You think that rap sucks, he thinks your mood music sucks. Get rid of the music.
Anyone saying, you're the DM, your table, your rules...just stop this as well. Grow up. This is just as bad if not worse than the Wangrod Defense when it comes to justifying your position.
No it's not. It's about a player making demands about how you run your game. If you said no hombrew, and a player demanded that their homebrew race and class be allowed in your game would you ok it? Probably not. It's the same thing.
To be clear, I'm not talking about the OP, I'm talking about Heathsmith. He's not even in the OP's campaign and yet he's demanding that the OP turn his music off.
You think that rap sucks, he thinks your mood music sucks. Get rid of the music.
Anyone saying, you're the DM, your table, your rules...just stop this as well. Grow up. This is just as bad if not worse than the Wangrod Defense when it comes to justifying your position.
No it's not. It's about a player making demands about how you run your game. If you said no hombrew, and a player demanded that their homebrew race and class be allowed in your game would you ok it? Probably not. It's the same thing.
To be clear, I'm not talking about the OP, I'm talking about Heathsmith. He's not even in the OP's campaign and yet he's demanding that the OP turn his music off.
[REDACTED] Your homebrew example isn't the same thing at all. You tell your players at the start what they can play and that's what they do. You tell your players at the beginning I'm going to play mood music that you may find annoying but, too bad. I doubt this conversation happened and now the player is passive-aggressively responds with their own annoying music. DM, get a clue bro...
Wysperra, if you think a player demanding that you not annoy them with your mood music is unreasonable, you really place to much authority on being a DM. Have some common courtesy and common sense. It's pretty obvious that the root problem IS petty egocentricity where the other person thinks their shit doesn't stink(or in this case, their music).
BTW, I would totally ask the OP to turn off his shitty mood music as well.
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You think that rap sucks, he thinks your mood music sucks. Get rid of the music.
Anyone saying, you're the DM, your table, your rules...just stop this as well. Grow up. This is just as bad if not worse than the Wangrod Defense when it comes to justifying your position.
No it's not. It's about a player making demands about how you run your game. If you said no hombrew, and a player demanded that their homebrew race and class be allowed in your game would you ok it? Probably not. It's the same thing.
To be clear, I'm not talking about the OP, I'm talking about Heathsmith. He's not even in the OP's campaign and yet he's demanding that the OP turn his music off.
If you think your mood music is OK but, someone else doesn't, as the DM, you are a self absorbed, clueless individual if you fail to see the problem you are causing yourself. If how you run your game includes being a narcissistic prick with control issues, no thank you to that game. Your homebrew example isn't the same thing at all. You tell your players at the start what they can play and that's what they do. You tell your players at the beginning I'm going to play mood music that you may find annoying but, too bad. I doubt this conversation happened and now the player is passive-aggressively responds with their own annoying music. DM, get a clue bro...
Wysperra, if you think a player demanding that you not annoy them with your mood music is unreasonable, you really place to much authority on being a DM. Have some common courtesy and common sense. It's pretty obvious that the root problem IS petty egocentricity where the other person thinks their shit doesn't stink(or in this case, their music).
If you follow the chain back, there is a considerable chance you're attacking Wysperra for a position they may not actually hold. While I'm also not that big on phrasing that comes across as 'love it or leave it' sort of language, the context of the thread is someone playing music over what's going on in the campaign (though I think the OP could have done without disparaging rap). Furthermore, there were some comments that came across as fairly disparaging of DMs playing mood music. Vehemently disliking mood music is a valid preference—fair enough—, but I'll admit it's strange that someone in this thread told the OP to stop playing it when they aren't even in that game.
The context of the thread isn't about a player requesting a DM not play mood music and the DM telling them to shove off. That now seems to be the context under which you are criticizing Wysperra. Maybe before pulling out pretty loaded and generally insulting language, take a step back and see if you are even talking about the same thing? I mean, jeez you are escalating fast.
you could just ask to lower the volume, or put in 1 earbud, so he can listen to the music and to you,
I can imagine that the music is irritating and distracting, tho if the players feel comfortable with it, there should be a way how they can enjoy the game and the music, with that said, you're also the DM, so if you feel like its distracting a lot, just tell the player that the music is distracting, and that the medieval music is just ambience and background that is used for the setting,
but always try to be respectful, I personally don't like rap myself so I feel you.
You think that rap sucks, he thinks your mood music sucks. Get rid of the music.
Anyone saying, you're the DM, your table, your rules...just stop this as well. Grow up. This is just as bad if not worse than the Wangrod Defense when it comes to justifying your position.
No it's not. It's about a player making demands about how you run your game. If you said no hombrew, and a player demanded that their homebrew race and class be allowed in your game would you ok it? Probably not. It's the same thing.
To be clear, I'm not talking about the OP, I'm talking about Heathsmith. He's not even in the OP's campaign and yet he's demanding that the OP turn his music off.
If you think your mood music is OK but, someone else doesn't, as the DM, you are a self absorbed, clueless individual if you fail to see the problem you are causing yourself. If how you run your game includes being a narcissistic prick with control issues, no thank you to that game. Your homebrew example isn't the same thing at all. You tell your players at the start what they can play and that's what they do. You tell your players at the beginning I'm going to play mood music that you may find annoying but, too bad. I doubt this conversation happened and now the player is passive-aggressively responds with their own annoying music. DM, get a clue bro...
Wysperra, if you think a player demanding that you not annoy them with your mood music is unreasonable, you really place to much authority on being a DM. Have some common courtesy and common sense. It's pretty obvious that the root problem IS petty egocentricity where the other person thinks their shit doesn't stink(or in this case, their music).
If you follow the chain back, there is a considerable chance you're attacking Wysperra for a position they may not actually hold. While I'm also not that big on phrasing that comes across as 'love it or leave it' sort of language, the context of the thread is someone playing music over what's going on in the campaign (though I think the OP could have done without disparaging rap). Furthermore, there were some comments that came across as fairly disparaging of DMs playing mood music. Vehemently disliking mood music is a valid preference—fair enough—, but I'll admit it's strange that someone in this thread told the OP to stop playing it when they aren't even in that game.
The context of the thread isn't about a player requesting a DM not play mood music and the DM telling them to shove off. That now seems to be the context under which you are criticizing Wysperra. Maybe before pulling out pretty loaded and generally insulting language, take a step back and see if you are even talking about the same thing? I mean, jeez you are escalating fast.
I'll repeat my suggestion that people just have a talk about things that annoy them. Don't make demands, simply explain yourself. In civil company, especially in friendly company, that gets things fixed nine times out of ten without anyone getting bent out of shape. Passive-aggressive reactions or disparagaging comments on the other hand typically just make things worse.
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In the group I play in, we're all friendly with eachother so it's never a matter of the DM setting the rules as a kind of dictator, nor are the players actively disrespecting him... we just talk about stuff whenever an uncertainty arises and that's that... I must admit that I find the notion of the DM being some kind of absolute authority whom you cannot question to be kinda odd... Don't get me wrong, the DM gets to determine the rules of the game, but disagreements should be discussed and compromises should be found... You're there as a group of friends having fun (unless you're paying your DM or something, obviously)... The DM has the final say, but I don't believe the attitude of "Just follow my rules or leave the group" to be a healthy approach at all.
with regards to music being played by the DM, I can certainly see it from both perspectives. I've often wondered how I would DM a game, and ambiance often plays a large role in those plans, and I think things such as appropriate background music can be incredibly effective at setting the right kind of mood... however I must admit that even though my group often listens to music through a music sharing website, I usually have it at a level where it's barely audible... while I appreciate the atmosphere, I have a difficult time focusing on what's going on with music going on in the background.. I'm the type of person who'll turn off turn off the music or podcast I'm listening to whenever I need to apply my full attention to something, so I can certainly see both sides of the issue of the DM playing atmospheric music.
As for OP, I think it's clear that a player playing their own music is unacceptable, and if anyone is gonna do it, it'll be the DM, however while I wouldn't want you to just stop playing atmospheric music as others seem to suggest.. I'd probably reach out and ask if people in your group actually appreciate the background music or if they find it distracting.
To be completely honest some of the backlash in getting from these non-music enjoyers is inspiring me to play the fortnite default dance song for the entirety of every session...
Thanks for the idea :D
Edit: just a disclaimer but I only said that to make people angry for craps and giggles
Wow. It's ironic that a simple question about maintaining table etiquette evolved into some of the back and forth here.
I can't see anyone realistically contending against the notion that the DM has an absolute right to request/enforce prohibitions against players introducing distractions to real or virtual tables. A player just kicking out the jams from their seat with no context is no different than someone turning turning on the TV, a video game or having a conversation or argument unrelated to game across table. The DM or really any player can and should ask a player doing any of that to please stop (or in virtual space, at least mute though that particular players engagement will likely be frustrating to an otherwise engaged table).
The DM with their musical selection is trying to provide ambience, something that will encourage further immersion and engagement into the gamespace on the table and in everyone's heads. Ambience can be a solely DM driven or collective table thing (I think it's probably best if it's a whole table endeavor). Other ambient elements includes things like costumes (either full get up to a single garment or cosmetic effort), lighting, character portraits, even character sheet themes, virtual backgrounds or posters and artwork in a physical space, some folks even use incense ... to some extent I'd even put accents and "the voices" into this camp. None of these things are essential to the game, they're employed under the presumption that they somehow enhance the game and some to many (depending on the particular element) may actually find them problematically distracting or otherwise deleterious to the game. There isn't really a right or wrong answer here, what works is dependent on the play style developed by the folks at the table.
Personally, I'm not into a lot of the extra trappings. I have a couple of players that throw on cloaks every now and then, and that's fine. Music needs careful curation in selection and delivery. Useful to take a moment to look at film where sound design has this concept of diegetic ("of the piece") and "non-diegetic" (not of the piece) sound. Diegetic sounds would be sound effects characters themselves would be experiences, clashing steel in battle or a song a bard is playing in a tavern the characters are in. Non diegetic sound is more instrumental for the audience to build the directors desired effect, the theme to Jaws is probably the best example the audience is driven by the music to feel tense anticipation but the characters on screen aren't hearing it. In the wrong hands both types of sounds can "pull focus" from what the filmmaker, or gamemaster and table are trying to accomplish. I think it's easier to work with sound effects in a at table context because everyone's acoustic environment is the same. Virtually some people have headphones other speakers, all of varying quality and it seems the levels output vary wildly between device to device, and it's just too much for a game to do a levels check before playing (excepting streamers, you all do you, and if you don't please do). Anycase, all these trappings aren't something the DM shouldn't necessarily presume (unless they're the sort of DM that has a sort of "branded" experience with people seeking them out to play "their way" ... I personally have never ascended to cult leader status, and I prefer the freedom of inconsistency out of curiosity anyway) and I think it's just more of a collective fun thing if everyone has a role in determining the accent elements to the game, actually what players bring to the table ambience wise might help the DM discover the real tone/dynamic of the game they're all playing.
I'll occasionally provide and exchange "further listening" music with players during breaks or otherwise out of session, there was a good thread on character playlists a while back pointing to that idea.
I've been on a bit of a Seth Skorkowky evangelizing minute so in service of that, here's his relaxed take on the why's and why nots of music in game:
Lastly, if you do use music and your world Hobgoblin nation may not be the dominant world power but clearly the most capable and all around bad-assed presence in your world, The Hu's Sugaan Essena is good to have on hand whether you're fighting or partying with them (though Hobgoblin parties involve a lot of standing around a big fire brooding until gauntlets are thrown and the fight roster is organized ... but the food's good if you like large piles of meat prepared to be eaten one handed).
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Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
In the group I play in, we're all friendly with eac hother so it's never a matter of the DM setting the rules as a kind of dictator, nor are the players actively disrespecting him... we just talk about stuff whenever an uncertainty arises and that's that... I must admit that I find the notion of the DM being some kind of absolute authority whom you cannot question to be kinda odd... Don't get me wrong, the DM gets to determine the rules of the game, but disagreements should be discussed and compromises should be found... You're there as a group of friends having fun (unless you're paying your DM or something, obviously)... The DM has the final say, but I don't believe the attitude of "Just follow my rules or leave the group" to be a healthy approach at all.
with regards to music being played by the DM, I can certainly see it from both perspectives. I've often wondered how I would DM a game, and ambiance often plays a large role in those plans, and I think things such as appropriate background music can be incredibly effective at setting the right kind of mood... however I must admit that even though my group often listens to music through a music sharing website, I usually have it at a level where it's barely audible... while I appreciate the atmosphere, I have a difficult time focusing on what's going on with music going on in the background.. I'm the type of person who'll turn off turn off the music or podcast I'm listening to whenever I need to apply my full attention to something, so I can certainly see both sides of the issue of the DM playing atmospheric music.
As for OP, I think it's clear that a player playing their own music is unacceptable, and if anyone is gonna do it, it'll be the DM, however while I wouldn't want you to just stop playing atmospheric music as others seem to suggest.. I'd probably reach out and ask if people in your group actually appreciate the background music or if they find it distracting.
Despite my point being lost on most of you, to my obvious frustration. At least one person seems to get what I said. In bold is what I also said in one way or another.
The DM is a player and part of the group just like everyone else, they don't get special privileges like some of you think. If you are using the position of a DM to wield power over your players( I'm talking about people here, not characters), I feel that's sad.
Someone has mentioned that the thread is about a player being rude by listening to rap during the session. Should they do that? No.
Is it a coincidence that they do that when the DM plays their ambience music? No, it is a direct response to the DM to indicate that the player is not digging the DM's music.
Do not redact an opinion please. I personally find it hypocritical and self-centered to consider yourself exempt from fault for performing an action that annoys someone else, yet complains of another doing the same. All under the shelter of a perceived "DM card".
In the group I play in, we're all friendly with eac hother so it's never a matter of the DM setting the rules as a kind of dictator, nor are the players actively disrespecting him... we just talk about stuff whenever an uncertainty arises and that's that... I must admit that I find the notion of the DM being some kind of absolute authority whom you cannot question to be kinda odd... Don't get me wrong, the DM gets to determine the rules of the game, but disagreements should be discussed and compromises should be found... You're there as a group of friends having fun (unless you're paying your DM or something, obviously)... The DM has the final say, but I don't believe the attitude of "Just follow my rules or leave the group" to be a healthy approach at all.
with regards to music being played by the DM, I can certainly see it from both perspectives. I've often wondered how I would DM a game, and ambiance often plays a large role in those plans, and I think things such as appropriate background music can be incredibly effective at setting the right kind of mood... however I must admit that even though my group often listens to music through a music sharing website, I usually have it at a level where it's barely audible... while I appreciate the atmosphere, I have a difficult time focusing on what's going on with music going on in the background.. I'm the type of person who'll turn off turn off the music or podcast I'm listening to whenever I need to apply my full attention to something, so I can certainly see both sides of the issue of the DM playing atmospheric music.
As for OP, I think it's clear that a player playing their own music is unacceptable, and if anyone is gonna do it, it'll be the DM, however while I wouldn't want you to just stop playing atmospheric music as others seem to suggest.. I'd probably reach out and ask if people in your group actually appreciate the background music or if they find it distracting.
Despite my point being lost on most of you, to my obvious frustration. At least one person seems to get what I said. In bold is what I also said in one way or another.
The DM is a player and part of the group just like everyone else, they don't get special privileges like some of you think. If you are using the position of a DM to wield power over your players( I'm talking about people here, not characters), I feel that's sad.
Someone has mentioned that the thread is about a player being rude by listening to rap during the session. Should they do that? No.
Is it a coincidence that they do that when the DM plays their ambience music? No, it is a direct response to the DM to indicate that the player is not digging the DM's music.
Do not redact an opinion please. I personally find it hypocritical and self-centered to consider yourself exempt from fault for performing an action that annoys someone else, yet complains of another doing the same. All under the shelter of a perceived "DM card".
Unless you are said person, you can't actually say this is fact. You are speculating on someone else's motives. Were you there? Are you the person in question that was playing music? If not, you shouldn't be so presumptuous about the thoughts and actions of others.
Is it a coincidence that they do that when the DM plays their ambience music? No, it is a direct response to the DM to indicate that the player is not digging the DM's music.
Unless you are said person, you can't actually say this is fact. You are speculating on someone else's motives. Were you there? Are you the person in question that was playing music? If not, you shouldn't be so presumptuous about the thoughts and actions of others.
Ah, yes...if we are going to play that game, let me rephrase.
Is it a coincidence that they do that when the DM plays their ambience music? Ask if it is a direct response to the DM to indicate that the player is not digging the DM's music.
In the future, I must remember to not assume that something I do is directly linked to someone else's actions, despite signs that might suggest otherwise. Good talk.
Despite my point being lost on most of you, to my obvious frustration. At least one person seems to get what I said. In bold is what I also said in one way or another.
It's not lost. It's just there exists a very real possibility that you're arguing against something people aren't saying. You could remedy this by just seeking clarification for the thing that concerns you. Instead you've fabricated this scenario where a player doesn't like the DM's accompaniment music to the scene and has decided to respond by playing their own. Contrary to your statement, that is not a direct response. It's indirect bordering on passive-aggressive. More importantly, none of us know if that's even the case to begin with. There are many other possibilities, and that player isn't here to let us know what their deal was. Seems it's already been resolved with the original poster anyway.
I don't know that anyone has suggested a DM (or just people at the game table, generally) shouldn't be open to discussion on what is or isn't an enjoyable gaming experience, music included. If you are worried people think that way, why don't you just ask what they actually think rather than totally ignoring the context of the thread and making assumptions?
For the record, your post wasn't redacted to remove your opinion. The reason it was moderated is stated at the bottom of each post where it was done. Unless it's been restricted, you can edit your post to add in what you think is missing, provided you don't resort to inflammatory language again in the process.
You all know that the problem has been resolved between DM and player, right? Like well before the battle broke out.
Wtfdnddad, I feel you're falling into a "D&D is this" and "D&D is not that" trap. There are many game tables where the fact is the DM does literally set the tone through music, props etc. At such tables such window dressings and the overall effort to the DM as a creator of an experience is appreciated. Frankly this is more in line with older school play styles. The DM is called the dungeon "master" for a reason. A lot of the paid DM biz actually falls into this area where a lot of the "work" is done and the players are frankly tourists along for the DMs ride. There is really nothing wrong with this style of play. People have fun doing it. There are also many games where the game is achieved through a more communal effort in everything from building the game world and plot to whatever window dressing they wish to apply to the table on virtual space. People have fun doing it. There is nothing wrong with this style of play.
I would say your declaration that the players music was a direct response to the DM's music is very presumptuous. We're likely never going to know the full circumstances 1.) because we don't really have any right to conduct an inquest 2.) the OP got their answer and reported back satisfied with the outcome 3.)It's possible some of the strange flare ups in this thread might discourage the OP from further engagement in this conversation. I would have you look at one of my earlier posts that lays out, from substantial experience in a variety of virtual meeting contexts over the past year and a half, how this situation can easily happen without any confrontational or countering the DM's "imposition."
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Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
No it's not. It's about a player making demands about how you run your game. If you said no hombrew, and a player demanded that their homebrew race and class be allowed in your game would you ok it? Probably not. It's the same thing.
To be clear, I'm not talking about the OP, I'm talking about Heathsmith. He's not even in the OP's campaign and yet he's demanding that the OP turn his music off.
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
[REDACTED] Your homebrew example isn't the same thing at all. You tell your players at the start what they can play and that's what they do. You tell your players at the beginning I'm going to play mood music that you may find annoying but, too bad. I doubt this conversation happened and now the player is passive-aggressively responds with their own annoying music. DM, get a clue bro...
Wysperra, if you think a player demanding that you not annoy them with your mood music is unreasonable, you really place to much authority on being a DM. Have some common courtesy and common sense. It's pretty obvious that the root problem IS petty egocentricity where the other person thinks their shit doesn't stink(or in this case, their music).
BTW, I would totally ask the OP to turn off his shitty mood music as well.
That is completely unreasonable, you're not even in his campaign. Why should you have any say in what goes on in it?
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
If you follow the chain back, there is a considerable chance you're attacking Wysperra for a position they may not actually hold. While I'm also not that big on phrasing that comes across as 'love it or leave it' sort of language, the context of the thread is someone playing music over what's going on in the campaign (though I think the OP could have done without disparaging rap). Furthermore, there were some comments that came across as fairly disparaging of DMs playing mood music. Vehemently disliking mood music is a valid preference—fair enough—, but I'll admit it's strange that someone in this thread told the OP to stop playing it when they aren't even in that game.
The context of the thread isn't about a player requesting a DM not play mood music and the DM telling them to shove off. That now seems to be the context under which you are criticizing Wysperra. Maybe before pulling out pretty loaded and generally insulting language, take a step back and see if you are even talking about the same thing? I mean, jeez you are escalating fast.
you could just ask to lower the volume, or put in 1 earbud, so he can listen to the music and to you,
I can imagine that the music is irritating and distracting, tho if the players feel comfortable with it, there should be a way how they can enjoy the game and the music,
with that said, you're also the DM, so if you feel like its distracting a lot, just tell the player that the music is distracting, and that the medieval music is just ambience and background that is used for the setting,
but always try to be respectful, I personally don't like rap myself so I feel you.
I'll repeat my suggestion that people just have a talk about things that annoy them. Don't make demands, simply explain yourself. In civil company, especially in friendly company, that gets things fixed nine times out of ten without anyone getting bent out of shape. Passive-aggressive reactions or disparagaging comments on the other hand typically just make things worse.
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
In the group I play in, we're all friendly with eachother so it's never a matter of the DM setting the rules as a kind of dictator, nor are the players actively disrespecting him... we just talk about stuff whenever an uncertainty arises and that's that... I must admit that I find the notion of the DM being some kind of absolute authority whom you cannot question to be kinda odd... Don't get me wrong, the DM gets to determine the rules of the game, but disagreements should be discussed and compromises should be found... You're there as a group of friends having fun (unless you're paying your DM or something, obviously)... The DM has the final say, but I don't believe the attitude of "Just follow my rules or leave the group" to be a healthy approach at all.
with regards to music being played by the DM, I can certainly see it from both perspectives. I've often wondered how I would DM a game, and ambiance often plays a large role in those plans, and I think things such as appropriate background music can be incredibly effective at setting the right kind of mood... however I must admit that even though my group often listens to music through a music sharing website, I usually have it at a level where it's barely audible... while I appreciate the atmosphere, I have a difficult time focusing on what's going on with music going on in the background.. I'm the type of person who'll turn off turn off the music or podcast I'm listening to whenever I need to apply my full attention to something, so I can certainly see both sides of the issue of the DM playing atmospheric music.
As for OP, I think it's clear that a player playing their own music is unacceptable, and if anyone is gonna do it, it'll be the DM, however while I wouldn't want you to just stop playing atmospheric music as others seem to suggest.. I'd probably reach out and ask if people in your group actually appreciate the background music or if they find it distracting.
To be completely honest some of the backlash in getting from these non-music enjoyers is inspiring me to play the fortnite default dance song for the entirety of every session...
Thanks for the idea :D
Edit: just a disclaimer but I only said that to make people angry for craps and giggles
my name is not Bryce
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For every user who writes 5 paragraph essays as each of their posts: Remember to touch grass occasionally
Wow. It's ironic that a simple question about maintaining table etiquette evolved into some of the back and forth here.
I can't see anyone realistically contending against the notion that the DM has an absolute right to request/enforce prohibitions against players introducing distractions to real or virtual tables. A player just kicking out the jams from their seat with no context is no different than someone turning turning on the TV, a video game or having a conversation or argument unrelated to game across table. The DM or really any player can and should ask a player doing any of that to please stop (or in virtual space, at least mute though that particular players engagement will likely be frustrating to an otherwise engaged table).
The DM with their musical selection is trying to provide ambience, something that will encourage further immersion and engagement into the gamespace on the table and in everyone's heads. Ambience can be a solely DM driven or collective table thing (I think it's probably best if it's a whole table endeavor). Other ambient elements includes things like costumes (either full get up to a single garment or cosmetic effort), lighting, character portraits, even character sheet themes, virtual backgrounds or posters and artwork in a physical space, some folks even use incense ... to some extent I'd even put accents and "the voices" into this camp. None of these things are essential to the game, they're employed under the presumption that they somehow enhance the game and some to many (depending on the particular element) may actually find them problematically distracting or otherwise deleterious to the game. There isn't really a right or wrong answer here, what works is dependent on the play style developed by the folks at the table.
Personally, I'm not into a lot of the extra trappings. I have a couple of players that throw on cloaks every now and then, and that's fine. Music needs careful curation in selection and delivery. Useful to take a moment to look at film where sound design has this concept of diegetic ("of the piece") and "non-diegetic" (not of the piece) sound. Diegetic sounds would be sound effects characters themselves would be experiences, clashing steel in battle or a song a bard is playing in a tavern the characters are in. Non diegetic sound is more instrumental for the audience to build the directors desired effect, the theme to Jaws is probably the best example the audience is driven by the music to feel tense anticipation but the characters on screen aren't hearing it. In the wrong hands both types of sounds can "pull focus" from what the filmmaker, or gamemaster and table are trying to accomplish. I think it's easier to work with sound effects in a at table context because everyone's acoustic environment is the same. Virtually some people have headphones other speakers, all of varying quality and it seems the levels output vary wildly between device to device, and it's just too much for a game to do a levels check before playing (excepting streamers, you all do you, and if you don't please do). Anycase, all these trappings aren't something the DM shouldn't necessarily presume (unless they're the sort of DM that has a sort of "branded" experience with people seeking them out to play "their way" ... I personally have never ascended to cult leader status, and I prefer the freedom of inconsistency out of curiosity anyway) and I think it's just more of a collective fun thing if everyone has a role in determining the accent elements to the game, actually what players bring to the table ambience wise might help the DM discover the real tone/dynamic of the game they're all playing.
I'll occasionally provide and exchange "further listening" music with players during breaks or otherwise out of session, there was a good thread on character playlists a while back pointing to that idea.
I've been on a bit of a Seth Skorkowky evangelizing minute so in service of that, here's his relaxed take on the why's and why nots of music in game:
Lastly, if you do use music and your world Hobgoblin nation may not be the dominant world power but clearly the most capable and all around bad-assed presence in your world, The Hu's Sugaan Essena is good to have on hand whether you're fighting or partying with them (though Hobgoblin parties involve a lot of standing around a big fire brooding until gauntlets are thrown and the fight roster is organized ... but the food's good if you like large piles of meat prepared to be eaten one handed).
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
Despite my point being lost on most of you, to my obvious frustration. At least one person seems to get what I said. In bold is what I also said in one way or another.
The DM is a player and part of the group just like everyone else, they don't get special privileges like some of you think. If you are using the position of a DM to wield power over your players( I'm talking about people here, not characters), I feel that's sad.
Someone has mentioned that the thread is about a player being rude by listening to rap during the session. Should they do that? No.
Is it a coincidence that they do that when the DM plays their ambience music? No, it is a direct response to the DM to indicate that the player is not digging the DM's music.
Do not redact an opinion please. I personally find it hypocritical and self-centered to consider yourself exempt from fault for performing an action that annoys someone else, yet complains of another doing the same. All under the shelter of a perceived "DM card".
Play your music that sets the tone for the game.
And tell him to stop. Crazy disrespectful.
Unless you are said person, you can't actually say this is fact. You are speculating on someone else's motives. Were you there? Are you the person in question that was playing music? If not, you shouldn't be so presumptuous about the thoughts and actions of others.
She/Her Player and Dungeon Master
Ah, yes...if we are going to play that game, let me rephrase.
Is it a coincidence that they do that when the DM plays their ambience music? Ask if it is a direct response to the DM to indicate that the player is not digging the DM's music.
In the future, I must remember to not assume that something I do is directly linked to someone else's actions, despite signs that might suggest otherwise. Good talk.
It's not lost. It's just there exists a very real possibility that you're arguing against something people aren't saying. You could remedy this by just seeking clarification for the thing that concerns you. Instead you've fabricated this scenario where a player doesn't like the DM's accompaniment music to the scene and has decided to respond by playing their own. Contrary to your statement, that is not a direct response. It's indirect bordering on passive-aggressive. More importantly, none of us know if that's even the case to begin with. There are many other possibilities, and that player isn't here to let us know what their deal was. Seems it's already been resolved with the original poster anyway.
I don't know that anyone has suggested a DM (or just people at the game table, generally) shouldn't be open to discussion on what is or isn't an enjoyable gaming experience, music included. If you are worried people think that way, why don't you just ask what they actually think rather than totally ignoring the context of the thread and making assumptions?
For the record, your post wasn't redacted to remove your opinion. The reason it was moderated is stated at the bottom of each post where it was done. Unless it's been restricted, you can edit your post to add in what you think is missing, provided you don't resort to inflammatory language again in the process.
You all know that the problem has been resolved between DM and player, right? Like well before the battle broke out.
Wtfdnddad, I feel you're falling into a "D&D is this" and "D&D is not that" trap. There are many game tables where the fact is the DM does literally set the tone through music, props etc. At such tables such window dressings and the overall effort to the DM as a creator of an experience is appreciated. Frankly this is more in line with older school play styles. The DM is called the dungeon "master" for a reason. A lot of the paid DM biz actually falls into this area where a lot of the "work" is done and the players are frankly tourists along for the DMs ride. There is really nothing wrong with this style of play. People have fun doing it. There are also many games where the game is achieved through a more communal effort in everything from building the game world and plot to whatever window dressing they wish to apply to the table on virtual space. People have fun doing it. There is nothing wrong with this style of play.
I would say your declaration that the players music was a direct response to the DM's music is very presumptuous. We're likely never going to know the full circumstances 1.) because we don't really have any right to conduct an inquest 2.) the OP got their answer and reported back satisfied with the outcome 3.)It's possible some of the strange flare ups in this thread might discourage the OP from further engagement in this conversation. I would have you look at one of my earlier posts that lays out, from substantial experience in a variety of virtual meeting contexts over the past year and a half, how this situation can easily happen without any confrontational or countering the DM's "imposition."
Jander Sunstar is the thinking person's Drizzt, fight me.
The OPs problem has been resolved so this thread will be locked to prevent continued off topic argumentation
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