D&D General When Things Go Awry, Who's At Fault?

[Lanefan]

When things go awry I'd rather give out credit than blame, as things going awry is often far more fun/entertaining/interesting than when they don't.

 

[Thunderfoot]

My cousin Myrna, because everything's her fault.
(It's a running family joke.)

Honestly, how about all of the above. Because at any one point they all apply. And for that reason I checked everything.

 

[Li Shenron]

The option you want isn't on the list? Tell us about it in the comments!

Heh, you really didn't include or even mention under "everything else" examples what I think are the real reasons the game goes awry

"Who" can be anyone, so it's not the main point.

"What" is to blame on the other hand, is ideas and attitudes that might seem to serve the game but rarely do, among which:

• putting the RAW above everything else
• pretending the rules must be an accurate simulation of reality
• wanting to "win" the game against the DM or the other players
• using your character (or monsters) to express your repressed racism, misogyny or other hatred

 

[Bitbrain]

Well, the last time something went awry in my group, it was because the air conditioning in the house broke. Everybody started getting overheated.

Whatever problems we were having with the guy DMing or between us the players took a backseat to the fact that we all looked like we’d jumped into a saltwater pool.

 

[GuyBoy]

I’d add “Real Life”, which can be a big negative to game’s. Covid has been the obvious one, but relationships, families, sport etc can all get in the way (in a positive way often).
In game, I’ve only experienced things going awry due to variants of “that player”, though Pathfinder rules bloat was a bit problematic.

 

[jmartkdr2]

Technically, it's always bad judgement.

But who's bad judgement? Usually a player (the same player; there's not quite one in every group - the one who thinks they need to add drama), often the dm, occasionally the designers (somebody thought putting the deck of many things in the standard treasure tables was a good idea )

 

[GreyLord]

I put down the Dungeon master, but I'll include one exception...that sometimes it's one player...me.

I like to play Chaotic type characters (CG, CN, CE) and when occasionally, I go off the wire, especially if it feels like a railroad.

Driven one or two DM's crazy with my antics at purposefully avoiding the railroad...which is not a good reflection of me during those times (normally I'm a good player...meaning...follow the rails...not misbehave...etc). There has been the occasion though...

I DM more than I play though. If things go wrong there, firmly....my fault.

DMs are supposed to keep a good rein and control on what's going on in the game relying on inspiration and adaptability to whatever their players throw at them.

 

[Scott Christian]

Bad judgement is often a catalyst.

And even though it is not a serious thread, I would have liked to see chemistry up there. Sometimes THAT player is THAT player because of THAT DM or THAT other player.

 

[LordEntrails]

What powers would a Warlock get from a bar patron?

Time stop? Because they always get a free round!

 

[LoganRan]

It's really very simple...

Are you male? If yes, it's your fault. Otherwise, it's someone else's fault.