PDA

View Full Version : The DM Codex of Conduct.



Gamgee
2010-11-05, 11:46 AM
I think with all of the threads we see popping up around here illustrating bad behavior or events going on (or good ones) at the table we can discuss what worked to solve these problems, and what didn't. The DM is also the central figure of any game, and the core that binds them. There needs to be a code of conduct to follow that minimizes social risks, and maximizes the fun factor people have.

In essence a glorified book of tips on how to behave appropriately as a DM (seeing as your so integral to the group as a whole despite any factions) and also a tip guide on how to run fun games in general. I think for now the best bet are simple discussions and sharing the finer points on being a DM and what works and doesn't for you. Good and bad situations, and later on we can begin organizing. Also I will share later as right now I am quite on a lunch break which is running out of time.

Morph Bark
2010-11-05, 12:09 PM
Should there be a massive flowchart on how to act depending on the given "bad" situation? Hmmm.

Ruinix
2010-11-05, 12:15 PM
oook i think Deadpool have a word about this ¬¬

http://doubleviking.cachefly.net/images/bamkapow/2009/01/motivational-posters/inspirational-posters-superheroes-04.jpg

Oracle_Hunter
2010-11-05, 12:19 PM
A handy & enlightening flow-chart (http://www.evilbrainjono.net/images/Finding_your_GMing_Style.jpg) for determining your DM style :smallbiggrin:

And a reference link (http://www.indie-rpgs.com/forge/index.php?topic=30245.0)

WarKitty
2010-11-05, 12:20 PM
From a female gamer, rules on handling female players:

Section 1: General rules

(1) Players are players. Don't differentiate.

(2) If running your standard D&D setting, male and female PC's shouldn't be treated differently. If running in a setting where sexism is appropriate, don't let it make some PC's less useful than others. And make sure everyone knows this about the setting beforehand.

(3) Don't rape PC's. Period. Don't indulge in graphic descriptions of rape. Be very careful about including it. Now, it can be appropriate in certain situations, but make sure it *is* appropriate and not just thrown in to be edgy.

Section 2: Romantic attraction

Ok, this part can apply to any form of romantic attraction, not just male DM female player. But that seems to be the usual situation.

(1) Try your hardest to be fair. Most gamer girls are there to game and build a character, it's not actually that much fun if someone's making our life too easy.

(2) Don't hit on someone who is with someone else, not of the appropriate orientation, or simply has expressed disinterest in a relationship (either in general or with you specifically).

(3) Don't hit on a new player until everyone's gotten a chance to get to know each other. Especially for guys hitting on girls. It's not fair, but we're likely to label you as yet another dude who's desperate for something with breasts if you start in the first session.

valadil
2010-11-05, 12:25 PM
Section 2 addendum

4) Don't favor or punish your SO through game. If you are incapable of doing this, you have no right GMing for your SO (unless it's a solo game).

Kurald Galain
2010-11-05, 12:30 PM
Thou Shalt Not Have Thy DMPC Solve Every Ploteth.

Lev
2010-11-05, 12:30 PM
1: Make everyone happy
2: Continue to make everyone happy
3: ????
4: Profit

Tharck
2010-11-05, 12:42 PM
Play for your players. Remember if everyone is having fun you're doing a great job, if you're not having fun but the PCs are you are doing a good job, and if you are having fun and they're not - you're doing a bad job.

Don't cheat. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. And if you do cheat, dont get caught.

Be careful about letting people play in your group. Some people arn't there to play DnD as much as be there because someone else is there.

Never watch the movie Dungeons and Dragons, and if anyone who wants to play your game says it was the reason they want to play - invite them over that night and hack them to pieces and toss each piece into a fire until it burns to ashes - then fire those ashes into space toward Pluto.

Kill PCs, but dont try to.

If a PC threatens to leave the game if you kill their character, or dont bring them back, burn their character sheet infront of them.

Dont throw dice.

Dont use a "favorite" die. Pick randoms ones each time.

Know the rules and read every source book you are including through and through.

Use NPC classes such as warrior frequently, use PC classes sparringly.

Dont each chips over other PC's heads while setting up the table encounter.

Dont tell players you would let them eat chips in your bed.

If someone has a bad attitude about the game, be mature and let them go, calling them names as you chase them out of the house is also a good option.

Having 1 female in an all male group, or 1 male in an all female group is distracting. Try to get a good mix.

Pass notes to players frequently.

Tell PCs the wizard dominated them and to kill all the PCs when they go to sleep. Then hand them a note telling them they're not really dominated.

Write your adventures out ahead of time.

Notreallyhere77
2010-11-05, 12:44 PM
Being a GM gives you power, over an entire fictional world. With this power comes the responsibility to make this world consistent with itself, and fun or interesting enough to keep the players engaged.
It also comes with the responsibility of keeping the game running, preparing for the unforseeable, and challenging the PCs fairly.*
It is a job. It is a time-consuming job, and can be difficult, but ultimately it should be worth the trouble.

Remember: You aren't supposed to be making the world for yourself, but for your players' characters.

And unless you're playing Paranoia or a similar game, do not play favorites or allow out-of-game events or discussions to influence the game. You might be angry with your friend right now, but everyone's game suffers if you take it out on his character. Likewise, if your friend has done something extra-nice for you lately, you should not reward him in-game, because that is unfair to the other PCs. Find a way to pay him back outside of the game, even if it means waiting for an opportunity. These statements go double if the friend is a significant other.
In other words, what happens off the table, stays off the table, and vice versa.

Shademan
2010-11-05, 12:52 PM
from another topic: A DM should keep his personal lust/love and his DM masterminding seperate. Fail this and you are WEAK!
This is the code of the DM!

Skorj
2010-11-05, 12:59 PM
Roll with it. Nothing will ever go according to plan. Plan for that. :smallamused: But most of all, roll with it when it happens.

Never be afraid to kill a PC. If needed, make it easy for them to get a raise or res instead. The game really suffers if there's no danger.

Morph Bark
2010-11-05, 01:06 PM
Roll with it. Nothing will ever go according to plan. Plan for that.

Wing it, don't swing it. :smallwink: