Page 1370 - Fall Informal
28th Apr 2020, 6:00 AM

Author: GreatDinn

Guest Author’s Note: “There’s a lot of jokes about DM’s being akin to supervillains, and there are certainly those who revel in that mindset, either out of joy or spite. But if there’s one thing that DM’s definitely have in common with supervillains, it’s monologuing.

The reasons for it aren’t usually bad. Sometimes you want to paint a world with words. Sometimes, you want to lull the players into a false sense of security. Sometimes, you give them clear and blatant foreshadowing, and then stretch out the descriptions to build tension as to when the shoe will finally drop. Sometimes, you just built something you really want to share. In some cases, the DM just might not be confident in their wording, and so overload their descriptions to hopefully find the right words (for reference: myself, as demonstrated by the WALLS of text in this guest arc.)

But players have their own needs, and there will be times when they interrupt. Sometimes they want to listen, and get invested in that sense, but need clarity on something just said. Sometimes, they want to spring right into action, and not wait for something to happen to them. Sometimes, they’re forgetful, and want to let you know their plans before they lose it. Sometimes, they just don’t think the information is important.

This is one of the reasons that finding the right groups can be crucial. Everyone’s tolerance for a monologue is different, and everyone’s tolerance for being interrupted is also different.

I know this all sounds super base level, but I have been part of a few groups now who got into fights because of this exact problem. As with everything: Communication is key.

Now let’s watch all of that fail to happen.”

MD: <sigh> There’s still an event to actually attend. You’ve got a dance to get ready for.
RT: Oh, excellent! Dash, that favor I asked about earlier-
RD: DM. Save. Me.
MD: Yeah, we can just…montage our way through setup and get to the actual good stuff. Your decorations are pristine, and while not exactly thematic, are doing their job well. You even managed to find a decent student band. The-
Twilight Sparkle: I’m going to stay on the lookout for Sunset Shimmer.
RD: Us too!
MD: Fine. Roll.
Everyone: <roll>
MD: Nothing. You haven’t seen Sunset or her minions anywhere. The ceremony begins, and Principal Celestia takes the stage, ready to read off the winner. “Students, the Fall Formal represents-“
Twilight’s Phone Buzzes
MD: Am I being punished for monologuing?
Twilight Sparkle: Not intentionally…