Mike’s Rant

There you are, in the darkened crypt.
The rogue checks the door.
The DM says, “It smells faintly of almonds.”

And before anyone rolls a die, some lad shouts:

“IT’S A MIMIC!”

Now the tension’s gone. The mystery’s gone. The DM sighs. The party groans. And the monster with a real chance to shine is now just another speed bump.

Lad, that’s meta-knowledge. And usin’ it like that?

IS A BLOODY CRIME AGAINST THE GAME, THAT’S WHAT IT IS!

1. What Is Meta-Knowledge?

Meta-knowledge is what you know that yer character shouldn’t.

You’ve read the Monster Manual? Great. Your ranger hasn’t.
You’ve watched a dozen livestreams? Fantastic. Your rogue hasn’t.
You know what CR 3 means? Super. Your barbarian thinks CR is “crispy ribs.”

The game ain't about flexin’ your out-of-game brain. It's about stayin’ in character — bein’ in the world.

Wanna play a character who genuinely don’t know it all? Try The Warlock Bound to His Ex. That poor soul’s got power — but no clue where it comes from. Just how it should be.

2. Let the Story Unfold Without Ya Spoilin’ It

You recognize the BBEG’s name from a one-shot ya played last year. So what?

Your paladin don’t. Your druid don’t. And the DM? They’re tryin’ to surprise ya.

Meta-knowledge ruins tension. It shortcuts mystery. It tells the table: “I don’t trust the game to be fun unless I’m winnin’.”

And if yer always talkin’ like yer readin’ from the module?
You ain't playin’ — yer cheatin’.

Look, if you’re strugglin’ to stay in the moment, read Talkin’ In-Character Ain’t Embarrassin’ — It’s Called Playin’ the Game. Might help you fall into the world instead of hoverin’ above it like some smug spectral rules lawyer.

Be Smart as a Player — But Honest as a Character

If yer always talkin’ like ya read ahead in the script, the rest of us might stop playin’ along.

👉 Dive into the Tavern Etiquette scrolls if yer not sure how to separate player smarts from character choices. Or browse the FAQ if yer tryin’ to teach new players without takin’ over the story.

3. You Can Still Use Strategy — Just Don’t Be a Goblin About It

Smart play ain’t the problem. Out-of-character shortcuts are.

Here’s the difference:

Smart play: “Let’s back off and lure it into the hallway.”
Meta play: “This is probably a Phase Spider. They teleport. Spread out.”

One’s strategic. The other’s obnoxious.

You don’t have to pretend yer character is dumb — just let ‘em learn through the story, not yer Reddit scrollin’.

Want to build a character that feels clever and honest? Try The Rogue Who Hates Stealin’. Even he plays fair — and he’s a rogue!

Play the Character — Not the Wiki

The next time ya recognize a stat block or smell “almonds,” don’t shout. Let yer character find out the hard way. That’s where the fun lives.

👉 Contact the Tavern if yer group struggles with meta-play. Or check out the Player Tips archives for scrolls on trustin’ the moment and playin’ like yer in the world — not over it.