Author Topic: "Sheldonosity" is starting to bug me, Rules lawyers... (Read 527 times)

Koltar · « **on:** May 07, 2009, 12:18:01 PM »

Currently I am in a DUNGEONS & DRAGONS 4th edition campaign. There is someone in that group that is starting to remind me of a TV character.

Anyone on here seen "Big Bang Theory" ?
I've only managed to catch the past 3 weeks worth of episodes (whether current or re-run) and maybe 2 or 3 episodes beyond that since the show first began airing.

The character of Sheldon reminds me of the typical rules lawyer in games tha way others descibed them. The thing is I've never had to deal with a "Rules Lawyer" until now.
Maybe its the facvt that I was a GM and I almost always ran GURPS - I never ran into rules lawyers/Sheldon types that much if ever.

This past Saturday during the D&D game the "Sheldon"/rules lawyer was sitting next to me.
Inside my head several times I wanted to scream.

Most of the trivia this guy goes on about - I already know. (or have heard misquoted before) . That comes with the curse of having a partialy photographic memory.

I'm thinking of calling what that guy does and others like him "Sheldonosity".

- Ed C.

Ghost Whistler · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2009, 02:05:43 PM »

I watched the Big Bang Theory. Sheldon isn't a nerd; he's either a serial killer or a man with extreme autism. Either way he isnt funny, but that in itself is what makes it funny. That plus the fact they play Talisman, right there on screen.

The show has improved in its second season and is very luck to have such a willing audience. Some of the humour is grossly misjudged but some of it is quite funny. Sheldon however is one huge fuck up.

boulet · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2009, 02:13:12 PM »

Quote from: Koltar;300273

Maybe its the facvt that I was a GM and I almost always ran GURPS - I never ran into rules lawyers/Sheldon types that much if ever.

Wow that's the greatest praise I heard about GURPS : the game so tedious that nobody wants to be the rule lawyer

Idinsinuation · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:14:11 PM »

I firmly believe that every type of gamer does things that grate on gamer's with different priorities. Some people just really like the rules to be followed.

I'm a rules lawyer with 3.5 because the rules are so dense that changing something without thought can lead to annoying double standards. If I make an acrobat I want the jump and tumble rules to stick in game, if you let every player do the same things I spent hard earned feats/skill points/gold for I'm going to get annoyed unless they too have to devote character resources to them.

Koltar · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2009, 09:03:37 PM »

Quote from: boulet;300318

Wow that's the greatest praise I heard about GURPS : the game so tedious that nobody wants to be the rule lawyer

Actually you have it quite backwards, GURPS is less tedious than D&D 4/e.

I think overly complex strange rules attract "rules lawyers". (D&D with Power cards, etc...) Whereas GURPS is straightforward, easy to learn and not 'complex' or tedious - so, no Rules Lawyers.

- Ed C.

Dr Rotwang! · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2009, 08:53:30 PM »

DR ROTWANG!'S GUIDE TO WHAT TO DO WITH RULES LAWYERS

Wait for rules lawyer to start moaning/bitching/whining/pontificating/etc.
Hold up hands and say, "Hang ON a second."
Ascertain that rules lawyer has shut the fuck up
Turn to rules lawyer and make eye contact
Say to rules lawyer, "You are SERIOUSLY damaging my fun, Perry Mason."
If rules lawyer does not get hint, repeat the above sentence while bludgeoning rules lawyer with a shovel coated in flaming tar
Apologize to GM and urge him/her to continue

Ronin · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2009, 02:10:27 AM »

Quote from: Dr Rotwang!;300904

DR ROTWANG!'S GUIDE TO WHAT TO DO WITH RULES LAWYERS

Wait for rules lawyer to start moaning/bitching/whining/pontificating/etc.
Hold up hands and say, "Hang ON a second."
Ascertain that rules lawyer has shut the fuck up
Turn to rules lawyer and make eye contact
Say to rules lawyer, "You are SERIOUSLY damaging my fun, Perry Mason."
If rules lawyer does not get hint, repeat the above sentence while bludgeoning rules lawyer with a shovel coated in flaming tar
Apologize to GM and urge him/her to continue

Thats a sound and reasonable policy. :)

Machinegun Blue · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2009, 12:43:34 PM »

Quote from: Koltar;300410

Actually you have it quite backwards, GURPS is less tedious than D&D 4/e.

I think overly complex strange rules attract "rules lawyers". (D&D with Power cards, etc...) Whereas GURPS is straightforward, easy to learn and not 'complex' or tedious - so, no Rules Lawyers.

- Ed C.

For once Koltar is correct

Blackleaf · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2009, 05:55:00 PM »

"Rules Lawyering" would bother me in some games, but not in others. In 4e I don't think it would bother me at all due to the nature of the game. If you're playing a game with lots of crunch - that's what everyone is there for.

What was this guy rules lawyering about?

Imperator · « **Reply #9 on:** May 11, 2009, 03:59:13 AM »

Quote from: Koltar;300410

Actually you have it quite backwards, GURPS is less tedious than D&D 4/e.

I think overly complex strange rules attract "rules lawyers". (D&D with Power cards, etc...) Whereas GURPS is straightforward, easy to learn and not 'complex' or tedious - so, no Rules Lawyers.

- Ed C.

Disagree. A rules lawyer may flourish either in a light or a complex game. It's a matter of attitude.

Blackthorne · « **Reply #10 on:** December 23, 2009, 08:23:32 PM »

My Rules Lawyer- Perfect Brian- hung around because I let him get away with it. Then, one day it occurred to me that if he's obsessed with the rules, he should be the one running the game. The game under him as the DM lasted exactly 2 sessions, and I never heard from him again. Problem solved.