What is your "RPG Rule Zero?"
My Rule Zero is "You must have faith in the DM to run a fair and fun game and to interpret the rules of said game to ensure fairness and fun." This rule tends to not sit well with rules heavy games, but as I tend to avoid most rules heavy games, that isn't much of an issue.
Yes, OSR for the win! ;)
Tower in the Wasteland v2
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I recently asked my patrons what posts deserved a sequel and Tower in the
Wasteland was one of the first replies. So here's an updated version of
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2 hours ago
"Gas, grass, or ass. Nobody plays for free."
ReplyDeleteI'm kidding. My Rule Zero is "Don't be an asshole to your fellow players."
"Pizza, Chips, or Half a Sub."
DeleteErik, my rule 0 is essentially your rule 0, but oddly, I've had more complaints from players who started with games that are heavy on player agency and a 'shared narrative' than I have crunch-heavy gamers.
ReplyDeleteDon't join a game that's not your style just because its being run.
ReplyDeleteSo, for example: If you don't enjoy OSR gaming, don't join a Labyrinth Lord game. If you're not into poltiical intrigue, don't join a Vampire: The Masquerade game. If you join a game just because its what everyone is playing, you're not going to have fun and you're likely to (often unintentionally) drag down everyone else's fun at the table.
That being said, the GM/DM/Whatever should tell the players and potential players what they're running and what their campaign focuses on so they know what they're getting into.
Play anything, but only GM the games you want.
ReplyDelete"Don't be a jackass." with the corollary "Don't make me be a jackass to you."
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ReplyDeleteRule Zero: If you're not having fun, go play a different game.
DeleteI'm with Traveling Spellbook. Don't play games you don't want to play. Don't do anything you don't want to do in your spare time.
ReplyDeleteBut do be open to having your mind changed.
Look at everyone else at the table.
ReplyDeleteIf they're not having fun, you're doing something wrong.
Be cool, have fun.
ReplyDeleteDon't be a jerk at the table and don't have your character make dumb decisions if you want your character to live longer
ReplyDeleteI second what everyone has already said to eloquently: Don't play a game you don't enjoy. Trust in the person running the game. Get along with everyone. Ultimately don't be a s***head.
ReplyDeleteI guess my personal rule zero that is a bit different than what is said is: Have an initial pre-game group meeting/session before the campaign starts. This meeting allows the person running the game to explain their idea(s) and for players to roll up characters. This helps with iron out ideas and helps mitigate some surprises before the game starts. Players can and should establish their character and group identities and dynamics. My 2 coppers.