Hey, are you a gamer or GM who wants to make sure that everyone in your group feels safe, supported, and heard? Download our FREE Consent in Gaming PDF, which includes a Consent Checklist. https://t.co/utS7xGzcrI#CriticalCare #RPG #TTRPG pic.twitter.com/XFPmHxYZZn
— Shanna Germain (@ShannaGermain) January 25, 2020
As a game of conversation, D&D always involves talk between the DM and the players. Those conversations are best when they're friendly and dedicated to the group's collective enjoyment.
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) August 29, 2018
@JeremyECrawford Dear Mr. Crawford; I have recently witnessed a 10-year friendship end over a ruling on the Horizon Walker's 'Distant Strike' ability. Can a HW using Distant Strike without making an Attack, particularly while not in a combat situation? #BadReasonsToEndFriendships
— Gerald Von Kahr (@GVonKahr) October 15, 2018
Friendship is more important than a game's rules.
If you and a friend are having a disagreement about rules, please pause, go do something else, and remind yourselves why you love each other's company.
Human connection and love beat being correct any day. https://t.co/EzVfQ79kuX
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) October 15, 2018
Been doing the game thing for 20 years and think I have an answer for the one skill that is indispensable:
Be the person who raises the energy level in the room. If you do that, people will love working with you and your projects will shine.
— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) September 22, 2018
And to make this more than a vague exhortation – I've found that asking questions helps. Example: Writer proposes something I don't really like. Instead of just being negative, I take a moment to really understand my reaction and find a way to phrase as a question.
— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) September 22, 2018
Let’s say someone proposes a grim dark fantasy thing, and I don’t like it because I think it’s cliche these days. I might ask, “What would you do to make this stand out from Warhammer or Game of Thrones? What’s makes it distinct?” The secret is that if I'm being honest with myself, and I realize my critique is dumb, idiosyncratic, or reflexive without real thought, I just drop it. Forces me to focus on conversations that drive us forward and actually matter.
— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) September 22, 2018
Reverse is true, too – if you love a pitch, think about why and focus on questions that build on that. Funny thing I’ve noticed is that my questions kind of end up looking similar if I like or dislike a pitch. At the end of the day, writers, artists, and creators like solving problems, and questions engage that maker mentality that pushes people to do this stuff for a living. Questions are more valuable than answers, IMO.
— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) September 22, 2018
this is also a really good DMing skill. You know, I probably learned it as part of going from being a crap DM to being one who knows enough to understand when I'm on point and when I'm floundering.
— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) September 22, 2018
dude everything i ever do i learned from rpgs. business meetings, relationships, it’s all communication learned from sitting at a table for HOURS making sure conversations work properly and people contribute good stuff. This is why the 21st century needs RPGs! This is the century of communication.
— Mike Mearls (@mikemearls) September 22, 2018
Your DM runs the D&D game you're playing.
The rules don't run the game. My rulings don't run the game. Your DM does.
And that game is a co-op game, all about creating a mutually fun experience for the people at the table.
Work to bring smiles to one another's faces. #DnD
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) August 17, 2018
Smiles are important but the other thing a great party gets on their face is pizza! Mmm, pizza.
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) August 17, 2018
Why do we have rules then if they dont mean anything?
— Energy Predator (@forestsfailyou) August 17, 2018
Rules help make D&D a game, rather than pure improvisational storytelling. The DM is the person who runs that game and who oversees the use of the rules.
If you like total fidelity to the rules, I recommend choosing a DM who strives for that. #DnD https://t.co/8Z3aJG0SFu
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) August 17, 2018
Our of curiosity, where’s the overlap between “your DM runs the game” and “D&D is a cooperative game”? What’s the design rationale for investing the DM with all rulings power, and not sharing it cooperatively among the table and social contract?
— Matt Hayles (@mathayles) August 17, 2018
The DM cooperates with the players to create a fun experience. And the players cooperate with each other. If there are disputes, the DM makes the final call. A co-op-minded DM makes a call that feels natural for the group and talks it through if they have questions. #DnD https://t.co/FqOk8hrfbA
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) August 17, 2018
It’s only a co-op till the players start trying to murder each other
— Aidan Warnock (@Astr0Wolf) August 17, 2018
If the players are trying to murder each other, please call the police! 👮♀️👮♂️ https://t.co/80fedxHuYx
— Jeremy Crawford (@JeremyECrawford) August 17, 2018
