Have you ever heard spmebody say something, either in character or out, at the table, so far beyond beyond the pale that you wish that Negative Inspiration could given? You know maybe something like on that player's next role, whatever it is for, regardless of any other extenuating circumstances, the player has to roll Disadvantage? 🤪🤷♂️
I dunno, don't disparage your players or their ideas. If it seems they don't understand - always assume you didn't explain it well enough. If they have a genuinely bad idea, just explain to them why the DC to pull if off is going to be very high.
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If the in-game situations warrant it, the "negative inspiration" can already exist by saying something like, "You can try. But the fact you've been caught in the noble's mansion holding a bag of their gold means you're gonna have a really tough time trying to convince her you're just a friendly neighborhood security-tester. So not only is the DC 30 but you're also rolling it at disadvantage." And because they're a bard they succeed anyways. ;-)
Obviously that's an extreme example (and honestly that would probably be a no-roll situation where you're just flat out not talking your way out) but for legitimate things giving disadvantage it's a possibility.
However, since you're also talking about it as also applying it to things said out-of-character that may not be the most productive route to go. Out-of-character problems shouldn't be solved with in-game-solutions. If the player is suggesting something "so far beyond the pale" as you put it (perhaps an extreme evil PC in a good party?) that you, as a player, are disliking what the other player just said then that would be best settled by having a player-to-player conversation. Without specific examples, can't really give tailored advice.
Then again if you're thinking more along the lines of, "Gosh darn it, Eugene, that was the 38th pun you've told this session. We are taking psychic damage from how bad these jokes are. You are rolling this next one at disadvantage." and Eugene is totally cool with this because getting you guys to groan at his dad-jokes is part of the fun then by all means go for it. Whatever works for your table works for your table.
Oh no, no, no. You've misunderstood me. I meant like bad jokes, bad comedic refenences, risque comments and jokes. Real groaners.
Along the lines of what Vitus W said, "Then again if you're thinking more along the lines of, "Gosh darn it, Eugene, that was the 38th pun you've told this session. We are taking psychic damage from how bad these jokes are. You are rolling this next one at disadvantage." and Eugene is totally cool with this because getting you guys to groan at his dad-jokes is part of the fun then by all means go for it. Whatever works for your table works for your table. "
I also use the 1d4 psychic damage for bad puns and pop-culture references. It’s never come up in serious, life-or-death situations for the PCs, but I personally would still enforce it in those situations so puns and whatnot don’t ruin the serious atmosphere I cultivate in those moments.
Have you ever heard spmebody say something, either in character or out, at the table, so far beyond beyond the pale that you wish that Negative Inspiration could given? You know maybe something like on that player's next role, whatever it is for, regardless of any other extenuating circumstances, the player has to roll Disadvantage? 🤪🤷♂️
No?
I dunno, don't disparage your players or their ideas. If it seems they don't understand - always assume you didn't explain it well enough. If they have a genuinely bad idea, just explain to them why the DC to pull if off is going to be very high.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
If the in-game situations warrant it, the "negative inspiration" can already exist by saying something like, "You can try. But the fact you've been caught in the noble's mansion holding a bag of their gold means you're gonna have a really tough time trying to convince her you're just a friendly neighborhood security-tester. So not only is the DC 30 but you're also rolling it at disadvantage."
And because they're a bard they succeed anyways. ;-)
Obviously that's an extreme example (and honestly that would probably be a no-roll situation where you're just flat out not talking your way out) but for legitimate things giving disadvantage it's a possibility.
However, since you're also talking about it as also applying it to things said out-of-character that may not be the most productive route to go. Out-of-character problems shouldn't be solved with in-game-solutions. If the player is suggesting something "so far beyond the pale" as you put it (perhaps an extreme evil PC in a good party?) that you, as a player, are disliking what the other player just said then that would be best settled by having a player-to-player conversation. Without specific examples, can't really give tailored advice.
Then again if you're thinking more along the lines of, "Gosh darn it, Eugene, that was the 38th pun you've told this session. We are taking psychic damage from how bad these jokes are. You are rolling this next one at disadvantage." and Eugene is totally cool with this because getting you guys to groan at his dad-jokes is part of the fun then by all means go for it. Whatever works for your table works for your table.
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Oh no, no, no. You've misunderstood me. I meant like bad jokes, bad comedic refenences, risque comments and jokes. Real groaners.
Along the lines of what Vitus W said, "Then again if you're thinking more along the lines of, "Gosh darn it, Eugene, that was the 38th pun you've told this session. We are taking psychic damage from how bad these jokes are. You are rolling this next one at disadvantage." and Eugene is totally cool with this because getting you guys to groan at his dad-jokes is part of the fun then by all means go for it. Whatever works for your table works for your table. "
I have threatened my party with "Unspiration", but that's more of a joke than anything I would actually do.
Player 1: *says appalling pun*
Me, DM: "That's it, you get unspiration for that!"
Rest of table: *vaguely entertained noises*
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We just have a 1d4 psychic damage dice for that. But it's mostly a joke and wouldn't be used is serious situations.
I also use the 1d4 psychic damage for bad puns and pop-culture references. It’s never come up in serious, life-or-death situations for the PCs, but I personally would still enforce it in those situations so puns and whatnot don’t ruin the serious atmosphere I cultivate in those moments.
Yes! Yes! "Psychic Damage!" How appropriate! 😀