A quiet-voiced role-player in a strong-voiced group


Advice


So, title really says it all. I have been playing in this group for 3+ years, and all was good at first. Everyone seemed to be pretty even, and there wasn't alot of talking over each other and clamoring for the DM's attention. However, as time has gone on, I (and a couple other players) have found that those with the loudest voice tends to override the group. Normally I wouldn't bother complaining; I like being in the background and getting things done without notice. However, people have started to ask questions about why I am not roleplaying...and I find myself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I love the group, but hate the situation. What do I do?

Liberty's Edge

Greg Donaldson wrote:

So, title really says it all. I have been playing in this group for 3+ years, and all was good at first. Everyone seemed to be pretty even, and there wasn't alot of talking over each other and clamoring for the DM's attention. However, as time has gone on, I (and a couple other players) have found that those with the loudest voice tends to override the group. Normally I wouldn't bother complaining; I like being in the background and getting things done without notice. However, people have started to ask questions about why I am not roleplaying...and I find myself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I love the group, but hate the situation. What do I do?

You tell them in a very adult, mature way that you rarely get the opportunity because they monopolize all of those opportunities, leaving you to sit there patiently and respectfully.


Explain your situation to the DM. He is the moderator of your table and should be able to quiet things down, allowing everyone to have their moments to shine. Just do it as an aside and tactfully. Tell him you love to RP but arent prepared to speak over top of others to be heard.


Greg Donaldson wrote:

So, title really says it all. I have been playing in this group for 3+ years, and all was good at first. Everyone seemed to be pretty even, and there wasn't alot of talking over each other and clamoring for the DM's attention. However, as time has gone on, I (and a couple other players) have found that those with the loudest voice tends to override the group. Normally I wouldn't bother complaining; I like being in the background and getting things done without notice. However, people have started to ask questions about why I am not roleplaying...and I find myself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I love the group, but hate the situation. What do I do?

Are these people you consider friends outside the games or just people you game with? Either way really It comes down to I would say something and explain to them why.

I would bring it up in private with the GM first. Have them talk to players who constantly roll over someone else.

If that doesnt work i would bring it up to the group at large. It could be that they are not aware of what they are doing...it could also be they are just inconsiderate gamers.

I know in my group both GMs will slap down someone interrupting another player's actions or interactions. It is as simple as "wait your turn, the game is not all about your character".

For some things we also use "ninja notes" (either so you dont verbally interrupt another player or because it is something you want your character to do on the sly) just a slip of paper where you can write down something you would like to do either later or in the background and our GMs are good around to it or if it just needs a simple response writing it back on the same note.

-Weylin


Themetricsystem wrote:
carborundum wrote:
He's a light-armoured two-weapon fighter. He was NG for a long time but recently went lawful to take monk levels. I did remind him that he was lawful good but he stuck to his vengeance. After the first blow the BW was shocked and wobbly. He use a second attack to kill it.
So he already under went a single column shift in alignment, and how he is hinging on the OTHER axis? So from NG to LG, and now towards LN? Oh yea, he would have something nasty coming his way pretty soon if I were you.

Nothing like an angel sent from the character's original deity asking "What's going on here?" to seriously freak out a player. Nobody messes with angels...if they're smart.

Liberty's Edge

thegreenteagamer wrote:
Themetricsystem wrote:
carborundum wrote:
He's a light-armoured two-weapon fighter. He was NG for a long time but recently went lawful to take monk levels. I did remind him that he was lawful good but he stuck to his vengeance. After the first blow the BW was shocked and wobbly. He use a second attack to kill it.
So he already under went a single column shift in alignment, and how he is hinging on the OTHER axis? So from NG to LG, and now towards LN? Oh yea, he would have something nasty coming his way pretty soon if I were you.
Nothing like an angel sent from the character's original deity asking "What's going on here?" to seriously freak out a player. Nobody messes with angels...if they're smart.

Wait... what just happened here?


Weylin Stormcrowe 798 wrote:
For some things we also use "ninja notes" (either so you dont verbally interrupt another player or because it is something you want your character to do on the sly) just a slip of paper where you can write down something you would like to do either later or in the background and our GMs are good around to it or if it just needs a simple response writing it back on the same note.

+1 on the "ninja-notes". These are great for "loud" groups, if you're more the soft-spoken type.


Ooooh, I like that idea. I think I will purchase some, and just sit close to the DM. XP


Rhys Grey wrote:
Weylin Stormcrowe 798 wrote:
For some things we also use "ninja notes" (either so you dont verbally interrupt another player or because it is something you want your character to do on the sly) just a slip of paper where you can write down something you would like to do either later or in the background and our GMs are good around to it or if it just needs a simple response writing it back on the same note.
+1 on the "ninja-notes". These are great for "loud" groups, if you're more the soft-spoken type.

It helps that one of the GMs and I work at a print shop with access to all the waste paper and padding glue we could want for free.

My group is not particularly loud or particularly attention-hungry, but the ninja notes work fantastic for us anyway. Now if i could just fold them like shuriken.....

I just enjoy them for the being able to let the GM (or another player) know something without everyone at the table knowing it as well. Which cuts down on some meta-gaming and above-the-table/out-of-game conversation that can be dirsuptive of some intense roleplaying.

Liberty's Edge

Weylin Stormcrowe 798 wrote:


It helps that one of the GMs and I work at a print shop ...

OoooOOohhh you must have so binders full of looseleaf RPG books. Naughty...but awesome ;p

RPG Superstar 2015 Top 8

Greg Donaldson wrote:

So, title really says it all. I have been playing in this group for 3+ years, and all was good at first. Everyone seemed to be pretty even, and there wasn't alot of talking over each other and clamoring for the DM's attention. However, as time has gone on, I (and a couple other players) have found that those with the loudest voice tends to override the group. Normally I wouldn't bother complaining; I like being in the background and getting things done without notice. However, people have started to ask questions about why I am not roleplaying...and I find myself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I love the group, but hate the situation. What do I do?

Say

this

to

your

gaming

group

and/

or

your

GM.

90% of problems like this are dealt with through communicating the problem tactfully and clearly.

Good luck.


Themetricsystem wrote:
thegreenteagamer wrote:
Themetricsystem wrote:
carborundum wrote:
He's a light-armoured two-weapon fighter. He was NG for a long time but recently went lawful to take monk levels. I did remind him that he was lawful good but he stuck to his vengeance. After the first blow the BW was shocked and wobbly. He use a second attack to kill it.
So he already under went a single column shift in alignment, and how he is hinging on the OTHER axis? So from NG to LG, and now towards LN? Oh yea, he would have something nasty coming his way pretty soon if I were you.
Nothing like an angel sent from the character's original deity asking "What's going on here?" to seriously freak out a player. Nobody messes with angels...if they're smart.

Wait... what just happened here?

Uh...two tabs open at the same time with replies in them. Mistakes happen.


Themetricsystem wrote:
Weylin Stormcrowe 798 wrote:


It helps that one of the GMs and I work at a print shop ...

OoooOOohhh you must have so binders full of looseleaf RPG books. Naughty...but awesome ;p

Not naughty when you buy the PDFs. Personal use is included. I just have access to machines better than any desktop printer as well as several binding options (i prefer coil) and various paper stocks.

Also lets me do things like print up character sheets, NPC cards, spell cards, power cards, feat cards and such that I make using Publisher. I do most of the layout work for my groups game information.

-Weylin

Liberty's Edge

thegreenteagamer wrote:


Uh...two tabs open at the same time with replies in them. Mistakes happen.

lol, I remember that thread from earlier, good stuuuffffff. For a moment I thought the site was freaking out. Tis life ^^


Greg Donaldson wrote:
I love the group, but hate the situation. What do I do?

What occurred to me was you may need to have a dramatic motion to gather attention when you speak. In my mind was Raistlin's quiet voice, spoken at key moments, with great waving of staff and cloak. That may not work precisely, but if you did have a physical clue-in for your fellow players, they could *see* that and know that it's time to listen to you.


Well, two ideas.

1) YOU MUST COMMUNICATE THIS TO THE GROUP. From their perspective, everything is working fine. And it is, for them. They have no reason to change unless they know you are having a problem.

2) Ask the DM to formalize things. Going around the table, and getting a statement from everyone is one way. Staying in initiative order for RP is another.

If you are having trouble convincing people of this, take a measurement. Write down everyone's name, and put a check mark next to it each time they speak. You'll have convincing data very quickly.

Dark Archive

just talk louder and slower than everyone else

really, you gotta speak up or you're gonna get passed over. it sucks, but it happpens


DeathQuaker wrote:


Say this to your gaming group and/or your GM.

90% of problems like this are dealt with through communicating the problem tactfully and clearly.

Good luck.

I was gonna suggest a glass of bourbon for you before every session... but Deathquaker's is probably the better solution.


Pathfinder Rulebook Subscriber

As a GM I have a cpl of players who sometimes find themselves daunted by the volume of others (I'm the loud obnoxious one myself) I have instituted the old grade school tradition of handraising, and to squelch the arguments I have the handraisers take center stage and shush the others to give them an opportunity to talk. The first couple of times resulted in a moment of embarrasment but after that it has mostly gone smoothly. I would attempt to bring this option to the attention of your GM.... also another option is to gain an ally of one of the louder players and get their attention directed toward your idea and use their volume to advocate your ideas.

Silver Crusade

Evil Lincoln wrote:


I was gonna suggest a glass of bourbon for you before every session... but Deathquaker's is probably the better solution.

That's a good suggestion for any gamer, though I prefer brandy.


When Mr. Fishy wants attention he does something crazy and or stupid. Two or three crazy/stupid things later and the party will ask you what the hell your doing. Ignore Mr. Fishy at you own peril.

Or you could talk...Mr. Fishy prefers to plot quietly.

"If you can't beat em, make the bastard sorry he started the fight." Mr. Fishy

Dark Archive

Mr.Fishy wrote:

When Mr. Fishy wants attention he does something crazy and or stupid. Two or three crazy/stupid things later and the party will ask you what the hell your doing. Ignore Mr. Fishy at you own peril.

Or you could talk...Mr. Fishy prefers to plot quietly.

"If you can't beat em, make the bastard sorry he started the fight." Mr. Fishy

and that is why i enjoy mr fishy

Pure evil, or just chaotic neutral, depending on who you ask

Dark Archive

I mean, the answer here isn't bringing it up; the rest of the group is doing nothing wrong. This is a case of minor social disfunctionality. The answer is to look into yourself and start taking risks and speaking up. You'll find the risks pay off, and you'll build confidence. Keep it up, and it'll help you both on and off the gaming table.

RPG Superstar 2015 Top 8

Evil Lincoln wrote:
DeathQuaker wrote:


Say this to your gaming group and/or your GM.

90% of problems like this are dealt with through communicating the problem tactfully and clearly.

Good luck.

I was gonna suggest a glass of bourbon for you before every session... but Deathquaker's is probably the better solution.

Or why not both? :D

As an aside, one of my best sessions as a GM involved coke mixed with buttershots...

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