by Kristyn Marie Hammond

Created on: March 26, 2007   Last Updated: March 31, 2007

In a previous article I offered tips and suggestions for dealing with your local Rules Lawyer. It is possible, however, that you don't know what a rules lawyer is. After all, you could be one and not even know it. It is sometimes difficult to tell where the line between fairness and pestering truly is. If you're the one making a menace of yourself and ruining the game for your friends, you want to know so you can stop. It is understandable that questions may arise, after all my own husband, a seasoned Game Master and role-player of 20 years has been known to throw down with another GM from time to time over the issue of fairness. He knows the rules, and it's possible that you do too, so how do you know if you're really a rules lawyer?

1. "I object, your honor"
If you find that you're objecting to the outcome of every other role and are digging through books when you should be paying attention to the Game Master or your fellow players, you may want to examine your position. Are you objecting because your Game Master is treating you unfairly, or is everyone at the table subject to the rules? Look around you and be sure that you're actually the one being singled out.

2. Knowledge is Power
If you know your books, you're less likely to make an aberrant slip and ruin the game. Read, read, and read some more! Before you object, make absolutely sure you know what you're talking about, knowing your books makes for quick reference in times of question. Mark your books with quick tabs for easy reference. And remember, too many interruptions could make you that which you dread to be, a Rules Lawyer. Also, try to keep in mind there may be house rules you're unaware of. If the breech from decorum on the part of your Game Master is consistent, he could be altering the rules for quicker play, or may just consider the elements you're rejecting not important to the over all story. If so, do what you can to get a list of the house rules so you know you're not objecting without reason.

3. Underdog?
Are you the underdog? If so, and if you are actually being treated unfairly, go find a new Game Master. No amount of equity on your part is going to even the stakes. If the Game Master really has it out for you (don't laugh, I've seen this happen first hand) it's possibly a real life problem and is not going to just go away. Making your fellow man miserable is not going to help your case.

4. In defense of the weak
If you find yourself constantly defending another player, or players, perhaps

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