Hello all. So quick background. I have played D&D since 1980s. Stopped for a long while and just now getting back into it and now starting to DM again. It’s intimidating to say the least. And now it is online through Discord and Foundry VTT. Honestly I am loving it. But looking for advice on player issues. I’m seeing a player that is a little overbearing. Think “Main Character Syndrome”. In the past we were all friends and in person so was easy to deal with because others were there in person and honestly would deal with it. But with online that isn’t the case.
so as a DM. How do you or would you handle that sort of situation ?
Online I find it can be very helpful to use the initiative order for RP and non-combat, to make sure everyone gets a turn, and to make it so people don't feel like they have to talk over each other to be part of the conversation. it also can reduce the cognitive load for both DM and players, where players aren't feeling like they have to be ready to blurt at any lull, and the DM doesn't have to remember who has already talked. The VTT turn order is so handy and everyone can see who is next.
I would also check in to see if this is something your other players have noticed, or if they think there's a problem. Some players appreciate someone taking charge of the party during roleplay scenarios if they're less confidant themselves, or some might be newer players that are acting more as audience and prefer to have someone entertaining to watch.
I would only address this as a problem if you think it is taking away from the fun of the other players. But if they don't have a problem, then you don't have a problem.
Hello all. So quick background. I have played D&D since 1980s. Stopped for a long while and just now getting back into it and now starting to DM again. It’s intimidating to say the least. And now it is online through Discord and Foundry VTT. Honestly I am loving it. But looking for advice on player issues. I’m seeing a player that is a little overbearing. Think “Main Character Syndrome”. In the past we were all friends and in person so was easy to deal with because others were there in person and honestly would deal with it. But with online that isn’t the case.
so as a DM. How do you or would you handle that sort of situation ?
The easiest way is : "Ok great that's what [main character-itis person] is doing, what are the rest of you doing while they are attempting that?"
and introduce some NPCs with personal ties to the other player characters to give those other characters a chance to shine.
Online I find it can be very helpful to use the initiative order for RP and non-combat, to make sure everyone gets a turn, and to make it so people don't feel like they have to talk over each other to be part of the conversation. it also can reduce the cognitive load for both DM and players, where players aren't feeling like they have to be ready to blurt at any lull, and the DM doesn't have to remember who has already talked. The VTT turn order is so handy and everyone can see who is next.
I would also check in to see if this is something your other players have noticed, or if they think there's a problem. Some players appreciate someone taking charge of the party during roleplay scenarios if they're less confidant themselves, or some might be newer players that are acting more as audience and prefer to have someone entertaining to watch.
I would only address this as a problem if you think it is taking away from the fun of the other players. But if they don't have a problem, then you don't have a problem.