The GM is there to arbitrate your game. GMs have to make all the decisions that aren’t made by your characters. They control everything in the game world that isn’t your character. They also create and run the scenarios that your characters find themselves in. With all that it’s no wonder that the words that issue from the GM’s mouth are important.
There are two main reasons why should heed the GM’s words:
1) The GM gives information about what’s going on in the game ALL of the time. GMs will slip small clues into ‘flavour text’ and characterizations into NPC dialogue. An attentive player can use these tid-bits to solve puzzles, gain advantages and otherwise get his character through the game more successfully. Players that don’t listen to what’s going on will find that they quickly lose grasp on what’s going on, miss clues, and struggle to keep up, thus slowing the game down for all. Commandment 5 gives a reason as to why this is unacceptable.
2) The GM handles all of the ‘behind the scenes’ calculations and rules. If the GM says something, it goes. Players who do not accede to the GM’s rulings will cause arguments, slowdown, and a loss of fun for all. Again, see Commandment 5. It is worth noting that while it is perfectly okay to challenge the GM over rulings (while heeding Commandments 4 and 7), it is not okay to continue to challenge him once he has put his foot down. Just accept the GM’s ruling and get on with the game. Keep playing, life’s too short.
