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Message: <blockquote data-quote="pdzoch" data-source="post: 6936987" data-attributes="member: 80982">I often have siblings in the game group and the bickering is generally more intense and frequent with them than with other players.  The same is true of my younger players.  Thankfully, my married players haven't been prone to conflict, but that may be because their children are also playing or are nearby.Anytime the argument begins to interrupt the game flow, I will intervene.  If the discussion is not related to the game, I ask them to cease the discussion, reminding them to focus on the game.  This is easier to enforce on younger players.  I've observed a few arguments that were real life issues that needed to be resolved, and I will adjourn the game for a short break to allow the couple to solve the problem quicker and without an audience. Though this is rare, but does occur when some real life obligations are involved.In game bickering is more frequent among my passionate players and alpha gamers.  I consider this part of the role play and usually born of a challenge presented to the group that is stressing them, so I am usually prepared for it (or at least not surprised by the tension).  I manage the tension, and ensure the game time is paused so that each player's idea can be presented clearly and respectfully heard.  Usually, the opportunity to clarify positions resolves the issue or reaches an agreed compromise.In those rare cases when the players are still at odds with each other, I ask them, "What would your character do?"  And most importantly, "What would your character do as a member of this adventuring team?"  The latter question tends to steer those maverick players from acting selfishly or destructively.  I also remind them to accept the consequences of their actions, a sort of "Is that your final answer?" phrase.  I do mitigate planned consequences when it is clearly one player acting indifferent to everyone else and modify affects accordingly (The fireball trapped chest is triggered, but misfires somehow, causing most damage to guilty character but reduced damage to the rest (convincingly rolled behind the DM screen)).I keep an eye on any player who starts to become so frustrated that they actually take it out on their character or their teammates.  Snack breaks are very useful to relieve some tension.</blockquote>

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