Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
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Path: utzoo!utcsrgv!grindal
From: grindal@utcsrgv.UUCP (David Grindal)
Newsgroups: net.games.frp
Subject: Re: Creative use of spells
Message-ID: <3132@utcsrgv.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 16-Jan-84 16:50:21 EST
Article-I.D.: utcsrgv.3132
Posted: Mon Jan 16 16:50:21 1984
Date-Received: Tue, 17-Jan-84 10:25:03 EST
References: <253@inuxg.UUCP>, <763@qubix.UUCP>
Organization: CSRG, University of Toronto
Lines: 39

	The key to any AD&D game is always the GM.  This is one of the
things that makes it such a good game to play.  The players are not
forced into anything by a complex set of rules.  The game never has to 
(or at least shouldn't) stop while the GM looks up some obscure reference
in the rulebook.  

	It also means that a great deal of enjoyment in the process depends
directly on the GM.  I get the feeling that Steve's GM runs the sort of
game in which your characters go from 1st to 10 level in about 1 month
of playing time.  Wonderfully exciting if you don't mind walking around
beating everything up with your 19 strength, 2 artifacts and 3 relics!!

	One key pupose of the GM is to  apply commonsense to any situation
before running to the DMG.  Sure, strictly according to the rules a 1st
level hobbit thief could subdue a huge, ancient black dragon.  But do
you for a moment think a reasonable GM should allow such a dice roll to stand?
Of course not.  Or if so, he should have that dragon begin plotting how 
to escape right away.  

	This also applies to "Boxing a Basilisk".  Let's assume that your
party somehow gets this 8' long basilisk in the box.  You now have to 
a) carry it around somehow, while the basilisk is throwing his weight around
	inside.  If the box gets dropped, the GM should see if it broke, and
	you now have a very angry basilisk in the middle of your suprised party.
b) try to get other monsters to look at the hole in the box.  If its a small
	hole, very low chance.  If it's a big hole, players may get some
	of their own medicine.

All this time of course the basilisk is trying to get out.  If you've ever
seen mice or rats gnaw their way out of a box you know that that lizard isn't
going to be boxed for long.

	The whole point of this tirade is that any GM worth his salt must
keep the game reasonable.  If I was playing with Steve's GM, I don't think
I'd be playing with him for long.  I know.  I've played with one of that
type here.   It becomes a boring game after a very short time.

				David Grindal
				(..!utzoo!utcsrgv!grindal)