It's true, isn't it? At least there are plenty of PCs that take this attitude towards violence, destruction, and other related mayhem.LooneyDM out.
Motivation is always an iffy thing. Especially when you're running a short game or a one-shot. In such situations, survival can be a wonderful motivator. That or imminent in character shinys upon completion of said one shot. My group recently ran a short 4e test drive since one of the players wanted to try it out. I acquiesced. Game was run, fun was had, and in character shinys were passed out. Next time I have a one shot in hand survival will be the name of the game.
Oh the PCs and their shenanigans. "Why of course we brought in weapons. The sign out front just said we could have them concealed, not that we couldn't have them at all." You have to admit though, the tank was probably overkill. Which explains the huge inflation in prices since the PCs last visit.
Illusions are fun. Even more so when you want to believe them just for the fun of it. Lights in the sky are plain old cool even if they serve no combat purpose. I'm reminded of the early scenes of Fellowship of the Ring with the fireworks from Gandalf. Shiny lights from the sky!
We've all had times like this. Those droughts of gaming where you simply can't find anyone good to play with, or they're running games you don't want to play or any number of other things that keep the gaming from being good. But stick in there. Your gaming prospects will improve. Or you'll take up DMing.
Prestidigitation is one of the best spells in D&D, bar none. While there are other higher level spells that can do more, you just can't beat the usefulness of prestidigitation. After all, who wouldn't want green hair? You can do so much with it if you get creative. Not very useful combat wise but no other cantrip has the out of combat efficacy that prestidigitation does. The word is even an internal tongue twister.