Master of Puppets – What To Do When The DM Has To Control A Player Character

Possession. Dominate. Alignment shifts. There are a multitude of times where the rules make the DM take control of one of the player characters in the game. But, is that a good thing? In this episode, Tony, Chris, and Dave sit down to discuss an issue that came up in DM Chris' Tales of the Yawning Portal campaign that he's running for 2 new players to the hobby and a run-in with a dwarven ghost. 1:45 DM Chris’ question that arose with Possession.3:35 DM Tony’s initial thoughts.4:35 The first time DM Dave makes the point that 2 players in a game can really change how the game flows.9:40 The changes that have occurred with certain charm effects.11:10 Roleplaying yourself out of these situations to reveal secrets and clues, plot points, etc.13:55 Do your prep, know what’s coming up… or don’t!16:10 How to use these types of effects to dial up the tension on players.17:35 The problem with immediate alignment changes.22:48 Realize how powerful these effects can be and use them judiciously.24:30 How gaming has changes over the decades – the difference between Gauntlet and Final Fantasy – and how you can always fall forward into story.26:20 DM Chris’ style of being a fan of his players.30:50 How these types of events change with more than 2 players – the Banshees attack in Dragonlance!35:25 Final Thoughts.