DM’s Leak

DM’s Leak? Is that what happens when we’re in the middle of the boss encounter, and the multiple liters of Mountain Dew finally catch up with our fearless leader? As tempted as I am to say yes, the answer is that I define the DM’s leak as that one player in a group who the DM entrusts with vital in/formation long before the game ever takes place. This person is often a trustworthy individual, one who has omitted ‘metagame’ from his mental dictionary, and one who oftentimes is a veteran gamer who has some DM experience of his/her own. I wish to argue the importance of this individual to every DM. I would go as far to say that the DM’s leak makes the difference between a mediocre game and a fantastic one.

I’ve played both sides of the fence. My gaming group back home just reached 17th level in a campaign that has been ongoing for nearly 4 years, starting at level 1. Since the first few steps of the campaign, I myself have been the DM’s leak, his confidant, and oftentimes a manager of sorts. He would run ideas by me, ask my opinion on the facets of the game he wished to implement, keeping himself in check (something I know all of you wish your DM’s would try once in a while). In fact most recently, the DM and I conspire on most of the events happening in-game. Some may say this ruins the element of surprise, and the thrill of uncovering the event that splits a plotline wide open. I can honestly say that helping sculpt the adventure in no way took away from the epicity of the combat and roleplaying that ensued. The scene was no less cinematic and exciting for me as a player.

In my DM experience I have also found the leak as a useful tool. The leak is a secret represenative of the party. If an encounter, storyline, or scenario is too ridiculous, difficult, or unrealistic, you can trust your leak to let you know. I, myself, just have the simple issue of not being able to keep my mouth shut. If I come up with an awesome idea, or a thrilling plot device, it is sometimes too much to restrain myself from telling someone. And what better way to vent this excitement than discussing it with a player who you know you can trust?

Well I’d like to hear what you guys think of this concept, I’m hoping I’m not the only one, but if so, then I hope that maybe you will consider the idea for use. Take care, my friends.