I realized the other day that I have a principle that guides both some classroom management and dungeon master decisions.
Scenario: Someone wants to do something. Literally anything.
My thought: Am I okay with saying “yes” every time I get asked this?
If not, I say no.
Sometimes someone will bring up a neat idea that I’m down with always saying “yes” for, and to those I give an enthusiastic “heck yeah!” But keeping consistency in mind helps manage expectations and your players’ (or students’!) understanding of how your world works.
So next time your players ask if they can do something, ask yourself what the “always answer” is, and go with your gut.
Scott Sutherland & Sage Advice on Alcohol – Dragon Talk
Designing with a Strong D (And Also the Return of Crafting) – The Angry GM
Dungeons & Dragons Lore: Ability Scores – Merric’s Musings
Getting Feedback from Your Players – Norse DM
Let’s Design an Adventure: Putting Encounters Together – DnDBeyond
Peeper – DMsGuild – PWYW
5th Edition Class Specific Character Sheets – DMsGuild – PWYW
Silent Screechers – DMsGuild – $2.95 (<<My newest adventure!!)
Now get out there and tell a story!
Peace,
Maximilian Hart