Radical thought? Zargon is *not* the referee!

[Parzival]

… or the rule book or even the “game master.”

Did a read through of the 2021 edition rules, and I cannot find any statement that matches the classic “the DM makes the rules” of old-school D&D. Indeed, there is no statement that the Zargon player has any authority to make rules interpretations or rulings at all. Instead, it’s just treated as being the case that he tells the players what the Quest Book says, reveals monsters, traps, treasures and other elements when required to do so, and controls the monster’s actions… and that’s it. Disputes are simply assumed not to happen.

Perhaps this has been remarked on elsewhere here, but I couldn’t find it.

Just an observation on BtB play, not suggesting those who use the “referee” or “dungeon master” approach are somehow “playing it wrong.”

Personally, I kind of like the freedom of it. As Zargon, I can be nasty and out for a TPK and not feel any pressure whatsoever to be “fair.” Life ain’t fair, and neither is Zargon! MUA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!

[Thrasher79]

Hi,
I just looked at the rulebook based on your hint.
That’s right! There isn’t a clear indication that the game master is the one who decides.
But there is a small loophole:
On page 5 of the rules, it says what a Zargon player’s role is. And it says: ‘If you are playing as a Zargon, read the rules first.’
The rest of the rules are written as if Zargon is always the one doing things. For example, ‘Place the game board on the table. Distribute the role cards, assign the heroes their personality sheets, etc.’
And if the heroes never read the rules themselves, I can be the secret referee as Zargon;-)

Regards,
Thrasher79

[Parzival]

Hi,
I just looked at the rulebook based on your hint.
That’s right! There isn’t a clear indication that the game master is the one who decides.
But there is a small loophole:
On page 5 of the rules, it says what a Zargon player’s role is. And it says: ‘If you are playing as a Zargon, read the rules first.’
The rest of the rules are written as if Zargon is always the one doing things. For example, ‘Place the game board on the table. Distribute the role cards, assign the heroes their personality sheets, etc.’
And if the heroes never read the rules themselves, I can be the secret referee as Zargon;-)

Regards,
Thrasher79

Evil. I like it. MUA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!