D&D General What wastes time at your table?

[el-remmen]

More than anything this thread is evidence that people have very different definitions for what is "wasting time."

 

[CleverNickName]

I have a player currently who is playing a kleptomaniac...err rouge. Its getting to the point of being annoying as its a waste of time and they're even trying to hide treasure from the rest of the party. As this person is took the arcane trickster archetype I'm really considering cutting off his hands if he gets caught forcing them to rely solely on mage hand. Theyre constantly over analyzing every situation and then trying to do things in combat on other peoples turn. These things only eat up a little time at once but oiver the course of the session it adds up and is just unfair to all the other players.

Disruptive players come in all shapes and sizes, but this one definitely makes it to the top of my list. They are easy to identify in the wild thanks to their unique mating call: "bEcAuSe ThAt'S wHaT mY cHaRaCtEr wOuLd Do!"

No amount of in-game character punishment is going to change the player's behavior. You'll get better results if you take the player aside between gaming sessions, explain how disruptive they are being, and talk through it. I'm sure you can find a way for the player to express their creativity and have fun playing a thiefy-thief, in a way that doesn't disrupt the game or irk the other players.

 

[aco175]

Is it my turn again? I was just sending a quick text.

 

[CleverNickName]

Is it my turn again? I was just sending a quick text.

Oof. I felt that in my teeth.

 

[R_J_K75]

Disruptive players come in all shapes and sizes, but this one definitely makes it to the top of my list. They are easy to identify in the wild thanks to their unique mating call: "bEcAuSe ThAt'S wHaT mY cHaRaCtEr wOuLd Do!"

No amount of in-game character punishment is going to change the player's behavior. You'll get better results if you take the player aside between gaming sessions, explain how disruptive they are being, and talk through it. I'm sure you can find a way for the player to express their creativity and have fun playing a thiefy-thief, in a way that doesn't disrupt the game or irk the other players.

You are probably right. I probably will have a talk with them, and try and come up with solution. I had hoped giving them a snot ridden hanky and various other useless items after picking pockets would send a message but it hasnt.

 

[Retreater]

I have a player currently who is playing a kleptomaniac...err rouge. Its getting to the point of being annoying as its a waste of time and they're even trying to hide treasure from the rest of the party. As this person is took the arcane trickster archetype I'm really considering cutting off his hands if he gets caught forcing them to rely solely on mage hand. Theyre constantly over analyzing every situation and then trying to do things in combat on other peoples turn. These things only eat up a little time at once but oiver the course of the session it adds up and is just unfair to all the other players.

Why is this person in your group?

 

[R_J_K75]

Why is this person in your group?

Hes my friend that Ive known for over 30 years and gamed with him for 25 on and off. This is really the only time I recall him playing this way and its more of an annoyance than a problem. I'm pretty confident that if we discuss it we can reach a compromise.

 

[akr71]

Not being ready for your turn is my number 1. I don't mind answering questions at the start of your turn like "do I have a clear shot?" or "which one is injured?" or "can I get there with my movement?" but if its clear that you haven't been paying attention then I do get irritated.

Figure out your turn during other people's turns. Sure the situation may change and you may have to adapt, but is that so hard?

 

[turnip_farmer]

Can you explain in more detail? Not sure what you mean by 'initiative sheet?'

An initiative sheet:

 

[prabe]

Can you explain in more detail? Not sure what you mean by 'initiative sheet?'

@turnip_farmer has it mostly right, though I have a small spiral-bound notebook I use. End of combat, flip the page. I can have something listed that the PCs can't see or otherwise don't know is involved. Or reminders to myself. Or whatever.

(On that example, it looks as though there is some hit-point-tracking happening. I don't do that, but it's not a horrible idea ...)