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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lurker37" data-source="post: 561599" data-attributes="member: 9522">Seems to me that the problem is that the player has a skewed perception of what is expected of his character. The best way to address this is in character, in a positive way.Have the Paladin who trainined him turn up, having heard reports of his actions. Have him greet the paladin warmly. If this part of the character's background isn't fully fleshed out, describe a few memories, and tell the player in no uncertain terms what warm memories his character has of this senior paladin, and how much he respects him.Let them roleplaying catching up, as old friends, for several minutes.Optionally, have a sparring session in which the superior kicks the player's butt, demonstrating that the Player isn't the combat god he thought he was, but keep it friendly, the superior offering words of encouragement, and giving pointers. At the end, have the superior mention that the player has great potential, but has yet to reach it.Then have this NPC mention that he has heard reports of the player endangering his companions by refusing to yield to a superior opponent. Have him remind the player of the time and money the religion has spent training him, and of the hopes that they have for him. Sternly tell him that he is there to make a difference, NOT to recklessly sacrifice his life - or worse, endanger others - at the first opportunity. Let him gradually warm up, becoming slightly heated, but never actually lose his temper. Let the superior express disappointment in the character, but not anger.Then - and this is VERY important - have the superior explain the difference between cowardice and discretion. Let the player know that the superior is still proud of him, and expects great things of him, but repeat that he has a long way to go before he is fully trained. Emphasise that he must always be mindful of his limitations, and those of his companions. Make it clear that it is no shame to fall back before an unbeatable foe, and that there is no glory in dying in a needless battle.End with a positive note - maybe even giving him a non-magical trinket or medal - something with emotional significance, to show that they do in fact hold him in esteem.In short, give him an in-character reason to change his behaviour, with a simultaneous asurance that he is still well-regarded, and that prudently withdrawing from battle will not discredit him. Once he understands that this change of behaviour is, in fact, expected of him by his superiors, his objections to it should evaporate. Presenting it in a positive light should reduce the risk of player bitterness or stubbornness obscuring the issue.</blockquote>

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