So we're about 10 sessions in now and I've got 2 PCs who have squabbled here and there throughout the campaign, but it really came to a head last session where their "characters" quit talking to each other. I put that in quotations because it really didn't feel like it was happening in-character any more. As much as I approve of PC interaction, the rest of the session became awkward and I really need to resolve this.
My current plan is to split the party next session and make the 2 of them dungeon crawl separately, forcing them to work together and resolve their issues. I know this is a bit cliche, so I'm looking for original recommendations, outside of "here's a swarm of enemies, fight together or die." So 2 questions I guess; Have you guys used similar tactics with success? And do you know of any good 2 man puzzles/traps to make them talk? It's a healer and rogue, if that helps at all.
Make their encounter a puzzle of sorts, something they have to do together in mutual cooperation. Chinese finger trap style, only coming together will provide a solution. Maybe it's an illusion that one has to overcome with the other's help, or a blood letting trap that requires one or both to make some sort of sacrifice. I can't think of anything specific, but there has to be something out their one this site or beyond. I'll keep thinking.
if it's "not really in character anymore", then you might need to dig deeper individually. a private conversation with each one to find out what's going on. depending on what comes out, it may or may not be within your power to mediate.
If it's going beyond in-character conflict, an in-game solution isn't likely. You need to speak to the players and figure out what's going on there. You need to address the root problem, which it sound like you're suspecting is a player conflict, not a character one. Making them work together in-game generally won't solve player problems, and will just lead them to resent you.
Thanks for the thoughts, guys. It certainly began in-character, as the healer became ticked when he realized the rogue has been squirreling away his own plunders. I say "not in character anymore" because I believe the healer has just become frustrated that he can't get the rogue to "fess up." Both guys are fairly level-headed and good enough players that I believe it'll just take some role-playing to sort out, but I will check with private conversations that it's not anything IRL before trying to resolve in game.
Ugh... player conflicts are never much fun. I hope they are able to sort things out both in and out of your game.
If you are still wanting to throw a puzzle or two at them to force cooperation, however, I have almost three dozen you could choose from on my YouTube channel. One, in particular, might work efficiently...
The basis of the puzzle would be that there is an upright coffin or Magician's Sword Box that would be their only way of escape an area. One of them must be inside the box while the other inserts five swords in the correct order to release the secret door in the back of the coffin...
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I have a YouTube channel with 5th Edition D&D Puzzles, Character Creations, DM Tips and Quests ideas. Check it out!
I would remind players that they should try and keep things in-character. If the healer is upset at the rogue that eventually will probably fix itself as the rogue will die without healing. If the players themselves don't want to speak to each other and it makes things awkward at the table then yeah you need to speak to both as that could break up the group pretty quick. That's always a tough one.
I think that a good campeign is reliant on the right kind of people. Ive had scores of games in the past dating back all the way to 2nd ed. Seen it all really. If there is one thing i can highlight. Its that you need the right people playing to make a successful campeign. If both parties in the campeign cannot reconcile than its time to approach them in private and discuss. If the issue keeps up than one may need to cull one or the other from the game. That said, dont let others break your sense of inner peace and creativity with their negativity.
So we're about 10 sessions in now and I've got 2 PCs who have squabbled here and there throughout the campaign, but it really came to a head last session where their "characters" quit talking to each other. I put that in quotations because it really didn't feel like it was happening in-character any more. As much as I approve of PC interaction, the rest of the session became awkward and I really need to resolve this.
My current plan is to split the party next session and make the 2 of them dungeon crawl separately, forcing them to work together and resolve their issues. I know this is a bit cliche, so I'm looking for original recommendations, outside of "here's a swarm of enemies, fight together or die." So 2 questions I guess; Have you guys used similar tactics with success? And do you know of any good 2 man puzzles/traps to make them talk? It's a healer and rogue, if that helps at all.
Make their encounter a puzzle of sorts, something they have to do together in mutual cooperation. Chinese finger trap style, only coming together will provide a solution. Maybe it's an illusion that one has to overcome with the other's help, or a blood letting trap that requires one or both to make some sort of sacrifice. I can't think of anything specific, but there has to be something out their one this site or beyond. I'll keep thinking.
#OpenDnD. #DnDBegone
if it's "not really in character anymore", then you might need to dig deeper individually. a private conversation with each one to find out what's going on. depending on what comes out, it may or may not be within your power to mediate.
If it's going beyond in-character conflict, an in-game solution isn't likely. You need to speak to the players and figure out what's going on there. You need to address the root problem, which it sound like you're suspecting is a player conflict, not a character one. Making them work together in-game generally won't solve player problems, and will just lead them to resent you.
Thanks for the thoughts, guys. It certainly began in-character, as the healer became ticked when he realized the rogue has been squirreling away his own plunders. I say "not in character anymore" because I believe the healer has just become frustrated that he can't get the rogue to "fess up." Both guys are fairly level-headed and good enough players that I believe it'll just take some role-playing to sort out, but I will check with private conversations that it's not anything IRL before trying to resolve in game.
Ugh... player conflicts are never much fun. I hope they are able to sort things out both in and out of your game.
If you are still wanting to throw a puzzle or two at them to force cooperation, however, I have almost three dozen you could choose from on my YouTube channel. One, in particular, might work efficiently...
D&D Puzzles - The Magician's Sword Box.
The basis of the puzzle would be that there is an upright coffin or Magician's Sword Box that would be their only way of escape an area. One of them must be inside the box while the other inserts five swords in the correct order to release the secret door in the back of the coffin...
I have a YouTube channel with 5th Edition D&D Puzzles, Character Creations, DM Tips and Quests ideas. Check it out!
Wally DM on YouTube
I would remind players that they should try and keep things in-character. If the healer is upset at the rogue that eventually will probably fix itself as the rogue will die without healing. If the players themselves don't want to speak to each other and it makes things awkward at the table then yeah you need to speak to both as that could break up the group pretty quick. That's always a tough one.
I think that a good campeign is reliant on the right kind of people. Ive had scores of games in the past dating back all the way to 2nd ed. Seen it all really. If there is one thing i can highlight. Its that you need the right people playing to make a successful campeign. If both parties in the campeign cannot reconcile than its time to approach them in private and discuss. If the issue keeps up than one may need to cull one or the other from the game. That said, dont let others break your sense of inner peace and creativity with their negativity.
Did you end up doing anything in game? Did it work? I'm having a similar issue in my campaign.