More importantly, though, I’ve also lost count of the number of times I should have restated things, rather than letting ’stupid’ PC actions just take their course.

One suggestion: you should replace that lightbulb pic with a gazebo!

Walt

One of the worst instances I’ve been part of was at Gen Con a number of years ago. Some VIPs are holding a dinner party or some such on a yacht. Terrorists storm the ship and take everyone hostage. We’re the SWAT team and need to go in and rescue the hostages.

We quickly brainstorm a plan: we’ll dress up in all black command gear and gear up with silenced weapons. We’ll get a black rubber raft, and quietly paddle up to the boat pull ourselves up the side and take out the terrorists with a combination of speed and surprise. The GM is paying attention, and once we’ve got the plan sorted out, we say, “Okay, that’s what we’re doing.” The GM mulls this for a moment and announces, “One of terrorists on the deck sees you and shouts an alarm!” “How did he see us?” “Well you’re wearing all black, and it’s the middle of a sunny day, so you’re pretty easy to see.” We pointed out that every single player thought it was night, that it was the foundation of our plan, so could we maybe back up a step? Nope, not happening. We blundered through, but it left us all frustrated and unhappy.

Restated for gaming: Perception is a virtual reality.

And what I have to do (daily, it seems) is explain that their job success is not based on what they say; their job success is based on what the client percieves. I could care less what what said, if the customer percieved somethign different and they did not get this, they did a crappy job.

When we GM, the same is true. What the players percieve from your communication is all that is real, especially since you are creating the whole world ithey exist in, and it is critical they are ‘in the same place’ you are. So your bit about re-establishing the scene is absolutely perfect.

You’ve described the scene: a noble and his retinue are in a large hall. The noble is about to engage the party in conversation, almost certainly to hand out a mission. And then the rogue chimes in with, “When he starts talking, I’m going to try to pick the noble’s pocket.”

precise man, you got it exactly as it had been

what i found working with my group (better.. i have found, because i recently changed group).. was an hidden smile.. if i would say “you stupid don’t do this”.. bet that they’ll do it… but a smile from a DM.. it’s like a black hole being opened in the game.. and they’ll try to understand what that smile would have meant….. before it’s too late

(Edited by Telas to fix tagging)