got into my first dnd game last night. at the start the session the dm asked us for our character sheets. so we gave ours, but it was pretty fucking weird. his monsters stuff are all hidden behind the divider. why should he be allowed to look at ours? the game was pretty fun tho.
>>97190664>is it normal for the dm to be allowed to read player sheets?YesSo players don't write whatever they want on their sheet or add things they're not supposed to Honor system doesn't work
>>97190664You're looking at it the wrong way round. Players don't know what challenges the DM is presenting so that they have to work them out during play iinstead of magically knowing everything to do. The DM needs to know what the player characters are capable of so that he DOESN'T present challenges that are impossible for them. If nobody can fly, an impassable chasm is actually impassable and shouldn't be added as something that they're expected to get past.
AI generated engagement farm tier OP
It's gotta be a troll, right? Maybe someone who's this much of a noob would be on reddit but not here.
>>97190664days later I will hear the replies to this thread on a "Tales from the table" where an AI voice is narrating the whole thread reply. Minimum 10k views, 700 likes.
Yes, I wouldn't allow players that level of secrecy at my table. Players will sabotage their own fun at every turn and cannot be trusted.This capta shit is buttass
>>97190664>why should he be allowed to look at ours?DMs are players but a different sort of player than you, they're looking after and into a lot more variables so need more information to make the game run. The player side you're on has considerably less to keep track of and operates on exploring the unknown so hidden information, suspense and surprise are key to an enjoyable game. >some sort of 3rd ed thing He's also making sure you haven't done anything really retarded.
>>97190864>checks glasses Some sort of wotc thing.
>>97190664Is this your sheet? No name, 14 charisma on a dwarven fighter, taking defense?The DM needs to know what you're capable of so he doesn't do something like have you fight ghosts you can't hurt because you wanted to keep a secret (that you can't hurt ghosts). Usually a player who wants to hide information from the DM is up to something, typically fudging numbers in his favor (lying about saves/AC is the usual thing) or adamantly refusing to learn how spells work and lying about what they've prepared that day so they can have a context sensitive spell list.>Is it normalYes, I typically know everything about a PC because I held their hand throughout the creation process and I'm the one that decides what treasure exists. I'm not going to "gotcha" with this information because that's not my role. In supposed to lose in the most entertaining fashion, if I "win" the game is usually over.
>>97190888>dwarvenHe's just 5'10", take it easy on the guy.
>>97190664A DM can do whatever he wants.That's why you should get a game master to run a game for you and your group; a GM's duty is to be as impartial as possible when they run their games.
>>97190888>Usually a player who wants to hide information from the DM is up to something, typically fudging numbers in his favor (lying about saves/AC is the usual thing)I will never understand the mentality behind cheating in an RPG. There's no leaderboard. There's no achievements. You're only cheating yourself out of the stupid RNG shit that makes the game fun.
>>97190664Yes. If anything, it feels weird to have players see their own actual character sheets, but I understand it's a long tradition.
>>97190811>Minimum 10k views, 700 likes.How many of those from biological humans?
>>97190664If I can't see your sheet your character does not exist.
>>97191203I can, I've run those games. I believe it's a mindset based on a misinterpretation of theRolePlaying GameSome people focus on the Role, the part to play and story being told. Some people focus on the Playing, the mechanics and the act of doing things in a low risk environment. Some people focus on the Game, and games have winners and losers. It's my philosophy that the objective of a game is to win, but the point is to have fun. I'm absolutely certain others on the board have experienced the WAAC mindset in a competitive or even casual environment. It belongs in competitive to a degree, but I think everyone agrees there's a line between bringing your best and actual skullduggery like loaded dice or giving false information to TOs and opponents, or the old "take your hand to the bathroom" I have actually witnessed at the LGS. Turns out he had a stash of cards under the sink and he'd magically come back to the table with a perfect hand. The owner found it though, turns out they were nobody's cards (strange) so he kept and sold them and somebody's winning streak mysteriously came to an end.Some people just want to win, everything else is secondary. So they lie and cheat in a game of pretend so they can best someone who doesn't actually want to defeat them, which the GM could do at any time. I can't get into the headspace, but I've witnessed it. >>97191058Those are great pally stats, he could be doing that.
>>97190811Why would you even bother, when you can have an AI generate the whole thread?
>>97190664In my games, everyone gets to see everyone's sheets. I can't think of a single good reason you'd want to keep your stats a secret from your own team, and people who do are usually huge cunts.
>>97195245to be fair 5E encourages 'stories' and even has all those 'personality trait' sections.so that encourages/fosters bullshit like "secretly Chaotic Evil" and "is a Rogue pretending to be a Wizard".
>>97190664wow, youre a genuine fucking retard. kill yourself
>>97200671rude
>>97190664Because it helps the DM make the game more fun. When I’m planning for an upcoming session, and I take a look at the character sheets and remember that one of my players just got fireball, you better believe I’m going to give him a chance to use it.
>>97191203Some people are bad at math or reading. The best role player at my table needs to be reminded, regularly, to add his attribute score bonus instead of his whole attribute score to roles. It’s great because if I accidentally made a combat too tough, I’ll just forget to remind him and suddenly 30 AC and DR/10 is meaningless.
>>97190664Yeah, because he needs to know your abilities, while part of the game as a player is learning how the enemies work and/or reacting to what the GM surprises you with. While initially his encounters are hidden, once you fight a creature you'll have a chance to learn in real time. It creates an element of strategy on the player side. The GM has, functionally, infinite and unlimited power and so knowing your sheets ensures they don't throw an encounter that is completely unfair at you. Like, the kind of shit you can't win no matter how well you roll. Speaking optimistically, the GM knowing your sheets lets them present you with encounters that ensure everyone gets to participate and use their abilities. Pessimistically, it's to ensure nobody is cheating.Ignore the retards ITT that will screech and bitch about HAVE YOU TRIED NOT PLAYING DND because they're all nogames faggots, if you're having fun with your friends that's all that matters.>>97190888>No NameUnderstandable on your first sheet. Guy's new to TTRPGs, lay off.>14 CHA on a dwarven fighterHe's a Human, check the top of the sheet. Odds are, the language is from the Background. That also explains why he's got odd stats; he's using baseline 5e human which gets +1 to everything. Also, nothing wrong with high CHA on a fighter, gives you stuff to do outside of hitting stuff. The INT and WIS are questionable I suppose but it just means his fighter is well-rounded and he can go +1 DEX/CON at Level 4 to round those numbers out if he wants.>Taking Defense?He's using a great weapon. Can't wear a shield, the +1 AC isn't bad at all. It's a decent enough build. And credit where it's due:>Has features on the sheet>Has little notes about weapons and features with unique properties like Chainmail or the JavelinI think OP's done a fine job here
>>97190664Also, here's some tips for what comes next OP:>Level 3Pick whatever Subclass you prefer, but my reccomendations are Champion and Battle Master.Champion makes you crit more and provides other minor benefits as you gain Levels in Fighter.Battle Master opens up a list of Manuvers you can add onto your attacks for more damage/accuracy, as well as some non-combat options to boost skill checks. Both are very good to choose for a first-time player.>Level 4Increase your Ability Scores instead of taking a feat (unless your GM allows both and is based). Put +1 into Dexterity, and +1 into Constitution. This will - at that level at least - give you +4 HP (as the modifier from Constitution applies retroactively!) and improve your Initiative to make you less likely to roll bad (and helps your Dexterity saving throws and skill checks by making the modifier 0 instead of -1!).>Level 6Either increase your Strength to 18 (+2 to strength) or take the Great Weapon Master Feat if your GM is using Feats. This will make you more effective in battle either way.>Level 7If playing with the 2024 rules, you get an Additional Fighting Style with Champion. If you chose that, then I would snag Great Weapon Fighting if you want more reliable damage with your axe, or Blind Fighting so you can fight invisible enemies within your melee range. 2014 (5e) champion gets this at level 10 instead.Battlemaster just gets Know your Enemy at this level which is useful but mediocre compared to more Maneuver Dice (which you also get!)>Level 8If you too Great Weapon Master at 6, take the +2 Strength here. If your GM isn't allowing feats then take another +2 to cap your Strength at 20 for the highest possible bonus to attacks and damage.>Level 12Again, cap your Strength if you haven't. If you have, I'd put +2 into DEX to improve your Initiative.Note THESE ARE SUGGESTIONS! It's your character, your game, your group. Do whatever you want - it's your PC.
>>97190664Yes, obviously. Hell it's better for the GM to have a copy of everyone's sheets so that he can roll for certain things here and there secretly to make the game work better. Don't be a retard you stupid faggot.
