Dammit, Brian. Every single time I think I can’t be more impressed with your facial expressions, you go and prove me wrong. The transition on Brett’s face from “unamused” to “time to interrupt this celebration” (previous comic) to “serious explanation” to “smiling at what he’s about to say” is fantastic.
I think what I like so much about this arc is that it’s showcasing a DMing style that doesn’t get much play, namely “harsh but fair.†Throwing the PCs into overwhelming situations is a great way to drive inventive play that goes beyond the combat conga line. Perfectly balanced combats tend to be a bit boring! But at the same time, the DM should be a fan of the players, and in a situation like this—Carlos made an honest mistake, he could have easily done what he wanted if he hadn’t forgotten, and a retcon doesn’t change anything that happened in between—leniency is definitely called for. I call it the “what you meant to say†rule. Great to see Brett pushing the gang hard but helping them execute their smart plans. I’m gonna miss this comic.
Now this is the stuff. 🙂 Even if you’re trying to kill your players, you can still fudge a bit to help them feel cool and do cool things, and laugh and joke with them.
Carlos is good but still human, even us, the veteran forgets or “forgets” (winkwinknungenunge) some rules in the game and action tokens and action card lists can help the games.
Point of order! Point of order! This is not, in fact, “cool over rule” or even “rule of cool.” This is in fact “in spirit” or “GM synchronicity.” The GM knows what was intended, saw that it was a good idea, clarified the rules for next time, and allowed a brief correction of a minor mistake “in spirit” of what was intended which is completely within the rules. It should not be counted on, though. Such a ruling can be exploited if made too often.
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Loving this arc, and it’s cool to see how the matured Brett is handling things
The degree to which Brett has grown over the course of this comic gives me feels. Insert nic_cage_smile_breeze_mullet_con_air.gif.
I know, right?! Love me this character growth right here.
And the beautiful part is, he’s still being “old school”. He’s running the game like he’d like to play. He’s just…being a better person about it.
I dunno. It’s great. I’m agreeing with you.
feels different when you are behind the screen
HA!
I had to read that twice to get that he was saying “hell is freezing over” and I’m ashamed of myself!
I had to read your joke to get it. So don’t feel so bad.
I had to read your comment to realize “Oh! It’s a cold day in hell!”
Christmas came early.
Doppelganger test! Doppelganger test!
Yeah, are we forgetting? “Santa Claus?” I was expecting a “mulligan” of some kind.
YASSSSSSS!
Sam does declare, he feels the vapours!
Dammit, Brian. Every single time I think I can’t be more impressed with your facial expressions, you go and prove me wrong. The transition on Brett’s face from “unamused” to “time to interrupt this celebration” (previous comic) to “serious explanation” to “smiling at what he’s about to say” is fantastic.
I think what I like so much about this arc is that it’s showcasing a DMing style that doesn’t get much play, namely “harsh but fair.†Throwing the PCs into overwhelming situations is a great way to drive inventive play that goes beyond the combat conga line. Perfectly balanced combats tend to be a bit boring! But at the same time, the DM should be a fan of the players, and in a situation like this—Carlos made an honest mistake, he could have easily done what he wanted if he hadn’t forgotten, and a retcon doesn’t change anything that happened in between—leniency is definitely called for. I call it the “what you meant to say†rule. Great to see Brett pushing the gang hard but helping them execute their smart plans. I’m gonna miss this comic.
Thank God I’m not the only one that binges British Bake-Off.
So this is why its snowing so much
Now this is the stuff. 🙂 Even if you’re trying to kill your players, you can still fudge a bit to help them feel cool and do cool things, and laugh and joke with them.
Right on, Brett.
Carlos is good but still human, even us, the veteran forgets or “forgets” (winkwinknungenunge) some rules in the game and action tokens and action card lists can help the games.
He’s all grown up.
*dabs tears from eye*
They didn’t get Bane to do the sports then? 😉
https://d20monkey.com/comic/the-bane-of-his-existence/
Also, nice move on Brett’s part. He’s come a long way! 😀
Yup, good call! Wanna play rule trumps cool, go play chess or tournament Wh40k, it’s all good if that’s what ypu and your chums are into.
OTOH, a GM who’s constantly ignoring the rules when convenient for where said GM wants the plot/action sequences to go is also a majo PITA.
Moderation and consistency, yes?
Point of order! Point of order! This is not, in fact, “cool over rule” or even “rule of cool.” This is in fact “in spirit” or “GM synchronicity.” The GM knows what was intended, saw that it was a good idea, clarified the rules for next time, and allowed a brief correction of a minor mistake “in spirit” of what was intended which is completely within the rules. It should not be counted on, though. Such a ruling can be exploited if made too often.
“Always be the players’ biggest fan.”
Part of the GM introductory text to one RPG or another(I really can’t recall) and words to live by.