Helping Your DM Get His Groove Back

It’s been a while, but last time we talked about how to rejuvenate when you’ve lost the will to play. Today I’m going to tackle a similar topic. How can you as a player help your DM when his will to play starts to wane?

Let’s frame up some context to facilitate easier discussion. We’ll even give the DM a placeholder name: Wilfred. Wilfred has been your DM for a little bit, and you think you know him pretty well. The campaign has been running for a few sessions, and there’s been some fun had by all.

Warning Signs

Things started out great: compelling NPCs, interesting plots, exciting combats. Now things have changed, and not for the better. It wasn’t a big change at first. Wilfred didn’t do a funny voice for that new NPC. Instead of the usual ridiculous name, that halfling merchant has a devastatingly boring name. Plot has either almost disappeared or skyrocketed to an incomprehensible level.

If Wilfred was prone to planning before, his planning is minimal now. If he didn’t plan all that much before, his planning is non-existent now.[1] Note that I’m not talking about a willful change in technique in order to be a better DM here. It might be unintentional or intentional, but it’s happening all the same.

It might be that Wilfred’s DM toolbox seems to have developed a hole large enough to walk through. He’s forgotten useful techniques that he’s used in the past. Conflict that he had no problem adjudicating now seems difficult.

Maybe it’s none of these; maybe it’s even more subtle than these. Maybe Wilfred’s attitude at the table is different. “Man, Wilfred doesn’t seem to have that fire in him anymore when we get into a rules discussion!” If your table is a more collaborative one, does he seem to be quieter than he used to be? Is he getting more irritated over minor things?

I’m Only a Player

Someone might ask, “What can I do about this, I’m just a player?” I’m glad you asked. Some of what I’m about to say next you’ve probably already heard. It’s good advice in general for players. However, when your DM is losing his mojo for the campaign, these become even more important.

First up, be a pig, not a chicken. By that, I mean, be all-in on the campaign. Be on time (maybe even early) to show that you’re committed. Try and be organized. Have your character sheet out and ready to go when it’s time to play. Get into your character and help the other players do the same. Endeavor to try something awesome at the next play session with your character, even if it’s not the typical thing. Take a minute and describe what you’re doing. For example, instead of just attacking, take a higher risk move and describe the action. The oft-quoted swinging-on-the-chandelier situation is an excellent example.

Show some interest for the campaign when you’re not at the table (if possible). Talk to Wilfred about your character and how things in the story are affecting him. Let him know what your character is thinking or feeling. We now have unprecedented ways to keep in touch with our DMs, and a quick email or tweet can go a long way.

If Wilfred does something cool (new monster, deadly trap, etc.) tell him it was cool.  If you’re into that whole social media scene, tweet it, update your Facebook status (not during the game obviously, because no one does that).

The gist of all of this is to keep the lines of communication open. Talk with your DM regularly. Ask him whether he’s having fun. How does he think the campaign is going? Maybe he needs a break. Watch a movie or some television shows to try and inspire him with ideas (Dr. Who is a good series, but I might be biased). You might even have to step up and DM for a while and let him be a player. It might be just the break he needs to come back with a vengeance.

Wrapping Up

I’m not saying that if you do these things, Wilfred will re-gain interest. It’s possible that what’s happening at the table has nothing to do with the campaign itself. But these are ways to help your DM if it IS the campaign. I can say that if you take my advice, at least the campaign has a fighting chance. And that’s what you want, right? A chance for your DM and his campaign to be all he and it can be…

Have you ever been the DM and felt this way? Have you (as a player) seen your DM’s will flagging? Leave a comment below. Also feel free to ask questions about these or other suggestions. Heck, you could even tell us about your campaign and how we might help in particular.

[1] I know some DMs come to embrace a more improvisational approach once they become more comfortable with the system, but that’s not what I’m talking about here. I’m talking about a change without a lot of thought behind it.

Jeremy Morgan (TriskalJM on Twitter) has been playing RPGs for a while, first the computer variety and now the pen and paper kind. He’s been following the hobby for longer than he’s played, having bought a source book here and there for years before ever getting the chance to play. This leads to some interesting conversations, as he has knowledge beyond his years at the table. He’s even got his own blog over at Stormin’ Da Castle.