well into a long adventure to reestablish a long overthrown society we seem all to be somehow connected to (8 full day sessions - plus a few i missed) started as 1st level and am multi classed so am Drow 2nd Fighter /2nd Warlock my character is Lawful Evil other players are not they have all found Magic items/potions of some type or another i have found nothing other than a mace of some quality (which was lent to another character under duress - long story i found it without them present but it was announced i had it ... so i was "asked" to give it to the cleric not wanting to rock the boat i coughed it up) ... i have found nothing and very little money (silver and copper pcs) or other loot (no armour /weapons or anything of use ) ...actually i have less than i came with due to combat which i have been at the front of most sessions ..about to head into a battle in our last session before stopping. The DM messaged a group chat later for us to Level up but made a group message then shortly after added "but not my multi classed character" so they will all be 5th level walking into the next sessions combat i will still be 2nd/2nd kind of left me a little jilted ...am i wrong in retiring my character from combat and letting them fend for themselves while i wander off ? ... not sure what to do it kind of caught me off guard i have played with these guys for years .... i am getting the vibe that im being forced into a story line my characters alignment and backstory doesn't quite fit into and there is no reward for it and i don't see it benefiting him in any way in the long or short term ... thoughts on how i should play him going forward ?
This is the time you should talk to the DM about your character's and your feelings. Communication should not be only during sessions even if you played with them for years - it is best to be upfront rather than let those feelings fester into something like a grievance. Best to talk about it is in private before your next session to see if the DM has a plan for the character and/or to at least clear the tension you have with how your character is being treated.
1) Ask your DM in a private conversation why your character isn't leveling up with the party. With out being sure how the DM is adjudicating level increases it is hard to address this. For example, if you missed a session then the DM may want you to role play a bit in the next session to earn the balance of XP needed to jump up. If the DM gives a vague or unacceptable answer than there is deeper conversation that needs to happen.
2) I am a proponent of the players' characters treating the party as a business venture. Spoils form the the adventures should be used to fund current and future expeditions, and the characters should have negotiated a shares systems (generally equal parts) for distribution of profits. At no point should a player feel their character is not receiving a fair amount of the treasures. Furthermore, the "I found it, I keep it" approach is not beneficial to the party. Items do not have equal benefit to every character design. Also, the party works as an efficient systems were characters may excel in different areas. So the character who "finds everything" may not be the on who "appraises or identifies everything", who "carries everything", who "heals the player who finds everything", or just 'projects the party form being killed so the one player can find everything." If a table doesn't engage in a system of balance then I believe a serious discussion needs to be had.
3) The alignment of your character should not have any impact on your relationship to the party, adventure, and ability to gain items unless if you are role playing them in a way that comes in conflict with the objectives of the party. For example, if as Lawful Evil you work to prevent the party from succeeding in any tasks that have a detriment ot the organization or patron your character is loyal to. Outside of taking an action that has consequences that could impact the party or game play, then your character's alignment should not come into play.
Sorry its not a personal issue (maybe i worded it incorrectly ) its more of a forced story-line with little reward (for my character) so far and my characters backstory (which we where asked to create) doesn't jive with the direction so far. So from my characters eyes and insertion into the game play (i missed the first 2 sessions but played independently so i am caught up ) i have no ties to the other PC's in the party ... i am contributing to the bulk of the fighting/searching/problem solving etc (being the only fighter and mage i often get into the front of offensive mixes and spend a bit of time making death saves till someone gets to me) with little to no reward (level progression or loot of any kind) for the effort i thought maybe i was being held back because of the multi class mix as i am not as familiar with 5e as other ones ?
This is definitely a "have a talk with the DM" problem.
One of the things going on here is that players need to make characters who have reasons to work together and go on the adventure, and the necessary integration of your character with the rest of the group has not happened. Whether this is on you (your background or personality are a poor fit), the other players (not helping you fit in) or the GM (inadequate briefing, not working your background into the game), it's a problem. It's very likely more than one of those causes.
...am i wrong in retiring my character from combat and letting them fend for themselves while i wander off ?
Leaving other characters to fend for themselves because you, the player, are angry is almost always the wrong decision. Generally, this will come off as petty, selfish, and like a hissy fit. The other players are probably not going to get the “dang, we need that person in combat” lesson; they will take away from the situation “dang, that person does not want to play the game with us, so why should we want to play the game with them?” The fact that you are even considering such a course of action is a big red flag.
Then there is the issue of you throwing a fit about the mace - Clerics can use maces; warlocks do not. You are complaining on this thread because you were upset that you could not selfishly hoard an item another player could use. That is another flag against you
And, of course, the general vibe of writing a long rant on the internet, rather than try to solve the problem with the people who can solve the problem. That always gives the vibe of someone who is seeking vindication, not solutions.
Next there is the fact that you are playing Lawful Evil. Now, I personally do not see anything wrong with players having Evil alignments - I have run plenty of campaigns with evil players and not had it been a problem. Things become a problem when the player fundamentally does not understand how to play an Evil alignment in a way which meshes with the party. Based on the general vibe of this thread, I get the impression that the problem is less you playing an evil alignment and that not meshing with the party; but the way you personally are conducting yourself under the guise of an evil alignment is causing problems.
Overall, I am not going to judge the other players for their actions - I do not have their side of the story. But, I will candidly give my judgment on you - even when you are presenting your own side of the story, your side of the story suggests you are a significant part of the problem. I do not say that to be mean—merely because I do not think you recognize that you are partially (or possibly mostly) to blame for others getting frustrated with you and your character.
Before you talk with your DM and other players - which you absolutely should do, everyone else is correct on that point - you need to do some self reflection and think about what you could do better. A conversation with your DM is not going to fix the problems if you are not also going to try and fix your contributions to the problems.
Perhaps that means being less selfish with items. Perhaps that means reevaluating what a Lawful Evil character is. Perhaps that means changing your general mannerisms at the table. Or, if you do not know how to play Lawful Evil in a way that does not cause problems, perhaps that means rolling up a new character you are capable of playing in a team game. Think about what you have done wrong and what you can do better, and have those in the back of your mind when talking to the DM. And, of course, if others point out different problems you have not thought about, be receptive to those perspectives rather than be defensive.
Sorry its not a personal issue (maybe i worded it incorrectly ) its more of a forced story-line with little reward (for my character) so far and my characters backstory (which we where asked to create) doesn't jive with the direction so far. So from my characters eyes and insertion into the game play (i missed the first 2 sessions but played independently so i am caught up ) i have no ties to the other PC's in the party ... i am contributing to the bulk of the fighting/searching/problem solving etc with little to no reward
Again, your character's alignment and backstory should not matter provided your actions and decisions in the game doesn't intentionally conflict with objectives of the party. As far as not being rewarded, it would help if you provide additional examples of what this means. There is a fine line between the game being at level 4/5 not providing a magic item that is best suited for your build and each character in the party at max attunement with items in the bag of holding to spare and they are still guilting you to relinquish any item that you find. At this stage, I find the latter to be highly unlikely, but I am open to listening to the current state of things so advise can be offered.
As for are being the outsider of the party, that is fine. Having conflicting characters or one odd ball character can make for a great party dynamic and add to the stories. The point is that you need to keep you roleplaying tempered so that it doesn't impact other players' fun or results in the session/story being derailed. If you are not doing anything disruptive, I find it difficult to believe this is cause of the "lack of reward" you are feeling.
You need to talk to you DM so you can learn why 1) Your character currently isn't leveling up (and understand how they can get aligned with the rest of they party's growth) and 2) discussion of how treasures are being distributed as part of the game. This board can only give so much advice, but without knowing more of situation, we are limited to what we can speak to.
...am i wrong in retiring my character from combat and letting them fend for themselves while i wander off ?
Then there is the issue of you throwing a fit about the mace - Clerics can use maces; warlocks do not. You are complaining on this thread because you were upset that you could not selfishly hoard an item another player could use. That is another flag against you
The character is Fighter 2 / Warlock 2, so could use the mace.
As others have said, talk to you DM and be civil about it.
I agree with petepan3 and loot should be pooled and divided up equally amongst the group with items that fit a character better than another, go to that character. Sure, you can use the mace, but you can also use many other weapons. And depending on the cleric’s subclass may not have the martial weapon proficiencies you do so the mace would benefit them and the party more.
Are any of your actions disruptive to the game? Like going off on your own and finding the mace and not telling the group what you found.
I also wonder if there was a session zero because you state “i am getting the vibe that im being forced into a story line my characters alignment and backstory doesn't quite fit into”. If there was a session zero and you built a character contrary to what the adventure was about then that could cause issues. Most characters can fit into any campaign if the player wants them to. But even if, say a rogue perfectly meshed with the adventure and party composition yet the player decided to constantly steal from their fellow party members because “it’s what their character would do” it can still cause strife in the game and with players
As others have stated, this is a ‘talk to your DM’ kind of issue. We are only getting a curated version of events but based on what you have expressed here, this is not something fixed with a character leaving the party.
I will restate something that I feel is never communicated enough: you should ALWAYS make a character that has a reason they NEED the party and any ‘flaws’ you make your PC have (like being evil in a group that is good) need to be something that does not disrupt the team. This is a collaborative game and if you made a PC that cannot work with the party, you will have trouble. Additionally, and this is more like a recommendation for enjoyment, make PCs you would be friends with. You have to live in the heads of whomever you create for 4 hours at a time. If you make a total tool, it is going to be miserable pretending to be that person.
That is an aside to address your evil character in a good party thing. What is going on seems more like an issue between the DM and player (you). It could very well simply be a misunderstanding so I would recommend not going into the discussion with weapons locked and loaded. If your DM feels you are trying to start a war with them, they have an auto-win button (you’re kicked). Communicate how you feel, but be open to feedback yourself.
As others have said, talk to you DM and be civil about it.
I agree with petepan3 and loot should be pooled and divided up equally amongst the group with items that fit a character better than another, go to that character. Sure, you can use the mace, but you can also use many other weapons. And depending on the cleric’s subclass may not have the martial weapon proficiencies you do so the mace would benefit them and the party more.
Are any of your actions disruptive to the game? Like going off on your own and finding the mace and not telling the group what you found. ( No none at all Always am the first in the party line first to fight etc .. we have all played together for years i was away from the main party due to a dungeon occurrence...when i found it no one else was around i only had just searched a body found it and it was announced out loud what i had found even though no one else was there to see it .... i never really go the chance to do anything but hand it over (we have 3 CLERICS so it was demanded ) normally if a character found something in our party without anyone else around the option was theirs to disclose it to the group ...if someone found something that only they had privy too the option was always there for them to sell / keep etc )
I also wonder if there was a session zero because you state “i am getting the vibe that im being forced into a story line my characters alignment and backstory doesn't quite fit into”. If there was a session zero and you built a character contrary to what the adventure was about then that could cause issues. Most characters can fit into any campaign if the player wants them to. But even if, say a rogue perfectly meshed with the adventure and party composition yet the player decided to constantly steal from their fellow party members because “it’s what their character would do” it can still cause strife in the game and with players ...(we pre rolled what you got you got ...made the character decisions after that and background and provided them to the DM - i was last and since we were heavy on clerics i picked a walorck and we had no fighters to speak of so i decided to multi-class which make sense for a Drow anyways There is no real strife in the group at all like i said we all payed together for years just was caught off guard with the lack of leveling/Magic items (other PCS have found a few) i picked a dual class as we had no mage or fighters and bear the brunt of the front line fighting ... as you know that 3rd level up is a boon to skills (even if it is just one in a multi-class PC) all of which other single class PC's in the party have benefited from we where warned by the DM we would need the extra level to fight in the next room when he announced the level up ... then he rescinded it for my PC only which will mean i will be Cannon fodder for sure as i have had a tough slug through the last few battle making death saves more than once .. not sure if i am doing something wrong class wise as 5ed is not familiar to me
Sorry its not a personal issue (maybe i worded it incorrectly ) its more of a forced story-line with little reward (for my character) so far and my characters backstory (which we where asked to create) doesn't jive with the direction so far. So from my characters eyes and insertion into the game play (i missed the first 2 sessions but played independently so i am caught up ) i have no ties to the other PC's in the party ... i am contributing to the bulk of the fighting/searching/problem solving etc with little to no reward
Again, your character's alignment and backstory should not matter provided your actions and decisions in the game doesn't intentionally conflict with objectives of the party. As far as not being rewarded, it would help if you provide additional examples of what this means. There is a fine line between the game being at level 4/5 not providing a magic item that is best suited for your build and each character in the party at max attunement with items in the bag of holding to spare and they are still guilting you to relinquish any item that you find. At this stage, I find the latter to be highly unlikely, but I am open to listening to the current state of things so advise can be offered.
As for are being the outsider of the party, that is fine. Having conflicting characters or one odd ball character can make for a great party dynamic and add to the stories. The point is that you need to keep you roleplaying tempered so that it doesn't impact other players' fun or results in the session/story being derailed. If you are not doing anything disruptive, I find it difficult to believe this is cause of the "lack of reward" you are feeling.
You need to talk to you DM so you can learn why 1) Your character currently isn't leveling up (and understand how they can get aligned with the rest of they party's growth) and 2) discussion of how treasures are being distributed as part of the game. This board can only give so much advice, but without knowing more of situation, we are limited to what we can speak to. ( yes that lack of alignment is the feeling i am getting all others are lvl5 ( im a fighter warlock 2nd / 2nd drow )i was assuming one of my classes would advance to bring me into parity with the others but No was the answer .... as we entered combat and ended our last session as the DM felt it best to stop there and then sent out a text later to lvl up as "we would need it" for what was about to come then a few minutes later he added " not your multi-class PC" .... i was a bit taken aback as i had already death saved several times in the last few sessions i ask but the answer was still no... other characters had Mgc items they had found as well(or i had given them) ... my character has nothing other than the items he had at 1st level (other than some CP/SP/5PP) i am not sure if there is something the DM knows about 5e mutliclass 2nd fig/2nd warlock i don't know- (low str as well as my rolls worked out that way and im stuck in leather ) if that makes him seem to think i can handle it without the advancement or items ? i am not familiar with 5e as i am with 1st so maybe there's something i am missing ? ...other than that the play is good we have all played together for years so its not a disruptive/backstabbing game play at all
As others have stated, this is a ‘talk to your DM’ kind of issue. We are only getting a curated version of events but based on what you have expressed here, this is not something fixed with a character leaving the party.
I will restate something that I feel is never communicated enough: you should ALWAYS make a character that has a reason they NEED the party and any ‘flaws’ you make your PC have (like being evil in a group that is good) need to be something that does not disrupt the team. This is a collaborative game and if you made a PC that cannot work with the party, you will have trouble. Additionally, and this is more like a recommendation for enjoyment, make PCs you would be friends with. You have to live in the heads of whomever you create for 4 hours at a time. If you make a total tool, it is going to be miserable pretending to be that person.
That is an aside to address your evil character in a good party thing. What is going on seems more like an issue between the DM and player (you). It could very well simply be a misunderstanding so I would recommend not going into the discussion with weapons locked and loaded. If your DM feels you are trying to start a war with them, they have an auto-win button (you’re kicked). Communicate how you feel, but be open to feedback yourself.
Totally - the party dynamic is fine we have played together for years but not 5e i am wondering if there is something the DM knows that makes my 5ed 2nd 2nd fig /warlock (with low str - stuck in leather still with the same gear as he started with at 1st level - haven't found enough $$ to buy anything better to be honest ) more powerful than 5lvl single classed characters i am playing with (all of whom have found at least one Magic item - or i found it for them) ... i do like to play to the backstory but not to point it disrupts gameplay ... the whole " level up your all going to need it for whats behind that door" followed by "but not your multi-class PC" caught me off guard when asked was still a no to the level increase ... not to play my character stupid and charge into a space that would lead to certain death since i am the only fighter and often up front ... i am not sure if i am entering the next session off balanced unless theres some 5e muticlass perk i am not seeing ?
I wonder if they might be a little unfamiliar with the levelling up rules for multi class characters in 5e. From what I gather, earlier editions worked quite differently and multi class characters had to gain enough XP to level up in both classes at once.
I assume you’re playing a Dexterity-based fighter, given the low strength and the leather armour you refer to (So the mace probably wouldn’t have been that much use for you, anyway). Others might spot interactions, but it doesn’t sound like your Warlock/Fighter is a particularly power-gamer sort of build.
I wonder if they might be a little unfamiliar with the levelling up rules for multi class characters in 5e. From what I gather, earlier editions worked quite differently and multi class characters had to gain enough XP to level up in both classes at once. Not Sure maybe ?
I assume you’re playing a Dexterity-based fighter, given the low strength and the leather armour you refer to (So the mace probably wouldn’t have been that much use for you, anyway). Others might spot interactions, but it doesn’t sound like your Warlock/Fighter is a particularly power-gamer sort of build. Correct Dex high / Str low 2nd fighter 2nd warlock Drow (but the only fighter in the party since i built last and we had no mage or fighter to round out the group ) our builds were max rolls out of 3 for each stat so you got what you got and molded around that RE :THE MACE i never intended to keep the mace was more of a point to make that i had just picked it up was announced to a party that was not in the room when i did was kind of odd so i thought it must be part of the overall plot and under duress i coughed it up (i had only had it mere seconds at that point whether i wielded it or not it could have been sold for something i could have used but i never had that chance ) sadly it was i think the only assumed magic item i had found to that point .. i find i am wierdly off balanced in play i know part of it is Multi classing but the nail in the coffin was not leveling up with everyone else i thought maybe there is a class combination reason that make my character excel but since most classes in 5e have to make the 3rd level progression to see a leap in skills i cannot put my finger on it i am not fully understanding since im not familiar with 5e as much as earlier ones
Sorry its not a personal issue (maybe i worded it incorrectly ) its more of a forced story-line with little reward (for my character) so far and my characters backstory (which we where asked to create) doesn't jive with the direction so far. So from my characters eyes and insertion into the game play (i missed the first 2 sessions but played independently so i am caught up ) i have no ties to the other PC's in the party ... i am contributing to the bulk of the fighting/searching/problem solving etc with little to no reward
Again, your character's alignment and backstory should not matter provided your actions and decisions in the game doesn't intentionally conflict with objectives of the party. As far as not being rewarded, it would help if you provide additional examples of what this means. There is a fine line between the game being at level 4/5 not providing a magic item that is best suited for your build and each character in the party at max attunement with items in the bag of holding to spare and they are still guilting you to relinquish any item that you find. At this stage, I find the latter to be highly unlikely, but I am open to listening to the current state of things so advise can be offered.
As for are being the outsider of the party, that is fine. Having conflicting characters or one odd ball character can make for a great party dynamic and add to the stories. The point is that you need to keep you roleplaying tempered so that it doesn't impact other players' fun or results in the session/story being derailed. If you are not doing anything disruptive, I find it difficult to believe this is cause of the "lack of reward" you are feeling.
You need to talk to you DM so you can learn why 1) Your character currently isn't leveling up (and understand how they can get aligned with the rest of they party's growth) and 2) discussion of how treasures are being distributed as part of the game. This board can only give so much advice, but without knowing more of situation, we are limited to what we can speak to. ( yes that lack of alignment is the feeling i am getting all others are lvl5 ( im a fighter warlock 2nd / 2nd drow )i was assuming one of my classes would advance to bring me into parity with the others but No was the answer .... as we entered combat and ended our last session as the DM felt it best to stop there and then sent out a text later to lvl up as "we would need it" for what was about to come then a few minutes later he added " not your multi-class PC" .... i was a bit taken aback as i had already death saved several times in the last few sessions i ask but the answer was still no... other characters had Mgc items they had found as well(or i had given them) ... my character has nothing other than the items he had at 1st level (other than some CP/SP/5PP) i am not sure if there is something the DM knows about 5e mutliclass 2nd fig/2nd warlock i don't know- (low str as well as my rolls worked out that way and im stuck in leather ) if that makes him seem to think i can handle it without the advancement or items ? i am not familiar with 5e as i am with 1st so maybe there's something i am missing ? ...other than that the play is good we have all played together for years so its not a disruptive/backstabbing game play at all
1) Again, you need to get information from your DM to understand why your character is not leveling up at this time. Without know the reasoning it is hard for anyone on this board to provide advice or opinions. If the DM has a modified/homebrew reason for this then this board can comment on it, but they first need to know what that reasoning is first. Your character build shouldn't have any impact on the leveling up. The best guess I can give is that your character didn't reach the required XP to reach a new level (so the side adventures you took part in to catch up with the rest of the party may not have given you enough XPs to build at the same rate as the rest of the party). Find out the reason why the DM didn't award the level up and understand what is needed.
2) Being at level 4 is not a level when magical items should be expected. You are close but if you are the only one in the party and they don't have an abundance of items yet, then I wouldn't think it is that big of deal. Is there a large disparity in items between you and the rest of the party? That is the question that still has not been answered.
Last thing, taking death saves is part of the game. Especially if you are the front line fighter your are going to take hits and eventually go down. It happens, so I wouldn't let that alone be a factor to be worried about. Understanding what you need to level up is important. And if you are concern about items and gear then you should talk to the DM about the plan for character progression.
well into a long adventure to reestablish a long overthrown society we seem all to be somehow connected to (8 full day sessions - plus a few i missed) started as 1st level and am multi classed so am Drow 2nd Fighter /2nd Warlock my character is Lawful Evil other players are not they have all found Magic items/potions of some type or another i have found nothing other than a mace of some quality (which was lent to another character under duress - long story i found it without them present but it was announced i had it ... so i was "asked" to give it to the cleric not wanting to rock the boat i coughed it up) ... i have found nothing and very little money (silver and copper pcs) or other loot (no armour /weapons or anything of use ) ...actually i have less than i came with due to combat which i have been at the front of most sessions ..about to head into a battle in our last session before stopping. The DM messaged a group chat later for us to Level up but made a group message then shortly after added "but not my multi classed character" so they will all be 5th level walking into the next sessions combat i will still be 2nd/2nd kind of left me a little jilted ...am i wrong in retiring my character from combat and letting them fend for themselves while i wander off ? ... not sure what to do it kind of caught me off guard i have played with these guys for years .... i am getting the vibe that im being forced into a story line my characters alignment and backstory doesn't quite fit into and there is no reward for it and i don't see it benefiting him in any way in the long or short term ... thoughts on how i should play him going forward ?
Let it all go with what your are thinking. Go into next session as level 3 fighter and 2 warlock. When you find something just keep it to yourself for items. If someone pressures you just say no. Don't let them Meta game it from you or take it.
The dm could be working your backstory into the game in the future. That's too be seen. Stick with the game and have fun. Only the dm knows their plans for your character.
Maybe find a way to go from lawful evil to neutral. Push yourself as a player to get that character growth. Stuff like that entices a dm to help your adventure.
So please try not to think about it too much. Let it go and just have fun with what is going on. It just may not be your turn for the backstory to come out yet. If that's the case then your character will get things they need.
"psst. hey, dm. what's the plan? everyone but me has a magic item or two. on top of that, it still kinda stings that the one thing i did find, that mace, was handed off before i could sell/trade and it was never replaced. i was feeling a little poor and forgotten, but now i'm singled out to not go up a level with the rest of my group?? is this a roundabout setup for some cool story beat or have i maybe been a little slow in expressing my needs? please help set my mind at ease."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
unhappy at the way in which we lost individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
tell them you don't like features disappeared quietly in the night: providefeedback!
Totally - the party dynamic is fine we have played together for years but not 5e i am wondering if there is something the DM knows that makes my 5ed 2nd 2nd fig /warlock (with low str - stuck in leather still with the same gear as he started with at 1st level - haven't found enough $$ to buy anything better to be honest ) more powerful than 5lvl single classed characters i am playing with (all of whom have found at least one Magic item - or i found it for them) ... i do like to play to the backstory but not to point it disrupts gameplay ... the whole " level up your all going to need it for whats behind that door" followed by "but not your multi-class PC" caught me off guard when asked was still a no to the level increase ... not to play my character stupid and charge into a space that would lead to certain death since i am the only fighter and often up front ... i am not sure if i am entering the next session off balanced unless theres some 5e muticlass perk i am not seeing ?
Don't just ask the DM to let you level up - ask them why they didn't let you level up.
And if you're running into the front lines and dying every time, the DM or party might be seeing that as a problem rather than you being a good "tank" or anything. We don't have the full story here, but I'll say this just in case: consider if anything you're doing is annoying or problematic to the party. There are some DMs out there who will, rather than communicate when a player is being shitty to the game, will take it out on the player in-game.
You keep mentioning that it's because your character is "so powerful", but I don't see that in the way you're describing scenarios with them. See if you're being punished for anything you're doing. If so, try to change your behavior and ask the DM to lay off.
one thing I would like to know, as the primary front liner are you greatly outperforming the other players? Is your character making the encounters too easy? Or making the other characters feel not needed? In a group where some builds can drastically outperform others some DM’s might try to balance it out by giving more magic items to the others or the level up issue. Not saying that is the best way to handle it, but wonder if that has something to do with it
well into a long adventure to reestablish a long overthrown society we seem all to be somehow connected to (8 full day sessions - plus a few i missed) started as 1st level and am multi classed so am Drow 2nd Fighter /2nd Warlock my character is Lawful Evil other players are not they have all found Magic items/potions of some type or another i have found nothing other than a mace of some quality (which was lent to another character under duress - long story i found it without them present but it was announced i had it ... so i was "asked" to give it to the cleric not wanting to rock the boat i coughed it up) ... i have found nothing and very little money (silver and copper pcs) or other loot (no armour /weapons or anything of use ) ...actually i have less than i came with due to combat which i have been at the front of most sessions ..about to head into a battle in our last session before stopping. The DM messaged a group chat later for us to Level up but made a group message then shortly after added "but not my multi classed character" so they will all be 5th level walking into the next sessions combat i will still be 2nd/2nd kind of left me a little jilted ...am i wrong in retiring my character from combat and letting them fend for themselves while i wander off ? ... not sure what to do it kind of caught me off guard i have played with these guys for years .... i am getting the vibe that im being forced into a story line my characters alignment and backstory doesn't quite fit into and there is no reward for it and i don't see it benefiting him in any way in the long or short term ... thoughts on how i should play him going forward ?
This is the time you should talk to the DM about your character's and your feelings. Communication should not be only during sessions even if you played with them for years - it is best to be upfront rather than let those feelings fester into something like a grievance. Best to talk about it is in private before your next session to see if the DM has a plan for the character and/or to at least clear the tension you have with how your character is being treated.
1) Ask your DM in a private conversation why your character isn't leveling up with the party. With out being sure how the DM is adjudicating level increases it is hard to address this. For example, if you missed a session then the DM may want you to role play a bit in the next session to earn the balance of XP needed to jump up. If the DM gives a vague or unacceptable answer than there is deeper conversation that needs to happen.
2) I am a proponent of the players' characters treating the party as a business venture. Spoils form the the adventures should be used to fund current and future expeditions, and the characters should have negotiated a shares systems (generally equal parts) for distribution of profits. At no point should a player feel their character is not receiving a fair amount of the treasures. Furthermore, the "I found it, I keep it" approach is not beneficial to the party. Items do not have equal benefit to every character design. Also, the party works as an efficient systems were characters may excel in different areas. So the character who "finds everything" may not be the on who "appraises or identifies everything", who "carries everything", who "heals the player who finds everything", or just 'projects the party form being killed so the one player can find everything." If a table doesn't engage in a system of balance then I believe a serious discussion needs to be had.
3) The alignment of your character should not have any impact on your relationship to the party, adventure, and ability to gain items unless if you are role playing them in a way that comes in conflict with the objectives of the party. For example, if as Lawful Evil you work to prevent the party from succeeding in any tasks that have a detriment ot the organization or patron your character is loyal to. Outside of taking an action that has consequences that could impact the party or game play, then your character's alignment should not come into play.
Sorry its not a personal issue (maybe i worded it incorrectly ) its more of a forced story-line with little reward (for my character) so far and my characters backstory (which we where asked to create) doesn't jive with the direction so far. So from my characters eyes and insertion into the game play (i missed the first 2 sessions but played independently so i am caught up ) i have no ties to the other PC's in the party ... i am contributing to the bulk of the fighting/searching/problem solving etc (being the only fighter and mage i often get into the front of offensive mixes and spend a bit of time making death saves till someone gets to me) with little to no reward (level progression or loot of any kind) for the effort i thought maybe i was being held back because of the multi class mix as i am not as familiar with 5e as other ones ?
This is definitely a "have a talk with the DM" problem.
One of the things going on here is that players need to make characters who have reasons to work together and go on the adventure, and the necessary integration of your character with the rest of the group has not happened. Whether this is on you (your background or personality are a poor fit), the other players (not helping you fit in) or the GM (inadequate briefing, not working your background into the game), it's a problem. It's very likely more than one of those causes.
Leaving other characters to fend for themselves because you, the player, are angry is almost always the wrong decision. Generally, this will come off as petty, selfish, and like a hissy fit. The other players are probably not going to get the “dang, we need that person in combat” lesson; they will take away from the situation “dang, that person does not want to play the game with us, so why should we want to play the game with them?” The fact that you are even considering such a course of action is a big red flag.
Then there is the issue of you throwing a fit about the mace - Clerics can use maces; warlocks do not. You are complaining on this thread because you were upset that you could not selfishly hoard an item another player could use. That is another flag against you
And, of course, the general vibe of writing a long rant on the internet, rather than try to solve the problem with the people who can solve the problem. That always gives the vibe of someone who is seeking vindication, not solutions.
Next there is the fact that you are playing Lawful Evil. Now, I personally do not see anything wrong with players having Evil alignments - I have run plenty of campaigns with evil players and not had it been a problem. Things become a problem when the player fundamentally does not understand how to play an Evil alignment in a way which meshes with the party. Based on the general vibe of this thread, I get the impression that the problem is less you playing an evil alignment and that not meshing with the party; but the way you personally are conducting yourself under the guise of an evil alignment is causing problems.
Overall, I am not going to judge the other players for their actions - I do not have their side of the story. But, I will candidly give my judgment on you - even when you are presenting your own side of the story, your side of the story suggests you are a significant part of the problem. I do not say that to be mean—merely because I do not think you recognize that you are partially (or possibly mostly) to blame for others getting frustrated with you and your character.
Before you talk with your DM and other players - which you absolutely should do, everyone else is correct on that point - you need to do some self reflection and think about what you could do better. A conversation with your DM is not going to fix the problems if you are not also going to try and fix your contributions to the problems.
Perhaps that means being less selfish with items. Perhaps that means reevaluating what a Lawful Evil character is. Perhaps that means changing your general mannerisms at the table. Or, if you do not know how to play Lawful Evil in a way that does not cause problems, perhaps that means rolling up a new character you are capable of playing in a team game. Think about what you have done wrong and what you can do better, and have those in the back of your mind when talking to the DM. And, of course, if others point out different problems you have not thought about, be receptive to those perspectives rather than be defensive.
Again, your character's alignment and backstory should not matter provided your actions and decisions in the game doesn't intentionally conflict with objectives of the party. As far as not being rewarded, it would help if you provide additional examples of what this means. There is a fine line between the game being at level 4/5 not providing a magic item that is best suited for your build and each character in the party at max attunement with items in the bag of holding to spare and they are still guilting you to relinquish any item that you find. At this stage, I find the latter to be highly unlikely, but I am open to listening to the current state of things so advise can be offered.
As for are being the outsider of the party, that is fine. Having conflicting characters or one odd ball character can make for a great party dynamic and add to the stories. The point is that you need to keep you roleplaying tempered so that it doesn't impact other players' fun or results in the session/story being derailed. If you are not doing anything disruptive, I find it difficult to believe this is cause of the "lack of reward" you are feeling.
You need to talk to you DM so you can learn why 1) Your character currently isn't leveling up (and understand how they can get aligned with the rest of they party's growth) and 2) discussion of how treasures are being distributed as part of the game. This board can only give so much advice, but without knowing more of situation, we are limited to what we can speak to.
The character is Fighter 2 / Warlock 2, so could use the mace.
As others have said, talk to you DM and be civil about it.
I agree with petepan3 and loot should be pooled and divided up equally amongst the group with items that fit a character better than another, go to that character. Sure, you can use the mace, but you can also use many other weapons. And depending on the cleric’s subclass may not have the martial weapon proficiencies you do so the mace would benefit them and the party more.
Are any of your actions disruptive to the game? Like going off on your own and finding the mace and not telling the group what you found.
I also wonder if there was a session zero because you state “i am getting the vibe that im being forced into a story line my characters alignment and backstory doesn't quite fit into”. If there was a session zero and you built a character contrary to what the adventure was about then that could cause issues. Most characters can fit into any campaign if the player wants them to. But even if, say a rogue perfectly meshed with the adventure and party composition yet the player decided to constantly steal from their fellow party members because “it’s what their character would do” it can still cause strife in the game and with players
EZD6 by DM Scotty
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/397599/EZD6-Core-Rulebook?
As others have stated, this is a ‘talk to your DM’ kind of issue. We are only getting a curated version of events but based on what you have expressed here, this is not something fixed with a character leaving the party.
I will restate something that I feel is never communicated enough: you should ALWAYS make a character that has a reason they NEED the party and any ‘flaws’ you make your PC have (like being evil in a group that is good) need to be something that does not disrupt the team. This is a collaborative game and if you made a PC that cannot work with the party, you will have trouble. Additionally, and this is more like a recommendation for enjoyment, make PCs you would be friends with. You have to live in the heads of whomever you create for 4 hours at a time. If you make a total tool, it is going to be miserable pretending to be that person.
That is an aside to address your evil character in a good party thing. What is going on seems more like an issue between the DM and player (you). It could very well simply be a misunderstanding so I would recommend not going into the discussion with weapons locked and loaded. If your DM feels you are trying to start a war with them, they have an auto-win button (you’re kicked). Communicate how you feel, but be open to feedback yourself.
DM mostly, Player occasionally | Session 0 form | He/Him/They/Them
EXTENDED SIGNATURE!
Doctor/Published Scholar/Science and Healthcare Advocate/Critter/Trekkie/Gandalf with a Glock
Try DDB free: Free Rules (2024), premade PCs, adventures, one shots, encounters, SC, homebrew, more
Answers: physical books, purchases, and subbing.
Check out my life-changing
Totally - the party dynamic is fine we have played together for years but not 5e i am wondering if there is something the DM knows that makes my 5ed 2nd 2nd fig /warlock (with low str - stuck in leather still with the same gear as he started with at 1st level - haven't found enough $$ to buy anything better to be honest ) more powerful than 5lvl single classed characters i am playing with (all of whom have found at least one Magic item - or i found it for them) ... i do like to play to the backstory but not to point it disrupts gameplay ... the whole " level up your all going to need it for whats behind that door" followed by "but not your multi-class PC" caught me off guard when asked was still a no to the level increase ... not to play my character stupid and charge into a space that would lead to certain death since i am the only fighter and often up front ... i am not sure if i am entering the next session off balanced unless theres some 5e muticlass perk i am not seeing ?
I wonder if they might be a little unfamiliar with the levelling up rules for multi class characters in 5e. From what I gather, earlier editions worked quite differently and multi class characters had to gain enough XP to level up in both classes at once.
I assume you’re playing a Dexterity-based fighter, given the low strength and the leather armour you refer to (So the mace probably wouldn’t have been that much use for you, anyway). Others might spot interactions, but it doesn’t sound like your Warlock/Fighter is a particularly power-gamer sort of build.
1) Again, you need to get information from your DM to understand why your character is not leveling up at this time. Without know the reasoning it is hard for anyone on this board to provide advice or opinions. If the DM has a modified/homebrew reason for this then this board can comment on it, but they first need to know what that reasoning is first. Your character build shouldn't have any impact on the leveling up. The best guess I can give is that your character didn't reach the required XP to reach a new level (so the side adventures you took part in to catch up with the rest of the party may not have given you enough XPs to build at the same rate as the rest of the party). Find out the reason why the DM didn't award the level up and understand what is needed.
2) Being at level 4 is not a level when magical items should be expected. You are close but if you are the only one in the party and they don't have an abundance of items yet, then I wouldn't think it is that big of deal. Is there a large disparity in items between you and the rest of the party? That is the question that still has not been answered.
Last thing, taking death saves is part of the game. Especially if you are the front line fighter your are going to take hits and eventually go down. It happens, so I wouldn't let that alone be a factor to be worried about. Understanding what you need to level up is important. And if you are concern about items and gear then you should talk to the DM about the plan for character progression.
Let it all go with what your are thinking. Go into next session as level 3 fighter and 2 warlock. When you find something just keep it to yourself for items. If someone pressures you just say no. Don't let them Meta game it from you or take it.
The dm could be working your backstory into the game in the future. That's too be seen. Stick with the game and have fun. Only the dm knows their plans for your character.
Maybe find a way to go from lawful evil to neutral. Push yourself as a player to get that character growth. Stuff like that entices a dm to help your adventure.
So please try not to think about it too much. Let it go and just have fun with what is going on. It just may not be your turn for the backstory to come out yet. If that's the case then your character will get things they need.
So.. just be patient.
"psst. hey, dm. what's the plan? everyone but me has a magic item or two. on top of that, it still kinda stings that the one thing i did find, that mace, was handed off before i could sell/trade and it was never replaced. i was feeling a little poor and forgotten, but now i'm singled out to not go up a level with the rest of my group?? is this a roundabout setup for some cool story beat or have i maybe been a little slow in expressing my needs? please help set my mind at ease."
unhappy at the way in which we lost individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
tell them you don't like features disappeared quietly in the night: provide feedback!
Don't just ask the DM to let you level up - ask them why they didn't let you level up.
And if you're running into the front lines and dying every time, the DM or party might be seeing that as a problem rather than you being a good "tank" or anything. We don't have the full story here, but I'll say this just in case: consider if anything you're doing is annoying or problematic to the party. There are some DMs out there who will, rather than communicate when a player is being shitty to the game, will take it out on the player in-game.
You keep mentioning that it's because your character is "so powerful", but I don't see that in the way you're describing scenarios with them. See if you're being punished for anything you're doing. If so, try to change your behavior and ask the DM to lay off.
I know what you're thinking: "In that flurry of blows, did he use all his ki points, or save one?" Well, are ya feeling lucky, punk?
one thing I would like to know, as the primary front liner are you greatly outperforming the other players? Is your character making the encounters too easy? Or making the other characters feel not needed? In a group where some builds can drastically outperform others some DM’s might try to balance it out by giving more magic items to the others or the level up issue. Not saying that is the best way to handle it, but wonder if that has something to do with it
EZD6 by DM Scotty
https://www.drivethrurpg.com/en/product/397599/EZD6-Core-Rulebook?