If you roleplay with your wife, maybe you'll have a fun night. (That fun might take the form of wife - in character - saying, "IMPUDENT KNAVE! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO THE QUEEN OF THE FOREST THAT WAY?!" and then you skip dinner and go straight to the bedroom because that was F'ing hot.)
I think that one piece of advice I would give to players is to not be in so much of a hurry. For instance: in your first point, you suggest the characters ask around for information, or observe clues in their surroundings. For many players though, this consists of literally saying "We ask around for information.", or "We look for clues." Well who are you asking? Where are you looking? "Everyone" or "Everywhere". That is skipping half of the chapter to get to the last page. Even if someone doesn't feel comfortable voicing or doing an actual scene, they can still tell the DM, "I'm going to ask that old Irish Lady about the dragon on the hill" or "I'm going to check out the basement of the bar to see if there are tunnels to the sewer." Sorry for the babbling. Hope it makes any sense, and is useful for someone.
+Scott Powell YES! Man I hate players who go all generic on me. My usual response to: "I look for clues" is "You find lots of clues, that lead you to slaying the dragon. It's an epic quest. Everyone wins. Now - can we play boardgames please?" It's a pet hate of mine. And I love comments that spark responses and get ideas flowing! So babble little brook and water your way to ... err ... it's too early in the morning for me to finish that metaphor. Yes. PLAYERS SHOULD NOT HURRY... unless they shopping. Then I have seen the mightiest Orc Barbarian get excited over matching fur boots and a stunning ermine lined winter cloak of resistance +1. Sigh. Then players should hurry.
+Bacon Battalion RPG But if you hurry while shopping, you may miss out on the best piece of rope, or your dagger may end up just being a dagger. It's a dilemma.
@@GreatGMLive I laughed so hard at that first response. I feel like my husband would sass just as hard! Well done! Sass is good for people. We're all quite soft.
@@GreatGMLive My answer for shopping is: If you're a mage or thief needing the basics for your trade make a shopping list. You will get everything(1) and only haggle the price. If your group is browsing in the market tell before hand what you are looking for to the GM and it might be there. (1) Unless your GM does this: "Oh, I'm out of bat wings because the guy who normally brings them didn't show this week."
Bacon Battalion RPG None so far. I mean... you are a niche. You are nicely calm and focus your tips on the "creative writing-base" while Colville speaks more of things he tried and experienced. Not that you do not do that, but you seem to go a bit deeper still.
As a GM I wish my players would think more. Funny story, They were doing an island based campaign and they were told about these pirates. They had a small skirmish with what was clearly identified as some of the weaker members of the pirate crew. Fast forward 2 levels (they are around 7 now) they get access to a ship by helping a port town and decide that pirates have a ton of treasure, we should go hunt them down. They had been told several times that these were the biggest and baddest out there. That even the top Navy in the world avoids these pirates. But nope, level 7's can handle it. So they walk onto what appears to be an empty ship, guarded by only 3 pirates on watch (the ship was docked). Soon as they step out they are ambushed by a bunch of pirates that had gone invisible. I gave the pirates weapons that did non-lethal damage. After they were knocked out and recovered, the players were informed, "we beat you, we've taken ALL your stuff and we're selling you into slavery". Ended up sending the campaign into a totally different direction. Some got annoyed, some liked it. I tried to explain to them that if you think a bit more, you can avoid things like that.
+Justin Carpenter It's always funny how players get so upset when you send their characters off to slavery. I've only managed it successfully once - but I had already sent them back in time 5000 years and they had helped their God (as a child 5000 years in the past) start his journey to godhood.So they had pause for thought I guess... Explaining the notion of thought... can be tricky because some players can take it as an insult to their intelligence. Which it isn't. But heat of the moment stuff...
As if them losing their gear is the absolutely worst thing possible... I believe more would take dismemberment than a wyvern snatching their pack mule off the cliff side, ha!
I love/hate storms. Great for drama... terrible for those of us still using copper for internet access as there is blind panic and unplugging of all things when the storm gods roll in.
i feel like this is a great video overall because it is one of the few videos out there that isn't the "how to be a great DM" or "how to do this or that" or "how to roleplay your char perfectly"... you hear endlessly on how to roleplay a character better, or how to not be a terrible DM... but you don't ever really hear about how it's also a player's responsibility to enhance the story and gameplay. besides just playing his character truer and learning the rules.
+Jon Dibenedetto Thanks, I'm glad we managed to find something new :) And that it was a good experience for you! Please keep reminding us if we slip into the endless vids...
I wanted to play role playing games as a kid but never had any friends who would play so I never got into it. Now I have discovered watching these games on RUclips and want to get into it now that it's easier to connect with people! I really enjoy these videos because I have NEVER played a game and I don't want to be "that guy" that doesn't have a damn clue. I know these are old videos, but I hope you still see this!
Well, 2019 here and I'm in the same position. Never played an RPG but I am so interested in it and so I watch all of these videos in the hopes of being ready one day.
Might I add, "Know Your Character?" I mentioned asking for supplies, especially for characters just starting out. If I'm working for the local lord, go to his seneschal and ask for some supplies to cover the things you might not have been able to afford, but will help with the adventure. Well, using your emotional dwarf, even he knows to look to the Dwarven merchants to ask about the troubles outside town. A Dwarf merchant would know as he has to bring supplies in. A Bard could talk with your uncaring bartender. The bartender might not know, but, with a promise of a night's playing, he could probably point out someone who would know. Your fighter probably knows, or has spent a night drinking with, guards, militia, or other adventurers. He can talk with them to gain more information. Clerics or wizards could talk to the local herbalist. Need help getting med kits? He probably knows what is outside the walls as he will either collect the plants himself, or be paying someone to do it for him. Not meta-gaming, not using player knowledge rather than character knowledge, just using what your character would know and have access to all there to help you and your party. I've seen too many people just assume that since this was their starting gold, they couldn't get more. Especially at 1st level, things are more important than gold. Even a cheap, med kit donated by the local temple can help you stay alive while in the wilds and if the job is helping them as well, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
I was really upset at this for one game... The players didn't have enough staying find for any health potions and didn't combine their money for more or an the shopkeep "hey we're the ones hired to look for the list supplies... Could we get a discount or something?" It's sadly feeling like it's always on me to do the thing...
As a gm, these videos make me so happy and sad. I absolutely adore them and it gives me both cool ideas and hope for my future as a dm, but I know that no matter how hard I try to get some of my players to try and up their game, they just won’t. It’s driving me insane - literally.
I'm 6 years late, but the fact that this showed up in my recommended feed simply means this video is evergreen content according to RUclips and the fact I watched, liked and subscribed means I also believe it's evergreen content.
"Ask around" is extremely important. I had players stretch out what was intended to be the first ten minutes of a session into the entire session because they wouldn't do that one simple thing and then they complained that nothing happened. The player that couldn't attend the session was extremely frustrated when he heard that because his first impulse was: Why did nobody ask around? Apparently because that's what worked the time before to get information and they didn't think it would work again.
Next time when I DM an adventure, I just HAVE TO, at least once, go like "HARHAR! What a wonderful player! Here's some information, take some more information! Have a magical item, just because you asked a question!! (video at 6:48) That was awesome, man!
Guys, he doesn't advertise this often but i by chance stumbled on his actual gameplay with friends and it is literally the best on the net if you don't mind that they don't have critical role kind of budget. I cannot recommend watching his Bacon RPG series (which started as pathfinder and ports to 5e) enough! They also play star/futuristic themes as well but thats not my thing. Once you see the chemistry and patience of him and his friends (some perhaps completely new players) you will probably have a completely different impression. You've got to watch them in action! I am completely unaffiliated with anyone on this channel and just want to spread the word. Browse his channel. Most episodes I've watched are 30 minutes or less in duration because i don't often have 2.5 hrs for watching other games. He edits out a lot of the math of calculating damage and (since that takes up most of the time in episodes) it makes the play time be concise and compelling. Highly enjoyable!
This is a great video! I've recently started dming for a group of friends and half the players are struggling with the learning curve. They don't realize 90% of what you said and get angry when things don't go their way, but they never discuss things or plan it out or play their damn characters even, so they become side characters to the ones that do talk and think. They start complaining that it feels like they don't have a choice, but they never seek out more information. They go by what i gave in one instance and think that's it, while the other half discusses strategy.
I got a story as a player character from my first campaign of 5e a few years back We were pretty low level (roughly 2~4) and I was playing a Bard in a party of 5 featuring Myself, A Paladin, A Fighter, A Ranger, and A Druid. We were infiltrating a vampire's lair, and we were attempting to stealth past the sleeping pair of Manticores guarding a hallway. We succeeded and made it into the next room which so happened to be spider infested. After having most of the party go unconscious or dying to the spiders, the Manticores were awakened by the sound of battle and came in and took down the fighter. Now, the DM thought he was going end up accidentally TPK-ing us as the fighter, Paladin, and Ranger were all unconscious while the Druid and myself were mostly dead, but I managed to engage in diplomacy with the Manticores, mid combat, and told them we were surrendering and asked to take us to his leader to discuss the terms of our surrender. So the Manticores insta-killed the spiders and took us into a dining hall where we were told to stay and sit while the vampire made his way down. We then talked for a while, the Druid, who was Chaotic Evil for some reason, willingly became a vampire spawn, and the rest of us were magically imprisoned in a painting, where I had to further negotiate / bargain with some kinda demon-dragon thing to get us out (loosing some valuables I've collected as a result). We then grabbed our gear, and proceeded to exit while another party of higher level NPC adventurers were killing the vampire spawns (including our druid friend) and got ourselves out of there by meeting up with said party and asking what way they came from. A nice example of where a possible TPK became a way out for everyone who didn't abandon the party.
This is why i like Call of Cthulhu so much as a starting game. It teaches people to run, they are only human, and not to pick up the shiny thing quite so fast.
Hey guy, First time I checked out the channel. Looks hella good. This is why people are happy when they get you as a GM at Icon. I'd love to see you do a video about "my character wouldn't do that" vs player finding logical compromise for the sake of game/story.
Thought I'd just make a comment, and I know there are different opinions on this but... Players should defiantly not undervalue the importance of the group story telling potential. From the GM camp I love to listen to what the players think is happening or what they seem to be focused on, after I've given them many a hook or carrot, and ether add to those or put a spin and do something completely different. Provided it ads even more to the story and most importantly enjoyment. It's great fun to let the players sometimes do all the tricky thinking ;)
ABSOLUTELY! Yes I love watching my players create and weave the stories within the world I have given them, it's just some players need more encouragement than others. And others need a little reining in, because no you cannot go on the umpteenth side quest to farm vegetables... But generally it is always satisfying when they are into the story and world enough to create stories of their own.
Players not asking questions while also ignoring the fact they can communicate with each other is probably the worst thing they can do. I was once running a session where I had a rather large door with four locks. The puzzle was quite simple in the fact that you just turned all for of the keys to open the door. However, they spent easily two hours trying to figure it out because they just assumed I would give them hints the more they failed. One person finally was like "I'm good at lockpicking. Can I guess how to open the locks" And the door was open in one roll. Everyone else threw up their arms and was like "We could have done that all along! This was stupid!" Pleeeeeease remember to communicate, and there is no such thing as a stupid question.
I so agree with this as a long time GM of Shadowrun and occasionaly D&D. I've suggested the video for a couple of players who are new to table top RPGs. AS a DM I base my difficulties on not only what the PC's are trying to do, but how they go about doing them, and even then when their PC's have knowledge the players don't I do help them out. But that is usua;lly just the start of trying to overcome the challenge.
I'm fairly new to RPG (not really, I know the game for almost 2 years, but I got to play very few sessions during all that time, only recently I found a group of my own just when depression and homesickness were doing a number in my life), and I'm learning a lot from these videos. I'm happy to see that I already do many of the things expected from a good player, but intuitively. These videos are helping me create rules and standards in my head for me to follow. I'll tell the other 4 in my group to check this channel out, and since 3 of them also DM, I hope they'll watch the other series too.
My friend is building a campaign to run for the summer. A lot of us are very new to Role Playing Games and I'm sending this to all of them. This is a great introduction in to how these types of game can be played and I look forward to future episodes.
+Elijah Moore That's awesome! Let us know how it goes. Another episode launches tomorrow so watch out for it. Also if you have a GM head on over to How to be a great GM - loads of tips there for them too!
Finally a bullet pointed explanation of the core necessities of a cooperative game. This video will be a must see at every session 0 I have from here on out. Loving your Great GM videos too! Whether an old school player like us; I grew up with AD&D in the late eighties and stayed with 2nd ed until recently with 5th, or new players just getting into the hobby, many will benefit from your videos. Well done friend.
Your voice + D&D + sound of rain and thundering = the most relaxing soundtrack to fall asleep to, awesome video, going to watch the whole playlist, keep it up
Every time you mentioned something about how very excited the game master will be when the players take action I agreed whole heartedly. I'm by no means the best DM, I'm overworked and while I want to run games often I don't have much time to prepare. But gosh it would be amazing if all my players were proactive instead of just tagging along for the ride. I'd be ecstatic.
That's often why I play Ranger, and paranoid Ranger at that. I NEVER trust the DM. New room: I stop and investigate before I enter. Served a meal: I eye the food carefully before I eat. There's a card game in the corner of the pub. I drink my ale in a seat near them and listen
Very good points. I've had my players toss their hands up and resign themselves to doom or hopelessness for me to tell the PLAYERS "Go into the room with the iron door." They open the door and find the thing they need, the ally they prayed for, the plot device that had been waiting on them.... but they just skirt around it. They are BRILLIANT at wandering around important things to get lost among the pointless. But if they just trust in me to have their best interest at heart - they'd realize that the story will see them through.
Every once in a while I enjoy coming back to this video and taking stock of my characters objectives... it's very easy to fall into the pitfall of min/maxing and/or becoming rather stagnant in roleplay; especially if GMs or fellow players throw a curve ball and change the setting entirely. The ideas I come up with after this videos help with keeping my mind on what really is pertinent to the game is most appreciated; and I'm sure my DM will be appreciative as well since the group has been stagnating a bit to long with no real momentum to the story. Every once in a while its good to have a little push in the right direction :)
Thank you for sharing! You raise a very valid point - Role-playing can all too quickly be assumed to be 'learnt' . Eg. I have been roleplaying for 2 years, I know how, and so I'm not going to try to change... or to reflect on my own abilities etc. After 20 years of roleplaying I am still learning and trying to improve my game.
These videos are great! They have really helped my friends and me take our games to a higher level. keep up the awesome work! PS. I like the way he talks.
Great video, you only have 2,101 subs at the typing of this comment, but I see that growing very quickly with the quality of this production! Your voice is very easily understandable and entertaining to listen to, you are very coherent and very straight to the point and give lots of new and readily to learn information, but you display it in an entertaining way like I am face to face having a conversation with you about it. I love it! 0 Dislikes and it's because it's practically perfect!
That's very high praise - my gratitude. It's taken a long time to get it right, but I think we're nearly there. Nearly. Thank you for watching this, and for being a fan! If you have any content you'd like to see or questions to ask - let us know. We love questions!
I definitely feel like your videos are a type of content not seen on RUclips in this regards. (New to your channel, and DnD in particular, first session on Thursday!) So I think these talks, almost somewhat teachings and lectures are very good!
Great *ASMR* audio, I love it! Oh and... the *content* is great as well. And... sorry to bring this up, but... if an ewok eats a human, than it's technically not "cannibalism"!
+Zoe Welcome to the table! Be sure to check with your GM if he supports what I'm suggesting here, as some GM's have strict rules on how they want people to create characters etc. But I'm glad these are helping! Good luck with your game and let us know how it goes!
Thank you to agreeing with fleeing! Many games my character ran away, other player gave me an hard time for my barbarian running away from a 40 Vs 2 fight. Another game, we had to protect a cargo, other players stand and fight a hopeless fight while I whipped the horse and fled with the chariot. GM had to introduce a demi-god to save them
I have to say that you have some wonderful tips...I have been playing them in the background during homework and I have had to actually stop and laugh thinking of the players I have dealt with or even your little jokes...Thank you for an enjoyable video.
I am currently playing as a fighter dwarf who will sacrifice himself to kill a kraken with two bag of holding and my next character is a spy teacher who is a rogue herself
Really solid video. Piece I liked the most is emphasized overall, that players need to know that sometimes the GM NEEDS to change things from book values, or "railroad" the story for a bit, in order to change it. Only problem is that the points made rely heavily on assuming that the DM is good, not bad
Hehehehe, gratitude - glad you appreciate the humour. Let us know how your game goes with these tips in hand! We love feedback, and bring all your questions here about role-playing! We love questions!
Thank you for the video recently my Dm threw two ancient dragons at us and after the session I was thinking why would he do this if he knew we couldn’t handle it now I see, I am all the more exited to play next time.
Yes, yes, yes! I AGREE! I hate having a players who will not engage or give up without trying to think their way out of a situation. I am always wanting feedback. First some back story...It is winter, and a band of 50 orcs, 20 Kobalts, and 40 goblins, with 3 repeating and quick firing trebuchets, lead by a disgraced elven wizard has taken one of the newest towns under the fiefdom lord's protection. The town has a keep in it, and also it's in the borderlands. The players are each playing 4 faeries...who serve as the lord's spies, saboteurs, etc. Now, I sent them them to spy and do recon which they did without a problem. But then, I also sent them in to gum up the works before the offensive strikes, which the players were to also be in charge of, and we are also talking complete miniature set-up. So, before I ask what you would have done, let me go back and give you the set up again. Basically, the lord didn't want his men out in the bitter winter air for very long. So, he sends in the fae to first spy and then sends them back to sabotage, and gave them a 4 hour time frame to do it in...the players would have started the offensive strike at dawn. What would you have done to sabotage this operation, in 4 hours, before the offensive starts? Mind you, you have 16 faeries, and who a have an understanding of where things are located from your spying missions previously mentioned. One more tidbit of info that you know...that the townspeople, knights, and most of the solders are in the keep's dungeons. Oh, and Palladium Fantasy RPG faeries.
A few questions: 1 - are there any pots of greenflame/gnomish fire/oil available? 2 - Do the orcs patrol the village? 3 - Do the golbins patrol the village? 4 - Does the keep have a wooden door or portcullis or both? 5 - Are the orcs using the keeps kitchens to prepare food? 6 - Is there an apothecary that we can consult with? Those would be my questions. Because then you kill three orcs on patrol, and six goblins without raising the alarm. Then arrange it to look like the goblins attacked the orcs and raise the alarm. Whilst the alarm is up, you pour oil all over the three treb's. But don't set them on fire - we don't want that elvish wizard to know something is up. We then lace the food being eaten with a ridiculous amount of sugar and a strong laxative or virulent stomach bug. It should take a few hours to kick in - we do need to wait for that blizzard to end right before we attack so nothing fast acting. Then depending on the doors and portcullis we want to make sure that ropes to the 'cullis are frayed and broken so they look ok, but when used will snap. We want to trap the orcs inside the castle... If it's doors we want to rust the hinges. Of course we also want to head on down to the dungeons and wait till the attack (after giving the signal that the keep is ready). At least that seems like the most obvious solution. Another one might involve cabbages but I'd need more information :)
1: yes, it's called fire of the dragon. 2 and 3: At the moment, there is only a light guard presence at the keep mostly...the troops are getting rest before the attack. 4: Both. but the portcullis is bent all to hell. 5: not at the moment, but there will be in 2 hours. 6: yes, but they will have to wake her up..
Dismantle? Too much effort - weaken and subtly sabotage. Poor fellows. Obviously not a thief amongst them. Did you give me some kind of Knowledge check to work out to break them or did they just barge in and start swinging?
It was a blast, thank you. My GM was very entertaining and I tried my best to be proactive. Next I will focus more on the who, what, where kind of questions. Really great fun!
The only way I approve of a player challenging the numbers is when it goes like this: "Are you sure? That's the difficulty of climbing a glass wall. What's so hard about that?" Sometimes, a GM doesn't have a clear grasp on what the numbers mean - or they didn't mention relevant details which make the difficulty. About sharing information: I absolutely agree on this one, but would like to add the other side of the coin. If you are the leader, ask your companions opinions and ask them about what they know. Furthermore, they ask their companions if they can find something out. For a leader of a group, power rarely manifests as discipline. You don't order the group around as a leader: you take your groups opinions into consideration and create a compromise which is acceptable for everyone.
Spot on. If its a new GM then yes raise the numbers. Ultimately one must have faith in one's GM or the GM must have trust in the players to provide the right numbers, DC's etc. As for your leader comment, just released a video on that exact subject and our thoughts are one!
Vid idea: Im not aware of many videos about how to strike a balance between playing cooperatively and well and stealing the spotlight. This in many cases is harder than one may think. Many players are more into wargaming or other aspects. To what degree should one pull back if other people simply don't seem to role play much even when you use your time to talk with their character? Was playing the face of a party, on a low attendance day it was just me, a warlock and a Kenku thief (who can't really talk). The more I tried to involve the others in interplay, the more spotlight ended up on me.
I've been watching your videos and really enjoying them. Great advice and engaging, too! And even though I'm not a GM, I've found your GM tips videos to be very insightful. Definitely subscribed.
Great video, my group got into a lot of impossible encounters. Last encounters, my group got ambushed by many well armed enemies in a space ship while we have almost no weapon, no armors and no tools to win. My team thought they have no choice and have to surrender, my GM wanted us to surrender. However, I refused. I planned this many sessions ahead while almost no fore shadowing if he did not set us up in a dodgy tour. Luckily, my character is Bang the strategist , his mind can not be broken nor his skill can be matched by any. So I then I gave my team the instructions. I spend a long time knowing my team's play style so I know exactly what they would do, I know their strength, weakness, luck and their will power. I know who in when would give up and who in when will die trying. As for my character, he can read a person in split second so there is no problem for him to perform the level that I am with my team. At the end, we survived the ambush and got out mostly alive, while our enemies gained nothing and down to one last man standing. So I think you just have to know your character, know your team and their characters. Then decide how would they act. Because for my character Bang, nothing is impossible. That is what I want to bring to the GM and build on that concept, so I have to show my GM that is what I mean. If I just give up, that would be all talk, no actions. Not fun for the GM. I even give the GM a head start by letting him cripple my character early in the encounter while I didn't have to because my character has ability that allow him to spot ambushes and can not be surprised. +10 bonus to initiative as well. So yes, you want to character to be something, act like that something your character supposed to be. Don't play a badass character if you just going to cry when things get too hard. Rip off your own skins, stand and fight.
I love it! Rip off your own skin stand and fight! IT's awesome to hear this info and to share it with others - don't be afraid to make plans! Although I do have to say - sometimes you do need to surrender :p
When the world gets dark and you are the only thing stands between good and evil, you can not surrender even if it will cost your life. It's a statement one must make.
I litealy almost died at "alderon has a dodge of -5" I had just taken a giant sip of water and my throat could not decide whether I wanted to finish its swallow or proceed with an exhale of laughter so I got caught in the middle of the two and forgot how to breathe for a second
What really sucks is when after all that preparation you just roll a natural 1. Not even the DM knows what to do, you did all you were supposed to but there's no running from a natural 1: something must go very wrong, and sometimes it's ridiculous. I got everything ready for everyone to climb up a 6 stores tall building and I took care of everything, harness, safety hooks, and a counter weight and when it's the druid's turn to climb she rolls a natural 1 and everything was so fool proof that the DM had to come with "a spider creeps inside your vest, and you panic, unharness yourself and fall" ¬_¬
This is a great channel! I've watched several of your videos and think you do an amazing job. Keep it up! :D And the thunder only added to the video. Felt more epic!
I have to say, my players are very good! I never think, "Is this do-able" anymore because of how creative my players have become. It seems no matter how hard I try to make things tricky and challenging, they always outsmart me and find a way.
I had one encounter where I failed horribly caused the story needed me to in which it was being told, as I got a 38 and had bonuses for the roll which is why that is high. We later fought the npc who did the situation in which I made the roll for and he was not that level of difficulty. It sucked at the time but it wasn't enough distress to complain about it too much.
I joined a new group a few years ago. Everybody else knew each other, i was new to them (in a new city) and knew to their style of playing. We did this cool little adventure were we were basically stuck in an illusion and afterwards we were talking with an NPC and he made some off hand remark about the "illusion i created." I looked straight at the DM, none of the others seemed to react, though they had no idea this NPC had made it. The DM later told me thats how she knew she was gonna keep me around: I paid attention to the little details when they had all moved past noticing them.
+Bacon Battalion RPG Well, i asked about it in character, in front of the rest of the group, so I guess that counts as sharing information. Sharing of information is very important, as you've mentioned but we have one character who I think just doesn't want to, ever. I think it's also important to note, you have to work to get information from others. Especially in 'evil' campaigns, you actually have to try to get the rest of the information. In another game I was in, one of the NPCs mentioned another NPC that had been following us, but my character didn't even know. Others seemed to and it was a way to try and force a player to share when they hadn't been. Bad-player me didn't push for specifics, like i should have (my character had a lot of other stuff going on).
+Bacon Battalion RPG It's fun most of the time, though I will admit, sometimes I think my DM punishes my character unfairly for her choices. I haven't figured out how to go to her and explain my feelings. Maybe a GREATPC episode explaining how to have the "I'm not having fun" talk? As if you probably don't already have a list a mile long of episodes you'd like to do.
9:54 "Your Captain of a starship does not know the modifier of a Klingon Bird of Prey." Why wouldn't he? Of course he knows what his ship and common enemy ships can do. There is some uncertainty, because he does not know if the ship has modifications, is poorly maintained or what quality the enemy's crew has, but he does have a rough idea what his chances of winning in a fight are.
I currently talk with my GM multiple times a week (I'm a first time player and my best friend is a first time GM), and he is always asking me what I'm thinking is going on. I am a huge fantasy book fan, especially the Drizzt series by R. A. Salvatore, so I loosely based my character around Bruenor, but he happens to be a rogue instead of a fighter, and I take a lot of my knowledge of how I think my character would act based on the books. My largest issue is that I came up with a huge plot hook for my backstory (my character was an armor smith, had a twin brother who was to be captain of the guard, but was murdered before the ceremony, so my character took up his hammers and donned the special armor he designed and made for his brother and set off in search of the killer), and the GM seems to really like that I gave him something to go off of, but most of the other people that are in our group either don't have a backstory or don't have much of one, and don't really seem to be connected to their characters or the story as much as I am. I feel that I tend to have to be the leader of the group, otherwise the group wouldn't go anywhere or do anything unless or GM dropped the problem on their heads. Any advice on what I can do as a player that loves his character and loves the story arc that the GM has created for us, to get more thought or input out of the rest of the party? I personally find it easier if I just think/talk completely in character while we are playing, as it helps me to really react as my character would, but it's getting harder and harder to stay in character when the rest of the party doesn't seem to really contribute a whole lot to the story.
That's a great suggestion for our how to be a great roleplayer series would you mind suggesting it here too so that we have them in one place: www.greatgamemaster.com/suggestions/ But for now I would suggest you talk to the players out of character and see if you can connect them in some way with your story, perhaps the other players knew your brother and so would feel attached enough to go look for his murderer. It's unfortunate when the rest of the tables play style differs so much but perhaps your GM could also look at including more hooks from their backstories to get them more involved. Additionally mention to them that you don't mind being a leader in character but that OOC they need to participate more in the game, perhaps your GM could also chat with them and raise the stakes by giving those who participate more more xp. Hope this helps but will definitely look at doing a video on this and explaining further.
I'll definitely talk to them OOC, for the most part, the group consists of a bunch of mutual friends anyway, so it won't be too hard to talk to them about it. My GM was the one who directed all of us to this video, and I plan on watching more of the "how to be a great player" videos, because I definitely enjoy playing, and I'd hate to drive my friends and other party members away due to being "that guy". Thanks for the advice, and I definitely look forward to more videos!
Since you are watching various videos (thanks for watching ours) you could probably never be that 'Guy' . Let us know how the talk goes :) also please note we are moving all our new content on how to be a great role player and great game master to our other channel: ruclips.net/user/HowtobeaGreatGameMasterChannel
Something to say about intelligent people running non-intelligent characters... I play a character who has a -1 to intelligence and a 0 to wisdom (I can't remember the exact numbers) and solved the puzzle when all the others couldn't. The puzzle was thus: There is a cabinet filled with 9 balls. There is one ball that is *slightly* heavier than the others. Two scales. Each scale can only be used once. I take the first three balls and the next three balls and put each group In one side of a scale. They weigh the same. I take two balls from the third group and put one on either side of the scale, and one weighs more. That is the key. The explanation was that the others were to preoccupied with a strange firepace-like thing. They were not the brightest.
If my players were thinking they would have been gaining information about Zova Ray instead of dealing with a nearby griffin, they would have also noticed a little hint I dropped regarding what Zova was up to.
Bacon Battalion RPG Well it does mean that I get to show them the consequences of forgetting what they were meant to be doing, also I kind of expected it to go this way(I DID put the nearby griffin in intentionally), I would say more about it but if one of my players reads this before 6pm(gmt) today when they have my session they might know what I am up to.
![Chlöe - Shake (Feat. Jeremih) [Official Visualizer]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/aDs_1ufpfv8/mqdefault.jpg)
I really liked the thunder storm it added more to the story.
I miss those thunderstorms!
I believe there was someone off-screen shaking a metal sheet to create the sound effect. ;-)
The timing was so perfect that I thought it was edited in afterwards for effect until he mentioned it, hahah.
Protip: Dont go home still in-character and say "Wife, I am hungery."
Hahhahahahahaha... now that sir is good advice!
Nick Carbaugh as I play d and d with my wife I am almost certain I have said something like this
I would still do that. Any understanding wife would understand. :P
If you roleplay with your wife, maybe you'll have a fun night.
(That fun might take the form of wife - in character - saying, "IMPUDENT KNAVE! HOW DARE YOU SPEAK TO THE QUEEN OF THE FOREST THAT WAY?!" and then you skip dinner and go straight to the bedroom because that was F'ing hot.)
YARRR!!!! PREPARE ME NUTRIENTS, FEMALE!
I think that one piece of advice I would give to players is to not be in so much of a hurry.
For instance: in your first point, you suggest the characters ask around for information, or observe clues in their surroundings. For many players though, this consists of literally saying "We ask around for information.", or "We look for clues." Well who are you asking? Where are you looking? "Everyone" or "Everywhere". That is skipping half of the chapter to get to the last page. Even if someone doesn't feel comfortable voicing or doing an actual scene, they can still tell the DM, "I'm going to ask that old Irish Lady about the dragon on the hill" or "I'm going to check out the basement of the bar to see if there are tunnels to the sewer."
Sorry for the babbling. Hope it makes any sense, and is useful for someone.
+Scott Powell YES! Man I hate players who go all generic on me. My usual response to: "I look for clues" is "You find lots of clues, that lead you to slaying the dragon. It's an epic quest. Everyone wins. Now - can we play boardgames please?" It's a pet hate of mine. And I love comments that spark responses and get ideas flowing! So babble little brook and water your way to ... err ... it's too early in the morning for me to finish that metaphor. Yes. PLAYERS SHOULD NOT HURRY... unless they shopping. Then I have seen the mightiest Orc Barbarian get excited over matching fur boots and a stunning ermine lined winter cloak of resistance +1. Sigh. Then players should hurry.
+Bacon Battalion RPG But if you hurry while shopping, you may miss out on the best piece of rope, or your dagger may end up just being a dagger. It's a dilemma.
@@GreatGMLive I laughed so hard at that first response. I feel like my husband would sass just as hard! Well done! Sass is good for people. We're all quite soft.
@@GreatGMLive My answer for shopping is: If you're a mage or thief needing the basics for your trade make a shopping list. You will get everything(1) and only haggle the price. If your group is browsing in the market tell before hand what you are looking for to the GM and it might be there.
(1) Unless your GM does this: "Oh, I'm out of bat wings because the guy who normally brings them didn't show this week."
After having watched Matthew Colville, Matthew Mercer and several others: You good sir are a marvel to listen to aswell.
+UCFElCarnicero To be held in such company is an honour. Thank you. Any suggestions on improvements?
Bacon Battalion RPG None so far. I mean... you are a niche. You are nicely calm and focus your tips on the "creative writing-base" while Colville speaks more of things he tried and experienced. Not that you do not do that, but you seem to go a bit deeper still.
Awesome thank you for the feedback. Always useful! :)
"Except when they're in traffic."
As a motorcyclist, this cracked me up good. Have a like!
As a GM I wish my players would think more.
Funny story,
They were doing an island based campaign and they were told about these pirates. They had a small skirmish with what was clearly identified as some of the weaker members of the pirate crew. Fast forward 2 levels (they are around 7 now) they get access to a ship by helping a port town and decide that pirates have a ton of treasure, we should go hunt them down. They had been told several times that these were the biggest and baddest out there. That even the top Navy in the world avoids these pirates. But nope, level 7's can handle it.
So they walk onto what appears to be an empty ship, guarded by only 3 pirates on watch (the ship was docked). Soon as they step out they are ambushed by a bunch of pirates that had gone invisible. I gave the pirates weapons that did non-lethal damage. After they were knocked out and recovered, the players were informed, "we beat you, we've taken ALL your stuff and we're selling you into slavery".
Ended up sending the campaign into a totally different direction. Some got annoyed, some liked it. I tried to explain to them that if you think a bit more, you can avoid things like that.
+Justin Carpenter It's always funny how players get so upset when you send their characters off to slavery. I've only managed it successfully once - but I had already sent them back in time 5000 years and they had helped their God (as a child 5000 years in the past) start his journey to godhood.So they had pause for thought I guess... Explaining the notion of thought... can be tricky because some players can take it as an insult to their intelligence. Which it isn't. But heat of the moment stuff...
As if them losing their gear is the absolutely worst thing possible... I believe more would take dismemberment than a wyvern snatching their pack mule off the cliff side, ha!
My dwarf got send back in time 20 years now my group got send 20 years forward in time
I think slavery is a good story vehicle. You can meet completely new characters even enemies and find so much new stuff.
why was it even available then? if you make it available ofcourse they'll think they can take it on.
Next time I play as a detective, I'm surely going to wander about saying "I'm looking for clues! I'm looking for clues!"
5:54 that timing of the thunder with the context was just uncanny LOVE IT hahah
I think the storm gods approve of your message. They punctuate your words very well.
I love/hate storms. Great for drama... terrible for those of us still using copper for internet access as there is blind panic and unplugging of all things when the storm gods roll in.
Epic, with the Thunder God included!
i feel like this is a great video overall because it is one of the few videos out there that isn't the "how to be a great DM" or "how to do this or that" or "how to roleplay your char perfectly"...
you hear endlessly on how to roleplay a character better, or how to not be a terrible DM...
but you don't ever really hear about how it's also a player's responsibility to enhance the story and gameplay.
besides just playing his character truer and learning the rules.
+Jon Dibenedetto Thanks, I'm glad we managed to find something new :) And that it was a good experience for you! Please keep reminding us if we slip into the endless vids...
I wanted to play role playing games as a kid but never had any friends who would play so I never got into it. Now I have discovered watching these games on RUclips and want to get into it now that it's easier to connect with people! I really enjoy these videos because I have NEVER played a game and I don't want to be "that guy" that doesn't have a damn clue. I know these are old videos, but I hope you still see this!
I'm Just A Dave do you live in billings montana?
Well, 2019 here and I'm in the same position. Never played an RPG but I am so interested in it and so I watch all of these videos in the hopes of being ready one day.
Might I add, "Know Your Character?"
I mentioned asking for supplies, especially for characters just starting out. If I'm working for the local lord, go to his seneschal and ask for some supplies to cover the things you might not have been able to afford, but will help with the adventure.
Well, using your emotional dwarf, even he knows to look to the Dwarven merchants to ask about the troubles outside town. A Dwarf merchant would know as he has to bring supplies in.
A Bard could talk with your uncaring bartender. The bartender might not know, but, with a promise of a night's playing, he could probably point out someone who would know.
Your fighter probably knows, or has spent a night drinking with, guards, militia, or other adventurers. He can talk with them to gain more information.
Clerics or wizards could talk to the local herbalist. Need help getting med kits? He probably knows what is outside the walls as he will either collect the plants himself, or be paying someone to do it for him.
Not meta-gaming, not using player knowledge rather than character knowledge, just using what your character would know and have access to all there to help you and your party.
I've seen too many people just assume that since this was their starting gold, they couldn't get more. Especially at 1st level, things are more important than gold. Even a cheap, med kit donated by the local temple can help you stay alive while in the wilds and if the job is helping them as well, it's not out of the realm of possibility.
Excellent suggestions! Thank you for sharing!
I was really upset at this for one game...
The players didn't have enough staying find for any health potions and didn't combine their money for more or an the shopkeep "hey we're the ones hired to look for the list supplies... Could we get a discount or something?"
It's sadly feeling like it's always on me to do the thing...
Hahaha, I mostly do Star Wars RP and spit out my water at Alderaan having a -5 dodge. Great Videos all that I've seen.
Hehehehe, apologies but also glad you found it funny ;)
Oh I love the resources you provide and witty humor. I'm sure a game with you would be epic.
"often times players are not taught how to be good players" - in before ominous thunder
As a gm, these videos make me so happy and sad. I absolutely adore them and it gives me both cool ideas and hope for my future as a dm, but I know that no matter how hard I try to get some of my players to try and up their game, they just won’t. It’s driving me insane - literally.
I'm 6 years late, but the fact that this showed up in my recommended feed simply means this video is evergreen content according to RUclips and the fact I watched, liked and subscribed means I also believe it's evergreen content.
"Ask around" is extremely important. I had players stretch out what was intended to be the first ten minutes of a session into the entire session because they wouldn't do that one simple thing and then they complained that nothing happened.
The player that couldn't attend the session was extremely frustrated when he heard that because his first impulse was: Why did nobody ask around?
Apparently because that's what worked the time before to get information and they didn't think it would work again.
Been a GM for years, different settings, dozens of players. This is what I've always wanted my players to understand. Great video.
Will be sharing this with my player right now! Being GM is much easier and less draining when you have keen engaged players.
Please do share and share alike and if it helps your players let us know! Happy GMing :)
Next time when I DM an adventure, I just HAVE TO, at least once, go like
"HARHAR! What a wonderful player! Here's some information, take some
more information! Have a magical item, just because you asked a
question!! (video at 6:48) That was awesome, man!
:) It is so rare. One must reward good play!
Guys, he doesn't advertise this often but i by chance stumbled on his actual gameplay with friends and it is literally the best on the net if you don't mind that they don't have critical role kind of budget. I cannot recommend watching his Bacon RPG series (which started as pathfinder and ports to 5e) enough! They also play star/futuristic themes as well but thats not my thing. Once you see the chemistry and patience of him and his friends (some perhaps completely new players) you will probably have a completely different impression. You've got to watch them in action! I am completely unaffiliated with anyone on this channel and just want to spread the word. Browse his channel. Most episodes I've watched are 30 minutes or less in duration because i don't often have 2.5 hrs for watching other games. He edits out a lot of the math of calculating damage and (since that takes up most of the time in episodes) it makes the play time be concise and compelling. Highly enjoyable!
This is a great video! I've recently started dming for a group of friends and half the players are struggling with the learning curve. They don't realize 90% of what you said and get angry when things don't go their way, but they never discuss things or plan it out or play their damn characters even, so they become side characters to the ones that do talk and think. They start complaining that it feels like they don't have a choice, but they never seek out more information. They go by what i gave in one instance and think that's it, while the other half discusses strategy.
Your inclusion of the thunder in the narrative is quite delightful. thank you.
I got a story as a player character from my first campaign of 5e a few years back
We were pretty low level (roughly 2~4) and I was playing a Bard in a party of 5 featuring Myself, A Paladin, A Fighter, A Ranger, and A Druid. We were infiltrating a vampire's lair, and we were attempting to stealth past the sleeping pair of Manticores guarding a hallway. We succeeded and made it into the next room which so happened to be spider infested. After having most of the party go unconscious or dying to the spiders, the Manticores were awakened by the sound of battle and came in and took down the fighter.
Now, the DM thought he was going end up accidentally TPK-ing us as the fighter, Paladin, and Ranger were all unconscious while the Druid and myself were mostly dead, but I managed to engage in diplomacy with the Manticores, mid combat, and told them we were surrendering and asked to take us to his leader to discuss the terms of our surrender. So the Manticores insta-killed the spiders and took us into a dining hall where we were told to stay and sit while the vampire made his way down.
We then talked for a while, the Druid, who was Chaotic Evil for some reason, willingly became a vampire spawn, and the rest of us were magically imprisoned in a painting, where I had to further negotiate / bargain with some kinda demon-dragon thing to get us out (loosing some valuables I've collected as a result). We then grabbed our gear, and proceeded to exit while another party of higher level NPC adventurers were killing the vampire spawns (including our druid friend) and got ourselves out of there by meeting up with said party and asking what way they came from.
A nice example of where a possible TPK became a way out for everyone who didn't abandon the party.
I first thought the thunder was a deliberate sound effect .... "1 ... 1 death star ... uhh uhh uhhh!"
Really a good "RPG 101" video.
This is why i like Call of Cthulhu so much as a starting game. It teaches people to run, they are only human, and not to pick up the shiny thing quite so fast.
Absolutely amazing. I'm sharing this with all of my players.
+Arthur Hoffert Fingers crossed you have 10 000 players ;p Welcome to the team!
I could not have said it better.
Been trying to explain this concept to players forever...
Thank you.
The thunder after the dwarf act at around 6:00 is perfect
Hey guy, First time I checked out the channel. Looks hella good. This is why people are happy when they get you as a GM at Icon. I'd love to see you do a video about "my character wouldn't do that" vs player finding logical compromise for the sake of game/story.
+Nicole Abvajee We have a LONG list of topics but we will definitely add it to the list. Thanks for your feedback :)
Holy fuck this is good information. I'm normally a DM but also got a game as a player. This made me rethink a lot of things.
+Lithinz Well I hope it makes your game more enjoyable! In which case - success!
+Bacon Battalion RPG definitely. Lots of good information here.
Thought I'd just make a comment, and I know there are different opinions on this but...
Players should defiantly not undervalue the importance of the group story telling potential.
From the GM camp I love to listen to what the players think is happening or what they seem to be focused on, after I've given them many a hook or carrot, and ether add to those or put a spin and do something completely different. Provided it ads even more to the story and most importantly enjoyment. It's great fun to let the players sometimes do all the tricky thinking ;)
ABSOLUTELY! Yes I love watching my players create and weave the stories within the world I have given them, it's just some players need more encouragement than others. And others need a little reining in, because no you cannot go on the umpteenth side quest to farm vegetables... But generally it is always satisfying when they are into the story and world enough to create stories of their own.
you know what is more important that this? having fun!
Indeed!
Players not asking questions while also ignoring the fact they can communicate with each other is probably the worst thing they can do.
I was once running a session where I had a rather large door with four locks. The puzzle was quite simple in the fact that you just turned all for of the keys to open the door. However, they spent easily two hours trying to figure it out because they just assumed I would give them hints the more they failed.
One person finally was like "I'm good at lockpicking. Can I guess how to open the locks" And the door was open in one roll. Everyone else threw up their arms and was like "We could have done that all along! This was stupid!"
Pleeeeeease remember to communicate, and there is no such thing as a stupid question.
I think this gives just as much great advice to GMs about how they are percieved at the table, as it gives players on how to play a story.
It is a two way dialogue for sure! I hope my GM's from my other channel read this!
Just listening to your advice on how to play well, sounded engaging enough I thoughti was listening to a story. Love it.
I know you posted this years ago the storm going on was awesome.
THE GREAT GM HAS SPOKEN! (*Tempestuous Thunder*)
I so agree with this as a long time GM of Shadowrun and occasionaly D&D. I've suggested the video for a couple of players who are new to table top RPGs. AS a DM I base my difficulties on not only what the PC's are trying to do, but how they go about doing them, and even then when their PC's have knowledge the players don't I do help them out. But that is usua;lly just the start of trying to overcome the challenge.
I'm fairly new to RPG (not really, I know the game for almost 2 years, but I got to play very few sessions during all that time, only recently I found a group of my own just when depression and homesickness were doing a number in my life), and I'm learning a lot from these videos. I'm happy to see that I already do many of the things expected from a good player, but intuitively. These videos are helping me create rules and standards in my head for me to follow. I'll tell the other 4 in my group to check this channel out, and since 3 of them also DM, I hope they'll watch the other series too.
My friend is building a campaign to run for the summer. A lot of us are very new to Role Playing Games and I'm sending this to all of them. This is a great introduction in to how these types of game can be played and I look forward to future episodes.
+Elijah Moore That's awesome! Let us know how it goes. Another episode launches tomorrow so watch out for it. Also if you have a GM head on over to How to be a great GM - loads of tips there for them too!
Your videos have helped me get my partner into DnD and less intimidated by all the rules. Thank you for doing this
Player holding up the map and showing it to me saying "Where on this map is the plot?". SIGH.
This was a really great vid. Kudos.
"Aalderan (darn I spelled that wrong...) Has a Dodge value of -5"
No statement has ever been more true...
I'm so happy that I actually learned something. I love your passion.
Finally a bullet pointed explanation of the core necessities of a cooperative game. This video will be a must see at every session 0 I have from here on out. Loving your Great GM videos too! Whether an old school player like us; I grew up with AD&D in the late eighties and stayed with 2nd ed until recently with 5th, or new players just getting into the hobby, many will benefit from your videos. Well done friend.
My absolute pleasure! I was introduced just towards the end of the 80's into this great hobby of ours and have never left!
Your voice + D&D + sound of rain and thundering = the most relaxing soundtrack to fall asleep to, awesome video, going to watch the whole playlist, keep it up
Thank you! I think... :) Glad you like them!
Every time you mentioned something about how very excited the game master will be when the players take action I agreed whole heartedly. I'm by no means the best DM, I'm overworked and while I want to run games often I don't have much time to prepare.
But gosh it would be amazing if all my players were proactive instead of just tagging along for the ride. I'd be ecstatic.
Bravo! Sing it! If only players knew...
That's often why I play Ranger, and paranoid Ranger at that.
I NEVER trust the DM.
New room: I stop and investigate before I enter.
Served a meal: I eye the food carefully before I eat.
There's a card game in the corner of the pub. I drink my ale in a seat near them and listen
Very good points. I've had my players toss their hands up and resign themselves to doom or hopelessness for me to tell the PLAYERS "Go into the room with the iron door." They open the door and find the thing they need, the ally they prayed for, the plot device that had been waiting on them.... but they just skirt around it. They are BRILLIANT at wandering around important things to get lost among the pointless.
But if they just trust in me to have their best interest at heart - they'd realize that the story will see them through.
All to often we face this. All too often!
Great video. Someone shared your video in a Facebook group and here I am. Subscribed. I'll have to check out some of your older videos.
+Samwise Seven RPG Welcome to the team!
Here to serve sir. *Salutes*. It is always cool to find another fellow RPG channel. :)
Every once in a while I enjoy coming back to this video and taking stock of my characters objectives... it's very easy to fall into the pitfall of min/maxing and/or becoming rather stagnant in roleplay; especially if GMs or fellow players throw a curve ball and change the setting entirely.
The ideas I come up with after this videos help with keeping my mind on what really is pertinent to the game is most appreciated; and I'm sure my DM will be appreciative as well since the group has been stagnating a bit to long with no real momentum to the story. Every once in a while its good to have a little push in the right direction :)
Thank you for sharing! You raise a very valid point - Role-playing can all too quickly be assumed to be 'learnt' . Eg. I have been roleplaying for 2 years, I know how, and so I'm not going to try to change... or to reflect on my own abilities etc. After 20 years of roleplaying I am still learning and trying to improve my game.
These videos are great! They have really helped my friends and me take our games to a higher level. keep up the awesome work!
PS. I like the way he talks.
+TheGreatBlueBeastie That's fantastic feedback. Really glad that these videos have helped. There's plenty more so stay tuned!
Great video, you only have 2,101 subs at the typing of this comment, but I see that growing very quickly with the quality of this production! Your voice is very easily understandable and entertaining to listen to, you are very coherent and very straight to the point and give lots of new and readily to learn information, but you display it in an entertaining way like I am face to face having a conversation with you about it. I love it! 0 Dislikes and it's because it's practically perfect!
That's very high praise - my gratitude. It's taken a long time to get it right, but I think we're nearly there. Nearly. Thank you for watching this, and for being a fan! If you have any content you'd like to see or questions to ask - let us know. We love questions!
I definitely feel like your videos are a type of content not seen on RUclips in this regards. (New to your channel, and DnD in particular, first session on Thursday!) So I think these talks, almost somewhat teachings and lectures are very good!
Requios So glad you are enjoying it. Let us know how your first session goes :)
Great *ASMR* audio, I love it!
Oh and... the *content* is great as well.
And... sorry to bring this up, but... if an ewok eats a human, than it's technically not "cannibalism"!
I'm brand new to role-playing and these videos are full of fantastic advice. Can't wait to put it to use!
+Zoe Welcome to the table! Be sure to check with your GM if he supports what I'm suggesting here, as some GM's have strict rules on how they want people to create characters etc. But I'm glad these are helping! Good luck with your game and let us know how it goes!
+Bacon Battalion RPG My GM is just as new to being a GM as I am to being a PC so I imagine we'll be learning what works best for our game together :D
Thank you to agreeing with fleeing! Many games my character ran away, other player gave me an hard time for my barbarian running away from a 40 Vs 2 fight. Another game, we had to protect a cargo, other players stand and fight a hopeless fight while I whipped the horse and fled with the chariot. GM had to introduce a demi-god to save them
Thanks so much for this series! Not a D&D player myself but this has helped me build a RP character in a video game.
An excellent video - I'll certainly be showing this to players in future :)
I have to say that you have some wonderful tips...I have been playing them in the background during homework and I have had to actually stop and laugh thinking of the players I have dealt with or even your little jokes...Thank you for an enjoyable video.
I am currently playing as a fighter dwarf who will sacrifice himself to kill a kraken with two bag of holding and my next character is a spy teacher who is a rogue herself
Nice, is the spy teacher the replacement for the fighter dwarf after her death?
"Maybe not when they're in traffic." Best line ever.
\
Really solid video. Piece I liked the most is emphasized overall, that players need to know that sometimes the GM NEEDS to change things from book values, or "railroad" the story for a bit, in order to change it. Only problem is that the points made rely heavily on assuming that the DM is good, not bad
+alec2themax If you have a bad GM send them to HowtobeagreatGM channel :) we'll fix them.
Thank you for the tips, I will try to apply this to my first game :)
edited: also your funny as fu** /Japanese campaign LOL
Hehehehe, gratitude - glad you appreciate the humour. Let us know how your game goes with these tips in hand! We love feedback, and bring all your questions here about role-playing! We love questions!
Truly some of the best advice I've heard for my own creative story telling development. Thank you!
Thank you for the video recently my Dm threw two ancient dragons at us and after the session I was thinking why would he do this if he knew we couldn’t handle it now I see, I am all the more exited to play next time.
This was a good preach! Will train my players in this direction.
Yes, yes, yes! I AGREE! I hate having a players who will not engage or give up without trying to think their way out of a situation.
I am always wanting feedback. First some back story...It is winter, and a band of 50 orcs, 20 Kobalts, and 40 goblins, with 3 repeating and quick firing trebuchets, lead by a disgraced elven wizard has taken one of the newest towns under the fiefdom lord's protection. The town has a keep in it, and also it's in the borderlands. The players are each playing 4 faeries...who serve as the lord's spies, saboteurs, etc. Now, I sent them them to spy and do recon which they did without a problem. But then, I also sent them in to gum up the works before the offensive strikes, which the players were to also be in charge of, and we are also talking complete miniature set-up.
So, before I ask what you would have done, let me go back and give you the set up again. Basically, the lord didn't want his men out in the bitter winter air for very long. So, he sends in the fae to first spy and then sends them back to sabotage, and gave them a 4 hour time frame to do it in...the players would have started the offensive strike at dawn.
What would you have done to sabotage this operation, in 4 hours, before the offensive starts? Mind you, you have 16 faeries, and who a have an understanding of where things are located from your spying missions previously mentioned.
One more tidbit of info that you know...that the townspeople, knights, and most of the solders are in the keep's dungeons. Oh, and Palladium Fantasy RPG faeries.
A few questions: 1 - are there any pots of greenflame/gnomish fire/oil available? 2 - Do the orcs patrol the village? 3 - Do the golbins patrol the village? 4 - Does the keep have a wooden door or portcullis or both? 5 - Are the orcs using the keeps kitchens to prepare food? 6 - Is there an apothecary that we can consult with?
Those would be my questions. Because then you kill three orcs on patrol, and six goblins without raising the alarm. Then arrange it to look like the goblins attacked the orcs and raise the alarm. Whilst the alarm is up, you pour oil all over the three treb's. But don't set them on fire - we don't want that elvish wizard to know something is up. We then lace the food being eaten with a ridiculous amount of sugar and a strong laxative or virulent stomach bug. It should take a few hours to kick in - we do need to wait for that blizzard to end right before we attack so nothing fast acting. Then depending on the doors and portcullis we want to make sure that ropes to the 'cullis are frayed and broken so they look ok, but when used will snap. We want to trap the orcs inside the castle... If it's doors we want to rust the hinges. Of course we also want to head on down to the dungeons and wait till the attack (after giving the signal that the keep is ready).
At least that seems like the most obvious solution. Another one might involve cabbages but I'd need more information :)
1: yes, it's called fire of the dragon. 2 and 3: At the moment, there is only a light guard presence at the keep mostly...the troops are getting rest before the attack. 4: Both. but the portcullis is bent all to hell. 5: not at the moment, but there will be in 2 hours. 6: yes, but they will have to wake her up..
Then that is what I do :)
Right. The first thing the players did was try to dismantle the trebs with hammers and got pissed when they got caught.
Dismantle? Too much effort - weaken and subtly sabotage. Poor fellows. Obviously not a thief amongst them. Did you give me some kind of Knowledge check to work out to break them or did they just barge in and start swinging?
Bravo Sir! Excellent video, on a top that needs to be spread. I enjoyed the useful information, that I am sure I will revisit. Thank you.
+The Bloody Murphy Files Glad you like them! Another video is up if you haven't seen it!
He is a character..................................................................................... of EMOTION!!!
*BA-BOOOOM*
Lovely.
Loving the Highveld thunder in the background!
+Geek Of All Trades I ordered it from Takealot especially... :)
As a new player I really appreciated the video. I'm looking forward to putting it in to practice this weekend on my first adventure. Thank you!
+Hayley Glauser Well let us know how it goes!
It was a blast, thank you. My GM was very entertaining and I tried my best to be proactive. Next I will focus more on the who, what, where kind of questions. Really great fun!
That lightning was... Very, very well timed.
The only way I approve of a player challenging the numbers is when it goes like this: "Are you sure? That's the difficulty of climbing a glass wall. What's so hard about that?" Sometimes, a GM doesn't have a clear grasp on what the numbers mean - or they didn't mention relevant details which make the difficulty.
About sharing information: I absolutely agree on this one, but would like to add the other side of the coin. If you are the leader, ask your companions opinions and ask them about what they know. Furthermore, they ask their companions if they can find something out.
For a leader of a group, power rarely manifests as discipline. You don't order the group around as a leader: you take your groups opinions into consideration and create a compromise which is acceptable for everyone.
Spot on. If its a new GM then yes raise the numbers. Ultimately one must have faith in one's GM or the GM must have trust in the players to provide the right numbers, DC's etc. As for your leader comment, just released a video on that exact subject and our thoughts are one!
Great video! Looking forward to the GM one. Subscribed!
+Frances Rodgers Welcome to the team!
16:58 preach all you want man you have loads of good ideas and advice for roleplaying
One of my players one said after walking into a inn, "Ok, I go and sit at the rumor table" It was hilarious and, yes, he did expand on it .
As a sort of noob I feel this will really help me learn how to play the game to a more full extent.
+brydon kenney Let us know how it went Brydon - it would be cool to know!
Vid idea: Im not aware of many videos about how to strike a balance between playing cooperatively and well and stealing the spotlight. This in many cases is harder than one may think. Many players are more into wargaming or other aspects. To what degree should one pull back if other people simply don't seem to role play much even when you use your time to talk with their character? Was playing the face of a party, on a low attendance day it was just me, a warlock and a Kenku thief (who can't really talk). The more I tried to involve the others in interplay, the more spotlight ended up on me.
One of your best videos to date. I loved this. Thank you, Guy. Thank you!
I've been watching your videos and really enjoying them. Great advice and engaging, too! And even though I'm not a GM, I've found your GM tips videos to be very insightful. Definitely subscribed.
Great video, my group got into a lot of impossible encounters. Last encounters, my group got ambushed by many well armed enemies in a space ship while we have almost no weapon, no armors and no tools to win. My team thought they have no choice and have to surrender, my GM wanted us to surrender. However, I refused. I planned this many sessions ahead while almost no fore shadowing if he did not set us up in a dodgy tour. Luckily, my character is Bang the strategist , his mind can not be broken nor his skill can be matched by any. So I then I gave my team the instructions. I spend a long time knowing my team's play style so I know exactly what they would do, I know their strength, weakness, luck and their will power. I know who in when would give up and who in when will die trying. As for my character, he can read a person in split second so there is no problem for him to perform the level that I am with my team.
At the end, we survived the ambush and got out mostly alive, while our enemies gained nothing and down to one last man standing. So I think you just have to know your character, know your team and their characters. Then decide how would they act. Because for my character Bang, nothing is impossible. That is what I want to bring to the GM and build on that concept, so I have to show my GM that is what I mean. If I just give up, that would be all talk, no actions. Not fun for the GM. I even give the GM a head start by letting him cripple my character early in the encounter while I didn't have to because my character has ability that allow him to spot ambushes and can not be surprised. +10 bonus to initiative as well.
So yes, you want to character to be something, act like that something your character supposed to be. Don't play a badass character if you just going to cry when things get too hard. Rip off your own skins, stand and fight.
I love it! Rip off your own skin stand and fight! IT's awesome to hear this info and to share it with others - don't be afraid to make plans! Although I do have to say - sometimes you do need to surrender :p
If you let your characters get captured it means you can have an amazing daring escape adventure. everything is an opportunity!
Exactly!
When the world gets dark and you are the only thing stands between good and evil, you can not surrender even if it will cost your life. It's a statement one must make.
Epic statement!
I litealy almost died at "alderon has a dodge of -5" I had just taken a giant sip of water and my throat could not decide whether I wanted to finish its swallow or proceed with an exhale of laughter so I got caught in the middle of the two and forgot how to breathe for a second
What really sucks is when after all that preparation you just roll a natural 1. Not even the DM knows what to do, you did all you were supposed to but there's no running from a natural 1: something must go very wrong, and sometimes it's ridiculous.
I got everything ready for everyone to climb up a 6 stores tall building and I took care of everything, harness, safety hooks, and a counter weight and when it's the druid's turn to climb she rolls a natural 1 and everything was so fool proof that the DM had to come with "a spider creeps inside your vest, and you panic, unharness yourself and fall" ¬_¬
This is an excellent video, with great tips for roleplaying in general, not just pathfinder. A highly informative watch - thanks!
+Leena Swarts Oh yes, quite correct. For any role-playing - even Larping!
loved the thunder sounds on the background
Great sound effects :)
This is a great channel! I've watched several of your videos and think you do an amazing job. Keep it up! :D
And the thunder only added to the video. Felt more epic!
Hahahaha, thank you! I hope you watch more, and remember to head on over to How to be a Great GM channel too!
I have to say, my players are very good! I never think, "Is this do-able" anymore because of how creative my players have become. It seems no matter how hard I try to make things tricky and challenging, they always outsmart me and find a way.
I had one encounter where I failed horribly caused the story needed me to in which it was being told, as I got a 38 and had bonuses for the roll which is why that is high. We later fought the npc who did the situation in which I made the roll for and he was not that level of difficulty. It sucked at the time but it wasn't enough distress to complain about it too much.
You're so well articulated. This was very interesting, good video!
i have watched many video's but i subscribed right after i heard "i might be biased" at 6:55
too funny.
Welcome to the table!
Both eloquent and pragmatic, bravo... you've also made me English...
I joined a new group a few years ago. Everybody else knew each other, i was new to them (in a new city) and knew to their style of playing. We did this cool little adventure were we were basically stuck in an illusion and afterwards we were talking with an NPC and he made some off hand remark about the "illusion i created." I looked straight at the DM, none of the others seemed to react, though they had no idea this NPC had made it. The DM later told me thats how she knew she was gonna keep me around: I paid attention to the little details when they had all moved past noticing them.
+Karen Cole Awesome! And those moments are soooo cool right? Please tell me you shared that info with the rest of the party like a good PC :P
+Bacon Battalion RPG Well, i asked about it in character, in front of the rest of the group, so I guess that counts as sharing information. Sharing of information is very important, as you've mentioned but we have one character who I think just doesn't want to, ever.
I think it's also important to note, you have to work to get information from others. Especially in 'evil' campaigns, you actually have to try to get the rest of the information. In another game I was in, one of the NPCs mentioned another NPC that had been following us, but my character didn't even know. Others seemed to and it was a way to try and force a player to share when they hadn't been. Bad-player me didn't push for specifics, like i should have (my character had a lot of other stuff going on).
Players are fun people! And it's often amazing at what is and isn't shared. Sounds like you have a fun time!
+Bacon Battalion RPG It's fun most of the time, though I will admit, sometimes I think my DM punishes my character unfairly for her choices. I haven't figured out how to go to her and explain my feelings. Maybe a GREATPC episode explaining how to have the "I'm not having fun" talk? As if you probably don't already have a list a mile long of episodes you'd like to do.
That's a serious talk... and one I have had a dozen times! I'll add it to the list! Which is growing day by day, but that's a happy problem right?
9:54 "Your Captain of a starship does not know the modifier of a Klingon Bird of Prey."
Why wouldn't he? Of course he knows what his ship and common enemy ships can do. There is some uncertainty, because he does not know if the ship has modifications, is poorly maintained or what quality the enemy's crew has, but he does have a rough idea what his chances of winning in a fight are.
I currently talk with my GM multiple times a week (I'm a first time player and my best friend is a first time GM), and he is always asking me what I'm thinking is going on. I am a huge fantasy book fan, especially the Drizzt series by R. A. Salvatore, so I loosely based my character around Bruenor, but he happens to be a rogue instead of a fighter, and I take a lot of my knowledge of how I think my character would act based on the books. My largest issue is that I came up with a huge plot hook for my backstory (my character was an armor smith, had a twin brother who was to be captain of the guard, but was murdered before the ceremony, so my character took up his hammers and donned the special armor he designed and made for his brother and set off in search of the killer), and the GM seems to really like that I gave him something to go off of, but most of the other people that are in our group either don't have a backstory or don't have much of one, and don't really seem to be connected to their characters or the story as much as I am. I feel that I tend to have to be the leader of the group, otherwise the group wouldn't go anywhere or do anything unless or GM dropped the problem on their heads. Any advice on what I can do as a player that loves his character and loves the story arc that the GM has created for us, to get more thought or input out of the rest of the party? I personally find it easier if I just think/talk completely in character while we are playing, as it helps me to really react as my character would, but it's getting harder and harder to stay in character when the rest of the party doesn't seem to really contribute a whole lot to the story.
That's a great suggestion for our how to be a great roleplayer series would you mind suggesting it here too so that we have them in one place: www.greatgamemaster.com/suggestions/
But for now I would suggest you talk to the players out of character and see if you can connect them in some way with your story, perhaps the other players knew your brother and so would feel attached enough to go look for his murderer. It's unfortunate when the rest of the tables play style differs so much but perhaps your GM could also look at including more hooks from their backstories to get them more involved. Additionally mention to them that you don't mind being a leader in character but that OOC they need to participate more in the game, perhaps your GM could also chat with them and raise the stakes by giving those who participate more more xp. Hope this helps but will definitely look at doing a video on this and explaining further.
I'll definitely talk to them OOC, for the most part, the group consists of a bunch of mutual friends anyway, so it won't be too hard to talk to them about it. My GM was the one who directed all of us to this video, and I plan on watching more of the "how to be a great player" videos, because I definitely enjoy playing, and I'd hate to drive my friends and other party members away due to being "that guy". Thanks for the advice, and I definitely look forward to more videos!
Since you are watching various videos (thanks for watching ours) you could probably never be that 'Guy' . Let us know how the talk goes :) also please note we are moving all our new content on how to be a great role player and great game master to our other channel: ruclips.net/user/HowtobeaGreatGameMasterChannel
Great move player, here is some info and here is a magic item
As a GM I do that too :)
Something to say about intelligent people running non-intelligent characters...
I play a character who has a -1 to intelligence and a 0 to wisdom (I can't remember the exact numbers) and solved the puzzle when all the others couldn't. The puzzle was thus:
There is a cabinet filled with 9 balls. There is one ball that is *slightly* heavier than the others. Two scales. Each scale can only be used once. I take the first three balls and the next three balls and put each group In one side of a scale. They weigh the same. I take two balls from the third group and put one on either side of the scale, and one weighs more. That is the key. The explanation was that the others were to preoccupied with a strange firepace-like thing. They were not the brightest.
If my players were thinking they would have been gaining information about Zova Ray instead of dealing with a nearby griffin, they would have also noticed a little hint I dropped regarding what Zova was up to.
+doombybbr lol. We sometimes have to hint and hint and hint and hint...
Bacon Battalion RPG
Well it does mean that I get to show them the consequences of forgetting what they were meant to be doing, also I kind of expected it to go this way(I DID put the nearby griffin in intentionally), I would say more about it but if one of my players reads this before 6pm(gmt) today when they have my session they might know what I am up to.
Awesome, well enjoy your session!