When You Gave Them Everything — and They Still Want More

By Koldron’s Flaming Apron, I Spoiled These Goblin-Kissin’ Brats Rotten

You gave ‘em magic items with backstories. You rewrote encounters mid-session to let their dumb plans succeed. You built custom arcs, custom towns, custom rules. You said yes more times than a wish-grantin’ efreeti with amnesia.

And now? They’re complainin’ the loot’s not shiny enough. They’re rushin’ through the story ya bled over. They’re askin’ for more, always more — but never seemin’ to care about what they’ve already got.

Lad, I know that sting. That’s the sting of bein’ a generous GM in a thankless campaign.

So if yer campaign’s startin’ to feel like a spoiled feast they’re pickin’ at with greasy fingers — here’s how to take yer damn kitchen back.

Feels Like Yer Feedin’ a Table That Forgot to Say Thanks?

👉 Reclaim yer spine in the GM Wisdom cellar or remind yerself why we pour so much into these blasted games over at About Mike’s Tavern. And if the party’s gone full dragon-hoarder with no gratitude, yell into the contact hall and I’ll yell back.

The Curse of the “Yes GM”

Somewhere along the way, ya started mistakin’ generosity for duty.

Here’s how that usually happens:

• You keep uppin’ the stakes to impress ‘em. More loot, more power, more custom gear — and still they yawn.

• You bend the world to their bad decisions. They go off the rails, you build new tracks under their boots.

• You let ‘em win — not because they earned it, but because you didn’t want ‘em upset.

• They stop reactin’. No awe, no thanks. Just expectation. Like it’s owed.

And that’s the rotten core of it — what started as gift-givin’ turned into entitlement maintenance.

Why It Feels So Bloody Personal

Because it is.

You weren’t just runnin’ a game. You were offerin’ a part of yerself. And when they treat it like fast food instead o’ feast? That cuts deeper than any crit fail.

• You feel unseen. They skipped the story beats that were meant to honor their character arcs.

• You feel used. Like a magic scroll factory. Like yer only good for tossin’ them boons.

• You feel replaceable. ‘Cause if they don’t care about the world you built, why’d ya build it at all?

Ain’t just burnout. It’s betrayal with a smile.

How to Take Back Yer Worth Without Burnin’ the Table Down

1. Reclaim the Word “No”

Say it. Mean it. No more bonus loot just for breathin’. No more story warps just ‘cause someone forgot their backstory.
“No, lad. That ain’t how the scroll reads. Try again.”

They might blink. They might grumble. But they’ll adjust. And the real ones? They’ll respect ya more for it.

2. Return the Weight to the World

Make actions matter again. If they skip an arc, let the villain grow. If they ignore a choice, let it fester.
Reward earned story — not expected favors.
And if yer wonderin’ if any o’ this even matters to them? Go reread When You’re the Only One Who Cares If It All Falls Apart. Might sting. Might save ya.

3. Restructure Power Expectations

If ya gave too much, scale back gently. Maybe the magic sword’s goin’ dormant till it sees real courage. Maybe the pet dragon’s had enough of their nonsense.
Not punishment. Course correction. Like re-settin’ a pickaxe after it bends.

And for the ones who shout loudest? Might be time for a reread of When the Loudest Player Starts Running the Table while yer at it.

You’re Not a Tavern Buffet, Lad — You’re the Bloody Chef

👉 If yer generosity’s been twisted into obligation, it’s time to reforge the table rules. Come grab yer hammer at the GM Wisdom forge, or leave a note on the contact scroll if yer apron’s burnin’.
⚠️ And if one more player says, “Wait, where’s my special sidequest?” without finishin’ the last three ya wrote, I swear by Bahlin’s bent fork, I’ll feed ‘em to their own plot arc.

FAQ

Q: Can I walk back rewards I regret giving?
A: Aye — carefully. Build a narrative reason, don’t just snatch. Let the story absorb the weight.

Q: What if the players don’t notice I’m pulling back?
A: That’s a sign. A grim one. But it also means they won’t kick up much dust — which makes yer job easier.

Q: How do I stay generous without burnin’ out?
A: Reward effort, not noise. Celebrate choices, not demands. And save yer best for the ones who still look up when you serve.