The following is written by our ST as both an outlet for frustration and to allow you some insight into what not to do. Enjoy.
....We are the few... the unthanked and unappreciated who construct the mythic realms through which others roam. We are the magic makers... we are the Storytellers. Through our efforts, words come alive and become tales of intrigue, high adventure, and forbidden passion...and to us, inevitably, come the groans and remonstrations of the players caught up in our webs of imagination. As if by instinct - like a dachshund digging for badgers - a player will inevitably find something to complain about. Little do they seem to appreciate the time and thought from which our complex plots and vivid scenes arise. Why do we do it? Why do we take the abuse and aggrivation? Because though it is a labor, it is a labor of love. Deep down, we love to see our works unfold. We love to watch the play of character on character... to see you struggle through our puzzles... to see the look of pride on your face as your character outmanuvers her elders... and to see the look of astonishment when you find you've only scratched the surface of what we have in store for you. In short... within the shadowed realm of the World of Darkness, we are gods. And we enjoy it.
....That being said.... we do have our gripes. Our perfect visions never run as smoothly as planned, and even the most patient of us has thrown his hands skyward in disgust with his players at one time or another. What follows is a release of tension pent up for months. For once, the ST is going to go on a rant. Players take heed! You might learn something.
Storytelling: The Art of Taking Abuse
....Isn't it odd? Nothing seems to please a player more than heaping abuse upon one of us. Whenever you make a decision they don't like, they feel the need to take it up with you. Now...this in itself isn't bad, of course, but some people can be as dense and dogged as... well... dogs. We do make mistakes, and most of us are mature enough to admit it and try to correct them. Still... if you must argue... here are a few tips for discussing something with your ST.
- Yelling at him doesn't help anything, and it'll just get you clicked if you're too persistant. This applies to cursing, threatening, and scrolling as well.
- Don't start up an argument during play. It makes it impossible to pay attention to the game, is incredibly rude, and definately won't score points towards your side of the issue. If you feel your ST has made a mistake in his ruling or misunderstood you, mention it once, then drop it until the session is over.
- If your Storyteller doesn't change his position on an issue... don't force it. I hate getting IMed repeatedly about the same thing.
- Don't be a rules lawyer. Nothing aggrivates me more than to hear "But page X of the V:TM Player's Guide says..". The play's the thing, after all... and besides... ST Clout mows down all argument. If you insist on following the rules as gospel... pay attention to the Golden one first. A Storyteller has the right to bend, brake, rape, mutilate, or completly toss out any rule he likes in the name of a good story.
- Remember that we're not all sadistic bastards who's only goal is to make your character's life a living hell. Puzzles are meant to be solved. Obstacles are meant to be surmounted. Instead of whining, why not try a different approach?
