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Message: <blockquote data-quote="fuindordm" data-source="post: 7049504" data-attributes="member: 5435">It's frustrating for the DM when she has a story to tell and the players don't seem to want to get around to it.  I certainly lived that in high school, and I'm still living it now at 45 years old. And yet... if all the players are having fun, the DM shouldn't be the wet blanket. It sounds like some of the players see D&D as a good excuse to hang out with their friends, and that's OK.So my suggestion would be to ride the wave. If the players start horsing around or getting distracted, crack wise along with them. Any laughter or fun that comes out of the game is good. Then get back to the story when things calm down. Other things that might help the players stay focused on "story time":* maps and miniatures--imagining what's going on based solely on the DM's narrative takes concentration, and some players are better at it than others. Even for something as simple as listening at a door, placing their mini on the map can help players focus.* make your rolls in the open. Everyone watches the bouncing die, especially if it's the DM's. * ham it up. When an NPC is talking, it's OK to be melodramatic, bombastic, sarcastic... an over-the-top personality can catch their attention. NPCs aren't just there to deliver lore--they can confront and challenge the PCs with dialog.* experiment! Every player has preferences. What parts of the game catch Mr. Distracted's attention best? Maybe do a little more of that.Good luck!</blockquote>

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