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Dealing with a non-disruptive problem player
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<blockquote data-quote="Grogg of the North" data-source="post: 7172375" data-attributes="member: 6682960"><p>I have, unfortunately, been in this situation twice recently. The biggest thing you can do is talk. If you don't communicate then this won't get resolved. You'll wind up secretly resenting the Problem Player (PP) until it all just blows up. So, here's my two coppers....</p><p></p><p>0 - If you're just starting up a new campaign, talk to your players beforehand and set out clear expectations. One I saw, and have used is, "I don't expect you to be good; I expect you to be heroes." So even if you have a mercenary character and they're backing out of the suicide mission, at the last minute just as they leave the room they go "Ah ... dangit!" and come running to the rescue. </p><p></p><p>1 - Talk to the rest of the group. Is everyone bothered by your PP running "Generic Mercenary #59342" or is it just you? If it is just you, then you should either let it go or let someone else DM for a while. Maybe a change of pace will give you a different perspective. </p><p></p><p>2 - Okay, if the rest of your group feels that PP needs to change it's time to sit down with your problem player. It sounds like they don't respond via email outside of game so I would suggest inviting them out for coffee or a beer and do it then. Ask about their character and maybe point out the similarities to "Generic Mercenary # 342". Perhaps they don't realize that it's the same character. I've twice had players who only played the same "Chip on their shoulder, chaotic stupid mercenary". </p><p></p><p>Maybe PP wants to try something different but is scared/shy/nervous. Maybe PP has always wanted to play a benevolent healer but is intimidated by the book keeping? Let them know that you or anyone in your group would be willing to help. Or perhaps PP is just intimidated by roleplaying. I played with a woman that was a great person but when it came time to roleplay would get very quiet. She didn't like being in the spotlight. </p><p></p><p>3 - If you and the PP can't come to an agreement then it's time for the ugly divorce. A short email is all you need. "Hey, I don't think this is the right game for you. We'll let you know when we start something else."</p><p></p><p>I hope that helps!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Grogg of the North, post: 7172375, member: 6682960"] I have, unfortunately, been in this situation twice recently. The biggest thing you can do is talk. If you don't communicate then this won't get resolved. You'll wind up secretly resenting the Problem Player (PP) until it all just blows up. So, here's my two coppers.... 0 - If you're just starting up a new campaign, talk to your players beforehand and set out clear expectations. One I saw, and have used is, "I don't expect you to be good; I expect you to be heroes." So even if you have a mercenary character and they're backing out of the suicide mission, at the last minute just as they leave the room they go "Ah ... dangit!" and come running to the rescue. 1 - Talk to the rest of the group. Is everyone bothered by your PP running "Generic Mercenary #59342" or is it just you? If it is just you, then you should either let it go or let someone else DM for a while. Maybe a change of pace will give you a different perspective. 2 - Okay, if the rest of your group feels that PP needs to change it's time to sit down with your problem player. It sounds like they don't respond via email outside of game so I would suggest inviting them out for coffee or a beer and do it then. Ask about their character and maybe point out the similarities to "Generic Mercenary # 342". Perhaps they don't realize that it's the same character. I've twice had players who only played the same "Chip on their shoulder, chaotic stupid mercenary". Maybe PP wants to try something different but is scared/shy/nervous. Maybe PP has always wanted to play a benevolent healer but is intimidated by the book keeping? Let them know that you or anyone in your group would be willing to help. Or perhaps PP is just intimidated by roleplaying. I played with a woman that was a great person but when it came time to roleplay would get very quiet. She didn't like being in the spotlight. 3 - If you and the PP can't come to an agreement then it's time for the ugly divorce. A short email is all you need. "Hey, I don't think this is the right game for you. We'll let you know when we start something else." I hope that helps! [/QUOTE]
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