There is no doubt that everyone who plays with me for the first time is blown away by my Gaming style. It is tough, hard, painful, and brutally honest. I hold nothing back, a fact that leaves people slack jawed and speechless. If you walk up to my game at a convention at the wrong moment you will be convinced that I and an BACK-SIDE h--- but my players keep coming back and I thought I’d tell you why. My games appeal to power gamers. However, even most people who do not power game enjoy my Gaming Style as well. I have three important guidelines; trust, respect and fear. Sure there is also the aspect of creating the adventure but I’m talking about interacting with your players. If you can’t establish these criteria with your players your game will be second rate.
Trust, your players must know you are fair. Don’t fudge dice, ever. Let the dies fall where they may. Don’t Meta game as the GM. Set forth the rules that you are going to use and do not change them in the middle of the game. When I play I let they players use any rule they can find in the book. Players want to strut their stuff, let them. If you don’t use all the rules you’re going to upset someone. Everyone has been stuck with a character they thought was cool only to find out they cannot use their best move because the GM won’t allow it, that’s a killer.
Respect, your players must respect your rulings so know the rules. Should you make a mistake admit it. Remember use the rules and if you’re wrong own up to it it’s not the end of the world. I learn new rules from my players all the time. It’s why I like gaming conventions I learn something new every time. Do not steal victory from your character. We have all had this happen to us as GMs. That big encounter you spent so much time preparing gets wiped out by a lucky roll or cool idea. Players live for this, let them have it and if they do not realize what they did tell them. They will love you for it. If you suddenly adjust the NPCs stats to survive it takes away from the spontaneity and the players.
Fear, your players should always be wary of their next action. Your player’s anxiety should be at a high level. A common complaint I get is that I play my NPC’s like they’re characters. Well, yes and no. I do play them smart at least to their capacity and I don’t mistake low intelligence for lack of cunning. I will use every thing in a creature’s power to kill you. Period. As the GM I do not have and emotional attachment to my NPC the way players do to their characters, that gives ma an advantage. I expect them to be killed and the players to move on to the next encounter. This make me very dangerous. I always go for the player doing the most damage. I think this is rational, unfortunate it usually the mage. My players almost always fined themselves overwhelmed. They really do think they are going to die.
You cannot create the anxiety necessary for a good game if you don’t have the trust and respect of your players. They will think you’re as BACK-SIDE and walk away and never come back. The anxiety is necessary though. It is the “Holy Grail” of power gaming, the adrenalin rush your players are looking for. I have been known to taunt my players in the middle of a battle, just to increase the anxiety. Why? Because it makes their victories satisfying. Something in your player’s brain clicks when anxiety is high; they become focused as well as mentally and emotionally involved. They physically begin to sweat. You will have cheers and roars of satisfying victory from your table when you get all the ingredient right. When my players achieve victory they often taunt me thinking I’ve lost, if they only knew the truth. The satisfaction I get from their cheers of victory is complete. It means I did my job.
Tags: KillerDM
