Help with a problem player

[nedjer]

I agree 100% with you about not liking party conflict. Thats the reason I tried to ignore the challenge, but I think maybe I will accept if the need arises agian. My character is fully aware of killing the Sorc, but I just don't want any hard feelings between the player and myself. What do you reccomend I do if a conflict among the characters actually breaks out? I know for a fact that one of the other characters will join the brutality because its a part of our character personalities... They are brothers and ALWAYS aid each other, no matter what the situation is. I know that under normal circumstances that 2 barbarians can defeat a sorc. at such a low level, but its not about coming out victorious to me as a player...

No need to kill. Just get interrupted talking about how much you could get for selling someone as a galley slave, and how it'd probably be good for their physical fitness and they'd end up thanking you later.

Or weep about your desire to return to your barbarian homeland to take part in sun dance ceremonies - rest of the party welcome to come along so long as they join in.

 

[Oryan77]

No need to kill.

That's what I was going to say. Use the conflict to make a point. Your barbarian doesn't need to kill him, but if the group stands together to show this sorceress jerk that they don't want to work together if they always have to worry about fighting each other, then the player may chill out. If not, then go for the kill (cause he will need a new PC that can adventure with you guys) and then let the player know that you don't want to play with him if you're going to have to deal with party conflicts all the time.

But really, you admitting to being more hack-n-slash focused really makes it seem like your friend just wants to do some roleplaying. There's 3 of you and 1 DM (right?). He may not be getting any roleplaying out of the DM. And when there's 3 other guys around, that's a lot more potential for him to roleplay. He's just not really going at it the best way. But then again, he is a Tiefling. If your barbarian can't deal with a Tiefling, then he shouldn't have teamed up with him. He's half demon! You can't exactly be shocked that he's a jerk. It's like people playing with a Kender PC and then being shocked that he's stealing from them. And rather than dealing with it in game like they should be, they make it an out of game issue.

 

[Qwillion]

Its been a long time since I have had a problem player, but as the GM you need to take him aside privatlly and explain your concerns about how the player and his character a ruining the game for everyone. You may have to lose the player but better 3 players than no players in the long run.

In my old age I also might have a more powerful Npc call the character on the carpet for his actions, keeping it in character but making my point for me.

Just my two copper pieces.

 

[Turbert the Gnome]

Thanks for all the advice, and maybe this person is just looking for a more in depth role playing experience. D&D was always fun and relaxed to me, I never was the type to sit around dressed as my character or anything like that (no disrespect to anyone who might do that). I guess I really just never thought about it like that though. If they are just really getting into their character's personality then that is great. Maybe everyone else should get more into character too. Next session, I will have to encourage everyone to get more involved with their characters and their personalities. I think the mix of personalities our party would have would make things interesting to say the least. We will just have to see.