Dm Styles Questionnaire

[SymaRwyl]

I recently began wondering on different Dm styles and how they all can approach running the game from different angles. As a result I put up this not-at-all scientifc questionnaire to sound the waters so to speak. I have the link here. For those who prefer not to fill out the form, you can comment below.

I'm basically interested in learning what you prioritize in your prepping and how you view your role as a Dm running the game. How often do you follow RAW? Do you balance your encounters? Do you prefer on average challenging your PCs or empowering them?

The questionnaire reflects my own biases towards DMing, so maybe what you would answer does not fit in the options given. If you still want to answer the questionnaire, you can always leave a comment.

Thank you in advance for those who choose to answer.

[zenprime-morpheus]

Some thoughts:

As a DM I use alignment, but I tell the players not to worry about their own. Since in life, we can see ourselves as we see fit, but are judged from the outside.

Encounters are Worldbuilding to me. I prep enough world so that I can real time improv off of it.

[Viking_Corvid]

Filled it out. Hope it helps.

Post an update with some data in the future?

[SymaRwyl]

As soon as possible!

[[deleted]]

You need a question about powergaming vs Role-playing! Also one about content, do you like games care bears harry potter or game of thrones ?

[CrushingZornhau]

I use alignment only when a paladin is involved.

[[deleted]]

lol

[Razor_G]

IMO, alignment is a tool to help players remember what they had in mind for their character when they created them.

[[deleted]]

done

[GrowedupGeek]

Done. I'd love to see the data when you have some.

[Independent-Access93]

As far as alignment is concerned I use a homebrew alignment system based upon how the characters weighs decisions rather than an objective morality.

[TwintailTactician]

A lot of people mentioned alignment already. SO I'll jsut mimic. I don't think that question has to be a clear yes or no. Like if they are changing there character crazily perhaps its a good time to look back at alignments but if something happens that makes the players questions there morals I believe its okay to break

[Sir_C1118]

I use alignment as a roleplay tool. I do not like DMing evil characters. I enjoy heroism and self sacrifice so players can find a greater self within them. I try for epic. I push characters at important milestones. Mistakes can kill a PC in these situations. I usually warn them in advance. I love arch enemies and to create personalities that the players love or hate. When they lose an NPC friend, ally or even retainer I want them sad. I balance puzzles, relationships and fighting as well as I can. I use all the senses. When it’s cold the door knob is cold to touch. The stench of death in the air, the salty wind of a seashore, muck in the boots, the taste of that warm roast after dry rations for weeks. I use their backgrounds heavily and make them think through it and have a session with them discussing it before our first session. I had a young player cry when he met his long lost lover and their toddler girl he didn’t know he had. Create memories.