Help with player with Foot in Mouth disease
- Thread starter NewJeffCT
- Start date
Nifft
Penguin Herder
Give him some specific non-RP "roll a die" actions in social situations:
- Offer an inoffensive greeting
- Offer a respectful greeting
- Make a keen observation about X
- Joke, jibe and "make friendly" with a person
- Act innocent (and perhaps subserviant) -- feign weakness
Anyone got more?
-- N
- Offer an inoffensive greeting
- Offer a respectful greeting
- Make a keen observation about X
- Joke, jibe and "make friendly" with a person
- Act innocent (and perhaps subserviant) -- feign weakness
Anyone got more?
-- N
Utrecht
First Post
While not necesarily definding the player, it can be a challenge for a newer player to role-play someone from a dark/middle age society where social norms are completely different. That is why the "pre-open mouth" diplomacy role is good - it can serve to both educate the player on the social norms of the world as well as ensure some survivabilty.
I would also hope that the player would make the distinction between - "saying this would be bad" and "I stand by what I just said".
Finally about the cleric getting arrested - again, this is a social norm thing that the DM should have informed the cleric about - "You know assisting that person would be considered criminal" - After all, the cleric could state that divine mandate allows him to heal all in need - which has precedence - divine or secular law?? The DM needs to provide some guidence.
I would also hope that the player would make the distinction between - "saying this would be bad" and "I stand by what I just said".
Finally about the cleric getting arrested - again, this is a social norm thing that the DM should have informed the cleric about - "You know assisting that person would be considered criminal" - After all, the cleric could state that divine mandate allows him to heal all in need - which has precedence - divine or secular law?? The DM needs to provide some guidence.
herald
First Post
I seem to remember that some DM's use a DC roll to have a character remember importaint facts involved in a game.
Next time he says something stupid, have him make a diplomacy check. Don't make the DC to high, maybe a 10 or a 12. And if he makes it, say "That little inner voice that you have in your head says that would be a bad thing to say. They just might kick you butt if you say that."
After a while, he just might get the point.
Edit: oops, should have read all the posts. everyone else has figured it out.
Next time he says something stupid, have him make a diplomacy check. Don't make the DC to high, maybe a 10 or a 12. And if he makes it, say "That little inner voice that you have in your head says that would be a bad thing to say. They just might kick you butt if you say that."
After a while, he just might get the point.
Edit: oops, should have read all the posts. everyone else has figured it out.
Last edited:
A few things stand out to me in the oringal post. The use of "player accidently" or "player inadvertently."
What this suggests to me is that the Player and the DM have different assumptions on how the game-world works. And when the DM tells the player that an action is a bad idea, the player takes offence. Hence the player tends to "stick to his guns" and do what he says anyway.
I would sugest a different track. The next time the player inadvertantly insults a NPC or does some other similar action, the DM should ask "What are you trying to accomplish with that statement/action?" Don't immedately say the action is wrong or ask for some type of check. Make the basic assumption that characters know basic social graces. If the player says, "I intend to insult the NPC" then let it ride. Otherwise the DM should suggest an alternate statement/action that would better achieve the results the player wants.
Keep in mind that all players have some level of Ego that does not like being told that they are wrong. A better method of teaching the players the customs of the world, is to suggest better actions to achieve what they want.
-The Luddite
What this suggests to me is that the Player and the DM have different assumptions on how the game-world works. And when the DM tells the player that an action is a bad idea, the player takes offence. Hence the player tends to "stick to his guns" and do what he says anyway.
I would sugest a different track. The next time the player inadvertantly insults a NPC or does some other similar action, the DM should ask "What are you trying to accomplish with that statement/action?" Don't immedately say the action is wrong or ask for some type of check. Make the basic assumption that characters know basic social graces. If the player says, "I intend to insult the NPC" then let it ride. Otherwise the DM should suggest an alternate statement/action that would better achieve the results the player wants.
Keep in mind that all players have some level of Ego that does not like being told that they are wrong. A better method of teaching the players the customs of the world, is to suggest better actions to achieve what they want.
-The Luddite
herald
First Post
Ok, I get this now. It sound like to me that he want's to play as the Big Bad Tough hero, but he's comming off more like Jack Burton from Big Trouble in Little China.
Well, if he continues to act like he's low Int and Wis, tell him that your going to lower those scores and people are going to start treating him like an idiot.
That man just insulted me.
The man's a fool. leave him be, he'll be dead before long.
Well, if he continues to act like he's low Int and Wis, tell him that your going to lower those scores and people are going to start treating him like an idiot.
That man just insulted me.
The man's a fool. leave him be, he'll be dead before long.
Similar Threads
Recent & Upcoming Releases
-
June 16 2026 -
June 16 2026 -
September 16 2026 
Arcana Unleashed(Dungeons & Dragons)
Rulebook featuring "high magic" options, including a host of new spells.
Replies (250) -
September 16 2026 -
October 1 2026 -
October 6 2026 -
January 1 2027 -
January 1 2027
