Help...player won't get his head out of the book

[Altamont Ravenard]

Next time he does this, take the PHB from his hands and beat him over the head with it, shouting "Bad Player! Bad!"

Seriously, his attitude at the table his disrupting the game, because he's not paying attention. You need to tell him that, mano a mano. You don't have to be confrontational, and you could use the opportunity to gather his feedback about your game. If he's not paying attention, maybe he's not having as much fun as he would want to have.

AR

 

[ssampier]

I think the real question is: is the guy paying attention? If you ask him a question or something similar, does he respond accurately or give you a "huh?" response? If the former, you have nothing to worry about. If the latter, you probably should talk to him and explain this is not acceptable. Then you could ask if the game is interesting and what kinds of things interest him most.

I am one of the "bad players", sometimes my attention span starts to wonder and I'll flip through a book, trying to wait for my turn, or something interesting to happen. You ask me a question, I'll answer.

 

[Someone]

Maybe (it´s only another option) he shouldn´t be playing a spellcaster if the number of options are so great that he must be reading the book all the time.

 

[genshou]

Maybe (it´s only another option) he shouldn´t be playing a spellcaster if the number of options are so great that he must be reading the book all the time.

I started 3E with a sorcerer and didn't own my own PHB. I've never regretted it (though I have regretted some of my spell choices). If you need to, let him borrow a PHB to look at in between sessions. If he's anything like me, he'll enjoy reading the book outside of game time.

 

[lior_shapira]

thanks for all your advice. He doesn't have a PHB, he takes mine during the sessions. Even if he does borrow it between sessions he doesn't really have time to read it (that's what he claims at least). Most of the time he's not completely out of touch while reading the book, but its offensive to me as a DM, especially as there are only 3 players, that 33% of the group doesn't show interest in what's going on.
I know he enjoys the sessions... perhaps I will ban the PHB from the table unless its for a specific query.

thanks again. lior.

 

[The_Magician]

I dm a group of three players... Yet I have a problem with one of the players... he spends almost the entire session flipping through the player's handbook . It has become quite annoying to tell him to pay attention every few minutes, and I don't want to get angry with him. Any suggestions?

Get angry with him.

 

[UniversalMonster]

If he doesn't own a PHB just make sure you take his and sit on it during the game or forget to bring it (bring it and just hide it).

Honestly, I think players should be able to access the PHB at any point durign the game, but I see where this could get annoying.

 

[UniversalMonster]

If he doesn't own a PHB just make sure you take his and sit on it during the game or forget to bring it (bring it and just hide it).

Honestly, I think players should be able to access the PHB at any point during the game, but I see where this could get annoying.

 

[loki44]

Because of his insecurity with the rules and the fact that he never opens a book at home, he spends almost the entire session flipping through the player's handbook . It has become quite annoying to tell him to pay attention every few minutes, and I don't want to get angry with him. Any suggestions?

As a player who's also new to 3.5 I can sympathize with the guy. I've only played in two 3.5 sessions so far, after joining in with a very experienced group that has been playing together for a long time, and I can tell you that there is a large learning curve when it comes to the nuts and bolts of the rules. I own my own PHB, but I just don't have a lot of time to absorb it out of game. It's also hard for me to retain the information until I actually put it to use during the game. How many sessions has he played? Like I said, I've only played twice and I think I had my nose out of the books a bit more the second time. I imagine the need to do that will decrease over time as I get more familiar with the rules and what my character can do. I'm also fortunate to have a supportive group that's willing to help me along. Another thing.....what class is he playing? I rather stupidly joined this game at 13th level with a druid. Between the wild shape ability, summon nature's ally, and other spells I doomed myself to a tougher learning curve than I might've otherwise with a simpler class. I even ditched my animal companion last session because it seemed like it would be more of a burden than anything else. Each time I play I'm learning a liitle bit more in terms of what I need to do to be better prepared for the next game. So, I guess all that just to say, have a little patience and maybe he'll stop flipping through the book when he's more comfortable with the rules. Having said that, most of my flipping occurs only during combat situations and I do pay attention to the in-between bits. I can understand your annoyance if it is a constant activity and he's REALLY not paying attention to the story.

 

[smootrk]

Just politely say to the group (not just that player), " OK now, close the books. " Then go about playing. If a rule needs to be looked up, allow it, but when the ruling is figured out, just politely say to the group (not just that player), " OK now, close the books "

It may take several sessions to get the group into this process, but ultimately they will 'get it' and respond. The point of addressing the group is to not single out anyone in particular, as that has a negative impact on an individual. The group will eventually begin to police themselves.

Psychology... the ultimate drug. No really, anyone in a leadership position should take the time to learn some very basic skills in psychology and motivational concepts. The impact of just a few concepts will amaze you, and not just in gaming environments.