DnD Player Uses Her Autism To Make Demands To DM | r/rpghorrorstories

[@Ghostface2252]

To all players, when the dm asks, "are you sure?" Always take a second and think about the actions you are taking and reevaluate if it really is the best option. The dm doesn't have to give that slight heads up, take advantage of those if you get them.

[@dwaynejackson551]

I have dense players at times and I have even said: "Handy DM hint, Don't do that. It won't end well." I only have one story of a player who tried to derail my campaign after ignore that. He did not have a fun time.

[@Ghostface2252]

@@dwaynejackson551 Oh please share your story, I would love to read it.

[@dwaynejackson551]

@@Ghostface2252 Short version because it takes me hours to tell this story even when just speaking. So I will tell you only about the times that matter. He was allowed to make a hybrid monster and he chose vampire/halfling and ended up with a baby halfling vampire that would never grow up. He was brought up on child endangerment, animal cruelty, assault and battery charges, possession of a controlled substance, and many more charges that he tried to jump bail on. Ratted out the demon whom another player had an on going partnership with to open court when the demon was going to have all charges dropped. Got an entire church to want to shoot him on sight. Hit on every female NPC or tried to make them take care of his halfling baby so he could go drink. He actually pissed off the Goddess Athena so bad she moved out of her man cave. Hit on an obviously disguised terminator style robot who fell from the sky only because she was a hot blonde (They took the form of anything that would attract their prey.) Worst of all he got into it with a higher level NPC who was literally able to dodge him while playing a Gameboy by smashing the Gameboy and then calling her a bitch who needed to fight like a man. After all this and more he got mad at me when his luck was bad because he wanted to be super powerful at level one. He never made it to level two.

[@ninjagregshow9423]

It is an unwritten rule if the DM asks "are you sure" you say "no"

[@schwarzerritter5724]

@@ninjagregshow9423 So you believe the player in the story was in the right?

[@supermarioblacktiger]

Okay players, we are gonna do a somewhat serious game. No revivals. Realistic battle strategies. Everyone got it? An army of serious soldiers are in front of you. Okay player, what do you do? With the power of anime and video games on my side I run straight into the army!!! This is my battle to win!!!

[@DnDDoge]

I have the power of god and anime on my side. I forgot about that quote, lol

[@HypercomboProduction]

I have Autism Aspergers and ADHD so my main problem is a short attention span. I am getting better at managing it but I will at least tell my DM about it before session 0 instead of using it as an excuse last minute.

[@jondawson7911]

OP of the first story definitely did the right thing. There's a clear difference between not giving people a chance like some in his server thought. Then, there's giving the player multiple chances to back off and rather than try to compromise, the player tries to force it in anyway. Yeah that at least warrants a "You're not playing in my game."

[@davidtherwhanger6795]

As the DM (or GM for those that prefer) it's your world. You decide what is and is not in it. Players decide if they want to play in that world or not. Some negotiation is possible, but ultimately if the player wants some thing different, they should go find something different than hijacking your world. I guarantee a player that will hijack your world won't stop with just you, they will also hijack the party and the party's agency as well.

[@spectrelead]

Exactly. I've seen it as a player, where another would get a bit of main char synd

[@jordanwhite8718]

On the autism story, I unfortunately had to deal with a woman who behave the same way. In my case, however, she was trying to flirt with me even though she knew I already had a girlfriend. When we both called her out on it, she started freaking out. People who use their disability as an excuse for bad behavior make me sick. I am legally blind, and I have enough problems in my life without other disabled people making it worse.

[@Elyseon]

Not to mention that half the time, those "autists" are just self-diagnosed creepy manchildren.

[@Michaeljack81sk]

Story 1: Agreed, not the a-hole. That Guy gives off the vibe of someone who doesn't believe rules apply to them Story 2: Definitely not the A-hole. Hexblade got given every chance to not die as well and the DM never needs Permission to kill off a character. I would say the moment you sit down at the table you are accepting your character may die. Story 3: It is a pretty generic greeting but so what? The correct response should have been something like "Hi there newbie, why don't you introduce yourself?" Story 4: Wow, at "didn't want to read the players handbook because it was too long" I thought this was actually going to be a horror story. What a turnabout!

[@MWH12085]

Maybe should've opened with "WHATS CRAKIN' YOU F**KING POLE SMOKERS!?"

[@AmaryInkawult]

​@@MWH12085something tells me that wouldn't matter and they'd still be pissed that you didn't mind read their absurd standards.

[@gavtalksspace]

Great video :) as someone with ASD it upsets me that people will use our condition as a means to escape responsibility, though it’s hard to read from a text post whether or not the cue was obvious. Still, DM made the rules pretty clear from the jump so that player really only has theirselves to blame for not being more cautious with their character. As far as a good module for beginner DMs, I had a blast running Princes of the Apocalypse for my group.

[@sunzi42]

Being a person with autism, I always get VERY angry when people try to get away with stuff, just based on autism. One thing about being autistic, is you follow a strict routine and demand rules and regulations. It is autistic persons, who usually knows the rules of a game. Autistic people have problem with understanding social rules, not spoken or written down rules. "The social rules" is a big give away about autistic people.

[@Xylarxcode]

See, the fact that OP specifically mentions that she was capable of picking up on social cues in previous sessions makes me doubt that she was any form of autistic at all. To me, it sounds like she was using it as an excuse to get what she wanted because no one would dare to argue with someone who is autistic. It's so easy to paint someone who argues with an autistic person as an uncaring asshole, so she used that fact to get what she wanted because she knew they wouldn't dare argue with her. I would love nothing more than to be proven wrong about that, but that's the vibe I got from the story. It's a tough thing to assess from just one story, though. We weren't there. We don't know these people in real life. They could be lying, they could be hiding important information or they could be telling the full truth and be 100% upfront. We'll never know for sure, so all we have to work with is our own impression based on what we were told. And my impression is that she didn't have any form of autism and used the excuse to get what she wanted, because she knew OP wouldn't argue with her and if he did, it would be very easy for her to paint has as the asshole.

[@hellkitelord8319]

Same here. I was going to say something similar. You did it better than I could have.

[@CooperAATE]

I was a bit worried at the start of that glory story, with somebody refusing to read the rules wanting to DM. But then they mentioned Handbooker Helper, and my fears were brushed aside. It's a great series, and I'm glad it went well. As far as modules, Doge, Lost Mine is a classic for a reason. And if you're not too mad at WotC to spend money, I've heard the new Stormwreck book is great.

[@Thagomizer]

2:46 It could be Chaotic evil. You could be of any alignment and have loved ones. Of course, it doesn't necessarily mean that they'd be better off with you than the danger you saved them from.

[@jinmurasaki]

Agreed, one of the better ways to explain evil in D&D can be selfishly motivations to the detriment of all others. Love can cause someone to do horrible and evil things and if said person is willing to cross any line to do what they feel is necessary then that's pretty chaotic evil to me. The best kinds of evil party members are the ones that care about their fellow group members but not about the greater good.

[@tesreso5448]

Autistic/ADID female... and i DM and play, it takes awhile to learn cues but ive never met a GENUINELY autistic person that didnt go out of their way to try and learn things, from my observations we tend towards 'obscure' cues, usually idiosyncratic, but generally we're aware of out deficits so tend to overcompensate especially when excited... overall, we learn enough if we care and tend towards 'sorry i missed that' then 'angry tirad'. 'Are you sure about that?' Is so obvious even we'd get it. ppl that try to manipulate or use ASD to excuse asshole behavior to throw a tantrum imo arent aspies, theyre narcissistic assholes using ASD as an excuse to get what they want. I call them changelings and throw them off bridges~ And bro, ive played dnd for 20yrs, learned from my uncle on 1st/2nd and never touched a module, often bouncing off players and going down the rabbit holes pcs want to~ if you have an imagination, know how to engage and be flexible, and a basic idea and acceptance for pc shenanigans, make up numbers on the fly, and fiddle for drama, you can play or dm~ so long as youre having fun, its fine~ Also Doge, if your brain hurts by the end, and your pcs are happy, you did good 👍

[@Demolitiondude]

I had a similar situation with an autistic player. In werewolf the apocalypse the pack went to a neighbor market to get some snacks for the trip back to the caern. She said after entering the car she'll shift into lupus form to eat her steaks. And she did, in the middle of a Walmart parking lot in public view. We had a huge argument about what had or haven't been said after the session. The autism defense was used, even had side bars from other players about the Philodox player. Ultimately decided to kick her from the group, and it was a mutual agreement cause she was talking in side bars about quitting.

[@assassincharizard]

Dragon of Icespire Peak is a great starting module. It's in a box set with everything you need. An a bridged rule book, the module book, cards for initiative, quests, magic items, and even NPC hirelings. There is also a double sided map of the starting town and surrounding area, a set of dice and a DM screen.

[@hohcomics]

Lost mines of Phandelver is always a good starting point, very well layout for new DMs and its short. You can easily continue the group through other modules too from Storm Kings Thunder module which takes place close to the end of LmoP or even go deeper into the mines and play Out of the Abyss module . If your going for a long module to start off with there always Curse of Strahd but that one is more horror themed.

[@DnDDoge]

Yeah, getting a lot of that as a suggestion. Think that will be the starting module, and I'll go from there.

[@CallOfCathulhu]

“A most potent brew” is an excellent choice for a first time DM as well as first time players. It’s regularly voted as the most recommended initial introduction, and it believes you can find it free online. Good luck!

[@iank472]

Best of luck with your first DMing session! Just remember to have fun and go with the flow and I'm certain you will do great!

[@pLanetstarBerry]

I asked my group's forever DM for recommendations since I don't consider the modules I've run (Tomb of Annihilation and Curse of Strahd) beginner DM friendly, and here's his answer: "Either of the starter sets modules (Lost Mine of Phandelver or Dragon of Ice Spire) are good. Dragon Heist could work if they're feeling ambitious, but I'd stress THOROUGHLY reading it before starting the game"

[@blazingsword2578]

I'm pissed about the second one. I just found out I'm autistic at nearly 20 and that is just bs. I am bad at social cues so I normally tell someone "if I say anything rude or offensive or annoying I dont mean it" also even if she is shes 100x better of an rper than me so she shouldnt be making the autism excuse

[@schwarzerritter5724]

Has it ever happened to you that people suddenly get angry at you, because you did not understand something they say they communicated properly?

[@blazingsword2578]

@@schwarzerritter5724 I think I did. But I have a horrible memory so I'm not sure

[@blazingsword2578]

@@schwarzerritter5724 but I know for a fact if the dm says are you sure I should take a second to reconsider and not be a dumb ass

[@schwarzerritter5724]

@@blazingsword2578 It is part of the autistic experience. Communication is difficult and people will explain to you why you re being obtuse on purpose.

[@DellikkilleD]

@@schwarzerritter5724 thats on you then, you need to work on that. your disabilities are your responsibility to monitor, not everyone elses. when someone says 'you will die if you do that' you dont get to use 'I didnt understand' as an excuse.

[@JacobL228]

As someone who is actually autistic, I can't stand it when people fake being autistic so people will forgive them for being shitty people. Also, that last story just made me depressed. Some people are just blessed with natural talent while the rest of us can only struggle in vain. Finally, "Handbooker" is pronounced like "handbook" with an "-er" at the end, as it's a Hamburger Helper for the Player's Handbook.

[@DeathsHood]

I've run across more than one person who uses "sorry, I'm autistic, lol" as an excuse for bad behavior. My response is usually "so am I, your disability does not excuse your attitude or behavior."

[@kylethomas9130]

Most of my group is on the spectrum. Which I honestly cannot confirm 100%, but I try to accept peeps however they want to describe themselves. I do try to make certain aspects of the game clear under no uncertain terms. However tbh, I'd probably do so anyways because I'm always afraid of miscommunication causing a rift either in or out of game. Especially since it's my 1st time as an extended DM. Luckily my group consumes a lot of D&D memes, so "are you sure" sets off alarm bells most of the time. I think as that DM in the post, the 'best' they could have done in game would be to remind the player of their options. To do more would be patronizing I think.

[@GarkKahn]

Even if you truly are autistic doesn't give you the right to act like an asshole It's like beating my wife and daughter because my mom or dad did that to me as a kid, it's a cause not an excuse

[@Enjoy_the_climb_back_up]

To be fair not all autistic people are the same dude i am autistic as well and i know for sure everyone acts differently

[@JacobL228]

@@Enjoy_the_climb_back_up Yes, there are different types of autism; as someone with high-functioning autism, I absolutely hate it when people lump me together with people with low-functioning autism, too. However, even if she is autistic (which I doubt) that's no excuse for being a total bitch to everyone.

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

It’s a good idea to tell the DM if you’re neurodivergent! Preferably in session 0! So before the game starts! Make sure there’s a common understanding, especially if there’s a tendency to miss cues, also if it’s only in some situations!

[@DellikkilleD]

yes, so they can weed you from the table before you damage the game for others.

[@gorillaguerillaDK]

@@DellikkilleD What a idiotic take!

[@simonO712]

​@@DellikkilleDSimply being neurodivergent isn't a reason to be weeded. Her being autistic isn't what ruined the game; her being an asshole did.

[@PaladinGear15]

It often baffles me how players can get angry at a DM for having their NPC opponents use their brains. If your enemies have a 16 intelligence commander directing the battle, even if none of the other NPC's are smart enough, he's still gonna point out the cleric wearing full priestly garb devoted to the god of healing and call out "that's their healer, focus your attacks on the priest!" and in a world where a bonus action can make your character hop right back up again ready to fight, when one of the PC's go down, they'd make sure they're *staying* down.

[@CatIsLoveCatIsLife]

I'm gonna be DMing my first DnD campaign in around a year and I'm genuinely praying that it'll go well. The party includes 2 friends that I've both DMed for and played alongside, one really close friend that'll be helping me with encounters and a new player that has heard of DnD before but has never played so I'm nervous as hell lol

[@andreacallegari7137]

My first time as a DM i did not use a module; however, many DMs use either Lost Mine of Phandelver or Waterdeep: Dragon Heist, which start the players from level 1 and continue up to level 5. XP to level 3 has made a couple videos on which 5e modules he prefers both running and being a player in. I'd look into those videos if you're unsure

[@asherael]

ugh, I've encountered several text based rp folks who fucking HATE being said hello to. some of these people are fucking delirious

[@amitamaru]

I think the second AITA story is a case of "Everybody Sucks Here". Killing the campaign so swiftly over one jerk who was cut out of the game is unfair to the others.

[@DrTimeSCPPsych]

Except it wasnt just over one jerk. The other players became her flying monkies blowing up his dms. So fuck them all

[@Kconv1]

That game was dead anyway, she was clearly going to pull the players away if the DM didnt kill the game anyway.

[@ikki_jabul4456]

Hey Doge, good luck to you and your players! May your 20's be mighty and your pencils sharp. Have fun!🎉

[@alkhemi8175]

Thank you for the "glory story" I love guys like yourself, Crab, and drake. Yet I would always come away with a negative mindset. This helps. Now I want too share my own stories. We have a great quirky squad and it's nice to know I have a slim chance too get a post read.

[@MeepChangeling]

I'm autistic. I'm sorry some people use this condition for personal gain. That being said, there are a few things I'd like DM's to do because I am austistic. 1. Please don't assume I intended to be an asshole or jerk. I likely honestly didn'tknow what I did or said upset someone, as most friend groups seem to enjoy being mean to each other. I don't understand how or why, but I emulate it because if I don't people think I'm not their friend for some reason? 2. Understand that if I get real quiet I'm not mad, and I am still paying attention... I'm just overwhelmed with something (likely a loud noise that happened) and processing it.

[@akmi1931]

For the Star Wars story, people telling the DM to “give him a chance” The DM DID. He gave him a chance to play in the game by the rules set forth. He gave him a chance to change his mind and make a character who would play with the group. The player refused each time

[@theofficerfactory2625]

1: Yeah. The player despite having a neat concept was quite adamant in going against DM's wishes and thus had to go. 2: Bullet point 3 might be going too far but it's DM's world. Oh come on! Another one using their issues as a crutch! 3: Uh... wow. Hello Lucky. 4: Nice! My go to was JoCat's Crap Guide to DND to getting the basics but I may wanna give that other guide a try. I have ran 3 one-shots and prepping a 4th before I move onto my first campaign. All of it homebrew and the first party thought I have been a DM for a while as I had maps and everything. It made me feel good and I be sad to not run this one shot for a long while.

[@mordredoforkney6185]

Can't have mixed Sith/Jedi parties in Star Wars tabletop without a really experienced player playing double-time. Just like with Evil and Good together, generally doesn't work unless it is a single player being evil and hiding it.

[@Alyeska23]

That final story was wonderful. Always nice to end on a Win.

[@strawman3859]

"dming for the first time myself" jesus that explains the video where you shit on dms for not letting players bypass house rules

[@toffeeflake]

Ok ok ok, as an autistic I find straightforward communication VITALLY important. If you can’t tell me straight up “this isn’t a good idea.” Or something like in words than there is a complete likelihood I will not understand. Sometimes I can understand “are you sure?” But really sometimes I genuinely can’t tell or It doesn’t cross my mind. My brain isn’t always in tone translation mode. But that’s something I ALWAYS tell my DM or players (I’m a game master sometimes as well) at SESSION 0, right at the gate. I think communication is important! telling a game master randomly a few sessions in after the event? That’s so dumb!!!

[@StarRightStarTight]

For an easy, low commitment module - “Frozen Sick” is a mini-adventure that is free on DnD Beyond. It’s only a handful of sessions long and let’s you have some fun as a DM as well as put the players under a ticking clock. I loved it.

[@Insane234]

With the second story there were red flags "Dark and Gritty world" and "banned forms of magic" It's hard to side with the OP on that one. Not to mention a classic quote that backs up the autistic player "The worse thing about having mental health problems is others demanding you act just like you would if you didn't have them"

[@DellikkilleD]

so, a dm isnt allowed to set up their own world? And I'll match a much more relevant quote. 'Don't make your issues someone else's problem.'

[@Insane234]

@@DellikkilleD Whenever a DM gos "Dark and Gritty" they tend to be obnoxious edgelords. Also limiting what spells a player can use smells of a control freak. Edgelord control freaks are not good DMs (as players they are likely to be "That Guys") Edit: That quote sounds like an excuse to ignore the struggles of the disabled. Imagine saying that shit to someone paralyzed. Mental health is health!

[@DellikkilleD]

@@Insane234 Its not my job to help carry a paralyzed person around either. Again, your needs are your responsibility. He didnt limit the spells the players could use, he limited the spells that exist. pretty big difference. literally every single spell is up the the DM if it exists or not. And wanting a more realistic game in no way indicates an edgelord. what are you, 15?

[@Insane234]

@@DellikkilleD first of all do you know of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) basically saying that all things need be accessible by the handicapped. So with the paralyzed person if you have a building you have to have access ramps etc. Also people play games to escape reality, to make a D&D game realistic may as well have O&O (Obligations and Offices)

[@ironnoah9461]

​@@Insane234 grim dark games exist for a reason. Why don't you get off your high horse over your own preferences.

[@broke_af_games9661]

Story 1: what I've noticed is that players that played exclusively online tend to play it almost like a video. Main character syndrome style of gaming I suppose. Video games are about you imposing your will upon the world and only you. It was a good call and if he did take multiple times to tell him to shape up or ship out, then I see no problem Story 2: yeah sometimes people don't take cues. It's best to do the flavour and then explain the game ramifications. I do want to point out autism is not a mental Health condition... That implies it can get better. I have several experiences with people who are on the spectrum... I've learned from my mistakes.

[@zerovalon6243]

A Golden rule I live by in DND is to not defy the party. Your a team for a reason. Bending rules is ok but if the group says don't do it then you should always reconsider your actions. I once had a wizard friend charge into a room of mirrors only to be sliced in half for his trouble. An example of pointless dead because you don't want to listen to the dm and your group.

[@l0stndamned]

2nd: If you keep trying to do stuff after the DM says "are you sure?" then you've only got yourself to blame. 3rd: I've encountered a few idiots like that elsewhere on social media. Had one person message me with just an emote, only to complain that I wasn't socialising properly when I responded with just "hi".

[@DisneyChar]

S2. Skeptical. It sounded okay, until he abandoned the entire group. Same level 5v5 where his team is likely optimized, 4 tankys plus a caster, vs Frontline warlock and non optimized party.

[@RQS321]

I'm close to ending my first campaign with my group. It is Curse of Strahd. I couldn't think of a more epic campaign to play. We are one or two sessions off facing down the BBEG and I have loved my first outing into a campaign module. My character was utterly awful, but she is more of a personality than a mechanical marvel to the game, but she was also my first serious character. Our DM is just amazing in just rolling with this. And some how she hasn't died this whole run. Would highly Recommend Curse of Strahd.

[@quickanddirtyroleplaying]

That last story was great! Having a DM birth another DM is always such a fantastic milestone and is something I suspect all good DMs hope to achieve at least once in their lifetimes.

[@CaseyWilkesmusic]

OP in the hex blade/autistic story is my type of DM. I don’t understand why death in an RPG is such a catastrophic thing to some people. I understand getting attached to your character and if you get art commissioned for them it can be a drag to have them die. But if you join a Dungeons and Dragons game, you should expect a certain tone. Double that since the DM explicitly stated no revivify and was grimdark.

[@Infovorousness]

The PC being in the game IS permission for the DM to kill your character, if it’s appropriate to the emergent situation and established rules of course, which it absolutely was in this scenario

[@timgalivan2846]

She said he shoukd have paused the game and spoken to her, what does she think those "Are you sure"s were? The PC fighter's asking?

[@Lithiel]

Been in situations like the 3rd story-- yep- that’s a NOPE for any normal person. They did good. 👍🏻

[@Drakmar3]

I'm dming for the first time next week myself, so I wish you luck! I'm going to be doing The House of Lament. A short horror but intense module about exploring a haunted house. It has a heavy emphasis on rping which is a talent I think you pick up as much as a player as a dm so it's something I have more developed than say encounter-balance or management. Plus it's just a great creepy theme with alot of room for improv and customization as players take time to explore the big mansion. For example I'm adding in a twist that multiple of the pc's have been told they are inheriting the house through a mysterious contact, while also rumored somewhere on the grounds is the former owners treasure, as they did not trust banks and hoarded everything. My players have been great so far, and I hope you have as much fun as I'm finding it!

[@blesper3415]

While it can be fun occasionally, it's usually best to avoid making enemies that are just player characters with levels in DnD.

[@threadscore]

When you "risk it for the biscuit," you do just that, take a risk. My character of about half a year now got bodied last night in one hit because I took the risk to run in and take down a mook. It happens and I will now get a chance to play a backup that I've been interested in trying for a while.

[@Surllio]

I have been wanting a place to share so many of the grand glory stories.

[@richardlott5580]

The easiest modules to start with are the ones that come with the starter kits. Lost Mines of Phandelvar and Dragon of Icespire Peak. I have run both and they are entertaining, adequately detailed and you can add or subtract as you please.

[@GarkKahn]

Glory story reminds me of my days at school when i discovered i was a good storyteller, one day at class i had to read out loud a story and someone pointed out how good i was making voices for the different characters, and i didn't realize i was doing it until they told me haha

[@themotorcyclemasswhole]

Asking “What does Reddit think” is not a question a sane or well adjusted man asks 😂

[@acezelpyer6]

Op of the first story: Nah, you did the right thing. If you're already trying to force your views on a new table then you need to leave out the gate. There's no sitting there having the game get dragged down by a bad player. Op of the second: While they're in the right of removing her for her actions, not sure not why they punished everyone for the actions of one player. They could have taken a break to let it wash away before just nuking the game. NTA for kicking her but....YTA for punishing everyone for the actions of one person. Op of the third: You did, if someone attacks you just for basic politeness is a group you don't want to stay in. Group comes off as elitist. Op of the fourth: Surprisingly, some people actually do better with their own style and heart over running it from a book. All it takes is a few people behind them and supporting them to allow a new DM to shine and evolve. Doge's Question: Lost mines of phandelver is a decently easy one for New DMs to try out. It's not too complex in what it wants/ask from you or the players. It's also some what open enough to allow you to inject a bit of your own style into it if you want to stand out a bit from just a direct run of the module.

[@Kaiser8513]

I cut my teeth as a DM with Lost Mine of Phandelver last year and tied it into Wild Beyond the Witchlight which my players are about down with the first section of Prismeer now. One of my players is now a fellow DM running Curse of Strahd and doing well. All 3 have very different aims for their players with Phandelver being combat heavy, Witchlight RP focused and Strahd a balance of the two but with much deadlier encounters

[@saldiven2009]

Autism is irrelevant. Inability to read social cues isn't the problem. The player made repeatedly stupid decisions on how to have her character act.

[@maxsaich-wagerfield4760]

As a DM, I've mostly played modules (Descent into Avernus, Tomb of Annihilation and Witchlight to name a few). The amount of original campaigns I've run can be counted on one hand, and even then, it coincides with a module. Lost Mines, Dragon Heist or any of the starter set games could be a good place to start.

[@eleutherioschthonios2063]

My first time DMing, I went with Dragon of Icespire Peak. I personally wouldn't do that one; it felt kinda stiff to me as a DM and I think I would've felt the same as a player. I could do it now, with a lot of adaptation to make it flow better. Then I went to Princes of the Apocalypse in a group with two experienced players and two new players. We're still playing that game now and it's been a blast! Though I think I had more problems adjusting to the sandboxiness than I thought I would. Lost Mine is also a classic for beginners of all kinds, players and DMs alike. I've never run that one but I've played it twice, and it's super interesting to see how different DMs make the game so different. Anyway, that's just a fairy's opinion.

[@leovicctanteo4537]

Goodluck on first time DM'ing Dooooge!!💪💪💪

[@RiveroftheWither]

Maybe I'm looking too much into this but I don't think the op in the autism story is entirely blameless. Why? Because "orbiter" is a term used almost exclusively by the incel, nice guy and "alpha" male crowd. Short hand for "beta orbiters" and used to refer to any guy that hangs out with or follows (meaning social media, not stalking) a woman they aren't dating. Again, I could be looking into this too much but I feel that op is an unreliable narrator. I wouldn't trust someone who claims half his group "orbiters" because they tried to defend "the only female in the group". With that language I would sooner believe that he asked her out, she rejected him, he targeted her character and killed her before she could role death saves as punishment, then when half the group called him on his bs, he took to reddit and warped the story to receive validation but forgot to proof read out the nice guyisms at the end.

[@ninjagregshow9423]

It bears repeating, Autism (and other such disorders) might EXPLAIN Behavior, but not excuse it

[@simonO712]

There are some behaviours I'd say it does actually excuse, but this certainly isn't one of them.

[@Attilladehun]

If you want to do a module for new players, I suggest "Mines of Phandelver" For experienced players, I suggest "Hidden Shrine of Tamoachan" from Tales of the Yawning Portal (or anything from that book, really.) After running those short modules, you can decide if you actually like running modules or if you prefer making your own campaign

[@GM-lr1kw]

I would love to hear your first DM. I am sure you will knock it out of the park and it will be amazing for your players.

[@roelvanbree3151]

For a first time, I would advice the Essentials Kit, Dragon of Icespire Peak. It has a quickpaced story, lots of tips, and came out when the rules were fleshed out, but not too complicated yet. Also, do not be afraid to set boundaries with players on alignment or even what books they can use for character creation. The first time can be overwhelming if you allow everything all at once

[@craftsmenMC]

All the stories from both rpgs and other sources where someone uses autism (real or fake) to try and justify shitty behavior has made me genuinely afraid to tell others im autistic when I’m having a rough time, because I’m afraid people will think I’m just using it as an excuse for things. These people make me sick…

[@colinanglin7418]

The "how are you" thing is actually becoming more common in a lot of roleplaying communities. I semi regularly see profiles on some sites threatening to block anybody who opens this way. If you don't get it then you're just going to have to accept it. In online groups where there isn't even the IRL investment of effort to approach somebody face to face social platitudes like "how are you" 100% are code for "I have nothing of value to say, but pay attention to me." A lot of these people probably deal with constant randos who just annoy them with that line then sulk off without another word to look for someone else to entertain them and I can personally confirm that after enough of those incidents the words "how are you" just start to make me viscerally angry. I don't go off on people like this story but I might just bluntly ask them if they actually have anything to say or to get out of my face if they approach me on a bad day. Subjects in this story may have gone too far but frankly they're correct that "how are you" is a worthless platitude and video is 100% wrong that it's a good way to start a conversation. I challenge anybody to think of a time they heard a meaningful answer to it. People put up with it IRL but frankly nothing of value would be lost if we all stopped using it.

[@CrunkPartyBitches]

lmao wow

[@DragonClapper1855]

I've gottn plenty of replies from using it, mainly because- if you can believe this, some people actually want to be asked how they're doing or how their day is. Just because you have no valid answer to give to the question doesn't mean everyone else is in the same boat. And, if this is a troll post, at least you got a reaction from someone. Either way, hope ya have a good day and eventually find folks who know how to hold a conversation.

[@alsenddrake7764]

The second is also why I don't commission my characters, even if I dislike dying (lucky only character I've actually lost was because the other player was an idiot, shooting enemies who were letting us leave before I could get free of a flank right after I went down and got back up, but got rezed. Changed characters though as that broke the trust as a class reliant on trust) Ofc I draw my own chars before the game usually to show the other players

[@chancefortune6333]

I think Dungeon of the Mad Mage is actually a great first module as it follows a sort of video game style progression track with the level ups corresponding with levels of the dungeon.

[@Mgtowhonesty]

in story 2, the OP is in fact the asshole for ending the campaign instead of just kicking the betas and running it for the people who were on his side. he let some girl and her beta male orbiters kill the campaign for everyone and thats not ok.

[@lessoriginal]

I feel like the newest starterpack module, Dragons of Stormwreck Isle, is actually a really good first time module. It's pretty short and relatively linear, and if you do well with it and like it you can easily move from it into Dragon of Icespire Peak which is a little less linear and more sandboxy. Stormwreck Isle is just off the coast of Faerun pretty close to where Phandalin is, so they pair well together. Or if you're feeling brave, you could move from it into Rime of the Frostmaiden.

[@hollowblaze2320]

Candlekeep Mysteries is a good introduction. I've run a couple of games for new comers and they enjoy the model as well as a bit of my input

[@stephenadams8712]

Obviously the best starting modules are the ones from the starter and essential kit Namely lost mine, Dragon of icespire peak and Dragons of Stormwreck isle

[@jaimeXDgo]

Man, this stories are good and all. Although I can't help but feel like most of these AITA stories only have that question to reinforce the OP's version when they are so clearly not the assholes.

[@krysbingham2501]

I suggest the Questonomicon by XP to Level 3. Its fun and can start you off on any theme youd like in levels 1-3 oneshots and can lead into a homebrew or other module. Its super fun. Otherwise, I suggest Humblewood. Its super cute to play bird and animal people

[@sweatyeti]

@DnD Doge If you're intent on running a module, I don't have any recommendations since I haven't run a lot of them myself, but there are plenty of lists you can find online which explain why they are good for first-time DMs. However, I will suggest making a list of modules you would like to run and then check with your group to see what they'd prefer. This will give you an idea of what they want out of the game (combat/RP/exploration) so you can tailor the story to their preferences and hopefully everyone will enjoy the experience. Personally, after having DM'ed both homebrew and pre-written campaigns, I've found it **easier** and more enjoyable to run homebrew games for many reasons, with just some of them being: 1) I'm not worried about improvising new plot points, characters, and events as the need arises, since there aren't any future scenes/events that might be ruined by them 2) the players feel more free to make their own choices, as opposed to guessing what the book expects them to do next and/or being unsure if certain actions are "allowed" 3) the players are unlikely to spoil the story by reading lore or watching D&D related videos and 4) It's much easier to incorporate each player's backstory into the narrative, which has been critical for their enjoyment and investment in the game I'll admit I am relying on my creativity and improvisation skills to keep things exciting and interesting, and it requires a different kind of preparation. However, the time spent for preparation is comparable to using a pre-written campaign, at least for how I run my game. Final note, you could find a sweet spot between running a module and improvising. You can use a module's assets, characters, and narrative as a foundation, but then add and remove things as you see fit, once you've gotten comfortable running your game. My advice is to not feel trapped by what a book prescribes if you believe you and your table will enjoy something that deviates from it here and there.

[@richardduska1558]

8:45 This is where you lost me OP. The warlock was an idiot for running in guns blazing. Yes. But as a DM attacking a DOWNED character is way too much. There were many times in my own rp's when our party would have died If the DM did not try to keep us alive. The meme of "do you think you won all your battles witouth any help?" is very much a real thing. If the enemies would fight as competently as they can than no party would survive for long. + OP banned revivify. So when you are dead you will stay dead. ++ No more session and just end it there. Even If she said all that why end everything? Since even as OP said people ether apologized on her behalf or tryed to deffend her. So why not go forward and just have a discussion about it? Instead of "I'm done. Everyone get out!".

[@mads2357]

Yeah this really stuck out to me as well. My first thought was that it sounded like people perhaps asked for a retcon and an agreement to be more explicit in the future or something but DM refused. I of course can't know if that is true and it is probably influenced by me being autistic and relating to warlock, but i just feel like something is left out or off about this story.

[@DellikkilleD]

if the baddie literally tells his goons to attack downed char's in front of your party, you would be a fucking m0ron to not take them at their word ffs.

[@DellikkilleD]

@@mads2357 you sound like someone that have someone tell you 'if you do that, Im going to hurt you' and then be surprised when they hurt you after they did it. It's literally "Fuck around and find out"

[@mads2357]

@@DellikkilleD okay? Thanks for your opinion i guess. At least it drives engagement to the channel.

[@DellikkilleD]

@@mads2357 In this case, its not 'opinion' its fact. Dm told her she was going to die if she kept it up. she kept it up, and died. stop enabling idiocy like this person. call it out and put it down.

[@graveyardshift2100]

I'm so tired of hearing about this safe game mindset. You know I actually enjoy stories about less powerful heroes that are actually in danger, like the old wild west movies. I've never once been able to play in a game that manages to feel like that.

[@user-cn4mx9sw9b]

good luck in your first time of dming! have lots of fun.

[@worldtraveller3819]

@DnD Doge Go for it. Yeah Lost Mine of Phandelver is the best for new DMs. I would go so far as to it being a Setting all in itself if done right.

[@vortega472]

Hi Lucky, that's for being the cringe kitty to close out my week. Doge, I think you'll do a great job as a DM - you know what NOT to do.

[@PrinceKoviell]

You can try Lost mine of Phandelver as a first module. It's fun and fairly easy as a first adventure to GM.

[@destroyerinazuma96]

I've heard the in the mmo, light side Sith warrior is some sort of samurai.

[@davidens8204]

I love your stories and narrative style .. and would like to say your obvious charismatic edge and obvious way above-average intellect will give you all that you need to be successful I have been a forever DM since the days of THACO like 77-78 and can read instinctive good fits for D& d .. you will be fine ..lol if not ask for help from your loved ones .. you got this!!!

[@Driger1792]

I'm a very new dm, I did Icespire Keep and loved it. Very easy, and I could add some of my own unique stuff to the module too

[@AtelierGod]

Lost mine of phandelver, it’s literally designed for beginner DM coming from the D&D starter set and all that.

[@rocketprime]

You should do Old Man Henderson some Friday. That's the ultimate RPG Glory Story in my opinion.

[@NeoVault_]

Last story, was very nice. It is hard to come by talented people in certain hobbies, but don't really participate in them.

[@JemyM]

I am also autistic, but more DM than player, with a psychology degree and enough time in customer service to handle most kinds of problem people in a constructive way. As far as I am concerned, the second story did not just have problematic player, but also an inexperienced DM. Remember the difference between intelligence and wisdom. The fact that the DM is technically correct, there are wiser ways to deal with the aftermath than immediately blocking the player and kill the campaign. Sometimes learning how a personality type that aren't your own ticks is part of making a good game.

[@greggp4840]

"Should have paused the game and spoken to her out of character". He did. That's exactly what "Are you sure?" is. No mercy from me - a fellow autist. That said D&D Doge - autism is a little more involved than "mental health", I would be very careful about mislabelling it that way.

[@aquaticcatfey]

Neurodivergence can result in awkwardness. Using it as an excuse to be a self-entitled dipwad? That's just trying to dodge accountability. And speaking of self-entitled dipwads: the school club server freaking out on a newbie for...introducing themself? Fwhut?

[@Abobziel]

Honestly, while i agree that the player was being shitty in the second story, op is kinda sus. For one, “playing enemies intelligently” is a touchy subject, and can definitely lead to problematic situations. Having the entire encounter’s worth of enemies target a single player, while realistic and strategic, is in many cases anti player, and can harm player enjoyment. remember the statement about video game ai: “enemies arent meant to kill the player, they’re meant to create an enjoyable experience”. Also op’s final statement severely rubs me the wrong way. Assuming that people are defending her or even just being sorry on her behalf because she’s a woman kinda says a lot on how op thinks :/

[@thegodofdisappointment5338]

Lucky makes a convincing argument

[@KingSquee]

You should run "out of the abyss" definitely not bias from the abyss being my favorite plain in d&d

[@Worm.In.Waiting]

I'm always driving when i listen to these videos so i never get to see these cats. and Lucky Looks just like my runt of a cat Lucy! just bigger.

[@afrofishog]

I cracked up at the thumbnail lol

[@PokaPokasenpai]

As an autistic man myself, I can't stand when people use the "B-but I'm autistic11!" card. it really makes autism itself seem like a cheap excuse.

[@firepuppies4086]

Would story 1 be more like, Chaotic Neutral?

[@DanaOtken]

While it's clear from later events the player's reasoning was entirely off, I think the hexblade's action was rational. The most reliable options for successfully retreating were already gone by the start of the confrontation, and while it seems like the other side didn't already know who they were up against and have a plan of action ready that may not have been clear. Not fighting at all would have been the good option here, but that requires everybody to cooperate and once it's off the table then this will be a fight with an organized, equally competent and far better prepared adversary: the reasonable expectation is a total party kill and avoiding that means going up the risk/reward curve. Some losses are better than all losses. It seems to me that the DM was trying from the start to push the players' sense of immersion and investment by removing a lot of the cheap ways out of narrative points, and then picked a setup to further push the players that happens to depend on things like teleportation and resurrection - the same "cheap ways out of consequences" - being there to not go off the rails. (Although in this case, it isn't rails but fences. You don't need a fully scripted confrontation with no player actions, just a way to make it clear at the start that no side is going to be winning this fight so the stakes don't justify... what happened.) I wouldn't have complained about my character dying, and I probably wouldn't have been playing in that campaign anyway, but I might have made the same choice, and I also wouldn't have tried for any drama about my character's death. It shouldn't have been a dramatic moment.

[@DellikkilleD]

was her disengage action removed? lol, all she had to do was disengage, and full move out of range. Hexblade was fucking retarded and childish. The entitlement is literally disgusting. 'I didnt give you permission to kill my character." what kind of backwards inbred line of thought is that?

[@TheMightyBattleSquid]

Hard agree with the OPs and Doge on every horror story today. As for the glory story commentary, I feel that anxiety as well, Doge. I finally decided to try DMing myself recently too and I'm in full campaign building mode. I'll run some published stories first to get used to it but I really look forward to showing off this melting pot of my favorite things about certain settings, mainly WotC properties like MtG and DnD. I occasionally feel super nervous imagining having to eventually read out what I'm currently writing though, as I've never been the best at public speaking. Only one way to improve on that though, right? Exposure to it. I used to be bad at greetings too before my fast food jobs forced me to do it until it became mundane. Here's hoping it's the case here as well.