Player Problem, need advice

[DragonLancer]

I've got a player in my current group, who is causing some problems with his style of play.

This player is what the rest of my group would call a twink or powergamer. He uses the rules to create the best and most powerful character he can. He has and does, overshadow the others in combat situations. Unfortnately, this isn't how myself or the other 4 players at the time (all of whom I have known longer) like to play. We enjoy the playing and the storytelling, not the uber-gaming of using the rules to make the best character possible.
Unfortunately, this has led to several arguments with this player, and numerous complaints from the other players. He considers the rest of the group to be playing "crap" (his own words) characters, and gets highly annoyed when it is suggested that he play to that style of gaming.

Any advice on what I can do to try and get him (wrong choice of words, but I think you know what I mean) to play as the rest of us?
I don't want to drop him from the group if I don't have to, but if the guy continues to draw complaints from the others I may have to for the sake of the game.

 

[dreaded_beast]

I think the problem is a difference in the style of playing. This player prefers one way, while your group prefers another.

In my opinion, you shouldn't try to force another person to change their gaming style to make yourself feel more comfortable and vice-versa. How would you like it if you were in a group that wanted you to change the way you played to conform?

I don't mean to come accross as being "preachy" so please forgive me if I do.

That being said, if the player has already started causing a disruption within the group on a personal level, I think it may be time to let him go. It would be one thing if played the way he did and was civil/respectful about it, but to go around and calling your style of play "crap" is something that I wouldn't take lightly.

Perhaps it would be better for him to find a group he would mesh better with.

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

That's tough...especially when he's actually playing by the rules and not cheating. It's harder to come down on someone like that. But if he's being deragatory toward the other players and their styles of character development, then you really should have a word with him. He's not worth breaking up a gaming group over (which could likely happen, as the bulk of your players will get tired of it and leave...I've seen it happen). Try to be open and honest with him, and explain your reasons. If he's not open to your suggestions, then suggest one more thing--that he find another gaming group. It sounds like there are also some maturity issues at play (that doesn't mean he's young, just immature. I used to have a 35 year old in my group who acted like 5 year old most of the time when he didn't like something). As the DM, you have final say in the game and how it's played.

This isn't really that rare, I think. I know other groups where long-time players have left because they don't like how some players really dig into the rules and use them to build uber-characters. Of course, other players can do the same, but it's all a matter of style.

 

[random user]

If you've already talked to him several times then I am not sure what else there is left to do.

Rather than kicking him out, though, you can run a couple consecutive adventures which are strictly roleplay / intrigue based. Look over your other players' characters and find some ways for them to shine. Don't be afraid to have a session (or multiple sessions even) without combat (I'm asuming your other players are ok with that, at least on a temporary basis, if they are more roleplaying/story oriented). If he isn't having fun, then there is a good chance he will make some excuse to leave rather than you having to kick him out.

Or maybe (though I'm probably being too optimistic) he'll grow to like your style and stick around.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Don't even TRY to change a gamer's style-resentment will surely follow.

If he's being truly disruptive, cut him loose.

However, if its just a bit of griping, choose a middle path.

We have a guy like that in one of my game groups-he games to kill stuff. Oh, he's tried to roleplay, but it never really works well for him or his PC.

Our solution-there will be one combat per session, even if its just a random encounter with thugs and assassins. That way, everyone who wants to roleplay can, and at some point, he can show off his kickassitudity-ness.

Occasionally, we have had sessions where there was no hack'n'slash, but it was usually followed by a mega-combat session the following week.

So far, no problems in 5 years. We all have a good time, and his PC's übercombat skills come in handy.

 

[Vrecknidj]

My first advice would be to drop this new player. It sounds like you were all having a fine time before the addition, and you're not responsible for this person's well being.

But, if he's an okay person otherwise, and if the other players don't have a problem with him personally, then you have lots of options. Here are a couple.

1) If the problem is that he's combat oriented and the other players aren't, then continue playing a non-combat oriented campaign. It's not your job to make this one guy happy. If he doesn't like the style, he's free to find other campaigns.

2) If the problem is that everyone likes combat just fine, but he has some big thing about having the biggest, baddest whatever, then occasionally use combat tactics that don't work for his character (i.e. ranged when he's all melee, melee if he's all about ranged, rust monsters, entangle spells, whatever).

3) If the problem is rule bending, then be strict. If the problem is min/maxing, then prevent it. All the DMs I've ever played with have required that I give them a copy of my character sheet upon first session. And I require the same of my players. All my players know that if there's something on the sheet that I don't allow, then that character doesn't have it. Period.

Dave

 

[Darklone]

Use a twinked out NPC to kick his PCs butt. Then show him the door.

Just joking. Talk to him about it. Tell him he's a problem. Ask him what he proposes. Stay cool.

But as the others said: Probably you will have to boot him.

 

[res]

You gotta talk to the guy first. If he still doesn't get the clue, then you can cut him loose.

Others here are right when they say that he'll just drive your other players away, and from what it looks like, your other players fit your style fine.

Tell him that his style isn't right for the group and he should find another group like that. If you really want to be diplomatic you can even find another group for him to play in that has similar styles.

 

[DragonLancer]

Thankyou for your views and opinions. They are much appreciated.

The player in question is a good guy, but he's still pretty new to roleplaying as a whole (he's been gaming for about 2 years I guess). I think his main issue is that the game is written in stone, and that he can't abide it when the game requires the DM to make rules judgements based on the given the situation. He is the only one who sees character creation and development purely as a set of rules, and feats, and numbers, where as the rest of the group is happy without that side of the game.

I have tried to speak with him on several occasions but I always fail to make my point across, I think because he is rather stubborn on the issue.

I hate to say it but I think you guys are correct. If the situation comes up again (his current character isn't too bad as yet, but we'll see...) then I may well be forced to drop him.

Thanx again.

 

[reapersaurus]

I'll be nice.

As I read it, your and your player's problem with this guy is that he knows the rules, likes the rules, and makes characters that are effective in combat.

More effective than the other players characters.

It sounds more like you guys are jealous of his ability to make powerful characters within the rules to me.

The key question that must be answered to see if the guy can fit with your group is:
"Can he roleplay at all? Does he attempt to roleplay his character at all close to what the other players do?"