Leaders

[iwatt]

We have a couple of players that usually take on leadership roles; however, when they try to make low CHA "behind the scenes" characters, the party really starts to slow down and drag out every single decision.

Hey, I'm one of those.

In the game I run though, there isn't a de facto leader. Whomever the story arc ervolves around for that session is expected to push the story onwards.

 

[DaveMage]

Does you party of adventurers have a leader? What does that leader do, as a leader? Did he/she want the part? Did he/she "take" it or accept it? What do the other PCs think of him/her?

Does a party *need* a leader?

In my experience, most RPG gamers don't want a leader-type in a PC party. They don't want to be the leader, and they don't want anyone else to be the leader. But, ironically, most parties could really use a leader, badly -- someone to make a decision, take action, or step up and speak for the group.

So, let's talk about leaders in RPG PC parties.

Quasqueton

Usually there is one player who becomes the leader because either that person is the most focused on the game, or the other players don't want to make certain decisions (mainly because they are "go with the flow" types).

There is never a choosing of a leader in my games.

 

[Ralif Redhammer]

I was rather baffled when I started DMing for a new group and they insisted on electing a leader. I had never come across such a thing before. Previously, leadership was something that either happened naturally in-game, or wasn't a issue.

But to my surprise, it worked out very well. The leader, or captain, since they sailed a pirate ship, spoke for the group, arbitrated differences, kept track of group funds, and was the tie-breaker in deadlocked group decisions. It was a interesting blend of in- and out-of-game responsibilities.

 

[Rel]

I'm GMing right now but I've got the Leader role locked up for the foreseeable future when I'm playing. It's 'cause I got the shirt, baby!

(although DAMN I look goofy in this picture)

 

[ThirdWizard]

The guy who can't help but make all the decisions.

 

[howandwhy99]

My character is the Felix Unger of the group. Yet they went ahead and made him leader. Must be his inability to say no.

 

[KB9JMQ]

It usually turns out the one who argues the most with the rest of the party becomes the default "leader" IME.

I have also found this to be true.
Normally the leader in the party is the one whom makes sure the game keeps going.

 

[cuteasaurus]

Does a party *need* a leader?

No. Well, not an official one at any rate. In fact, for Meta-game issues it's sometimes better if there is no one person stamped with the label leader. Ultimately, I think it's up to each group and the personalities of the people in them.

 

[Quasqueton]

Hey! Look over there! What's that...over there?

Quasqueton

 

[Rel]

Rel:

http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?p=2600122#post2600122

If you don't approve/like, I will delete it immediately.

Quasqueton

Nah, that's cool man. It is a goofy pic.