Hello. I just found this channel with the "Unsolicited RPG Advice for Matt Colville" and as the nitpicking was harsh in just the first 10 minutes, I came back to this video to find out what was the purpose of this series of videos. I thought that the Colville game seemed like any other session of a game with friends and didn't understand why the numerous pauses were done by Crispy. Thirty minutes into this video, I have to guess that this is intended to be a series of advice for running a game as an entertainment production for an audience, not a normal game. I guess this is like a TV producer critiquing a TV show. Is that right? You want the streamers to have more professional entertainment streams? Most of your criticism seems focus on strict turn adherence, knowing the rules, and remaining in character. I don't know Crispy's Tavern, but the Colville stream I watched back then and some on your channel, as I said before, and they're just regular people, playing DnD. The way that game ran was much like my games run (whether I'm the DM or a player). People don't have the parameters of their spells memorized or even fully understood most times. And every new session, there is some refamiliarization with rules, spells etc. Also, most regular people cross talk, especially in games where people are in the same room. It's completely ridiculous to think that while one person is taking their turn, that everyone is going to be completely silent but attentive to the game. What exactly is this series goal? It can't be to educate regular gamers, the standards are way too high. Is it for the streamers? Unlikely, most will not see this, none will appreciate it and none are professionals. I am only speaking of Colville's and Dungeon Dudes. I'm pretty sure none of those folks are actors. This is a serious question. I am not attacking you just asking. I was curious (when the first vid came along), then really turned off (couldn't believe the nitpicking), then confused (the critiques of this Crispy stream seem unhelpful).
I have felt similar in watching these videos. There's alot of missing context within the Colville breakdown that gets explained in his Campaign Diary content. The DM always can change or adjust game elements on the fly according to Rule 0, but when Matt does it for monster abilities or spells it's suddenly an issue of player trust? Is the moment I change a Goblin's AC, or if it has higher Hit dice is that an attack on the player characters? Matt can certainly just decide Daze is an affect in his game like how many DMs give monsters unique spells and abilities. Matt most definitely didn't give daze them to spite his players for Silencing the Gong either. It seems like Crispy just wants a perfectly by the book 5e game with no rules changes or adjustments and no checking of rules or referring of rules in play, but the moment something gets ruled wrong or incorrectly it's suddenly an issue? I cannot imagine that Crispy can name every single spell in the book and explain every aspect of its range, casting time, components, etc and expect that of everyone else.
Why would the standards be too high? You SHOULD have high standards! It's hours of your time every week! It has little to do with the viewership and everything to do with how much you can get done (and with what quality) in each session. We all have limited time, we should hold ourselves to be the best we can.
Why don't you want your games to be better? I want players who love the game so much they pay attention and don't call the bad guys, bad guy 1 and bad guy 2 and ask to repeat stuff because they were on the phone or making a dumb joke to another player who also isn't paying attention. If you have a character, act like that character and know the rules, you bought them for a reason.
This is also a lot of what I was thinking about when I watched the Coleville video. It was the only video I saw, and I was really taken back by the harshness of the critique laid out. Was there good advice? Yes, there was actually really really good advice on turn efficiency, and asking Meta mechanical questions in character can be very helpful for players to immerse themselves. However, so much of it was simply being mad that people were laughing, during a game, with friends.... I became even more concerned with the audience that draws this type of criticism. It stops being critique, and becomes bullying, and anger. And the audience of the video ate it up, like they were waiting for someone to also hate the people being "critiqued." It is really obvious OP Crispy is in a lot better mood in this video, and it helps. But the audience that was attracted seemed like one I do not want to be a part of.
@@MGman15 Yeah, it would seem Crispy Tablerunner doesn't go back and read or answer comments. That's fine, my questions were in good faith. I was really interested in answers to them but I guess I'll just move on from this channel.
The main reason I am watching these is to glean useful techniques to move more in the direction of '4D play.' I had never even heard of Shonner until I watched one of these and saw the reference. Watched a few of his videos and the self-righteous bitterness just smacks of elitism addiction. Seal clubbing the stupids isn't going to make me better at running the game, but I think that as a TH-cam thing this is very smart. So on a practical level it seems like the GM needs to just be quiet more and let the players describe things. Give players full agency at all times over their character. Don't make meta comments (Rules, other subjects). Don't entertain hypotheticals. Don't info-dump.
The practical things you mentioned are all great concepts that I think will improve your games. It isn't all on the GM. Players have practical things that they can do to move towards a more in-character game. Thanks for the comment.
@@Tablerunner I watched a bit more of the Shonner videos and after a while I started to get his humor and style a bit more. I will chalk that up to a knee jerk reaction as I am seeing the value in a lot of what he said. I see that he was indeed a treasure. Someone who spoke out. I found you through Runeslinger and I appreciate what you are trying to do. I pretty much quit trying to be better because all of the 99% videos and podcasts made me feel like nobody cares about being better and that I was just being overbearing. I have shared your channel with a friend who also wants to do actual Role Playing.
I just saw the thread on r/dnd He creates a throwaway account, describes this as "tearing [him] apart", misquotes the video to make it seem worse than it is, all to farm sympathy and support. He then refuses to share the video saying that he doesn't want to send hate and harassment this way, even though that was the ultimate effect of the post in the comments. It's like he wanted all the sympathy and outrage but didn't want to share the legitimate criticisms against him.
You were much kinder in your assessment than i would have been. I'll try to learn from that... Anyway, I just found out about this series. I hope you keep it going for a long time.
To be fair. Foundry can be very automated. I play on foundry and it’s nearly completely automated. It depends on modules and how the DM sets things up. Been watching your videos today. It’s been nice to watch and see mistakes or things I do and things I can improve on. The biggest thing I’ve learned through 3 videos is to shut my mouth which I struggle with. Keep it up!
Crispy is so nice in his critique, and now he is actually making the best "how to DM" advice, far more indepth than any 10 minute video Ps. I drew a lot while listening to Shonner, now I can draw a lot while listening to your unsolicited advice.
As a dad I would love to hear your analysis for Dungeons and Daddies season 1. They flex between 1D-4D to create moments that juxtapose other moments. I would argue they achieve roleplay most of the time, but far less than a true 4D method. Instead, they end up getting something that makes up for it, but it's difficult to describe.
I use a VTT just to manage character sheets and maybe have a picture of the city the players are in as the background but for Rifts, my players manually roll and we get initiative done in seconds.
Exactly. This is why I advocate for a much higher degree of trust between player and GM so that much of the mechanics can be handled behind the scene. The handling of some abilities may have to be practiced beforehand to make the session flow better.
years ago, I used to edit wedding videos. The couples always liked the close, intimate moments. The parents wanted shots of the food, the chandelier, the decorations. This DM seems like those parents.
Yeah that was totally newbie stuff. Slow , disorganized, bloated with visual elements and sounds that tell nothing and no one roleplaying their characters for more than a sentence per hour. And yes, people talking with modern lingo on medieval fantasy is really annoying. Is not necessary to know archaic vocabulary, you just need to dramatize your acting on a more shakespearean way and avoid modern expressions. Hell, just read some Conan comics, imitate it and you are good.
The session progressed very slowly. I prefer fast combat. Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who finds modern vernacular jarring in medieval fantasy. Thanks for watching!
Hello. I just found this channel with the "Unsolicited RPG Advice for Matt Colville" and as the nitpicking was harsh in just the first 10 minutes, I came back to this video to find out what was the purpose of this series of videos. I thought that the Colville game seemed like any other session of a game with friends and didn't understand why the numerous pauses were done by Crispy.
Thirty minutes into this video, I have to guess that this is intended to be a series of advice for running a game as an entertainment production for an audience, not a normal game. I guess this is like a TV producer critiquing a TV show. Is that right? You want the streamers to have more professional entertainment streams?
Most of your criticism seems focus on strict turn adherence, knowing the rules, and remaining in character. I don't know Crispy's Tavern, but the Colville stream I watched back then and some on your channel, as I said before, and they're just regular people, playing DnD. The way that game ran was much like my games run (whether I'm the DM or a player). People don't have the parameters of their spells memorized or even fully understood most times. And every new session, there is some refamiliarization with rules, spells etc. Also, most regular people cross talk, especially in games where people are in the same room. It's completely ridiculous to think that while one person is taking their turn, that everyone is going to be completely silent but attentive to the game.
What exactly is this series goal? It can't be to educate regular gamers, the standards are way too high. Is it for the streamers? Unlikely, most will not see this, none will appreciate it and none are professionals. I am only speaking of Colville's and Dungeon Dudes. I'm pretty sure none of those folks are actors. This is a serious question. I am not attacking you just asking. I was curious (when the first vid came along), then really turned off (couldn't believe the nitpicking), then confused (the critiques of this Crispy stream seem unhelpful).
I have felt similar in watching these videos. There's alot of missing context within the Colville breakdown that gets explained in his Campaign Diary content. The DM always can change or adjust game elements on the fly according to Rule 0, but when Matt does it for monster abilities or spells it's suddenly an issue of player trust? Is the moment I change a Goblin's AC, or if it has higher Hit dice is that an attack on the player characters? Matt can certainly just decide Daze is an affect in his game like how many DMs give monsters unique spells and abilities. Matt most definitely didn't give daze them to spite his players for Silencing the Gong either. It seems like Crispy just wants a perfectly by the book 5e game with no rules changes or adjustments and no checking of rules or referring of rules in play, but the moment something gets ruled wrong or incorrectly it's suddenly an issue? I cannot imagine that Crispy can name every single spell in the book and explain every aspect of its range, casting time, components, etc and expect that of everyone else.
Why would the standards be too high?
You SHOULD have high standards! It's hours of your time every week!
It has little to do with the viewership and everything to do with how much you can get done (and with what quality) in each session. We all have limited time, we should hold ourselves to be the best we can.
Why don't you want your games to be better? I want players who love the game so much they pay attention and don't call the bad guys, bad guy 1 and bad guy 2 and ask to repeat stuff because they were on the phone or making a dumb joke to another player who also isn't paying attention. If you have a character, act like that character and know the rules, you bought them for a reason.
This is also a lot of what I was thinking about when I watched the Coleville video. It was the only video I saw, and I was really taken back by the harshness of the critique laid out. Was there good advice? Yes, there was actually really really good advice on turn efficiency, and asking Meta mechanical questions in character can be very helpful for players to immerse themselves. However, so much of it was simply being mad that people were laughing, during a game, with friends....
I became even more concerned with the audience that draws this type of criticism. It stops being critique, and becomes bullying, and anger.
And the audience of the video ate it up, like they were waiting for someone to also hate the people being "critiqued."
It is really obvious OP Crispy is in a lot better mood in this video, and it helps. But the audience that was attracted seemed like one I do not want to be a part of.
@@MGman15 Yeah, it would seem Crispy Tablerunner doesn't go back and read or answer comments. That's fine, my questions were in good faith. I was really interested in answers to them but I guess I'll just move on from this channel.
I understand your frustration, I feel it too. All of this is advice is incredible. Thank you for making this series!
My pleasure. I hope that you get something from these that improves your own experience in the hobby!
The main reason I am watching these is to glean useful techniques to move more in the direction of '4D play.' I had never even heard of Shonner until I watched one of these and saw the reference. Watched a few of his videos and the self-righteous bitterness just smacks of elitism addiction. Seal clubbing the stupids isn't going to make me better at running the game, but I think that as a TH-cam thing this is very smart.
So on a practical level it seems like the GM needs to just be quiet more and let the players describe things. Give players full agency at all times over their character. Don't make meta comments (Rules, other subjects). Don't entertain hypotheticals. Don't info-dump.
The practical things you mentioned are all great concepts that I think will improve your games. It isn't all on the GM. Players have practical things that they can do to move towards a more in-character game. Thanks for the comment.
@@Tablerunner I watched a bit more of the Shonner videos and after a while I started to get his humor and style a bit more. I will chalk that up to a knee jerk reaction as I am seeing the value in a lot of what he said. I see that he was indeed a treasure. Someone who spoke out.
I found you through Runeslinger and I appreciate what you are trying to do. I pretty much quit trying to be better because all of the 99% videos and podcasts made me feel like nobody cares about being better and that I was just being overbearing.
I have shared your channel with a friend who also wants to do actual Role Playing.
Reddit, loved this.
I just saw the thread on r/dnd
He creates a throwaway account, describes this as "tearing [him] apart", misquotes the video to make it seem worse than it is, all to farm sympathy and support. He then refuses to share the video saying that he doesn't want to send hate and harassment this way, even though that was the ultimate effect of the post in the comments. It's like he wanted all the sympathy and outrage but didn't want to share the legitimate criticisms against him.
Sorry, I'm at a loss here. I don't spend any time on Reddit so I'm not sure to what you are referring.
You're the dungeon master dad we all need.
Hahaha! That's really funny. Thanks for your comment. I got a kick out of it.
You were much kinder in your assessment than i would have been. I'll try to learn from that...
Anyway, I just found out about this series. I hope you keep it going for a long time.
That's the plan! On rewatching this advice video, I think I could be a little more forceful.
Thanks for watching. More on the way.
To be fair. Foundry can be very automated. I play on foundry and it’s nearly completely automated. It depends on modules and how the DM sets things up. Been watching your videos today. It’s been nice to watch and see mistakes or things I do and things I can improve on. The biggest thing I’ve learned through 3 videos is to shut my mouth which I struggle with. Keep it up!
That's great! Appreciate the encouragement. I too struggle with speaking too much. It is easy to fall into the habit and hard to break.
Crispy is so nice in his critique, and now he is actually making the best "how to DM" advice, far more indepth than any 10 minute video
Ps. I drew a lot while listening to Shonner, now I can draw a lot while listening to your unsolicited advice.
Glad that you are here!
As a dad I would love to hear your analysis for Dungeons and Daddies season 1.
They flex between 1D-4D to create moments that juxtapose other moments. I would argue they achieve roleplay most of the time, but far less than a true 4D method. Instead, they end up getting something that makes up for it, but it's difficult to describe.
I use a VTT just to manage character sheets and maybe have a picture of the city the players are in as the background but for Rifts, my players manually roll and we get initiative done in seconds.
That was painful. I watched the whole thing to help you with the algorithm Crispy. Thank you for your service.
You sir, are a scholar and a gentleman!
Roleplaying combat in 5e gets real tough as characters get higher level, it also gets incredibly boring. This session shows that perfectly.
Exactly. This is why I advocate for a much higher degree of trust between player and GM so that much of the mechanics can be handled behind the scene. The handling of some abilities may have to be practiced beforehand to make the session flow better.
years ago, I used to edit wedding videos. The couples always liked the close, intimate moments. The parents wanted shots of the food, the chandelier, the decorations. This DM seems like those parents.
Good point. The characters should be the focus.
Another great live stream!
Thanks pal!
Yeah that was totally newbie stuff. Slow , disorganized, bloated with visual elements and sounds that tell nothing and no one roleplaying their characters for more than a sentence per hour. And yes, people talking with modern lingo on medieval fantasy is really annoying. Is not necessary to know archaic vocabulary, you just need to dramatize your acting on a more shakespearean way and avoid modern expressions. Hell, just read some Conan comics, imitate it and you are good.
The session progressed very slowly. I prefer fast combat. Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who finds modern vernacular jarring in medieval fantasy. Thanks for watching!
The one sentence per hour thing is so prevalent in a lot of games. GMs need to shut up and let the players play.