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Hey all,
So, my group recently came into a new player who, for lack of a less complex explanation, tries to do everything and outclass all the other players in the party.
They are currently playing an alchemist, and while it is a versatile class, whenever a new situation comes up (other than marching order, because they do understand the role of our tank at least), they are the first to say they will do it, and attempt to force their character into a situation it wouldn't be viable, while attempting to claim that it is.
Another way this manifests is through character role playing change. They try to roleplays one way, then switch as soon as it is convenient to them.
As an extreme example, in the most recent session, they insulted my character heavily, which seemed a bit out of character for a gnome, especially when the character I am playing is the prime melee damage dealer for the group. My character got mad, and said to stop, but they would not let up, and it came to combat rounds. The floor was greased, and they fell to the ground. It didn't help that they were suffering from insanity and were helpless for their round. My character spared him, of course, but intimidated him to the point (they were a small character and I rolled a 45 to intimidate) to not attack me or threaten me again. Then afterwards, the player immediately went back to talking about how his character would continue to insult mine behind her back.
I don't think they intend to act this way, but most of it seems to be a combination of over enthusiasm and wanting to be the hero - which is fine, I'm just not sure how to deal with this as a player.
Thanks for any help >.>
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Where's your GM during all this? And did your character "get mad" or did you? Why would two people adventure together that fight like this? For that matter, why would two gamers who can't get along sit at the same table?
Best to have a heart-to-heart with your GM and the other player, and soon. You'll never solve personality conflicts "in character" by trying to play them out in the game. Won't work.
*I went through a phase awhile back where our group was down a player and we advertised locally. We got some really bad combinations for our table, and I wasn't afraid to say it wasn't working out.
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I will admit, part of the fight was my fault, but in character my character is sort of a hard-ass/anger management character as well, so it wasn't completely off character, and they were both insecure and angry because they had just gone insane, and then died (twice), as well as a bunch of other awful things happening to them and their friends. This other character was pretty new and was down talking to her, and was something she could take her anger out on that wasnt an elder god (this was at the end of that book of the carrion crown). The thing is, we don't not get along, they're a nice person, and a friend of a couple people in the group, just there are issues with the way they play. I do get the feeling that some of the other players are a bit irritated as well, and I am certain on one of those counts. I think I should bring it up at the next session and try to clear the air, and talk with them about it.
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Perhaps the group could talk to him about how this is a game with a team of heroes rather than one individual hero, and that the group is more likely to succeed if they work together and complement each others' strengths? I'm just guessing here, but if this new player has come into PF from single-player CRPGs, they might have the mindset that one hero is expected to do everything, and PF is just a very different kind of game.
Is this person new to roleplaying and RPG'ing in general?
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He's new to pen and paper rpgs, he's played single-player rpgs in the past. We've shared a lot of stories from past sessions, which is why he wanted to join our group, or part of the reason at least. I know him OK, he lives near me, so for the past 3 sessions (how long he's been around for) we've shared the walk home and talked, so I know him a decent amount, I think.
Blackbloodtroll has it right, IMO. Emphasize the team aspect. Nobody can do everything, and that's why it's a cooperative game. You act on your turn, and do what's best for everybody, not just your character.
Share your concerns, and be honest and polite. It's so much more fun when everyone works together to succeed, and everyone gets a chance to shine now and then.
Assuming he isn't an insufferable narcissist that needs to be the center of attention it sounds like he's just inexperienced. Sit him down and let him know how your group works and how the group role playing dynamic is supposed to go. If he has the potential to be a good player he'll take the hint and start to conform his conduct. If it doesn't then you should probably cut him lose because he's not a fit for what the group is looking for. A lot of players in my experience have similar problems when switching from 1st person RPG video games to table top games.
On an unrelated note your group lets you use intimidate on PC's? Other then bluff I was under the impression that Intimidate/Diplomacy don't force PC conduct. That's a bad road to go down if you ask me. I intimidated you so your character must do X, no thx.
Like others have said, sounds like this new player just doesn't have the complete grasp of moving from a single player CRPG to a group game where he has to go from being THE hero to being ONE OF the heroes. Don't fault him for it too harshly. We were all new once.
I just introduced a new player to my group, and she has never even played a CRPG (and don't play many video games at all.) She also hasn't read much fantasy fiction or watched many fantasy films, so this is all but a completely new concept to her, while the rest of my group has been gaming for 20+ years. Patience is a virtue.
Suggestion: Since it seems you walk home with them occasionally, how about having a chat about group cohesion and the complimentary dynamics of how different character types can work together toward an end goal. And how party in-fighting can destroy a group, and possibly ruin friendships in real life (been there).
Be patient and attempt to nurture the new player. If you think it might help, come up with a subtle method of rewarding good gaming behavior and punishing bad. Something like when he does something good, offer him a soda or snack "just to be nice". When he's acting poorly, ignore him and do your own thing. Don't be overt about it, and don't be aggressive or confrontational. You're trying to train him to unconsciously become a better player and gamer.
Now, regarding Intimidate on other players. While I agree that it's not a good idea, I would probably allow it, as a GM. The effect would be temporary and very short term, and I might warn the player with a note something like "Are you sure you want to do this? Remember, two wrongs don't make a right. You reap what you sow. No good will come from aggravating the situation."