@Kenshi sorry to see you go. All the best.
For everyone else, this situation has called attention to some things. There has been some confusion and I hope to clear up some problem points that have become contentious.
As a DM, I:
- Don't make a rules list on interest checks because I've been here for over 7 years and there's been so few situations where the rules needed to be mentioned that I don't bother anymore. It is wrong of me to make assumptions though, I know that now. I'll put together a list of my rules and I'll be happy to provide clarification on any points that are unclear.
- I like to use knowledge in my games where that makes sense. If one character knows something or makes a roll successfully that other characters don't, I will PM it to them. I will PM certain characters plot points or quest hooks if it makes sense that their character would know that. A druid, for example, might know things about the forest a warrior doesn't. In tabletop sessions I have a secrets channel on voicechat I use as well as using PMs liberally. In person I have even gone so far to make players read secret dream riddles under a time limit and then convey them to other players in order for the chinese whispers those create to be accurate, to really fun results.
I know this may be annoying for some people, so cards on the table, I'm doing this throughout the roleplay.- This is a d&d roleplay. Other rps I do are not D&D, this one in particular is 5th edition. We will be using 5th edition rules and you can generally assume the overall D&D lore is relevant. However, I generally don't overrule player creativity if I can help it either. I also use homebrew stuff liberally (the commoner's class is homebrew) If I notice something IC or OOC base lore is radically different then the game world I'll make it known, but I don't always remember in advance if a change in world is something I did at some point, as I have been playing for over a decade and a half and settled in to my own interpretation of stuff along the way. Some aspects of the games I run, for example, tend to lean to earlier editions like 2e and 3.5 because that's what I played as a player most of and there are aspects I miss sometimes. Additionally, I have rules for mining, alchemy, farming dungeon parts off of creatures, raising pets, ect. I only start using these rulesets if a player has taken interest in them, because I don't assume everyone wants to play the game the same way. If you are interested in pursuing a certain avenue of play, I am more then happy to accommodate you in most regards. I do try to accommodate my players, but I am fully aware my noncommittal nature can sometimes be frustrating.
I encourage my players calling me out if you feel like I have missed something because chances are, I have let something slip through the cracks. It's rarely deliberate, but I do apologise for causing upset. I know my personality can be difficult to mesh with in some regards, and I don't hold it against you if you get frustrated with me, lol.
I hope that's everything that causes contention. I'll work on the rules shortly. Anyone who dislikes my rules is free to drop out if they wish, I won't hold it against you.
In the meantime, IC post incoming.