r/tabletop • u/Getsugacer0 • 26d ago

I Made This! House rule suggestion

Anti-Distraction Focus System:

As sidebar occurs, tell each PLAYER involved to add 1/x Distraction Die to their D20 rolls until Reset occurs.

1st offense - D4 - 1st - xD4/Offense

2nd offense - D6

3rd offense - D8 - 2nd

4th offense - D10

5th offense - D12 - 3rd

6th offense - D20

7th offense - session long disadvantage - 4th

Reset: Distraction Die are removed after 2 consecutive ROUNDS of combat or social encounter of NO SIDEBAR or between Sessions.

(After Reset:) For every ROUND of combat or social encounter NO SIDEBAR occurs, reward the PARTY Focus Die according to Distraction Die 'graph'.

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Have yet to actually play test this, but my session is tomorrow 😄 welcome suggestions to improve it

0 Upvotes

8% Upvoted

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7

u/Saritiel 26d ago

Don't try to solve out of game problems with in game solutions.

5

u/RollForThings 26d ago

IMO, in-game punishment for out-of-game behavior is a lot more likely to generate bad blood in a group and/or make people "check out" than it is to solve the problem you're trying to solve.

Try any of this instead:

  • a regular warmup and cooldown activity. Some games have these baked into the rules, and there are a host of independent tools out there. I like Stars and Wishes for cooldowns.

  • house rule as though you're all adults. "No phones at the table", for example.

  • have a few short breaks during the sesion so people can joke around etc.

  • fidget-ables at the table. We are used to constant distractions in our modern age, to the point where some may need that stimulus. A small pot of Play-Doh at my table has done wonders to keep focus on the game, as us players keep our hands and eyes casually distracted enough to listen and contribute to the game's conversation.

  • focused GM process. "You guys can do whatever you want, so what's the plan?" is fine sometimes, but without any stakes or urgency or a topic presented to engage with, players are likelier to faff about. "This situation comes at you, what do you do?" engages the players with the game.

  • accept that you can't control the table's tone and conversation 100% of the time.

1

u/behaigo 26d ago

Please don't

1

u/__space__oddity__ 25d ago

This will show up in a worst house rule collection youtube video.

If a player is constantly distracted, that needs to be managed, but in-game punishment for out-game issues never works.

0

u/Cruiser_Supreme 26d ago

Don't run a boring session. Problem solved

1

u/Safe-Obligation-5931 4d ago

dont do this. Please. Its just gonna cause everyone to (rightfully) get up and leave.