I play in a regular group in RoTRL. I am one of the senior (by RL age) members of our group playing a support character (Bard/Paladin/Magus), LG, Paladin of Iomedae. Very devoted, but not a typical pain the rear Paladin, more of an adventuring researcher on how to close the WorldWound. I won't stand by and let bad things happen, but I'm not the Overseer either, unless forced into that role. Typically I share leadership with other PCs. Our most junior member (twentysomething) has a recurring issue, and I'm not sure if its something I can work around.
SpoilerLite
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In the 3rd part of series, we find the Dam at Skulls Crossing is powered by a Pit Fiend. In the course of dealing with it, the Fiend expresses remorse as to his actions, but still offers to trade information for his freedom. I say, too bad, sucks to be you, and offer to see him redeemed in the eyes of Iomedae, ie DEAD. He incidentally ends up dead, and turns into dust within the magic circle hes trapped within. I actually didnt do the dirty work, but was happy with the result. The other cleric (of Iomedae)in the party and I are discussing the best way to secure the room full of evil devil dust. The junior member is playing a cleric of Torag, LG aligned, and attempts to steal 2 bags of the devils essense (Which still radiates a LOT of evil)in bags as well as apparently consumed some, in front of us. I warned him as he was doing it, " Ok, you are attempting to steal Pure Evil in front of two of the highest perception players who are involved in a discussion on how to remove that very substance from the Earth safely." I also explain that he should consider his dieties outlook on devils and perhaps he can offer a way to dispose of or lock away the Poison. He continues with his theft, justifying it with, "well, the Devil said it felt all sad about 10000 years of Evilness". We end up confronting him about what he is doing, forcing us into a give it up or else squabble, and we win this fight, verbally. The GM has hinted at punishment from Torag but as I pointed out, the Player is ignorant of his classes requirements not the character.
He has made up several characters in a row that all suffer from a severe case of stupid. He picks a fight with another PC, does something in-game that's detrimental to the entire party, has pulled stunts that result in his character dying each and every time. It is almost as if he is bored and does it to be spanked like a small child. His last character was a rogue, who I took under my wing, gave him guidance as if he were a player (student) who truly needed help. I asked him to do tasks like check for traps politely, saying it was to everyone's benefit he help us, unlock but not open doors, hang on the flanks and use his sneakiness, etc, dont risk your own life as a tank, that's what other characters are for. He went on a tirade saying "You guys are trying to boss me around", and committed character suicide. The GM punished him with a level loss on his next character, but he continues. The GM has put his "supervision" onto various party members, but no one can succeed here. Its entirely disruptive to the game to have infighting when its completely unnecessary relating to any kind of normal logic. I am trying to avoid giving up the game as the other 7 people are fine. There is a certain sad comedic justice to the drama, but I don't want to be in the wagon going off the cliff with this guy anymore. Talking to him is like talking to my dog, he just doesn't get it. Suggestions?
Is there a reason he has to participate in the game with you guys? As in, is it his house, or books or whathaveyou or is he the kid/friend of someone there who'd have their feelings hurt. He sounds like he doesn't want to play, OR be as disruptive as possible, OR is just playing because he has some spare time.
He's twentysomething, he's an adult. Acting out like a 9 year-old shouldn't be tolerated.
Have a private conversation with him in RL. Let him know that he is having fun, but his unpredictable and anti-group antics are taking the fun away from you and possibly others.
Perhaps he is a person best suited for less serious RPGs like Paranoia, Toon, or just table top wargames.
I had a similar player in my group years ago. We will call him John Doe. No matter what game we were playing or what character he had, all of his PCs were John Doe. They all had the same personality, his own RL one! Eventually we got tired of his me against the world teenage crap (at age 30-something) and stopped inviting him over.
Its not my venue, and he plays other RPGs there (also with similar effects on the groups) and he is a table top gamer, kinda funny in a "He has to touch every miniature and make sure its facing" brainboggle. The venue owner has been tolerant but I think even he is getting irked.
I also warned him that if it came to party conflict, I personally had killed more PC's characters than cancer, take that into account. It was kinda douchey but usually I dont warn, I do.
