(OT sort of) Help dealing with a player over the edge

[Bonedagger]

*Snif* *Snif*

This smells like a troll.....


If it's not. Have a chat with your friend. Ask him why he does it. Then you'll know if he needs counselling.

 

[King_Stannis]

Weird. Could be a troll, though. In any case, I don't see anything really wrong. People around the world worship pretty much anything. I mean, it's not like your average niche religion has more factual evidence than a D&D god. As long as he doesn't worship Tharizdun or Graz'zt he's fine. Just don't let some right extremist know this.

Man, I'm surprised at the number of people who would casually just waive this off as "okay". Sounds like a warning sign to me, if indeed this story is true and it isn't a troll. If this kid blew his brains out 2 years from now because he couldn't deal with reality, I'd like to hear some of these same people explain their "he's not hurting anyone" position.

Again, the stuff about the world's major religions being on par with a D&D pantheon is just plain stupid.

 

[Numion]

He could've chosen much worse than St. Cuthbert.

The important question is though "Does he win more football games when praying to him?"

 

[Umbran]

Re: Re: Well, since you asked.

And once more, he's a MINOR. He has the freedom to do what his parents let him do.

Not only is he a minor, he's 16. 16 year olds do lots of strange things. I'm not at all sure that saying an occasional prayer to St Cuthbert is really any more bizarre than getting obsessive about a pop-music group. Is screaming and fainting over N'Synch or the Beatles really any less extreme?

Part of the point of adolesence is to gain perspective. Occasionally going to an extreme is part of that learning process. Given a little time, he'll probably just forget it and move on.

 

[MThibault]

If this isn't a troll (and I highly suspect that it is) perhaps finding out if he's praying to the D&D St. Cuthbert or the Roman Catholic St. Cuthbert would be a good starting place. Or perhaps he is conflating or confusing the two.

For more information on the historical St. Cuthbert:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04578a.htm

Otherwise, cut him off. Tell his parents. Invite him over to play war games or tactical games when you are doing that sort of thing (don't completely cut him off, especially if he's your friend) but don't encourage an unhealthy attitude towards fantasy.

Cheers.

 

[Gospog]

Originally posted by King_Stannis:

Again, the stuff about the world's major religions being on par with a D&D pantheon is just plain stupid.

While I appreciate being called stupid as much as the next guy, I think Stone Angel is the one who asked for opinions, not me.

Your time may be better spent advising him, rather than attacking other posters.

I still stand by my closing coments. If this looks harmful, speak to the guy. Otherwise, live and let live.

 

[Zappo]

Man, I'm surprised at the number of people who would casually just waive this off as "okay". Sounds like a warning sign to me, if indeed this story is true and it isn't a troll. If this kid blew his brains out 2 years from now because he couldn't deal with reality, I'd like to hear some of these same people explain their "he's not hurting anyone" position.

Yes, I understand. It's important to understand whether he is going nuts or not. I just think the same should apply to any kid who develops a particularly strong interest in any religion.

Again, the stuff about the world's major religions being on par with a D&D pantheon is just plain stupid.

I wouldn't do that comparison. More like a comparison between the D&D pantheon and, I dunno, some of the various religions that are almost unknown in the place where the kid lives (mind ya, some of these are pretty big and estabilished, but the boy's perspective is the only relevant thing). The kid isn't an expert on Taoism, Buddhism or Induism, and neither he knows of the multitude of animistic religions that are still alive around the world. In his eyes (and mine for that matter), there is no reason for St. Cuthbert to have any less right to exist than any of the hundreds of gods which have been worshipped for centuries IRL.

OTOH, I still strongly suspect this is a troll.

Edited to clarify and avoid misinterpretation.

 

[Stone Angel]

Well thanks so far guys. NO I am not trolling. I came to you because you(the boards) had exclusive knowledge of what was going on. I am to the point that I think he is starting to believe. He has even gone as far to thank St. Cuthbert after he has a good game. I would hate to see him and his two friends(the other two that play, whom go to the same high school) labeled as weirdo's and all the seventies propaganda come out again "D and D, Satans game" blah blah blah. I am going to talk to him next session and that will determine my course of action. So thank you for your input once again.

 

[Rel]

For those of you suggesting that this might be a troll, I've seen quite a few posts by Stone Angel lately and he seems like a pretty sincere and stand up guy. I say we give him the benefit if the doubt.

As for the issue posed in the OP, I think it would be best for you guys to just talk as openly and frankly about it as possible. Don't make fun of the guy, but try to ascertain if he is taking the St. Cuthbert thing seriously. If so, I think he might need some professional help.

Good luck.

 

[DanMcS]

Worshipping a god made up by Gygax is just as valid as worshipping a god made up by a goatherder 3000 years ago. He's not hurting anything. He's probably not serious, because 16 is old enough to know what the hell is make believe. 8 is old enough to know what is make believe. Talk to him, see what's up, and then leave him alone.