A bit too talkative...

[SquanderedSon]

Hi all, just posting this for a bit of advice.

I've been playing 5e with a steady group of friends for a good many months now, however some of us who are more involved in the game have noticed others constantly chatting, to be fair, over d&d related topics, even ingame topics the majority of the time. However their discussions seem to be occurring when others are RP'ing with the DM. Almost as if they do not care, like they think the situation doesn't concern them however IC they are present and involved in the story. Problem is even if you ask people to be quiet OOC it just seems to be a regular occurrence every time we meet for our monthly session.

Now I do not DM the story, and I am by no means the perfect PC but I am an experienced roleplayer in comparison to a few there so I help out others who haven't played before. but seeing as we are all friends and everyone raves on about how much they enjoy it, whittling the group down isn't really something I want to happen. The DM's story is excellent, plus we have all helped to forge the fantasy world it is in, hence their constant discussion, but they just do not truly seem to be getting fully involved when we play. As a PC it is frustrating to a degree as my friends have pockets of great gaming and immersion but then slump back into a casual chat, especially when they have done 'their bit' in the story.

If anyone has any tips on how to try and encourage others to keep quiet and actually get involved in the game it would be very much appreciated. As our group of 7 has proved to be really good so far, clearing dungeons and leveling up, yet when it comes down to the interactions between characters it sorely lacks. But the potential is clearly there, it could be something that comes with time and experience but any help is welcome. Any suggestions of how to shut these guys up and get them involved?

 

[Umbran]

We don't have enough information to really give focused options.

For example, how long does the GM focus on a single player? Folks will lose concentration on the game when the GM's focus isn't on them for a while. That's only natural. Heck, when I have to take a bit of time dealing with only one player, I'm *happy* if the other players start to RP among themselves!

The basic remedy is for the GM to remember that players are not at the table to be a passive audience - they didn't come to watch a movie. So, don't make them. Rotate GM focus among players, so nobody sits doing nothing for too long.

 

[SquanderedSon]

I'm *happy* if the other players start to RP among themselves!

Its less RP more pointless talk about how much xp you need for this, or in this many levels I can kill you with this. Banter etc. Thats the problem, it isn't IC RP its OOC talk, so by the end of it they miss all descriptions and key info that the DM has given out to us a a group. So it leaves one or two players making all decisions and they don't really RP, they play it like they would play a casual board game, if you see what I mean. Having a bit of fun but not playing it all too properly. So although we progress, its basically three or four of us making actual decisions IC.

 

[GMMichael]

7 is a big group, and the GM has only so much attention to give.

One thing that the GM needs to do is pay attention to as many players, at the same time, as possible. This includes even the quiet players because they might be feeling left-out. Getting everyone included will help them feel like they're playing instead of being ignored.

You might also suggest that the players can actually roleplay with each other while the GM isn't paying them attention. You can lead by example on this one. This way, at least the side-chatter is in-character.

In the worst-case scenario, you'll have to implement the "O" rule: the GM treats -everything- that players say as in-character unless they make an O-shape (for Out of character) with their fingers and hold it to their foreheads or chins. When their arms get tired enough, they'll resume roleplaying.

 

[Imaculata]

It is the job of the DM to keep players invested. A certain amount of OC chatter is perfectly fine in my opinion (but this is a matter of personal preference). But if the players are sidelined for too long, then players can get impatient.

I struggle with this all the time as a DM. I have a campaign with a lot of talking, and players split the party constantly. This means that the player-characters are rarely at the same place at the same time. So to prevent them from becoming distracted I do the following:

-I switch between different perspectives regularly. I don't spend too much time with one player, and quickly bounce back and forth between various players.

-I involve the players whose characters aren't present, by allowing OC input. If one player has to make a difficult decision, everyone is allowed to voice their opinion, regardless if they are there or not. It is a game after all, so they can discuss strategies.

-I allow players whose characters aren't present, to take control of npc's during fights, so they have something to do.

-I bend the narrative in such a way, that players often conveniently meet up with each other. Like in a typical Hollywood movie, when player 1 passes through a street, he conveniently meets up with player 2, who happens to be shopping there. This is how I fix a lot of party splits temporarily.

-I often tell the other players that they notice something, while the action of another player is taking place. This allows them to react to what is happening. For example, while player 1 is interrogating a sailor in a bar (lots of talking), player 2 might notice a woman acting a bit shifty, and leaving conveniently. This adds excitement to an otherwise boring conversation for the other players.

 

[SquanderedSon]

You might also suggest that the players can actually roleplay with each other while the GM isn't paying them attention. You can lead by example on this one. This way, at least the side-chatter is in-character

Thats a good idea, thanks. Didn't really think of it. Subconsciously we have sort of begun doing that more with them, especially the more advanced players. But i'll definitely make it more of my focus as a PC and bring it up to the DM.

 

[SquanderedSon]

It is the job of the DM to keep players invested. A certain amount of OC chatter is perfectly fine in my opinion (but this is a matter of personal preference). But if the players are sidelined for too long, then players can get impatient.

I struggle with this all the time as a DM. I have a campaign with a lot of talking, and players split the party constantly. This means that the player-characters are rarely at the same place at the same time. So to prevent them from becoming distracted I do the following:

-I switch between different perspectives regularly. I don't spend too much time with one player, and quickly bounce back and forth between various players.

-I involve the players whose characters aren't present, by allowing OC input. If one player has to make a difficult decision, everyone is allowed to voice their opinion, regardless if they are there or not. It is a game after all, so they can discuss strategies.

-I allow players whose characters aren't present, to take control of npc's during fights, so they have something to do.

-I bend the narrative in such a way, that players often conveniently meet up with each other. Like in a typical Hollywood movie, when player 1 passes through a street, he conveniently meets up with player 2, who happens to be shopping there. This is how I fix a lot of party splits temporarily.

-I often tell the other players that they notice something, while the action of another player is taking place. This allows them to react to what is happening. For example, while player 1 is interrogating a sailor in a bar (lots of talking), player 2 might notice a woman acting a bit shifty, and leaving conveniently. This adds excitement to an otherwise boring conversation for the other players.

Some really good ideas here too, thanks. I guess it is personal preference, and does come with experience. A fair few of the guys have never really done any sort of tabletop RP or even RP in gaming format. So as it is many peoples first true d&d experience I guess its way more prone to the constant OOC talk. But I will definitely show these tips to the DM.

 

[Umbran]

Having a bit of fun but not playing it all too properly.

With respect, there is no "improperly". Whatever way people play and have fun is a proper way to play.

So, aside from spreading GM attention around, you may have the simple case that many of the folks around the table are just more casual about the game. They may get their fun out of the game by doing exactly what they are doing. Changing that may not be a viable option.

 

[SquanderedSon]

With respect, there is no "improperly". Whatever way people play and have fun is a proper way to play.

So, aside from spreading GM attention around, you may have the simple case that many of the folks around the table are just more casual about the game. They may get their fun out of the game by doing exactly what they are doing. Changing that may not be a viable option.

True, never thought of that. I think the main problem is a slight split in the perspectives amidst the group. Some of them are a lot more involved in the RP side, whereas some are not. Guess it is inevitable with 7 people.

 

[ccs]

So you have 7 players & only play once a month.
And your wondering why you've got all the ooc chatter/what to do about it....

Stop taking the game so seriously. Wether you RP or treat your character like a monopoly pawn, it's just a game & the real point of the exercise is to BS with your friends.