Roleplaying a fair and decent leader

[JohnSnow]

IMO, Captain Kirk is NOT a good example of this type of leader. The dude was a showboater of the first order. Awesome on screen, yes, but not a "servant-leader" as Firelance describes the term.

Ummm...yes and no. When the situation was risky, Kirk was usually the guy risking himself. Yes, it often comes across as a little "showboat-y," but his willingness to sacrifice himself won the admiration of those under him.

I'm just suggesting that there can be a way to play the "take-charge" leader well. If you're a great tactician, self-sacrificing, and place the welfare of everyone else before yourself, it can work. Of course, that kinda character often dies young.

Personally, I prefer Malcolm Reynold's approach. He's all about his crew, but also less preachy and more about being "defined by his actions." He takes more risks than anyone in his command. And if he's gotta do something vaguely suicidal, he generally gives those under his command the chance to back out first. That kind of approach works a lot better in non-military situations. And given the nature of gaming groups, it's probably usually a better approach to take with your fellow adventurers. Save "ordering people around" for NPCs, but even with them, it helps to make it clear that you're putting yourself at risk too. You don't order someone else to fight the rearguard action. Instead, you ask for volunteers and/or do it yourself.

I guess playing a leader well is a lot like being a good leader. In the end, it's more about "commanding respect" rather than "demanding respect." Putting the welfare of others first usually helps that.

 

[Sigurd]

Find the Goal of your rule. It will settle most of your questions. The challenge with any module dealing with rulership is giving enough info to be interesting without being burdensome. Understand the time frame of the module and the passage of time. Be prepared to respond to delays and failures with new plans based on your say so.


If you are the king and your players are the advisers establish how that works before there is an issue people care about. I'd stress from the outset that you want them to be able to be advisers and will help them but they have to actively help you be king. That means the whole word is law thing.

Try not to be too imperious but you may need the occasional decision simply to show leadership. Having a clear goal makes it less personal and really helps advisers who then advise about your agenda not their petty fiefs.

If the 'best decision' is so unpopular it will never work then it is not the best decision.


Can't really help you much more without the module


Sigurd