I have never outright awarded any player of mine for food they've brought to game, nor do I think I would; still, I consider offerings to the feast of the DM as almost sacred. If for nothing else, it pays tribute. This Deity of the Dice has been spoiled, and I could not be more pleased.Let's be clear -- this has largely been true, as far as I can attest from other DMs' confessions: a happy DM keeps his party happy in return. Food just happens to be the schema commonly framing that cycle.
All jokes set aside, I am no "Bacchus of the Orc Throne", but my games are constructed around a great deal of work and effort to keep my players entertained, engaged, and content with setting some time aside for tabletop every week. So yes, I appreciate some gratitude. Gratitude is Chicken Soup for DM Soul (remember that series?).
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| Pirate Treasure Map themed cupcakes! |
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| Details matter -- the pirate gummy bleed out |
On the launch night of my new campaign, to which my players had a great deal of story exposition prior to playing, she brought in a tray of cupcakes that completely represented the world the players were in. Oceans, floating kingdoms, rare and magical stones...and all this presentation with an equally impressive taste. In another game DM's pirate game, this same player brought cupcakes that resembled a full treasure map, including swashbuckling gummy bears and Swedish fish infested oceans.
Come on, what DM wouldn't feel completely honored?
What foodies have been a part of your games? Is there bribery afoot?
I wonder if I should start being bribed? Hmm...
beer+slim jim+cheese dip=happy gamer =D
ReplyDeleteI firmly believe that meeting for weekly game is in its own way a sacrament of friendship. Setting aside the time, and coming to game each week is a sign of respect not only from player to DM, but from player to player. There is a social contract that exists when you come into or begin a game with a group of players, an interdependence that builds friendship. A great deal is said about a person, both good and bad, based on how they interact with this sacrament and the group as a whole.
ReplyDeleteAs such, I think that breaking bread at the game is almost as important, if not more important sometimes, than the game itself. Sharing food is as filled with meaning as sharing game, a meal from preparation to completion an echo of a game. All requires the participation of willing parties, the respect of all those present, and some level of joint work. Though the burden may lay more on the chef/dm than any individual, the whole venture requires everyone at the table either way.
I personally love to cook for my group, cause a full and happy group plays better than a hungry one. Chili nights tend to be our most productive as a party.
I've had the pleasure of having sweet treats regularly brought to game, and whether its custom cupcakes or leftover cake, the meaning is the same to me: my players care about me and each other, and we want to share this food and be happy.
Whether or not bribery is afoot, though, is something I couldn't honestly comment on. For me, the game is a joint venture. The DM may be arbitrator, but he is no overlord. He requires his players to tell the story just much as they need him. A player who would attempt to win over favor with food or other treats clearly doesn't know me very well, and I would frankly find incredibly disrespectful to the communion that is game and meals.