Nobody takes charge...what to do?

In most campaigns I have been in or ran there is always somebody who takes charge. This person usually keeps the game running smoothly from the PC's end, getting the group to work together, come up with ideas, etc.
Currently I have a group where I give them information and they all sit around. Then someone will just take off, somewhat rashly at times, without any talk or planning. I am going to mention this but wonder what you all do when the PC's sit around and do nothing.
I don't want to lead them around by the nose, not my style, but I don't like it when I give them the layout and they all sit around waiting for me. This is the time for them to do some thinking not me. Any ideas/commnets?

In my group I kinda forced a passive person to take charge. I had a local Baron make him a temporary holder of a keep. This way he had to act as a leader, because it was his 'place'. If straight railroading doesn't appeal to you, try that or something similar. If the PCs are part of something bigger (In this case, a keep and few villages. Could also be a Guild, Arcane School or The Kings Army) it's easy to get them adventuring.

My group has gotten better from that sort of apathy, but it still may take a little effort to get the adventure going. Also try to use all kinds of sub-plots. If the current big plot is on hiatus (because of player inactivity, for example), bring up some older sub-plot, that isn't solved yet. That again might lead back into the Big Plot from new angle, and get the players active.

My 2 copper pieces.

I think a lot of DMs would kill for a group where everyone just did what the DM told them to do.

hong said:

I think a lot of DMs would kill for a group where everyone just did what the DM told them to do.

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I know *I* did.

didn't work long, though

Berandor

hong said:

I think a lot of DMs would kill for a group where everyone just did what the DM told them to do.

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I would kill to NOT get that group...


I get this bunch of losers a lot.

My usual recourse is try and push things along for a few sessions and keep tossing out as many hooks as I can come up with.

If they can't figure out how to stear the horse within a month or two of gaming I usually give up and kill off the game.

Harsh, but not doing so is even harsher on me and can lead to some serious burnout.

If the group doesn't go to the adventure, bring the adventure to the group. If they just sit around in town doing nothing, invade the town, have it catch fire, get swallowed by a huge sinkhole, get lifted into the air and taken away....

Most groups function in a certain way. Some, you never need to lead along. They take your smallest clue and find the adventure and everything works out with you doing very little. Other groups, you have to tie up and through them on the train so they can get railroaded, otherwise they do nothing. Some groups are only motivated to save people, revenge, or for money. You might need to talk to your people and ask them what will motivate their character.

I'm with Numion.. kindly force someone into the postion, and only listen to decisions that have been discussed with the "leader" to keep things smooth.

Poke them with a stick. A big pointy stick. With a nail in it.

Make things happen to them while they sit around. Make them aware of the consequences of inaction. Make them lose things they care about, and make them see all the wrongs they could have righted, if only they weren't so lazy.

If that doesn't work, drop an orcish army on top of them.

If that doesn't work, fold the game.

Have bad things happen if they just sit around.. pick pockets, bar brawls, a large half-ogre picks on one of the pc's because he doesn't like his looks.... and I like the idea of gently forcing someone into the driver's seat.

It might bite you in the ***!

Numion said:

In my group I kinda forced a passive person to take charge.

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In the in-person game I'm a player in, I tried to encourage one of the more passive players to become the party leader......the road to hell, right?

Anyway, I forced the issue last night (our regular gaming night) by calling for a vote.....and my wizard was elected the leader since he was the most vocal of the characters--since he was trying to get the cleric more involved!

I don't want to be leader.

The point is, trying to force leadership on a player or character who either doesn't want it, or doesn't have the support of the group may be a tricky thing. Having said that, you can be damned sure I'm going to try to get rid of my leadership role next week!