Not Another D&D Podcast D&D Court: Questionable Curses, Quiet Cousins and The Ravenloft Sequestering
Jul 26, 2024
The courtroom is in session as Justices tackle listener-submitted D&D disputes with humor. A cursed shipwreck sparks debates on DM transparency and player reactions. The dilemma of a silent cousin raises questions about DM and player responsibilities. Creative solutions like themed pancakes are proposed to mend table dynamics. An Owlin Ranger's struggles against a birdless Ravenloft lead to speculation on DMs overcorrecting. The panel emphasizes the importance of rolling in front of players to maintain trust and keep the game authentic.
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Telegraph Curses, Don't Ambush Players
- When placing cursed items, telegraph danger with description or reveal the curse when it matters to preserve player agency and drama.
- Roll or hint publicly and make the moment theatrical instead of secretly applying harsh mechanical penalties.
Check In On Silent Players
- If a player at your table is silent or missing in-character, check in out-of-character quickly to protect their experience.
- As DM, cut scenes or directly address the absent player's situation instead of letting it drag on.
DM Panic Can Break Player Backstories
- DM panic about player abilities can cause overcorrections that break player backstories and world cohesion.
- Engaging a player's backstory is work, but heavy-handed bans (like 'no birds') often signal avoidance, not design.
