arbados
Explorer
Let me start by saying that I have never had a need to post this type of question before, but I am interested to see what the rest of you think 
I DM for a very experienced group of players who are all pretty good friends and have been playing together for years. I myself have DM'd for 25 or so years and the player love the game. All anounce their enjoyment and apreciate all the hard work that I put into making the game detailed with a growing world and intricate plots.
However, over the last couple of games I have noticed and verbally heard comments from three of the four players that they are disappointed and bothered by the druids actions in the party.
The group consists of:
1) A 12th level Elven Rogue who's main focus is ranged attacks and does it nicely.
2) A 12th level human wizard/2nd level Fate Spinner/1st level bard human who nails her opponents with her spells.
3) A 9th level human Psychic warrior/2nd level fighter who uses both his powers and melee fighting skills in battle.
4) An NPC human of 6th level Fighter/4th level Devoted defender who just plain kicks ass in melee.
and finally...
5) A 12th level elven druid . details forthcoming...
The druid basically does not like to comfront his opponents in close combat. He stays in the back utilizes his spells, sometimes quite well, and then when he is done with casting because his offensive spells are depleted will stay away from battle putting up defensive spells and somewhat keeping away from the battle at hand.
Problem: The other members are getting a bit perturbed by the druids actions because at times his nonaction has caused casualties within the group (at least that is what the other players feel).
The druid in many ways, although he will never openly admit it, is somewhat cowardly unless the mission at hand deals with something which he very strongly feels he needs to personally address. Even then he will rely heavily on the rest of the members to put themselves in harms way and always keep as far as possible from danger.
At times in battle after the druid has run out of offensive spells he will say "I can't do anything". The rest of the members will give him direction as to what to do, but I don't allow too much of that because I try to keep the combat quick paced. However, even with some snipets of information, he still will usually say he can't do anything.
He does have a nice thunder staff which does heavy melee damage and the other party members say that his attack bonus in melee is very good (which it is).
The rest of the party is starting to get annoyed saying that there should be a penalty to him (possibly treasure). I know the druid will be extremely bothered by this and I am not sure if this is a good approach.
I give bonus xp's for good game play and very often he has very good ideas, but the other members are getting a bit pissed.
As a group we talk things out all the time and heavily prep for game battles by discussing tactics and such. I was wondering what you thought should/or could be done to remedy this. Should I become involved, should I let the players work it out. I want everyone to continue to be happy with each other and the game, but I can see a little annoyance.
Well shoot away. Sorry so long.
Just to let you know the game is still strong and nobody is planning on leaving or anything.
Thanks

I DM for a very experienced group of players who are all pretty good friends and have been playing together for years. I myself have DM'd for 25 or so years and the player love the game. All anounce their enjoyment and apreciate all the hard work that I put into making the game detailed with a growing world and intricate plots.
However, over the last couple of games I have noticed and verbally heard comments from three of the four players that they are disappointed and bothered by the druids actions in the party.
The group consists of:
1) A 12th level Elven Rogue who's main focus is ranged attacks and does it nicely.
2) A 12th level human wizard/2nd level Fate Spinner/1st level bard human who nails her opponents with her spells.
3) A 9th level human Psychic warrior/2nd level fighter who uses both his powers and melee fighting skills in battle.
4) An NPC human of 6th level Fighter/4th level Devoted defender who just plain kicks ass in melee.
and finally...
5) A 12th level elven druid . details forthcoming...
The druid basically does not like to comfront his opponents in close combat. He stays in the back utilizes his spells, sometimes quite well, and then when he is done with casting because his offensive spells are depleted will stay away from battle putting up defensive spells and somewhat keeping away from the battle at hand.
Problem: The other members are getting a bit perturbed by the druids actions because at times his nonaction has caused casualties within the group (at least that is what the other players feel).
The druid in many ways, although he will never openly admit it, is somewhat cowardly unless the mission at hand deals with something which he very strongly feels he needs to personally address. Even then he will rely heavily on the rest of the members to put themselves in harms way and always keep as far as possible from danger.
At times in battle after the druid has run out of offensive spells he will say "I can't do anything". The rest of the members will give him direction as to what to do, but I don't allow too much of that because I try to keep the combat quick paced. However, even with some snipets of information, he still will usually say he can't do anything.
He does have a nice thunder staff which does heavy melee damage and the other party members say that his attack bonus in melee is very good (which it is).
The rest of the party is starting to get annoyed saying that there should be a penalty to him (possibly treasure). I know the druid will be extremely bothered by this and I am not sure if this is a good approach.
I give bonus xp's for good game play and very often he has very good ideas, but the other members are getting a bit pissed.
As a group we talk things out all the time and heavily prep for game battles by discussing tactics and such. I was wondering what you thought should/or could be done to remedy this. Should I become involved, should I let the players work it out. I want everyone to continue to be happy with each other and the game, but I can see a little annoyance.
Well shoot away. Sorry so long.
Just to let you know the game is still strong and nobody is planning on leaving or anything.
Thanks