Me and some friends have started up a Storm King's Thunder game, with six playing. Everyone, including the DM, is new except for me, but I have still only played a few games, nothing major. But we have problems now, including:
-The monk is looking at his phone and also not engaging, but he still says he is listening, in a "oh, I can watch this and pay attention at the same time, I just need you to repeat LITERALLY EVERYTHING." Way, which is hella annoying.
-The paladin and the monk who are lawful neutral and true neutral (leaning good) are doing random, meta, and stupid acts, like attacking innocent guards, or telling me they'll only help in a fight if I PAY them
-My friend who is calling in from Poland is using Skype, therefore making talking to him difficult, but people are talking over him and being loud, or just flat-out ignoring him
-I have sent people a video on table etiquette, cause last time the dm was sometimes disrespected, people wouldn't shut up, and there was chaos everywhere, so if you have advice on what to sya, them please tell me
Most of all, things are caused by the monk and paladin, but tbh I wouldn't like to kick them out, as then a) we would die in game and b) I wouldnt want to cause any rivalries or tension between players. I have issued a warning, saying that they have one chance, or ban, but... I mean yeah, it's just an awkward situation.
Also, unrelated to this, we left off fighting six bandits, a spy, and a bandit captain with an invulnerability potion, and we are pretty worried about the fight, as we are all lvl 2. The party consists of a brilliant bard with no spell slots on him anymore, as well as a large barbarian who grapples everything, a half-orc Druid (moon circle) who is currently using wild sham as a giant eagle. Also an archer with a trident and shortsword, and *sigh* the mediocre monk, and the subpar paladin (subparadin, if you will).
anyway, this is a lot of stuff, but if you have help on anything it is hugely appreciated, and immean bye I guess :)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
With remote player, I had similar issues until I started displaying them on the TV and sending adio through better speakers. (Was displaying on laptop) someone's face on a 32 inch TV gives good presence ;)
Table control is really up to the DM. I guess I'd bring my concerns to him/her.
Actions need to have consequences. Attacking town guards seems like it should lead to more town guards arresting and imprisoning the offending characters.
With the monk, I would tell him that if he's going to play, he needs to play. After repeating things a few times, I would simply say "no" when asked to repeat. That behavior really drives me crazy as a DM. DM's spend a significant amount of time preparing - the least players can do is provide some common courtesy.
Thanks! We have tried to get in touch with the monk, but we don't know any ways of contacting him (don't know his phone number, doesn't have a Skype or an email, etc). A problem with the guards is that right as he did this, they were hiding from goblins, and a flying sword was attacking, and a bunch of crazy stuff started happening, (end of that scene was bandits pouring in) so we couldn't really get anything with immediate repercussions, but as they were about to be arrested, bandits happened, and the annoying little bugger jumped out a window and started fighting. So, I guess I'll have to wait...
but seriously, thanks. And I fully agree that that's just downright rude, too
Table control is really up to the DM. I guess I'd bring my concerns to him/her.
Actions need to have consequences. Attacking town guards seems like it should lead to more town guards arresting and imprisoning the offending characters.
With the monk, I would tell him that if he's going to play, he needs to play. After repeating things a few times, I would simply say "no" when asked to repeat. That behavior really drives me crazy as a DM. DM's spend a significant amount of time preparing - the least players can do is provide some common courtesy.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
The moon druid with the eagle form? Sorry, druids wildshape cant fly till 8th. It sounds like the paladin and monk are causing a disruption, how you deal with it depends on where your playing and how well you socialise (too many variables there). I do find it odd that someone looking at something on the phone all the time wouldn't have some form of social media contact, so asking them should sort that out.
In terms of game play, your going to have to really suspend your sense of the absurd with murder hoboes in your group graduating to outright serial killers. Worse SKT features a few people you really need to interact with for help so... lets hope they don't kill the plot people right? It might be me but it sounds like the pair are enjoying the thrill kill and gratuitous power exchange in taking lives with no repercussions, not the story or the effort of the gm to weave it. Sad but who knows maybe their tastes will change.
In terms of surviving that fight, as always concentrate damage on opponents, the only multi opponent damage should come from aoe abilities, a dead enemy is one who cant hurt you. a wounded one is still 100% combat effective even at 1 hitpoint, and let the paladin and monk draw the hits until they get taken down coming close to character loss can have a sobering effect on players who are becoming attached to a game or a character and if they ask for healing you can raise the very real concern that the druid would have to break shape, not optimal, and the paladin is the only possible one with healing left. Also archer with a trident? I would suggest they use a bow?
The spy could do the most damage except the bandit captain but he will take a while to kill so nuke the spy then the bandits then the leader (at least thats what it sounds like we would prioritise, perhaps trying to slow the bandit leader with caltrops, man trap or similar. If you are in a town, retreating inside buildings as a group to a point you can funnel your more numerous opponents into attacking one at a time should work to your advantage.
Paladin asking for payment to fight? Must worship Waukeen...
I wouldn't repeat anything for the Monk. If he wants to know something, then he should pay attention. Missed the call for initiative? too bad, you don't get to go this turn. Missed that call for a save vs doom? too bad, you take full damage.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
The moon druid with the eagle form? Sorry, druids wildshape cant fly till 8th. It sounds like the paladin and monk are causing a disruption, how you deal with it depends on where your playing and how well you socialise (too many variables there). I do find it odd that someone looking at something on the phone all the time wouldn't have some form of social media contact, so asking them should sort that out.
In terms of game play, your going to have to really suspend your sense of the absurd with murder hoboes in your group graduating to outright serial killers. Worse SKT features a few people you really need to interact with for help so... lets hope they don't kill the plot people right? It might be me but it sounds like the pair are enjoying the thrill kill and gratuitous power exchange in taking lives with no repercussions, not the story or the effort of the gm to weave it. Sad but who knows maybe their tastes will change.
In terms of surviving that fight, as always concentrate damage on opponents, the only multi opponent damage should come from aoe abilities, a dead enemy is one who cant hurt you. a wounded one is still 100% combat effective even at 1 hitpoint, and let the paladin and monk draw the hits until they get taken down coming close to character loss can have a sobering effect on players who are becoming attached to a game or a character and if they ask for healing you can raise the very real concern that the druid would have to break shape, not optimal, and the paladin is the only possible one with healing left. Also archer with a trident? I would suggest they use a bow?
The spy could do the most damage except the bandit captain but he will take a while to kill so nuke the spy then the bandits then the leader (at least thats what it sounds like we would prioritise, perhaps trying to slow the bandit leader with caltrops, man trap or similar. If you are in a town, retreating inside buildings as a group to a point you can funnel your more numerous opponents into attacking one at a time should work to your advantage.
Hope some of that helps and enjoy your game!
You are a real lifesaver, thanks! The archer does have a bow , but he put it down, and it's now approx fort you feet away. Our plan so far has been "f*ck the paladin, we"re kamikazeing him (divine smite is great), as he has a potion of heroism. Also, the bandit captain has a potion of invulnerability, making his hp doubled , although he is on 57, so that's would just be gulp 114 hp. The advantage of using the paladin to iamikaze would be that our barbarian can still tank, and the subpar admin could take out a fair few bandits, with an average of 18 damage a turn (greatsword with +4 strength modifier, divine smite). Also, the spy's hit point she are exactly thirty six I think, so yeah. Anyway, I'm playing tomorrow, so I'll see what happens. Thanks!
(phew) also oops, I'll have to make sure he changes the wildshape
I've had issues with players using phones in the game. Moving forward with the game and letting them screw themselves is one way to go about it, the other successful way I have seen is if the DM / other players specifically state they don't want phones at the table when getting started, and then call out the other player whenever it is, or is about to, become a problem.
I dont think there is much issue with a player acting in a way that is not reflective of their alignment. Sometimes people start the game and realize the alignment they thought they would play is not how they actually feel like playing. Now if there are no consequences for acting in a specific way, that's a different story, and a different problem entirely.
The DM could reduce the stats of the bandits, simply say there are fewer bandits, use other NPC's / plot elements to assist (if the problem was the DM making an encounter too difficult, not players choices), and the bandit captain could have a lower base health, and not actually be nearly as high as 100+ health.
“The Monk’s inattention turns out to be due to a recurring series of strokes.” All rolls involving Str, Dex, or Cha are at disadvantage until its healed by magic. Recurs whenever he’s found inattentive.
The paladin loses all divinely derived abilities until he atones himself for his selfishness and greed.
“The Monk’s inattention turns out to be due to a recurring series of strokes.” All rolls involving Str, Dex, or Cha are at disadvantage until its healed by magic. Recurs whenever he’s found inattentive.
The paladin loses all divinely derived abilities until he atones himself for his selfishness and greed.
Hardball
I like it
Plus for Paladins its even following whats in the DMG lmao
Mechanically the only thing that comes to mind, is Paladin losing his powers for breaking the oaths he took. Aka helping for gold. Attacking innocents and so forth.
As for the table tensions, it happens. Not every group is meant to play together. That's why Session 0 is so important. If two players are breaking the fun for five other, just... Perhaps they have to go.
From personal experience, we had a DM that was clearly favouring certain players and classes. To the point where those players would be constantly kept in front of the power curve with free gifts from the DM while the rest were burning resources to keep at least close to their stats. In the end everyone but the favourites said "goodbye" and the whole campaign was blown to pieces, because people just didn't have fun.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
So, hello!
Me and some friends have started up a Storm King's Thunder game, with six playing. Everyone, including the DM, is new except for me, but I have still only played a few games, nothing major. But we have problems now, including:
-The monk is looking at his phone and also not engaging, but he still says he is listening, in a "oh, I can watch this and pay attention at the same time, I just need you to repeat LITERALLY EVERYTHING." Way, which is hella annoying.
-The paladin and the monk who are lawful neutral and true neutral (leaning good) are doing random, meta, and stupid acts, like attacking innocent guards, or telling me they'll only help in a fight if I PAY them
-My friend who is calling in from Poland is using Skype, therefore making talking to him difficult, but people are talking over him and being loud, or just flat-out ignoring him
-I have sent people a video on table etiquette, cause last time the dm was sometimes disrespected, people wouldn't shut up, and there was chaos everywhere, so if you have advice on what to sya, them please tell me
Most of all, things are caused by the monk and paladin, but tbh I wouldn't like to kick them out, as then a) we would die in game and b) I wouldnt want to cause any rivalries or tension between players. I have issued a warning, saying that they have one chance, or ban, but... I mean yeah, it's just an awkward situation.
Also, unrelated to this, we left off fighting six bandits, a spy, and a bandit captain with an invulnerability potion, and we are pretty worried about the fight, as we are all lvl 2. The party consists of a brilliant bard with no spell slots on him anymore, as well as a large barbarian who grapples everything, a half-orc Druid (moon circle) who is currently using wild sham as a giant eagle. Also an archer with a trident and shortsword, and *sigh* the mediocre monk, and the subpar paladin (subparadin, if you will).
anyway, this is a lot of stuff, but if you have help on anything it is hugely appreciated, and immean bye I guess :)
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
Also, probably a lot of autocorrect errors, writing on an iPad, so sorry
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
With remote player, I had similar issues until I started displaying them on the TV and sending adio through better speakers. (Was displaying on laptop) someone's face on a 32 inch TV gives good presence ;)
Thanks!
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
Table control is really up to the DM. I guess I'd bring my concerns to him/her.
Actions need to have consequences. Attacking town guards seems like it should lead to more town guards arresting and imprisoning the offending characters.
With the monk, I would tell him that if he's going to play, he needs to play. After repeating things a few times, I would simply say "no" when asked to repeat. That behavior really drives me crazy as a DM. DM's spend a significant amount of time preparing - the least players can do is provide some common courtesy.
Thanks! We have tried to get in touch with the monk, but we don't know any ways of contacting him (don't know his phone number, doesn't have a Skype or an email, etc). A problem with the guards is that right as he did this, they were hiding from goblins, and a flying sword was attacking, and a bunch of crazy stuff started happening, (end of that scene was bandits pouring in) so we couldn't really get anything with immediate repercussions, but as they were about to be arrested, bandits happened, and the annoying little bugger jumped out a window and started fighting. So, I guess I'll have to wait...
but seriously, thanks. And I fully agree that that's just downright rude, too
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
The moon druid with the eagle form? Sorry, druids wildshape cant fly till 8th. It sounds like the paladin and monk are causing a disruption, how you deal with it depends on where your playing and how well you socialise (too many variables there). I do find it odd that someone looking at something on the phone all the time wouldn't have some form of social media contact, so asking them should sort that out.
In terms of game play, your going to have to really suspend your sense of the absurd with murder hoboes in your group graduating to outright serial killers. Worse SKT features a few people you really need to interact with for help so... lets hope they don't kill the plot people right? It might be me but it sounds like the pair are enjoying the thrill kill and gratuitous power exchange in taking lives with no repercussions, not the story or the effort of the gm to weave it. Sad but who knows maybe their tastes will change.
In terms of surviving that fight, as always concentrate damage on opponents, the only multi opponent damage should come from aoe abilities, a dead enemy is one who cant hurt you. a wounded one is still 100% combat effective even at 1 hitpoint, and let the paladin and monk draw the hits until they get taken down coming close to character loss can have a sobering effect on players who are becoming attached to a game or a character and if they ask for healing you can raise the very real concern that the druid would have to break shape, not optimal, and the paladin is the only possible one with healing left. Also archer with a trident? I would suggest they use a bow?
The spy could do the most damage except the bandit captain but he will take a while to kill so nuke the spy then the bandits then the leader (at least thats what it sounds like we would prioritise, perhaps trying to slow the bandit leader with caltrops, man trap or similar. If you are in a town, retreating inside buildings as a group to a point you can funnel your more numerous opponents into attacking one at a time should work to your advantage.
Hope some of that helps and enjoy your game!
Paladin asking for payment to fight? Must worship Waukeen...
I wouldn't repeat anything for the Monk. If he wants to know something, then he should pay attention. Missed the call for initiative? too bad, you don't get to go this turn. Missed that call for a save vs doom? too bad, you take full damage.
"Sooner or later, your Players are going to smash your railroad into a sandbox."
-Vedexent
"real life is a super high CR."
-OboeLauren
"............anybody got any potatoes? We could drop a potato in each hole an' see which ones get viciously mauled by horrible monsters?"
-Ilyara Thundertale
Haha he actually does, and that was his explanation when I went "full barbarian" on him for making me near,y die
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
Also genuinely thank you
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
You are a real lifesaver, thanks! The archer does have a bow , but he put it down, and it's now approx fort you feet away. Our plan so far has been "f*ck the paladin, we"re kamikazeing him (divine smite is great), as he has a potion of heroism. Also, the bandit captain has a potion of invulnerability, making his hp doubled , although he is on 57, so that's would just be gulp 114 hp. The advantage of using the paladin to iamikaze would be that our barbarian can still tank, and the subpar admin could take out a fair few bandits, with an average of 18 damage a turn (greatsword with +4 strength modifier, divine smite). Also, the spy's hit point she are exactly thirty six I think, so yeah. Anyway, I'm playing tomorrow, so I'll see what happens. Thanks!
(phew) also oops, I'll have to make sure he changes the wildshape
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
I've had issues with players using phones in the game. Moving forward with the game and letting them screw themselves is one way to go about it, the other successful way I have seen is if the DM / other players specifically state they don't want phones at the table when getting started, and then call out the other player whenever it is, or is about to, become a problem.
I dont think there is much issue with a player acting in a way that is not reflective of their alignment. Sometimes people start the game and realize the alignment they thought they would play is not how they actually feel like playing. Now if there are no consequences for acting in a specific way, that's a different story, and a different problem entirely.
The DM could reduce the stats of the bandits, simply say there are fewer bandits, use other NPC's / plot elements to assist (if the problem was the DM making an encounter too difficult, not players choices), and the bandit captain could have a lower base health, and not actually be nearly as high as 100+ health.
“The Monk’s inattention turns out to be due to a recurring series of strokes.” All rolls involving Str, Dex, or Cha are at disadvantage until its healed by magic. Recurs whenever he’s found inattentive.
The paladin loses all divinely derived abilities until he atones himself for his selfishness and greed.
Y
E
S
I'm the idiot that decides to make Phil Swift in DnD.
Hardball
I like it
Plus for Paladins its even following whats in the DMG lmao
Mechanically the only thing that comes to mind, is Paladin losing his powers for breaking the oaths he took. Aka helping for gold. Attacking innocents and so forth.
As for the table tensions, it happens. Not every group is meant to play together. That's why Session 0 is so important. If two players are breaking the fun for five other, just... Perhaps they have to go.
From personal experience, we had a DM that was clearly favouring certain players and classes. To the point where those players would be constantly kept in front of the power curve with free gifts from the DM while the rest were burning resources to keep at least close to their stats. In the end everyone but the favourites said "goodbye" and the whole campaign was blown to pieces, because people just didn't have fun.