I am a player in a group with a DM who does not fully understand the rules of the system. Also in this group is a player who, so far as I can tell, is consistently breaking the rules, and giving other players bad advice which results in them doing the same.
This situation presents a number of problems for me, for the following reasons:
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This is a group I began the campaign with, but had to leave and come back in later. The trouble player joined while I was away, and in total, has been part of the game longer than I have.
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I have a history with this player, and other members of the group know this. In short, it is known that I have a reason to distrust anything he says.
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He's not directly benefiting himself with his actions. Each instance of him breaking the rules has resulted in a boon for the other players, and not himself. Anything from giving other players bad advice about the rules which don't function as he says they do, to him granting other players bonuses he shouldn't be able to.
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I'm not certain he's doing this on purpose. In each instance, a poor understanding of the rules could result in these problems. In which case, the problem is less that he's cheating, and more that he has a horrible understanding of the rules system, but believes he has a very good understanding of it.
My question is; How should I handle this kind of situation?
I'm not the DM, but the DM doesn't know what he's doing is wrong. I could tell the DM, but others might see it as me being mean to someone I don't like very well. I could confront him, but my history with him assures me that he will not listen to me. Mostly, though, my biggest road block is that 'fixing' the trouble he's caused would really only hinder the other players, and not actually help anyone, except maybe the DM who's struggling to find appropriate encounters.
I enjoy playing in this group. The primary reason I'm in the group is because it's available. However, it also contains people I find enjoyable to game with, as well as taking place in a generally friendly atmosphere that promotes good gamer etiquette.
Best Answer
First I would take note of specific situations where you know the rules are being broken. Then, ascertain if they are being broken the same way consistently. Talk to the DM alone after the game and tell them your concerns, after all its everybody's game and you have the right to try and make it more enjoyable for yourself.
The DM might thank you for pointing out the correct wording in the books, or (if the rule is broken the same way all the time) might suggest you accept it as a house rule. Either way you have expressed your concerns to the "man in charge". Hopefully, at the next session the DM will address the system concerns you have. This would also be a good time to agree on how to handle these things in the future. For example, when we are unsure of a rule, my group freely questions my calls as DM and if we can't find the rule with in 2-3 minutes using the glossary, I make a call on how to solve the situation for the game session. Then, I make a note and look up the rule at home and then let the players know the correct rule at the start of the next game.
If, however, the DM doesn't address your concerns, you may wish to bring it up at the end of a session, trying your best to nurture a calm discourse about the topic (especially if the problem player is prone to arguments). You can tell the group about the specific situations and then decide together if you play RAW or house rule certain things.
But, truth be told, the main thing it comes down to is the DM needs to learn the rules. They act as a referee as well as narrator and NPC-bot. The only way you can effectively referee is to know the game.
And one final, least favorable option: Find a new group. It sounds like you might be long time friends with these people, so this might not work, but if worse comes to worse and there is no way to reconcile differences, you might just ditch the group for a better one.
Or if just plain old leaving isn't your style, you seem to know the rules well enough to claim the others are breaking rules... Maybe you could offer to DM a campaign once the current one ends. Then, as a DM you can confidently correct their misunderstandings of rules!