D&D 5E How to build a better player

[Gardens & Goblins]

While I don't encourage optimizing players, I won't stop someone doing it.

 

[Coroc]

... <snipped>

Drinks on the table WILL get knocked over, either don't put yours on the table, or bring a secure container.

Yea you tell me, with children that takes years to make them understand that in this case adults have some visionary insights and can predict the future very accurate

 

[Sacrosanct]

Drinks on the table WILL get knocked over, either don't put yours on the table, or bring a secure container.

Sippy cups. Not just for kids...

While I don't encourage optimizing players, I won't stop someone doing it.

It takes FOREVER to optimize/train a good player.

 

[MichaelSomething]

Don't hate the player; hate the game.

Sent from my VS990 using EN World mobile app

 

[Harzel]

If you have a new player on your table, cut them some slack. Assist as necessary, but without micromanaging. If a new player makes a tactical error....let it go, point it out gently afterwards if necessary.

Good point. I have a small amendment (based on one of the few pieces of good advice I ever got out of a management class). The best time to give advice is just before it is needed (excepting of course that you should allow time for them to incorporate it into their thinking and sort of own it). So if I were going to give a new player tactical advice, I would scribble a note to myself and talk to them at the start of the next session.

My 2 cp worth.

EDIT: Yeah, of course the above sort of violates its own counsel. Oh well, you just do your best.

 

[mflayermonk]

* If what you usually do (kick down the door and fight stuff) isn't working, think about another way to approach the problem.

* If you're bored, its because you're boring.

 

[Zardnaar]

I gave up on this long ago.

I prefer the boot option/there is the door. I kicked 3 players out a couple of years back, I let 1 back as the problem was the other 2. Some people are just inherently smelly/annoying/disruptive and you can't fix them and its a waste of time to try.

 

[Lanefan]

4. State your fictional goal and approach rather than ask to make an ability check or the like.

Absolutely. This one needs to be shouted from the rooftops.

6. The result of a character vs. character action is determined by the target.

Nope. It's determined just like everything else is.

8. Play like this is your last session with this character. There may be no tomorrow.

On first reading I thought this one was excellent. Then I thought some more and realized that were I (and many others I know) to actually run by this philosophy then there never would be any tomorrow; 'cause if this is the last session I'm (we're) ever gonna play this (these) character(s) then hell, I'm (we're) going out in the biggest blaze of glory I (we) can!

The first half of every session would be spent rolling up replacement characters shooting stars.

Lan-"and I thought my games were gonzo"-efan

 

[MNblockhead]

I've been lucky to rarely run into problem players. Obviously I have control over who plays in my home game, but even at the convention games, I've been fortunate.

But one thing has been bugging me lately when I'm at the local game store, but, before I go further, let me be clear: I'm not a skinny guy. I'm not picking on the overweight. But if you are overweight you should have some self awareness and take that into account when making sartorial choices.

I'm tired of having the top half of some guy's big, hairy ass in my line of vision for several hours.

Pro tips:

1. There are discreet clip-on suspenders that you can wear under even a T-shirt. They are wonderful. You can even upgrade from sweat pants and keep your pants up.

2. If you hate suspenders and insist on a belt, look up gun belts. These are extra wide belts, meant to give more support to people wearing concealed weapons. They may allow you to continue to wear belts and keep your pants up.

3. Another great belt choice: www.slidebelts.com These are ratchet belts inspired by Russian army belts. I can never go back to belts with holes punched into them. You can easily and fairly discretely adjust your belt when you set down (pull the ratchet to loosen) and stand up (just pull to tighten).

4. Look into long-tail shirts. If you find that even with all the precautions mentioned above, your crack refuses to be contained, a long tail shirt is a great backup. Check out Duluth Trading Company's "crack spackle" t-shirts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGn0WfKol3E

I'm too "Minnesota nice" to go up to one of these guys and hand him this list printed out, but perhaps posting these tips here will help in some small way.

 

[SubDude]

6. The result of a character vs. character action is determined by the target.

Would you elaborate a little on this? Rogue picks wizard's pocket and the wizard determines the result? Is that what you're saying?