Let me know if this is already a thing, but I decided that in the games I run, if the players are being diddly darn ding dongs, (like being on their phones or not paying attention,) I can give them an anti-inspiration. It's the opposite of inspiration. They get disadvantage on one ability check or attack that I choose. It's pretty funny. Again, let me know if this is already a thing.
It’s not a thing. Also, it’s not a great idea. You are awarding in game punishment for out of game behavior. Instead, talk to your players. Explain how you spend hours each week prepping for the session and it’s disrespectful to you for them not ignore you and the work you’ve put in. Also, listen to what they have to say. It could be they are not finding your story interesting, so they’re looking for other ways to amuse themselves.
In short, you need an out of character discussion about what’s happening at the table. You need to figure out the root of the problem — short attention span, boring story, something else entirely — before you can fix it. But giving them disadvantage is not the answer. That’s just treating them like children.
It’s not a thing. Also, it’s not a great idea. You are awarding in game punishment for out of game behavior. Instead, talk to your players. Explain how you spend hours each week prepping for the session and it’s disrespectful to you for them not ignore you and the work you’ve put in. Also, listen to what they have to say. It could be they are not finding your story interesting, so they’re looking for other ways to amuse themselves.
In short, you need an out of character discussion about what’s happening at the table. You need to figure out the root of the problem — short attention span, boring story, something else entirely — before you can fix it. But giving them disadvantage is not the answer. That’s just treating them like children.
Okay, thanks for the feedback. I haven't been a DM for very long, so responses like these help me out a lot. I'll consider this and try to communicate better with my players. Thanks again!
It’s not a thing. Also, it’s not a great idea. You are awarding in game punishment for out of game behavior. Instead, talk to your players. Explain how you spend hours each week prepping for the session and it’s disrespectful to you for them not ignore you and the work you’ve put in. Also, listen to what they have to say. It could be they are not finding your story interesting, so they’re looking for other ways to amuse themselves.
In short, you need an out of character discussion about what’s happening at the table. You need to figure out the root of the problem — short attention span, boring story, something else entirely — before you can fix it. But giving them disadvantage is not the answer. That’s just treating them like children.
Actually, back in the day in the 1e days, we used to have a 'Wandering Damage Table' show up and whack characters over such things. If the players aren't paying attention, their characters are not, either.
I remember something similar from my 1e days. It wasn’t a good idea then either.
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Let me know if this is already a thing, but I decided that in the games I run, if the players are being diddly darn ding dongs, (like being on their phones or not paying attention,) I can give them an anti-inspiration. It's the opposite of inspiration. They get disadvantage on one ability check or attack that I choose. It's pretty funny. Again, let me know if this is already a thing.
Anyway I'm off to
stealborrow some homebrewIt’s not a thing. Also, it’s not a great idea. You are awarding in game punishment for out of game behavior. Instead, talk to your players. Explain how you spend hours each week prepping for the session and it’s disrespectful to you for them not ignore you and the work you’ve put in.
Also, listen to what they have to say. It could be they are not finding your story interesting, so they’re looking for other ways to amuse themselves.
In short, you need an out of character discussion about what’s happening at the table. You need to figure out the root of the problem — short attention span, boring story, something else entirely — before you can fix it. But giving them disadvantage is not the answer. That’s just treating them like children.
Okay, thanks for the feedback. I haven't been a DM for very long, so responses like these help me out a lot. I'll consider this and try to communicate better with my players. Thanks again!
Anyway I'm off to
stealborrow some homebrewI remember something similar from my 1e days. It wasn’t a good idea then either.