How do I convince a DM I'm not a powergamer...?

[MrWaeseL]

But that way is really time-consuming.

[TarlSS]

Well, like they say, you can get what you need in three ways. Quick, Cheap, and Quality. Pick two.

[Hey_I_Can_Chan]

Alternately, write the prestige class. Use as requirements the ability to summon familiar and aura of courage (making it difficult for anyone but a Pal/Sor to enter the class). Then grant the prestige class a hybridized summon familiar/special mount ability as well as limited spellcasting advancement. Compare it to the eldricht knight so as to allay balance concerns.

Show him what you want. Demonstrate it's not ridiculous. Write up a decent bit of flavor that shows you understand his game world.

In short, plug it in. Make it go. Let him know what you want to play and why ("I want a noble hottie who rides her talking horse into battle" or whatever).

If he still says no, then blow him off.

But the other posters are correct: you need to prove your point, not vice versa.

[PhoneLobster]

This thread has been around long enough that it is probably academic but...

But the other posters are correct: you need to prove your point, not vice versa.

What the heck?

I stand by my earlier point.

If someone accuses me of some nebulous and terrible offence then I make damn sure the burden of proof lies on THEIR shoulders.

In a situation with something as poorly defined and quiet frankly dumb as an accusation of power gaming there is NO WAY to disprove it.

Because no one seems to know what the heck it is you are disproving.

If you approach it like that you do nothing but give their shameful accusation credibility.

After all, how exactly are they going to prove you are a "power gamer"?

Look at it this way, its like I accused you of secretly desiring to become an Ewok and betray humanity to your murderous brethren. (and then exclude you from my role playing game because of it)

You have two options to respond.

1) You acknowledge the possibility that someone might do that but try to point out all the ways in which you are very much unlike a secretly aspiring ewok traitor. (edit: Which is exactly what an ewok double agent would do!)

2) You point out that ewoks are fictional, the whole thing is stupid and demand that I prove my accusation.

You see what I'm saying you ewokian traitor?

[Desdan_Mervolam]

People won't accuse you of being a powergamer unless they already think you are one, even if they don't realize how stupid their evidence really is. Getting smug, defiant, or defensive never got anyone anywhere, especally in RPGs, where anyone can decide to take their ball and go home at any time. Maybe the onus shouldn't be on you, but many times it is.

-Desdan

[Hey_I_Can_Chan]

No matter what all the gaming advice columns and message boards say, it's still always the DM's game. It is always easier for the DM to find new players than for players to find a new DM. It's also always easier for the player to adapt his PC to the game world than it is for the DM to adapt the game world to the PC.

That means if you want something nonstandard--powergaming or not--you gotta convince the DM it's A) not overpowered, and B) world-appropriate. No hangin' way does the DM have to justify exclusion--the players don't know the whole world as well as he, nor do they know the experiences he's had as well as he.

The player has to justify inclusion. It's true.

[PhoneLobster]

I'm just saying if people call me names and tell me to fvck off I make sure its clear to them what they are doing, which is NOT proper and adult behaviour.

But you ewok traitors are clearly cool with that sort of treatment.

[Count Arioch the 28th]

If I ever had a band, I'd name it Ewok Traitor. That's a pretty badass name.

[RandomCasualty]

1165189442[/unixtime]]I'm just saying if people call me names and tell me to fvck off I make sure its clear to them what they are doing, which is NOT proper and adult behaviour.

Well, if a group doesn't like your style, there's really no reason they have to game with you. Sometimes one PCs style can clash with the whole group and hurt everyone's fun.

[Judging__Eagle]

Wow, nice going there 'Guest'.

You might have just removed posting priveleges from all unregistered people with that crap.

[MrWaeseL]

1168610867[/unixtime]]Wow, nice going there 'Guest'.

You might have just removed posting priveleges from all unregistered people with that crap.

Let me just take a moment to say your username is hilarious.

[Count Arioch the 28th]

Maybe he's just sharing with us some prime pokemon and digimon porn?

[Imban]

This happens regularly enough that the loss of guest posting priveleges is unlikely.

[fbmf]

[TGFBS]
Sorry for the delay in responding to the SPAM, folks. It's been a hell of a weekend.
[/TGFBS]

[Catharz]

Edited to remove the quoted spam links.

[MrWaeseL]

Who's up for a game of 'partyonepker'?

[fbmf]

[The Great Fence Builder Speaks]
Locked because it is a favorite of Spammers. It can be unlocked on request.
[/TGFBS]