Dealing with arrogant characters (players)?

[Hannibal King]

Hi guys. Just wanted to get some feedback on handling arrogant characters i.e. players.
I am sure all the DM's have encountered them before - characters who think they are better than all the NPCs and don't have to show any respect to them unless the said NPC is giving them treasure or a magic item? Ofcourse this is explained away by them playing 'in character'! Funny how all their characters are like this.

What's worse if you use the "teach them a lesson/consequences to actions" path, instead of accepting the error of their ways they decide to become even more arrogant and rebellious toward the NPCs!

Killing their character off doesn't help either cause the next character they create is a frikken clone of the last!

Now as DM, my NPCs show respect to the PCs first and even ignore off-hand remarks initially but seriously how can a NPC realistically continue to deal with said character if they show no respect?

I am just looking for some ideas/thoughts here regarding handling these upstarts in the future should things get worse, preferably ones that won't result in the end of the campaign or me DMing them.

Thanks in advance.
The King

 

[Crothian]

Two ways to handle: In game and out of game. Sounds like you have tried the in game approach. I would actually have it start effecting the other players in game as well to see if you can get them to influence the player into stopping. The out of game method is just talk to him out of game.

 

[Darkness]

I'd try a carrot in addition to a stick.

I.e., I'd go out of my way to reward good behavior. Including with tangible benefits (e.g., lower prices than the arrogant guy gets, etc.).

 

[Kilroy]

It could be that part of their reason for playing D&D is to not have to show respect to everyone, for once in their lives. If you're more attached to the players than you are to your NPCs, consider tailoring the game to allow them to do this. If you're more attached to your NPCs than you are to your players, give them the boot and find new players. Either way, I doubt that they'll enjoy being 'taught a lesson', and really, the game in the end is about their enjoyment.

 

[BSF]

Either way, I doubt that they'll enjoy being 'taught a lesson', and really, the game in the end is about their enjoyment.

This is incorrect. The game is about the enjoyment of every player. That includes the DM. If you aren't having fun running a game, stop.

Now back to the original question. A lot will really depend on what kind of game you want to run. If you want realistic interactions where arrogant PCs suffer consequences for their inability to deal with NPCs in a respectful manner, be sure to tell the players beforehand. If they aren't going to enjoy that, you need to understand that before you begin the game.

Try to find the root of the arrogance. If the player(s) want to play arrogant PCs because it is the role they want, be sure they understand that the NPCs will react accordingly. If the player(s) want the power trip of being the best in the world and all others will bow down accordingly, then you are going to reach an impasse unless you change your DM style. If player(s) have had poor experiences with other DMs and 'pet' NPCs, then you might be receiving backlash. If the player(s) are having issues with your 'pet' NPCs, then you might need to review your DMing to be sure you aren't part of the problem.

If you are at the point where you are asking for advice, then it is likely your next step is to actually talk with all your players and understand the way they want to play the game. Right now, it doesn't sound like at least one of the players (you) is having fun. That needs to change so everyone at the table is having fun.

 

[ivocaliban]

I refer to this as Grand Theft Auto syndrome. The afflicted players think they/their characters are the center of the universe and that they can get away with anything from the first level on up. I guess I'm not as patient as the rest of these folks. I say kick 'em to the curb, but you mentioned that wasn't the sort of advice you're looking for. So, I say let them play evil, nasty characters...unless that's anathema to the sort of game you want to run. What kind of alignments do these guys choose anyway? That should be your first sign of trouble. I've ran into more than one Chaotic Neutral or Chaotic Evil sorts that thrive on being bad-donkeys* to the detriment of other players and the DM. All I can say is good luck!

*edited for content

 

[Sandain]

I see it that NPC's can have 2 reasons not to be intimidated by an adventurer. The first is that they are very profficient themselves. The second is that they hold power due to thier role in society.

Would your PC be disrespectful to a mafia Don? or the president? or the presidents guards? No.

Would he be disrespectful to a barman? probably.

My players ask me what they know about NPC's if they have to go meet one. e.g your informant is Jarik the Drunkard at the grey eagle tavern. Your player may try to be arrogant towards this guy.

But, if my players ask around they will learn hes a drunk and hasnt had a real job in 10 years. He has been living off the hoard of a dragon he killed. His last valuable possesion he has is a silver ornate longsord - awarded to him by the King for winning the open invitation best swordsman in the world prize for 5 years running. he is an alcoholic who flies into rages, the only reason he is not in jail is because of favours he has done for nobles in the past.

Would your player still be arrogant at this fleshed out NPC? Or maybe leave his char sheet on the table where he can clearly see level 13 fighter/7 weaponmaster. :>

 

[Keeper of Secrets]

I am amazed at the amount of success that there is in simply pulling players aside and having a little chat. It can save so much grief and hardship.

 

[BlueBlackRed]

Turf the jerk.
These people are booted in my group immediately.
And I do not join groups containing these people.

If you're still in school, good luck.
If you're out of school, there's a world of players out there and this jerk may cause you to lose more players.

Tell him to not let the door hit him on the way out.

Someone is not going to have fun at these games, is it you or him?

 

[ivocaliban]

Turf the jerk.
These people are booted in my group immediately.
And I do not join groups containing these people.

If you're still in school, good luck.
If you're out of school, there's a world of players out there and this jerk may cause you to lose more players.

Tell him to not let the door hit him on the way out.

Someone is not going to have fun at these games, is it you or him?

Amen.