than expected, to the point that you begin to suspect that this might be because the GM's plans differ from yours.

Suppose your suspicions were correct.

What would you do?

My most recent experience was that I tried to talk to the GM. Usually that works. In this case it did not, so I left the group. This seems to have got the message across. It doesn't help for this campaign, but will help for the next.

This is assuming that no-one takes things personally and you can go back later...

I've only been in this situation once, luckily. What I did is what I recommend you do -- find another game to play in. If your GM is actively trying to control your character via passive/aggressive techniques such as making actions that he doesn't personally care for unfairly difficult to perform, he's not a very good GM (and has some serious social issues, to boot).

Two €s this is about Pundit´s Superhero Legion campaign.

C'mon Jong this is a case of railroading or storytelling ...this has been discussed thousand of times. Just confront the wanker ...wait...how does the rest of the group feel about this....nevermind, just confront the GM.

Regards,
David R

Quote from: JongWKSuppose that you wanted to do something that was in line with your character.

Suppose that when trying to do this over several sessions, you run into more difficulties than expected, to the point that you begin to suspect that this might be because the GM's plans differ from yours.

Suppose your suspicions were correct.

What would you do?

Is what the DM wants really so bad?  Lots of times the DM has something specific in mind and tries to nudge the party in that direction.

Speaking in general, I'm not the kind of guy to leave a game at the drop of the hat.  If I'm having a good time and I like the guys I'm playing with, I'm willing to roll with it, even if that doesn't mean getting my way all the time.

But there is a limit.  If the DM does this too many times, and he doesn't have my trust, then it's time for a new game.

Quote from: David RC'mon Jong this is a case of railroading or storytelling ...this has been discussed thousand of times. Just confront the wanker ...wait...how does the rest of the group feel about this....nevermind, just confront the GM.

Keep in mind that there might be an in-game reason that you do not know about that is keeping you from accomplishing your goal.  

If not, then the GM is at fault and he should be confronted (peacefully) with your gripe.

Pete

Quote from: pspahnKeep in mind that there might be an in-game reason that you do not know about that is keeping you from accomplishing your goal.

Does this make things better?

Quote from: TonyLBDoes this make things better?

Yes.  If you're applying for a loan to keep the bank from foreclosing on your home, but someone in power wants to keep you from getting that loan so they can buy your home from the bank, that's just part of the story.  You need to figure out who is trying to keep you down and deal with them.

Again, if there is no in-game reason, it's a problem.

Pete

Talk to the DM about it. Really. You don't want to end up like the OP in this thread.

Quote from: pspahnYes.  If you're applying for a loan to keep the bank from foreclosing on your home, but someone in power wants to keep you from getting that loan so they can buy your home from the bank, that's just part of the story.  You need to figure out who is trying to keep you down and deal with them.

Again, if there is no in-game reason, it's a problem.

But the GM has a nigh-unlimited power to come up with in-game reasons on the spot as to why you can't do something.

Quote from: WarthurTalk to the DM about it. Really. You don't want to end up like the OP in this thread.

The PCs (and their goals) should always be the focus of the campaign.  This doesn't mean you hand them everything they want---they should have to work for it, otherwise what's the point of gaming?  But I've seen a lot of GMs (like the one talked about in that post) who are more interested in showing off their "ultra-cool" ideas so everyone can pat them on the back and tell them how creative they are.  

Pete

Quote from: WarthurBut the GM has a nigh-unlimited power to come up with in-game reasons on the spot as to why you can't do something.

And?  How is that different from anything a GM does or can do?  What happens when a GM uses his "power" to create an enemy that is more powerful than the characters?  Is that wrong, too?  What happens when a character is cursed.  Or captured by an army?  Is that always a case of railroading?  

I think a lot of it comes down to trust.  If you think your GM is out to screw you at every turn, then you shouldn't be playing his game.  If you're not sure what his intentions are you should talk to him about it.  If he tells you he just doesn't want your merc character buying a rocket launcher because it would ruin an encounter he has set up for later, then it's a problem.  If he levels with you and says "there's an in-game reason for it that you don't know about yet" (which I have done in the past), you have to trust him to reveal it at some point.  It might be a _stupid_ in-game reason, but that's another type of problem.    

Pete

I'm with Peter - talk to your GM. If there's a real, in-game reason your character doesn't know, then that's a problem for your character to deal with. If not, then it's a problem for you to deal with.

It always comes down to trust.

-clash

Quote from: TonyLBDoes this make things better?

Tony - we've had some great conversations, but this is where I think the divide lies for you and me. To even ask this question shows how different our perspectives really truly are. Not that yours or mine is right or wrong - just amazingly different.

Of course it makes it better - for a sub-set of "gamers."  If there is an in-game reason it's valid that the character is struggling. The fact that the player doesn't know about it heightens the tension for many players - helps them keep in the headspace of the character, helps them because they, too, are clueless as to what forces are moving against the character. As long as the GM is not abusing the power, many gamers are fine with the valid in-game reasons (the abuse/power/trust issue is an entirely different thing).

But now you're made me curious - and perhaps another thread is in order - but can you explain how it doesn't matter?  I'm not trying to be confrontational; I'm truly curious about your perspective so I can understand better where you're coming from. I get this sense that any time the GM is moving events behind the scenes, whether there's an in-game reason or not, it's not fun for you anymore - Is that true?