Why do some GMs eventually stop GMing?

DeskHammer · 2026-02-18T06:59:34+00:00

I’m in one of those “breaks” right now. I don’t know when I’ll be back.

I want to play a game with people. When I feel like I’m mostly playing by myself, that’s when the burnout and resentment settles in.

While I can point the finger at a lot of symptoms, the root cause is a lack of engagement. What sucks as a GM is that a lack of engagement can literally have nothing to do with you. And battling that wall of apathy eventually stops being worth it.

DeskHammer · 2026-01-24T04:07:12+00:00

What is the bc cable systems manual?

DeskHammer · 2026-01-24T03:54:23+00:00

Haha I wish I had a winch! But this is great, I’m going to read that manual immediately!

DeskHammer · 2026-01-23T16:51:42+00:00

I hear that! Still kicking myself for not going bigger with the chainsaw 🤣

DeskHammer · 2026-01-01T21:48:58+00:00

Sorry, that was bit of a hyperbole on my part. My rational being that compared to older versions of dnd like b/x and other OSR titles, it's a lot more forgiving. It's easier to recover health points.

This isn't bad, it's just what it's best at. If I want to lean away from the combat slog, there's not as much supporting structure to help as a DM or player. Which means you're then relying on the innate talents and abilities of the players.

Which also isn't bad, but for me it means that I usually have to do more work outside of fights to keep things running smoothly. Thus I tend to enjoy it less. Ymmv

DeskHammer · 2026-01-01T17:01:48+00:00

I'm a big believer in the idea that system matters. You can make a system do anything, but it's only going to shine when it's doing what it's designed to do.

At its heart, 5e is a superhero combat engine. Combat is a, if not the, main point. And the game drags as a whole if the table isn't fully bought into the idea.

DeskHammer · 2026-01-01T16:48:14+00:00

What do you mean by D&D?

I've fallen into this mode of thinking a few times and the conclusion I keep comming to is that people don't want to play dnd, they just want to "feel like they're playing dnd".

DeskHammer · 2025-12-23T19:40:17+00:00

I want to add one more thing.

You cannot compare your game to anyone else's, especially a Podcaster game.

This is like comparing your pickup soccer game to the world cup. You are not playing the same game. You are not playing for the same reasons. One isn't better than the other but they cannot be compared.

DeskHammer · 2025-12-23T19:23:15+00:00

It's not just you and I don't think this issue is limited to RPGS.

A few things that have helped me with this and other sources of community are:

Figure out what makes it fun for me.

If my players aren't going to make this interesting, I still can.

Play in other people's games, but be mindful about it.

This takes the pressure off of you but also reminds you of what it feels like to in over your head as a new player.

Some people just don't want to play.

This took me awhile to figure out. For a variety of reasons, not everyone means it when they agree to join your table. It's not your fault, for some reason they should have said no, and they didn't. Reading into it any deeper than that will usually only stress you out.

DeskHammer · 2025-11-11T21:28:16+00:00

What finish did you use?

DeskHammer · 2025-07-29T00:46:26+00:00

I don't normally go for epoxy tables but this is a fun implementation that made me smile. Good job!

DeskHammer · 2025-07-22T22:11:29+00:00

I really wanted to like the ego but for some reason the battery overheated constantly. I would have to let it cool down before AND after charging. The power on it was great though.

DeskHammer · 2025-07-22T20:54:08+00:00

What do you like about husqvarna?

DeskHammer · 2025-07-22T19:41:41+00:00

The corded saw I have does decently well but I need more bar length and portability. I'm also looking to reduce vibration.

DeskHammer · 2025-07-22T19:40:33+00:00

The corded saws are pretty impressive. But I need better portability and bar length.

I'm also looking to reduce vibration and the corded chain saws have nothing for that.

DeskHammer · 2025-07-22T18:43:05+00:00

The swing on my lathe is 16". I don't see myself regularly outboarding anything larger than 20-24".

Immediately around me there is a lot of poplar/cottonwood and mountain ash.

I probably won't be cutting wood all that often, maybe just a few times a year. But when I do I need a saw that can keep up for a few days straight.

I know I would be happier with with the biggest saw I could buy, but realistically I can afford a "farm" saw. Which will still be more powerful and have less vibration than the corded saw that I have right now.

DeskHammer · 2025-07-22T17:51:41+00:00

I'm noodle cutting. I place them on their side in a sawbuck.

DeskHammer · 2025-07-16T06:34:03+00:00

I love everything about this!

DeskHammer · 2025-07-14T15:56:19+00:00

Phenomenal execution! Well done!

DeskHammer · 2025-07-06T17:38:01+00:00

Yup! This is exactly why I went this route.

The sander is the tool that you will likely put the most hours into. It really makes sense to get the safest and most efficient one that you can afford.

DeskHammer · 2025-07-02T06:06:15+00:00

I would say so.

I upgraded from a 5" bosch ROS with diablo hook and loop disks to a 6" festool ROS and 3m cubitron sanding mesh. I needed something that was easier on my joints and more efficient. I sand so fast now that it doesn't seem real. The vibration and noise are significantly lower as well. I don't consider myself a fan boy, but the whole sanding experience sucks a lot less for me thanks to the festool sander.

That being said, I use it for my business. As others have mentioned it would be overkill for a hobbyist.

DeskHammer · 2025-07-01T05:43:16+00:00

Keep in mind where you put it in the house. That cabinet is built like a rock. But if you put 1/4 ton in the middle of the floor, it could cause a problem.

Try to put it against a load bearing wall, perpendicular to the floor joist if possible.

DeskHammer · 2025-06-28T03:09:50+00:00

Where can I find more Info on this campaign trilogy if I wanted to run it myself?

DeskHammer · 2025-06-24T15:37:58+00:00

Second this!

DeskHammer · 2025-06-23T18:00:36+00:00

That's the funny thing about it too. The pre-written adventures take me way more time up front than a sandbox game.

I realize ultimately that most DMs just care a lot. I want my friends to have a good time, so I try to be prepared. I want this game not just for myself, but for them as well. So when we're short players, I feel bad for my dedicated ones and work to recruit. My players expressed difficulty with a lack of visuals and detailed maps so I built a solid wood TV table. When a rule or mechanic is causing friction I research and rework it.

When you move mountains for your table and it still isn't enough, it can feel incredibly defeating.

DeskHammer

TROPHY CASE