So recently some friends and I decided to do a new campaign and I should take the reins as DM. It's been amazing until we added a new player. I was excited at firs but as the sessions went on it became apparent that she did not wish to be a team player. She decided to play a mute ranger which I was fine with, it was an interesting idea. But, as a ranger in combat she kept running off by herself and getting put in critical danger, and role playing she would be utterly disrespectful to nobles, guards and even other players. She ended up betraying the party for their first big bad which ended up with the party killing her. Her reasoning was that the party wasn't bonding with her.
The party did reach out to her. Two memebers tried to learn sign language to communicate better, even asking her to teach them but she shot them down. Invited out to the town, she said no. She also insulted many NPCs included 3 nobles, two of which were housing her, the deputy of the town, and the entire party.
I have tried to work with her. Her new character started out promising only for her to press all the party members to tell them everything about themselves, which many have dark past and don't open up so easily. They continuously try to bully one players character. They don't participate in combat. I even had a scene and they, in spite of being all about the laws, started strangling a man in the middle of town in the middle of the day! They're suppose to be LG!
They continually insult and demean other player characters and even if it's in character. The players and myself are not enjoying playing with her and none of the PCs like her character. I'm going to talk with her about all this but I did this before with the mite ranger and she doesn't listen.
Do any other DMs have experience with this sort of thing? And how did you handle it? I'm going to talk more with her tonight about her and her characters actions and how that is impacting others and the game.
I'm fine with a bit of chaos but her chaos isn't the fun type! The fun type was my players drugging a body and overdosing a monster!
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How you're handling it is the correct way. If the message doesnt get through, direct your player here. Talking like adults and letting her know that her playstyle isn't something that's fun for everyone else. See if she's amenable to changing, or it's time to part ways.
I agree with Weables.
Either the lady in question is new to roleplaying or her earlier experience is with a group that all act like that or something.
If its not one of those things or something like then she is probably just going to keep being disruptive.
By the sounds of things it may be approaching time to show the lady the boot. Better that than spoiling things for everyone.
Sometimes one player can ruin the experience for everyone else. If they're not willing to listen to reason, then don't be afraid to ask them not to come back to the table.
Player is trying to play Vampire the Masquerade instead of Pathfinder.
Thank you everyone for the advice. I sat down and talked with each of my players to get how they feel about this. They're very neutral, one leaning on the side of kicking her out if she doesn't improved. I've talked to her and understand where she is coming from a bit better. I'm giving her two sessions to at least be more of a team player, if not I'm booting her. It gives her a chance to improve but also lets her know she runs the risk of leaving the table completely if she doesn't at least be on the team.
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I'm not surprised that your players acted a little 'neutral' on whether to boot the problem player, as no one really wants to own such an uncomfortable decision. Unfortunately, as DM, that difficult responsibility falls on you in appropriate cases.
I think you've been taking a very balanced and careful approach to the situation, which is definitely to be commended.
Based on the limited info I have, I suspect she is probably a little immature in her approach to the game and doesn't recognize the implied expectation that the PCs work together.
Hopefully your discussion helps shape her towards a more appropriate way of playing with your group.
Just be on the lookout for a temporary improvement, followed by an eventual return to form. If that happens, I'd probably recommend booting her,as another warning will probably only trigger another temporary improvement (at best). The truth is, you're doing your campaign, your players and your own time a disservice if you keep someone around who has proven to be incapable of working within the expectations of the game.
Best of luck!!
Sit them down and talk to them like adults. Explain that it is important for the DM to have fun too, and they you enjoy a heroic campaign.
Ask them to honor your wishes and play a heroic team.
(Yes, I know she is causing the issue, but addressing all of them will make her less defensive)
