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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Dec 30, 2022 18:17:28 GMT -5
Good take on the "DM shortage" and good advice overall.
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Jan 13, 2023 18:48:11 GMT -5
I think the biggest problem is that no one wants to DM or Ref, they want someone else to do all the work and then they want to demand things from the one doing the work and that is getting things backwards. If I am the Ref, this is my world and you are welcome to play, but you don't get to tell me how to run it or how to redesign it.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jan 13, 2023 20:29:39 GMT -5
I think the biggest problem is that no one wants to DM or Ref, they want someone else to do all the work and then they want to demand things from the one doing the work and that is getting things backwards. If I am the Ref, this is my world and you are welcome to play, but you don't get to tell me how to run it or how to redesign it. I think you nailed it! |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Jan 30, 2023 21:55:03 GMT -5
I think there are a lot of reasons for a DM shortage. IMO a major one is the lack of people who have a general knowledge of the foundational literature of the hobby. Another is the closed nature of today's rules. A third reason is entitled players. I think those three things are creating a perfect storm for a DM shortage.
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Post by Morose on Feb 19, 2023 14:52:04 GMT -5
As much as it would be fun to game with other people and to go where being a DM would be in demand, I don't want it bad enough to move to NY City, learn 5E and cater to munchkins.
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Post by Vladimir, The Dark Prince on Mar 14, 2023 22:29:56 GMT -5
He is pretty good to listen too, unlike some of them that just put you to sleep. I can't listen to tenkar for example, I want to shut him up 10 seconds into it. He is a real gasbag that just takes forever to get to the point.
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Post by Morose on Mar 14, 2023 23:04:09 GMT -5
He is pretty good to listen too, unlike some of them that just put you to sleep. I can't listen to tenkar for example, I want to shut him up 10 seconds into it. He is a real gasbag that just takes forever to get to the point. I cannot stand to listen to Tenkar, so many of these vlog or podcast whichever is the best term, just drive me knows, make a blog post and I can read it in a minute or two and get on with my day. Because these 20 min long podcasts tend to have about a one or two minute read's worth of content. |
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Post by Vladimir, The Dark Prince on Mar 15, 2023 13:04:23 GMT -5
He is pretty good to listen too, unlike some of them that just put you to sleep. I can't listen to tenkar for example, I want to shut him up 10 seconds into it. He is a real gasbag that just takes forever to get to the point. I cannot stand to listen to Tenkar, so many of these vlog or podcast whichever is the best term, just drive me nuts, make a blog post and I can read it in a minute or two and get on with my day. Because these 20 min long podcasts tend to have about a one or two minute read's worth of content. A lot of those podcasts have people whose voices and appearance just combine to grate on you and they never get to the point.
Another is the RPGPundit. He does not show his face which is probably for the best, but his voice sounds like a child. His online persona is such that you would think he would sound more masculine. He just repeats himself over and over to lengthen the video. Another thing I hate about a lot of these guys is the gratuitous profanity. It doesn't add anything and just makes them sound like idiots.
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Mar 18, 2023 8:06:24 GMT -5
He is pretty good to listen too, unlike some of them that just put you to sleep. I can't listen to tenkar for example, I want to shut him up 10 seconds into it. He is a real gasbag that just takes forever to get to the point. I cannot stand to listen to Tenkar, so many of these vlog or podcast whichever is the best term, just drive me knows, make a blog post and I can read it in a minute or two and get on with my day. Because these 20 min long podcasts tend to have about a one or two minute read's worth of content. Listening to tenkar for any length of time is like listening to a lecture by...  |
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Post by Morose on Mar 23, 2023 17:07:36 GMT -5
I cannot stand to listen to Tenkar, so many of these vlog or podcast whichever is the best term, just drive me knows, make a blog post and I can read it in a minute or two and get on with my day. Because these 20 min long podcasts tend to have about a one or two minute read's worth of content. Listening to tenkar for any length of time is like listening to a lecture by... I would rather look at this guy too!   |
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Post by simrion on Mar 23, 2023 17:38:49 GMT -5
Some of the more recent rules sets presuppose that various character types (builds/funnels) are expected to have certain magic items based on level or achievement. Trailblazer, a supplement to 3.5 originally intended to compete with Pathfinder goes into detail like this. As well as a bunch of statistical number crunching. It intro'd concepts such as "boss monsters" with HP kickers and abilities they could impart to minions in combat. Trailblazer also introduced a mechanic like 5E that offers a short rest recharge. I have it and look through it occasionally but I'll never likely play it though it does streamline a few aspects of 3.X. As is I find myself handwaving more and more in the Pathfinder and 3.5 based Star Wars games I run. I don't have time or motivation to memorize massive rules tomes anymore. If you want to play and have fun at my table you are more than welcome. If not go find someplace else to play.
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Post by simrion on Mar 23, 2023 17:39:55 GMT -5
Listening to tenkar for any length of time is like listening to a lecture by... I would rather look at this guy too! Kinda reminds me of Tenkar |
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Post by Morose on Mar 23, 2023 17:41:43 GMT -5
I would rather look at this guy too! Kinda reminds me of Tenkar  Only a much nicer guy. |
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Post by Vladimir, The Dark Prince on Mar 23, 2023 17:45:34 GMT -5
Although we really shouldn't pick on Tenkar, he isn't here to defend himself and although he stirs up a lot of drama unnecessarily, he is not the worst jerk making videos. After all, he is happy to list your blog or website in his big list of links, if you pay him for the privilege. Some won't even do that.
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Post by simrion on Mar 23, 2023 18:03:02 GMT -5
Although we really shouldn't pick on Tenkar, he isn't here to defend himself and although he stirs up a lot of drama unnecessarily, he is not the worst jerk making videos. After all, he is happy to list your blog or website in his big list of links, if you pay him for the privilege. Some won't even do that. That's fair...he does have his fans, I'm just not one. I've tried to listen to his posts. No success. |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Mar 24, 2023 13:31:19 GMT -5
Some of the more recent rules sets presuppose that various character types (builds/funnels) are expected to have certain magic items based on level or achievement. Trailblazer, a supplement to 3.5 originally intended to compete with Pathfinder goes into detail like this. As well as a bunch of statistical number crunching. It intro'd concepts such as "boss monsters" with HP kickers and abilities they could impart to minions in combat. Trailblazer also introduced a mechanic like 5E that offers a short rest recharge. I have it and look through it occasionally but I'll never likely play it though it does streamline a few aspects of 3.X. As is I find myself handwaving more and more in the Pathfinder and 3.5 based Star Wars games I run. I don't have time or motivation to memorize massive rules tomes anymore. If you want to play and have fun at my table you are more than welcome. If not go find someplace else to play. What are funnels? (in this context) |
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Post by simrion on Mar 24, 2023 17:54:00 GMT -5
Some of the more recent rules sets presuppose that various character types (builds/funnels) are expected to have certain magic items based on level or achievement. Trailblazer, a supplement to 3.5 originally intended to compete with Pathfinder goes into detail like this. As well as a bunch of statistical number crunching. It intro'd concepts such as "boss monsters" with HP kickers and abilities they could impart to minions in combat. Trailblazer also introduced a mechanic like 5E that offers a short rest recharge. I have it and look through it occasionally but I'll never likely play it though it does streamline a few aspects of 3.X. As is I find myself handwaving more and more in the Pathfinder and 3.5 based Star Wars games I run. I don't have time or motivation to memorize massive rules tomes anymore. If you want to play and have fun at my table you are more than welcome. If not go find someplace else to play. What are funnels? (in this context) This is my take, essentially the ideal process of character build over time. The right feats, application of skill points and acquisition of the correct magic items that optimize the character build. So you can "win the game" I guess  |
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Mar 24, 2023 18:34:00 GMT -5
Although we really shouldn't pick on Tenkar, he isn't here to defend himself and although he stirs up a lot of drama unnecessarily, he is not the worst jerk making videos. After all, he is happy to list your blog or website in his big list of links, if you pay him for the privilege. Some won't even do that. That's fair...he does have his fans, I'm just not one. I've tried to listen to his posts. No success. I hear you. I think he's trying to hit that "optimal length" for his videos so it feels like he's stretching it out. |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Mar 24, 2023 21:57:54 GMT -5
What are funnels? (in this context) This is my take, essentially the ideal process of character build over time. The right feats, application of skill points and acquisition of the correct magic items that optimize the character build. So you can "win the game" I guess They are crazy, as long as you are alive you are winning, if you died, but had fun, you are winning. |
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Post by simrion on Mar 25, 2023 6:53:41 GMT -5
This is my take, essentially the ideal process of character build over time. The right feats, application of skill points and acquisition of the correct magic items that optimize the character build. So you can "win the game" I guess They are crazy, as long as you are alive you are winning, if you died, but had fun, you are winning. Sadly I have some players that get way too attached to their alter-ego. Maybe they play because reality is too harsh and they want to Live-it-up as a hero? Just not sure. My personal philosophy is that since I'm on this side of the mortal coil I am my own hero ;-) And I get to interact with some great people in places like this! |
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Mar 25, 2023 9:21:37 GMT -5
They are crazy, as long as you are alive you are winning, if you died, but had fun, you are winning. Sadly I have some players that get way too attached to their alter-ego. Maybe they play because reality is too harsh and they want to Live-it-up as a hero? Just not sure. My personal philosophy is that since I'm on this side of the mortal coil I am my own hero ;-) And I get to interact with some great people in places like this! I can definitely relate to that! Some of my old players would get pretty irritated if their character got killed and they had to use a different one. |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Mar 25, 2023 12:54:10 GMT -5
Apparently some people cry and come unglued when their character dies. IMO if that is you, then you have a mental illness and should get help and stay away from roleplaying games. People who are not clear on the difference between fantasy and reality should not play roleplaying games. Anyone who does not understand, it is just a game, should not play games until they grow up.
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Post by simrion on Mar 25, 2023 16:58:06 GMT -5
Sadly I have some players that get way too attached to their alter-ego. Maybe they play because reality is too harsh and they want to Live-it-up as a hero? Just not sure. My personal philosophy is that since I'm on this side of the mortal coil I am my own hero ;-) And I get to interact with some great people in places like this! I can definitely relate to that! Some of my old players would get pretty irritated if their character got killed and they had to use a different one. And to exacerbate the issue one player got a 3D printer and has been making and painting phenomenal looking minis of his and others characters. SO it compounds the butthurt when his character gits killed! |
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Mar 25, 2023 20:32:53 GMT -5
I can definitely relate to that! Some of my old players would get pretty irritated if their character got killed and they had to use a different one. And to exacerbate the issue one player got a 3D printer and has been making and painting phenomenal looking minis of his and others characters. SO it compounds the butthurt when his character gits killed! Oh wow! I dig the level of investment with the 3D printer on one hand BUT I can definitely see how that could lead to them suffering a penalty on their Save vs. Butthurt roll. |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Mar 27, 2023 14:17:31 GMT -5
And to exacerbate the issue one player got a 3D printer and has been making and painting phenomenal looking minis of his and others characters. SO it compounds the butthurt when his character gits killed! Oh wow! I dig the level of investment with the 3D printer on one hand BUT I can definitely see how that could lead to them suffering a penalty on their Save vs. Butthurt roll. I went through six characters the first night I played D&D. My sympathy level is not very high. Of course my play style is stand in the gap and defend the retreat, so I went through about 20 characters before I got one to third level. Although later I did get my paladin to 7th level, even though I mostly reffed. That was after we started using extraordinary strength from Greyhawk. |
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Post by simrion on Mar 27, 2023 16:06:53 GMT -5
Oh wow! I dig the level of investment with the 3D printer on one hand BUT I can definitely see how that could lead to them suffering a penalty on their Save vs. Butthurt roll. I went through six characters the first night I played D&D. My sympathy level is not very high. Of course my play style is stand in the gap and defend the retreat, so I went through about 20 characters before I got one to third level. Although later I did get my paladin to 7th level, even though I mostly reffed. That was after we started using extraordinary strength from Greyhawk. I admit to being a "snowflake" player and DM in my gaming past...my characters were precious to me at one time and I loathed to kill characters. A Father/Daughter team that joined our group many years ago cured me of that particular affectation lol. They also like to wander away from the party, often to the detriment of their respective characters. Much hilarity ensues! |
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Mar 27, 2023 17:00:47 GMT -5
I went through six characters the first night I played D&D. My sympathy level is not very high. Of course my play style is stand in the gap and defend the retreat, so I went through about 20 characters before I got one to third level. Although later I did get my paladin to 7th level, even though I mostly reffed. That was after we started using extraordinary strength from Greyhawk. I admit to being a "snowflake" player and DM in my gaming past...my characters were precious to me at one time and I loathed to kill characters. A Father/Daughter team that joined our group many years ago cured me of that particular affectation lol. They also like to wander away from the party, often to the detriment of their respective characters. Much hilarity ensues! |
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Post by The Perilous Dreamer on Mar 27, 2023 18:17:54 GMT -5
I went through six characters the first night I played D&D. My sympathy level is not very high. Of course my play style is stand in the gap and defend the retreat, so I went through about 20 characters before I got one to third level. Although later I did get my paladin to 7th level, even though I mostly reffed. That was after we started using extraordinary strength from Greyhawk. I admit to being a "snowflake" player and DM in my gaming past...my characters were precious to me at one time and I loathed to kill characters. A Father/Daughter team that joined our group many years ago cured me of that particular affectation lol. They also like to wander away from the party, often to the detriment of their respective characters. Much hilarity ensues! I never try to kill characters, it is generally bad decisions that bring that result to fruition. Players that want to go off on their own is usually a bad idea. |
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Post by hengest on May 29, 2023 18:04:45 GMT -5
Apparently some people cry and come unglued when their character dies. IMO if that is you, then you have a mental illness and should get help and stay away from roleplaying games. People who are not clear on the difference between fantasy and reality should not play roleplaying games. Anyone who does not understand, it is just a game, should not play games until they grow up. If you can't tell the difference between yourself and your character, please, find another kind of game to play. |
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Post by The Semi-Retired Gamer on Jun 3, 2023 7:28:36 GMT -5
Apparently some people cry and come unglued when their character dies. IMO if that is you, then you have a mental illness and should get help and stay away from roleplaying games. People who are not clear on the difference between fantasy and reality should not play roleplaying games. Anyone who does not understand, it is just a game, should not play games until they grow up. If you can't tell the difference between yourself and your character, please, find another kind of game to play. Right?! We had to stop playing with one guy in school because he took everything in game as a personal attack on HIM. He would hold grudges and act weird about it as well. |
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Only a much nicer guy.
