I (used to, before COVID-19) DM at a local game store for D&D AL. I was having trouble with some disruptive players interrupting or not taking the gameplay seriously. This also happens at home games, to the point where we don't even get to play, with one or more of the players being so disruptive. I've tried dealing damage to the whole party when people are being disruptive, in the hopes that the innocent players would encourage the disruptive players to be less disruptive, I've tried damaging only the disruptive ones, and nothing works. Luckily, this mostly only happens with one person, as the rest usually listen when I threaten with the D4, but what should I do about that one player or even future players that are being so disruptive?
I've tried dealing damage to the whole party when people are being disruptive, in the hopes that the innocent players would encourage the disruptive players to be less disruptive, I've tried damaging only the disruptive ones, and nothing works
OK... these things don't work because (a) they are unfair (to the players not doing anything wrong) and (b) you cannot solve out-of-character problems with in-character solutions. I think they need to write this in the next edition of DMG, in big bold letters, on the first page. Maybe make the entire first page a bolded repeat of that sentence. Never, ever, try to solve out of character issues with in-character penalties. It will not work.
You should talk to the disruptive one(s) out of game, before play starts or after a session or privately in some other way. If they keep it up, you should either boot them (if possible) or if not possible, walk away from DMing. PM or otherwise individually contact the good players and offer to DM on the side for them, without the jerks. They'll probably take you up on it. Either way, problem solved.
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I've tried dealing damage to the whole party when people are being disruptive, in the hopes that the innocent players would encourage the disruptive players to be less disruptive, I've tried damaging only the disruptive ones, and nothing works
OK... these things don't work because (a) they are unfair (to the players not doing anything wrong) and (b) you cannot solve out-of-character problems with in-character solutions. I think they need to write this in the next edition of DMG, in big bold letters, on the first page. Maybe make the entire first page a bolded repeat of that sentence. Never, ever, try to solve out of character issues with in-character penalties. It will not work.
You should talk to the disruptive one(s) out of game, before play starts or after a session or privately in some other way. If they keep it up, you should either boot them (if possible) or if not possible, walk away from DMing. PM or otherwise individually contact the good players and offer to DM on the side for them, without the jerks. They'll probably take you up on it. Either way, problem solved.
I've tried dealing damage to the whole party when people are being disruptive, in the hopes that the innocent players would encourage the disruptive players to be less disruptive, I've tried damaging only the disruptive ones, and nothing works
OK... these things don't work because (a) they are unfair (to the players not doing anything wrong) and (b) you cannot solve out-of-character problems with in-character solutions. I think they need to write this in the next edition of DMG, in big bold letters, on the first page. Maybe make the entire first page a bolded repeat of that sentence. Never, ever, try to solve out of character issues with in-character penalties. It will not work.
You should talk to the disruptive one(s) out of game, before play starts or after a session or privately in some other way. If they keep it up, you should either boot them (if possible) or if not possible, walk away from DMing. PM or otherwise individually contact the good players and offer to DM on the side for them, without the jerks. They'll probably take you up on it. Either way, problem solved.
Are they in character disruptive, or out of character disruptive?
If it is the former with things such as greifing or spotlight hogging, just remember that you are the GM, and your attention is key to directing the game. A spotlight hogger has no power if you ignore them. Ignore the offensive player and focus in on other players. Look them in the eye and ask them what their character is doing. The whole table will get the hint, trust me.
The latter is much more serious. You need to bluntly remind this player we are here to play D&D and if they aren't interested, they need to leave. Unfortunately this sounds like your situation, given you said the aren't taking the game seriously.
D&D AL the players have a social obligation to not be disruptive. The conversation is pretty simple. Their behaviour is not acceptable and they need to change or leave. But have this conversation individually you don't need to admonish them in front of others. Don't punish a player character(s) especially group punishments to try to solve player behaviour as it doesn't work.
D&D AL the players have a social obligation to not be disruptive. The conversation is pretty simple. Their behaviour is not acceptable and they need to change or leave. But have this conversation individually you don't need to admonish them in front of others. Don't punish a player character(s) especially group punishments to try to solve player behaviour as it doesn't work.
Yep. This. Everyone shows up to have a good time and the DM is the one who puts in time, out of game, preparing. You players either respect this, or they get the axe. Figuratively speaking, of course. This goes for nearly anyone.
I (used to, before COVID-19) DM at a local game store for D&D AL. I was having trouble with some disruptive players interrupting or not taking the gameplay seriously. This also happens at home games, to the point where we don't even get to play, with one or more of the players being so disruptive. I've tried dealing damage to the whole party when people are being disruptive, in the hopes that the innocent players would encourage the disruptive players to be less disruptive, I've tried damaging only the disruptive ones, and nothing works. Luckily, this mostly only happens with one person, as the rest usually listen when I threaten with the D4, but what should I do about that one player or even future players that are being so disruptive?
Have you tried...and wait for it...talking to the player.
Privately, find out why they're being disruptive. If they don't stop. Boot them.
Seconded.
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Alright, I'll try it.
OK... these things don't work because (a) they are unfair (to the players not doing anything wrong) and (b) you cannot solve out-of-character problems with in-character solutions. I think they need to write this in the next edition of DMG, in big bold letters, on the first page. Maybe make the entire first page a bolded repeat of that sentence. Never, ever, try to solve out of character issues with in-character penalties. It will not work.
You should talk to the disruptive one(s) out of game, before play starts or after a session or privately in some other way. If they keep it up, you should either boot them (if possible) or if not possible, walk away from DMing. PM or otherwise individually contact the good players and offer to DM on the side for them, without the jerks. They'll probably take you up on it. Either way, problem solved.
WOTC lies. We know that WOTC lies. WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. We know that WOTC knows that we know that WOTC lies. And still they lie.
Because of the above (a paraphrase from Orwell) I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
Kick out the truly terrible player
I agree with both, but what I add is that you should explain in simple clear words as to why they are being talk to and being kicked out.
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Definitely
Are they in character disruptive, or out of character disruptive?
If it is the former with things such as greifing or spotlight hogging, just remember that you are the GM, and your attention is key to directing the game. A spotlight hogger has no power if you ignore them. Ignore the offensive player and focus in on other players. Look them in the eye and ask them what their character is doing. The whole table will get the hint, trust me.
The latter is much more serious. You need to bluntly remind this player we are here to play D&D and if they aren't interested, they need to leave. Unfortunately this sounds like your situation, given you said the aren't taking the game seriously.
D&D AL the players have a social obligation to not be disruptive. The conversation is pretty simple. Their behaviour is not acceptable and they need to change or leave. But have this conversation individually you don't need to admonish them in front of others. Don't punish a player character(s) especially group punishments to try to solve player behaviour as it doesn't work.
Yep. This. Everyone shows up to have a good time and the DM is the one who puts in time, out of game, preparing. You players either respect this, or they get the axe. Figuratively speaking, of course. This goes for nearly anyone.
Have a chat with them and if it dont work then let them go.