Reffing

I have an almost decent excuse to procrastinate today, reffing a game of Dungeons and Dragons. Im not really a ref, im a player. But finding even half way competent refs that are willing to do the job is nigh impossible. This is because players are gits. Most decent refs are jaded and beaten having seen too many ideas and grand plans destroyed by a cunning player plan. Or have them just ignore it all which is often worse. Hours and hours of game design, careful, often meticulous minutiae to give the world color and flavor…. Swept past in the hunt for a t-hoard. Its unforgiving work.

It can sometimes be fun, when one of those plans finally comes to light. That look of dawning realization on their faces as they get whats going on. Or when they create characters that could Only exist in your world, which you would hope happens gradually over time but often doesn’t.

I hate reffing. But i love roleplaying games so im left with little choice. My current bunch is interesting. Normally an experienced group of players will devolve into a bunch of murder hobo’s travelling from scene of slaughter to scene of slaughter covered in glowing equipment and gore. But this bunch have taken the honorable hero route. Your actual Paladin and a goodly priest with an elven warrior toddling along with them. No sneaky little git in the background nicking everything in sight.

Its way more fun to ref and chimes nicely with the campaign. Im not used to that. Players will play what they want, and thats fine, but that can lead to some colorful parties that not only stick out like sore thumbs but also have the slimest of reasons for being together. And rarely a good reason to follow any campaign plot beyond thats the point of the game. But given that this bunch is currently trying to get a young noble out of what was until recently his dads barony, they suit the situation rather well. In the past ive had parties kill the kid and nick his gear.

They took a detour last session so this session will be a lesson on staying on point as i drop another major problem on them. Side quests are handed out by the ref, not looked for on purpose… Theyll learn.