player effort

JohnnyWannabe · November 02, 2007, 06:56:51 PM

If you are going to be at my game table as a player all I ask is that you bring your character sheet and that you be somewhat attentive.

Kyle Aaron · November 02, 2007, 07:23:44 PM

Short version: be interested.

Longer version: Show up on time, bring munchies, be friendly to everyone, tell me what you want in a game session so we can give it to you and then be interested in that stuff you asked for.

Aside from that, you get out of it what you put into it. If you just show up and roll the dice, well...

And given that I have shortish closed-ended campaigns (6-18 sessions) with changing membership between campaigns, obviously the more you put into it the more likely I am to invite you back. The ones who act like they've got better things to do and they're doing us all a favour by their presence, well...

A campaign can survive almost anything except indifference.

Jaeger · November 02, 2007, 08:41:50 PM

1: Show up regularly.

2: See rule #1. And add - On time.

3: A concept for your character beyond 'I'm a fighter.'

4: Familiarity with the game world.

5: Familiarity with the rules, especially combat.

6: Remember what went on last session, and major NPC names.

7: Have fun with the group, if your not, or are interfering with the fun of others, get to steppin' bitch.

8: Your own dice, pencils, etc.

9: Don't bring food if you are not willing to share with others.

10: Cleanliness; for it is next to Godliness.

Halfjack · November 02, 2007, 08:59:48 PM

Quote from: signoftheserpentby work i mean preparing adventures, background and setting (degree of which of course depends on the game).

Ah okay. I have a strict "no homework" rule. I make no demands of the players outside the gaming table. Anything anyone does has to be of their own free will or, in my experience, it either won't happen or it'll be crap. And insisting on it will just create resentment.

At the gaming table you better bring your own pencil dammit. I have dice and paper.

signoftheserpent · November 03, 2007, 04:01:36 AM

what does homework have to do with it?

Is it fair to use the word homework when the GM has to do 'homework' also?

Isn't it better when everyone contributes rather than one player does all the work (ie the gm) and everyone else just kicks back. I don't believe so.

I don't understand how anyone could perceive creating a background for their character (they must have some idea to begin with anyway) as homework!

You're in the wrong hobby with that view i think, really.

And yes insisting on it will create resentment; that's why you need the right players. Personally, I'm too long in the tooth to deal with fly by night players who only want a superficial gfaming experience. WoW will give you that.

beeber · November 03, 2007, 10:57:41 AM

if i have players that show up, are courteous, and have a good time, i'm not going to "make" them do backgrounds or whatever if they're not inclined. some like to give a little bit extra to their characters, but a fair bit don't bother. they merely want to show up, have fun, be entertained (and be entertaining) and then go home, until the next time. i'm not going to fault them for playing that way, just like i'm not going to fault someone for pulling an igor (from dork tower) and going hog-wild on background & detail.

Tim · November 03, 2007, 11:03:19 AM

It all depends on what kind of game we're doing. If we're setting up a 'serious' campaign, I expect the players to have a hand in setting up the world, the major conflict, and to make characters that are directly tied into the situation at hand.

If we're doing a one-shot, module, or some such thing I only expect them to create characters that are appropriate to the adventure.

I ask for no more than a short paragraph (PLEASE! no more!!) of background and physical description, in any case.

player effort

JohnnyWannabe

Kyle Aaron

Jaeger

Halfjack

signoftheserpent

beeber

Tim