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ShortQuests -- Pocket Sized Adventures! An all-new collection of digest-sized D&D adventures designed for 1-2 game sessions.

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Message: <blockquote data-quote="DeadlyUematsu" data-source="post: 9873205" data-attributes="member: 2677">It's a solvable problem especially with experience.You simply must filter hard. Actions and behavior that seem innocuous at first are often indicators of big problems down the road.Asks that the time of the game change before they've even joined? Pass.Doesn't follow directions? Pass.Clearly just looking for a seat at any D&D table, rather than this one in particular? Pass.Asks for material explicitly restricted/removed? Pass.Already in way too many games? Pass.No-show without prior notice? Pass.Cold, disengaged, or visibly hostile? Pass.Rubs people the wrong way? Pass.Seems overly emotional when things don't go their way? Pass.Proposes a character with red flag traits or subject matter? Pass.Proposes or develops a character that's way too much work? Pass.Shows up with a build imported from an optimization forum without regard for whether the table is even into that sort of play? Pass.Proposes or creates a table dynamic that is lopsided (e.g. Angel Summoner amidst the BMX Bandits)? Pass.Springs a new character out of nowhere without prior warning? Pass.Overly argumentative especially at the cost of game pace and enjoyment? Pass.Asks for invites for friends and family? This one is controversial but most people are NOT going to pitch the game as it is. They're going to pitch it as time to hang out and when it turns out you want to run a game and not provide a venue for a pre-existing rapport, things might not work out.Ultimately, you are not negotiating table culture but setting a standard. It is important to be firm and selective in this regard because it ensures both player and DM are compatible and not wasting each other's time.Keep in mind you have to do this not only at the beginning but throughout the campaign. There have been many players IME who dive straight into unreasonable behavior half a year or more into a campaign. Despite having a rapport with them, I was surprised how ineffective talking it out was. Just as often, the rest of the table will quietly expect you to handle these troubles for them rather than openly back you up. You must be ready to stoically perform the thankless responsibilities of resolving these problems.</blockquote>

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