So he calls himself "Dragonslayer"...

[carpedavid]

I based an entire campaign around my PCs undeservedly earning the title of "Dragonslayer." It provided great role-playing moments, and lots of NPCs imploring them for help. I don't think you should punish the player at all - it's a great flavorful touch to his character, and it's not like the title actually affects his game stats.

 

[Zhure]

Heh. I like the idea of simple peasants trying to hire the dragonslayer to help them with their ancient red wyrm problem.

 

[Driddle]

The character can call himself anything he wants. Got an in-game licensing bureau for self-declared titles? (shrug)

What should it matter to the DM if the player has an inflated ego over a single game event? The fact that the boasting bothers Fly says something about him as well as the player.

 

[Flyspeck23]

Thanks @ all. I'll probably make him a "dragonslayer celebrity" and see how he'll handle it
And sooner or later he'll encounter dragons who're not too happy with his title... and thinking of this, it should make the metallic dragons pretty angry too (because he doesn't call himself "chromatic dragon slayer" ).

In my opinion, if your player is genuinely sincere and proud about slaying a "dragon", I say let him. If I accomplished something I felt was important or grand, I wouldn't mind giving myself a "cool" title. For me, image plays a big part in my enjoyment of the game. Don't punish your player if he just wants be a "hero", at least in his own eyes.

On the other hand, if he expects unreasonable accolades and rewards heaped upon him because he single-handedly slew a might red "dragon", that's another story.

The paladin's quite sincere about it, so while I think it's pretty lame to call yourself "dragonslayer" for killing a baby dragon, he's not in it for any benefits (and in fact he'll be in for some trouble...).
OTOH, I made it clear that they all are heroes (saved a city and somesuch), with statues build in their image and the like. Thought that should be enough, and no need to resort to "false" titles

 

[Flyspeck23]

What should it matter to the DM if the player has an inflated ego over a single game event? The fact that the boasting bothers Fly says something about him as well as the player.

So what would that be?

 

[Count Arioch the 28t]

I think, the best thing to do, would be to let the palading use a pencil to write Dragonslayer by his name in pencil.

I honestly don't see what the fuss is. Now, I odn't see a problem to make it into a plot thing, where the player continues to hunt down and slay dragons, at a challenging, but not too grueling pace, then I see no problem with it.

I would never punish a player for soemthing like that. It smacks of smacktardishness.

 

[Arnwyn]

The player can call his character whatever he wants, IMO.

But, like others have said, word does get around...

(My players are just the opposite, actually. They fear any form of 'celebrity' so much that they protest any adulations given to them. Village Elder: "So, we understand you have defeated a dragon." PCs: "But it was only a BABY!") *sigh*

 

[morbiczer]

Hi all!

I must admit, I don't see the problem. If a player wants to lie to the people in the gameworld (and in this case, it isn't even a lie, it is at most an exaggeration) than let him do it and if it bothers you than deal with it "in-game".

One way to go would be that he is summoned by the elders of his order or church where they tell him that they heard of his dragonslaying and need urgent help against some big bad true dragon. then he either has to aadmit that the dragon he slew was (relativly) small and weak or he will have to go out and try his luck with the fearsome beast. Next time he will think twice taking credit for something he hasn't really done.

He could also get problems with his superiors or his god directly. Naming yourself Dragonslayer after having killed only a relativly weak dragon show strong pride, and paladins should be modest IMO and not going around boasting of their deeds.

 

[Driddle]

The question still hangs here, "Why should it matter to the DM?"

We can consider any DM's position to be something of the Guiding Force, uber-deity or usherer of "Fate" in his or her campaign world, giving the game shape and direction. The DM sets challenges and subtley moves the PCs through various adventures (which they take upon themselves of their own free will, of course). It's part of the job.

But rather than being an uncaring gawd who moves the world forward regardless of any individual character's actions, a DM-gawd reacts to what happens in the game. At the table (unlike real life), the universe truly does revolve around the character.

Which leads to the question about the DM's response. ... What is it about a PC calling himself "dragonslayer" that demands any particular action by the DM? Why is it important that the PC be reprimanded in some way for a bit of self-esteem boosting? Is this a DM-gawd who punishes pride, and why is that?

 

[Ylis]

Well, give it a couple of levels and the word will go round that he's calling himself Dragonslayer. Sooner or later a Dragon will hear about it, and either send some minions to try and kill him and turn up in person.

Dragon's are smart. Attacking him when he's not ready for it is the best way to make sure that this "Dragonslayer" doesn't become a "Wyrmslayer".

Basic rule - make him live with the consequences of his actions.

I agree with you on this. I picture it this way:
Dragonslayer (in tavern): "Yup....there I was....my blade when 'snicker-snack'....down the huge dragon went......."

(sounds of screams outside, building catching on fire....)

Innkeeper: "Dragonslayer! Save us from the dragons! They'll destroy the town!!!"

Dragonslayer: "Well, I'm not really that kind of dragon slayer....really, I'm more like a GlorifiedLizardSlayer....erm...I gotta go...."