Problematic group help

[TheBlindBuddha]

The group I am currently DM'ing for is starting to have a few problems, well one problem really. A little back story, its a group of 4 (me and three other players) we've been going for a few months trying to work around peoples school and work. But for the last two times we tried to get together I got confirmation that all three players would show, and then one person would not show or answer his phone (this is the player that has became the group "leader" if you will). So now I'm starting to give up hope on this group, and I ask should I try and save this group or just move on?

Thanks,
TheBlindBuddha

[doctor_wu]

Try talking to the other players and see what they think is a good place to start.

[TheBlindBuddha]

Well the first time he wasn't there it was forced and did not flow like it had so we stopped and just hung out, and then the next time we didn't even try. Like I said he became the leader of the group and the other two sort of just followed what he did. What exactly should I ask them? Just if he can't show if we want to end it?

[Talonhawke]

If you have to go two people find out what kind of game they want and aim that way.

It might help break them out of their shells

[TheBlindBuddha]

I gave them the choice of the game they wanted to play, they said a horror game so were running Carrion Crown. We're just about to end the first book (they only have one more ghost to kill). What should I do with his character? Just make him another NPC party member (they are hired a rouge to even out their party, they're a cleric, sorcerer, and a fighter)?

[Talonhawke]

consider gestalt rules maybe. while it won't completly shore things up it helps or have each one run two characters.

[TheBlindBuddha]

Could you please explain gestalt rules please, i have never seen that term before?

[Bruunwald]

It sounds to me like you're new at this, so avoid Gestalt. You have enough on your plate balancing iffy attendance with uninspired players and what might still be new rules to you. Gestalt is basically like breaking down each class to its components and mix-matching them. Balancing that sort of thing is the work of an experienced GM, and even then is achievable only a fraction of the time. It will not help you to inspire these guys.

My experience would tell me first that you might run the missing player's character, just to demonstrate to the other players that the game does not hinge on this one individual. Play him fairly, but don't showboat. Don't take over with him. But do engage in some of the activities and say some of the things he did. They need to see that the sun does not rise and set on this guy, and that the game can go on without him.

You might then also try to look for another player. Ask these other guys if they know anybody who sounds interested. Just because they cannot seem to think for themselves, does not mean they do not know somebody else who can. In fact, it guarantees that they do. Maybe they will find a new leader.

If they just can't go on without this guy, you might have to face the possibility that they were never that interested in the first place. In that case, yes, get a new group. But don't break them up until you are sure. Players can sometimes be hard to find.

[doctor_wu]

Bruunwald wrote:

It sounds to me like you're new at this, so avoid Gestalt. You have enough on your plate balancing iffy attendance with uninspired players and what might still be new rules to you. Gestalt is basically like breaking down each class to its components and mix-matching them. Balancing that sort of thing is the work of an experienced GM, and even then is achievable only a fraction of the time. It will not help you to inspire these guys.

My experience would tell me first that you might run the missing player's character, just to demonstrate to the other players that the game does not hinge on this one individual. Play him fairly, but don't showboat. Don't take over with him. But do engage in some of the activities and say some of the things he did. They need to see that the sun does not rise and set on this guy, and that the game can go on without him.

You might then also try to look for another player. Ask these other guys if they know anybody who sounds interested. Just because they cannot seem to think for themselves, does not mean they do not know somebody else who can. In fact, it guarantees that they do. Maybe they will find a new leader.

If they just can't go on without this guy, you might have to face the possibility that they were never that interested in the first place. In that case, yes, get a new group. But don't break them up until you are sure. Players can sometimes be hard to find.

I agree with this. It is good advice.

[TheBlindBuddha]

This is my first time DM'ing and there first time playing any RPG. I have familiarized my self with all the rules in the down time we've had, and iv already dumbed down some of the rules. Finding another group will not be hard, a buddy if mine is going to start DM'ing a D&D 3.5 group and we've been talking about switching from D&D to Pathfinder every week. So next time if he's a no show again how should I deal with ex? I don't feel like I should give him full ex.