I started playing about a month ago. I've joined several campaigns because there is just no way my ADHD brain can wait another week before getting its next D&D fix.
So I'm experiencing the game with several DMs, all very different in their way of leading the game. Some are fast, some are slow, some will do a lot of fights, others will focus on RP... Half of them I joined on various Discord servers and are free, the others I joined on StartPlaying.
But there's one of them who, every time we ask something or try to do anything, says "wait, let me look something up first...", and complains every few minutes about the VTT not working as he expects. I haven't complained because the sessions are free, but it is quite annoying.
Should I expect more preparation? Or is this just considered normal?
It’s not unusual, VTTs are notoriously glitchy depending on which one you use and with literally thousands of pages of rules frequently looking things up isn’t unusual for a DM. Also don’t forget that the DM is putting in hours of work between sessions to prepare a game for you to enjoy, which is even more stuff to remember, and doing it for free so if they’re not as prepared as you’d like then please bear that in mind
As a general rule unless the DM isn’t actively trying to kill you and everyone is having fun they’re doing their job
Oh I am having fun, which is also one of the reasons why I haven't complained. It's just that being inexperienced myself, it's hard to tell what's commonly considered acceptable and what isn't.
The fun is the main thing, so long as that continues you're gold. As Jl8e says it might just be an experience thing and you'll see them get better the long you play together (watching your friends get better at something is a great experience) but even if they don't it's not the end of the world. Maybe offer to take over something such as the scheduling or note taking so they've got less to juggle and can focus more on the stuff only the DM can do.
Also offer to run a one shot for one of your groups. I've often found that when players get to see the other side of the screen they suddenly realise what's involved and the types of things that go into planning which both helps with patience but also lets you see what things you can do to help lighten the load
Oh I am having fun, which is also one of the reasons why I haven't complained. It's just that being inexperienced myself, it's hard to tell what's commonly considered acceptable and what isn't.
Thanks for the replies :)
Yeah, on the list of DM sins, "checking the rules frequently to make sure they're getting it right" and "fighting with the VTT" doesn't even rate
I'm sure every experienced player has DM horror stories that would make your hair curl. Let me tell you about the one who killed half the party in what was supposed to be session 0...
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Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock) Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue) Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Oh I am having fun, which is also one of the reasons why I haven't complained. It's just that being inexperienced myself, it's hard to tell what's commonly considered acceptable and what isn't.
Thanks for the replies :)
Yeah, on the list of DM sins, "checking the rules frequently to make sure they're getting it right" and "fighting with the VTT" doesn't even rate
I'm sure every experienced player has DM horror stories that would make your hair curl. Let me tell you about the one who killed half the party in what was supposed to be session 0...
I'm sorry for your loss AntonSirius, but if it's any consolation that made me burst out laughing (in solidarity).
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All the world's indeed a stage, and we are merely players, performers and portrayers...
Checking the rules - Yeah it should be avoided as an in-game event. It depends on how long it takes. If it's a few seconds, then it's fine. If you're sat there for ten minutes...just encourage them to make it up and check afterwards.
VTTs are a pain in the...donkey. They are inconsistent and buggy. Roll20 keeps changing its mind on whether it brings up the character sheet or bring up some kind of menu when I double click on the token. I wish it would just stick with the character sheet...but there you go. I listen to the Shadows of Drakkenheim podcast...every single episode where they used Roll20, he'd click on Reveal, and it would insist on Conceal instead. Have patience or find an alternative to VTTs, because the problem isn't the DM, it's the VTT.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
Checking the rules - Yeah it should be avoided as an in-game event. It depends on how long it takes. If it's a few seconds, then it's fine. If you're sat there for ten minutes...just encourage them to make it up and check afterwards.
VTTs are a pain in the...donkey. They are inconsistent and buggy. Roll20 keeps changing its mind on whether it brings up the character sheet or bring up some kind of menu when I double click on the token. I wish it would just stick with the character sheet...but there you go. I listen to the Shadows of Drakkenheim podcast...every single episode where they used Roll20, he'd click on Reveal, and it would insist on Conceal instead. Have patience or find an alternative to VTTs, because the problem isn't the DM, it's the VTT.
While no system is perfect of course, I've had excellent luck with Foundry. I will say that for the two years or so that I used Roll20, I often found it to be, 'quirky'.
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All the world's indeed a stage, and we are merely players, performers and portrayers...
Foundry is less buggy (in my experience) and better graphics...but it is mandatory to spend money.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
This is why I prefer not to run live sessions. I run things through play-by-post right here on DnDBeyond, so I can cross-reference rules, lore, and previous posts made in the game. I like to keep it as consistent as possible. Plus, I can really think about what I want to say and write it in a way that keeps the players in a high fantasy setting.
Plus it keeps combat more fun. No more "I attack with a... sixteen. Does that hit? I do 7 damage." I get dramatic roleplay even in combat, and I like that more. Maybe your DM should give PbP a try and see if that suits them better. Not everyone thinks quickly. Some people think deeply, but slowly.
Yeah, on the list of DM sins, "checking the rules frequently to make sure they're getting it right" and "fighting with the VTT" doesn't even rate
Even an experienced GM will probably be checking a lot with an unfamiliar rule system.
And I've totally seen an experienced GM, who's been running for approximately the entire lifespan of D&D, fight with a VTT, since they were both new to it and not very techie.
I'm sure every experienced player has DM horror stories that would make your hair curl. Let me tell you about the one who killed half the party in what was supposed to be session 0...
I'm sure the GM I mentioned above has, but that would've been in Paranoia.
Old-school Traveller GMs don't count either. :)
And I've totally seen experienced GMs, especially those who are not techie, fight with a VTT when they're new to it.
As a DM who ran a couple years long campaign in Roll20, I put in probably 8+ hours before each 4 hour session just setting up maps and making notes. It was practically a job. And I STILL wrestled with the blasted thing during the sessions on occasion.
Keep in mind, unless you are paying your DM/GM, it is not a job for them. It is something they are doing for you as a part of communal recreation. If they aren't doing things like fostering in party animosity, TPKs, Insulting players, or otherwise creating a hostile playing environment, cut them some friggin slack.
Oh I am having fun, which is also one of the reasons why I haven't complained. It's just that being inexperienced myself, it's hard to tell what's commonly considered acceptable and what isn't.
What is and is not acceptable is up to the group. Spending significant table time looking up rules is undesirable, but most games accept that neither DM nor players are perfect.
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I started playing about a month ago. I've joined several campaigns because there is just no way my ADHD brain can wait another week before getting its next D&D fix.
So I'm experiencing the game with several DMs, all very different in their way of leading the game. Some are fast, some are slow, some will do a lot of fights, others will focus on RP...
Half of them I joined on various Discord servers and are free, the others I joined on StartPlaying.
But there's one of them who, every time we ask something or try to do anything, says "wait, let me look something up first...", and complains every few minutes about the VTT not working as he expects. I haven't complained because the sessions are free, but it is quite annoying.
Should I expect more preparation? Or is this just considered normal?
It’s not unusual, VTTs are notoriously glitchy depending on which one you use and with literally thousands of pages of rules frequently looking things up isn’t unusual for a DM. Also don’t forget that the DM is putting in hours of work between sessions to prepare a game for you to enjoy, which is even more stuff to remember, and doing it for free so if they’re not as prepared as you’d like then please bear that in mind
As a general rule unless the DM isn’t actively trying to kill you and everyone is having fun they’re doing their job
There is no "normal", really. Sounds like that DM isn't very experienced. Everyone has to start somewhere.
But, if you're not having fun, you're completely allowed to bow out.
Oh I am having fun, which is also one of the reasons why I haven't complained. It's just that being inexperienced myself, it's hard to tell what's commonly considered acceptable and what isn't.
Thanks for the replies :)
The fun is the main thing, so long as that continues you're gold. As Jl8e says it might just be an experience thing and you'll see them get better the long you play together (watching your friends get better at something is a great experience) but even if they don't it's not the end of the world. Maybe offer to take over something such as the scheduling or note taking so they've got less to juggle and can focus more on the stuff only the DM can do.
Also offer to run a one shot for one of your groups. I've often found that when players get to see the other side of the screen they suddenly realise what's involved and the types of things that go into planning which both helps with patience but also lets you see what things you can do to help lighten the load
Yeah, on the list of DM sins, "checking the rules frequently to make sure they're getting it right" and "fighting with the VTT" doesn't even rate
I'm sure every experienced player has DM horror stories that would make your hair curl. Let me tell you about the one who killed half the party in what was supposed to be session 0...
Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock)
Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
I'm sorry for your loss AntonSirius, but if it's any consolation that made me burst out laughing (in solidarity).
All the world's indeed a stage, and we are merely players, performers and portrayers...
Checking the rules - Yeah it should be avoided as an in-game event. It depends on how long it takes. If it's a few seconds, then it's fine. If you're sat there for ten minutes...just encourage them to make it up and check afterwards.
VTTs are a pain in the...donkey. They are inconsistent and buggy. Roll20 keeps changing its mind on whether it brings up the character sheet or bring up some kind of menu when I double click on the token. I wish it would just stick with the character sheet...but there you go. I listen to the Shadows of Drakkenheim podcast...every single episode where they used Roll20, he'd click on Reveal, and it would insist on Conceal instead. Have patience or find an alternative to VTTs, because the problem isn't the DM, it's the VTT.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
While no system is perfect of course, I've had excellent luck with Foundry. I will say that for the two years or so that I used Roll20, I often found it to be, 'quirky'.
All the world's indeed a stage, and we are merely players, performers and portrayers...
Foundry is less buggy (in my experience) and better graphics...but it is mandatory to spend money.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
This is why I prefer not to run live sessions. I run things through play-by-post right here on DnDBeyond, so I can cross-reference rules, lore, and previous posts made in the game. I like to keep it as consistent as possible. Plus, I can really think about what I want to say and write it in a way that keeps the players in a high fantasy setting.
Plus it keeps combat more fun. No more "I attack with a... sixteen. Does that hit? I do 7 damage." I get dramatic roleplay even in combat, and I like that more. Maybe your DM should give PbP a try and see if that suits them better. Not everyone thinks quickly. Some people think deeply, but slowly.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Even an experienced GM will probably be checking a lot with an unfamiliar rule system.
And I've totally seen an experienced GM, who's been running for approximately the entire lifespan of D&D, fight with a VTT, since they were both new to it and not very techie.
I'm sure the GM I mentioned above has, but that would've been in Paranoia.
Old-school Traveller GMs don't count either. :)
And I've totally seen experienced GMs, especially those who are not techie, fight with a VTT when they're new to it.
As a DM who ran a couple years long campaign in Roll20, I put in probably 8+ hours before each 4 hour session just setting up maps and making notes. It was practically a job. And I STILL wrestled with the blasted thing during the sessions on occasion.
Keep in mind, unless you are paying your DM/GM, it is not a job for them. It is something they are doing for you as a part of communal recreation. If they aren't doing things like fostering in party animosity, TPKs, Insulting players, or otherwise creating a hostile playing environment, cut them some friggin slack.
What is and is not acceptable is up to the group. Spending significant table time looking up rules is undesirable, but most games accept that neither DM nor players are perfect.