Hygiene of Venture Captains and Lieutenants


Pathfinder Society

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Just got into PFS.

Who do you go to to talk about the cleanliness of the local Capt/Lt?

4/5 **

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Um, probably to them, in private.

Grand Lodge

Yeah, definitely in private.

I have never had this experience with a VC/VL, but the rare player does come up.


what Lamplighter said.


Sorry, should have been clearer. Who do you go to after talking to them in private?

4/5 **

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Depends on what the private talk resulted in.

You said you're new, I wonder if that means "first game" or if you've been out a few times already. It may not be a recurrent problem - everyone has that bad day where you rush to make the game.

Assuming it's not that, *and* you've raised it politely, your best bet is to talk to the store organizer or owner about it.

I would hope that any V-O who's been called on their hygiene by their colleagues would make a change.

EDIT: If you don't get resolution on the matter through this route, look here for the name of the person who is your Regional V-C, a new position that is the "next level up".

1/5

First of all, I suggest that you talk to other people to make sure that you are not being overly sensitive. If the person's hygiene is bothering others as well, then I suggest a group intervention.

Shadow Lodge 5/5

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The folks at Bath and Body Works, clearly.

Silver Crusade 3/5 *** Venture-Captain, North Carolina—Asheville

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Easy, now. I'm not sure I could handle an entire game session with the overpowering scent of freesia assaulting my nostrils.

Grand Lodge

So, what was the result of the private talk?

Also, please do not name this person specifically.

Shadow Lodge 5/5

blackbloodtroll wrote:
Also, please do not name this person specifically.

Except in a PM of course.

Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/5 ***

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with the advent of the new organizational structure, all issues, concerns, complaints that are not resolved by VC, should be escalated to the Regional Venture Coordinator for review.

Of course, before that occurs, the local VC should been given an opportunity to resolve said issue. It sounds like you attempts at a resolution were not met, so escalating to the RVC would be the next step.

This assumes a lot of course not the least of which are, was it a one-time occurrence or repeated and on-going, was it extreme in nature, were others affected by the issue, etc?

Hygiene can be a sensitive issue dependent on a lot of factors, but it can certainly be unpleasant to deal with. IMO, the forums are not a place to resolve these issues, so I don't think specifics of your incident bear expressing, but you are welcome to do so if you feel it is absolutely necessary. Like was asked above, please leave names out so as to not unduly embarrass anyone.

I would recommend you just follow the "normal" escalation process and avoid airing anyone's "dirty laundry" on the forums.

The Exchange 5/5

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I have been lobbying for a "Shower re-roll" for years now - but mostly for that rare player mentioned above...

I'm tempted to tell players at my table on the 3rd and 4th day of a Con that I'll let them take a re-roll if they have had a shower (and put on clean clothing!) in the last 6 hours.

I'm sure someone will object that it's against the rules... but hay! it's a good idea. Oh! and maybe had a breath mint too.

I have gamed with someone that had an adverse reaction to my aftershave (eyes running, sneezing, etc.) - when they mentioned it I switched brands (and went without the second day of that CON). Heck, they were a lot of fun to game with, I wouldn't want something easily changeable to get in the way of gaming with them.

Grand Lodge

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Being particularly sensitive to certain colognes, perfumes, etc, I know what it is like to go through the painfully awkward procedure of telling someone their odor is unfortunately offensive to me.

So, some protips: Use "I", and not "You" often. Talk about how it effects you, apologize, and ask if they can help you out. Work your way around to the "take a shower" line. Maybe ask about products they use, or make comments on the products you use, how often you bathe, and then slip in a question about bathing habits. Subtle, non-aggressive, and non-accusatory questions should be your default. Basically, put it all forth as something that is not a thing they did wrong, but a problem, you have, that you are asking help to resolve.

The Exchange 5/5

blackbloodtroll wrote:

Being particularly sensitive to certain colognes, perfumes, etc, I know what it is like to go through the painfully awkward procedure of telling someone their odor is unfortunately offensive to me.

So, some protips: Use "I", and not "You" often. Talk about how it effects you, apologize, and ask if they can help you out. Work your way around to the "take a shower" line. Maybe ask about products they use, or make comments on the products you use, how often you bathe, and then slip in a question about bathing habits. Subtle, non-aggressive, and non-accusatory questions should be your default. Basically, put it all forth as something that is not a thing they did wrong, but a problem, you have, that you are asking help to resolve.

+1

Dark Archive 5/5 5/5

I am asthmatic and overly sensitive to aromas. Over the decades I developed a blunt response when I need to leave a room or a table due to being unable to breathe. I am not proud of this, but it gets the point across.


I feel your pain Jon, many perfumes and other such things cause me to wheeze like an old bellows and sneeze my arse off, the worst was my mother was a devoted perfume consumer, thankfully my wife is not.

Silver Crusade

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If I woke up late and it came down to it, I would rather miss the first slot at a con than go without a shower.

Feeling clean is amazing.

Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/5 ***

Hrothdane wrote:
If I woke up late and it came down to it, I would rather miss the first slot at a con than go without a shower.

Hopefully that is true of most gamers, but remember, this thread referred to a VC which probably means the event organizer. Can't just not show up when you're in charge.

In extreme circumstance, like having to come straight from work (physical job) could result in some gamer-funk. I had an issue with a player once that lived nearly an hour away from the game store, worked less than 2 minutes away, and got off approximately 10 minutes before the game started. He literally rushed through the door with take-out just in time to hear the boxed text. Unfortunately, his work was physical and he often brought his own "perfume" with him.

We were able to come to some resolutions, but the conversation was very uncomfortable both for me as the notifier and him as the recipient. He was exceedingly embarrassed that it was bad enough to effect other people.

Grand Lodge

Adventure Path Charter Subscriber

It doesn't matter how many stars Venture Catain Stinky has next to their name, personal hygiene is important. Don't do it for yourself; do it for the rest of us. take one for the team, Pathfinder.

Also, maybe Paizo needs to institute a sniff check on someone prior to promoting them to Venture Officer.

-Skeld

2/5

Skeld wrote:

[...], personal hygiene is important. Don't do it for yourself; do it for the rest of us. take one for the team, Pathfinder.

-Skeld

Are you suggesting Quiterjon should bath is VC personally?

I think I´m not so close to my VCs to do it if needed, but I´ll applaud anyone so brave to try it. If was needed, fortunately that is not the case ;D

The Exchange 5/5

Oykiv wrote:
Skeld wrote:

[...], personal hygiene is important. Don't do it for yourself; do it for the rest of us. take one for the team, Pathfinder.

-Skeld

Are you suggesting Quiterjon should bath is VC personally?

I think I´m not so close to my VCs to do it if needed, but I´ll applaud anyone so brave to try it. If was needed, fortunately that is not the case ;D

Um ... yeah .. please don't anyone try to wash me ... hubs would prolly be giving you the evil eye and he carries knives lol.

A conversation like this is never easy either to have or to know how to have.

We had to have a conversation with a co-worker one time about the "perfume" the supervisor spoke with her and didn't help the situation, so the whole team chipped in and got her a basket from bath and body works .. had all the essentials. She was so happy to get it, never used it, but was happy to get it. Some people don't realize that they have an order and are clueless.


Just throw some Vicks vaporub on your upper lip and carry on. I guarantee this won't end well.

Grand Lodge

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When clicking on this thread I thought maybe it was about VCs IN-GAME. Let's be honest those guys use way too much mustache grease. Maybe the guy is trying to play up the rather funky aspect of many Absalom NPC.

Aside from that I think the important questions is, how often is it an issue? Are we talking end of Convention funk, I ran here from work to get the game going, or possibly only owns two shirts and no washer?

4/5

So Gen Con 2016, Sunday morning slot, First Annual Stinky VC Competition?

(But who would be willing to judge?)

Shadow Lodge 4/5

I think this thread just made me paranoid about smell. I'm always late from games so habitually arrive covered in sweat.

Thankfully cons usually have showers somewhere nearby.

Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ***** Venture-Agent, Minnesota

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Before SkalCon, I threatened on our Meetup discussion site to bring a supersoaker full of sudsy water and hose down anyone who'd foregone a shower in the parking lot.

Maybe the threat was enough... I never had to carry it out!

Hmm

PS Quick hygiene tip from someone who regularly goes to work after either a hard aikido class or bike commuting... baby wipes and fresh t-shirts. Pack baby wipes and a change of clothes with you. This change of clothes can be as simple as a fresh t-shirt or underwear, depending on how much you perspire. Use the unscented baby wipes, give yourself an impromptu cleanup, change your shirt, and you're usually good to go!

Shadow Lodge 5/5

We have "stink faries" also show up at a local con. They provide all sorts of odor obfuscation objects.

Clearly the best thing to do if your VC stinks is to walk up to him/her in the most packed game day and simply say in your outdoor voice, "god, you smell like rancid meat." This will achieve the objectives of a) making them realize that they're really no better than any of the rest of you and the whole concept of going to your VC to say somebody smells is really passive aggressive when in reality you should just tell the person that stinks this directly, and b) shame them into realizing how bad they smell.

Scarab Sages 5/5

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Oykiv wrote:
Skeld wrote:

[...], personal hygiene is important. Don't do it for yourself; do it for the rest of us. take one for the team, Pathfinder.

-Skeld

Are you suggesting Quiterjon should bath is VC personally?

I think I´m not so close to my VCs to do it if needed, but I´ll applaud anyone so brave to try it. If was needed, fortunately that is not the case ;D

There were/are advantages to being Shadowlodge. At least we know our VC has had a bath!

;)

Liberty's Edge 2/5

Pathfinder Adventure Path, Rulebook, Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber
Hmm wrote:
Before SkalCon, I threatened on our Meetup discussion site to bring a supersoaker full of sudsy water and hose down anyone who'd foregone a shower in the parking lot.

You had showers in the parking lot? ^_-

5/5

Katisha wrote:
Oykiv wrote:
Skeld wrote:

[...], personal hygiene is important. Don't do it for yourself; do it for the rest of us. take one for the team, Pathfinder.

-Skeld

Are you suggesting Quiterjon should bath is VC personally?

I think I´m not so close to my VCs to do it if needed, but I´ll applaud anyone so brave to try it. If was needed, fortunately that is not the case ;D

There were/are advantages to being Shadowlodge. At least we know our VC has had a bath!

;)

Our VC is a bath.

Sczarni 5/5 5/55/5 ***

Either that or a Mimic.

Possibly a variant Wolf in Sheep's Clothing

Dark Archive 3/5 **

Zak Glade wrote:
Katisha wrote:
Oykiv wrote:
Skeld wrote:

[...], personal hygiene is important. Don't do it for yourself; do it for the rest of us. take one for the team, Pathfinder.

-Skeld

Are you suggesting Quiterjon should bath is VC personally?

I think I´m not so close to my VCs to do it if needed, but I´ll applaud anyone so brave to try it. If was needed, fortunately that is not the case ;D

There were/are advantages to being Shadowlodge. At least we know our VC has had a bath!

;)

Our VC is a bath.

That poor, poor Waves Oracle who has to divine orders from the bath water.

1/5

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what the hell
just clean your bodies you filthy animals

Grand Lodge 4/5 5/55/5 ***

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MisterSlanky wrote:
Clearly the best thing to do if your VC stinks is to walk up to him/her in the most packed game day and simply say in your outdoor voice, "god, you smell like rancid meat." This will... shame them into realizing how bad they smell.

Despite the lack of emoji I am going to assume this was meant tongue-in-cheak. It is certainly funny in a facebook, social media sort of way, but for those of you who such things are lost on, of all the recommendations in this thread, I hope this would be your very LAST choice, if at all. Being "aggressive" without the "passive" does not necessarily make things any better and could easily make them worse. Have an ounce of compassion for someone who very well may be unaware of their "problem." Confront them in private and go from there. Treat people with respect and you'll be amazed how they'll respond.

4/5 **

Yeah, kidding aside, Bob has it, Quiterjon.


Bob Jonquet wrote:
MisterSlanky wrote:
Clearly the best thing to do if your VC stinks is to walk up to him/her in the most packed game day and simply say in your outdoor voice, "god, you smell like rancid meat." This will... shame them into realizing how bad they smell.
Despite the lack of emoji I am going to assume this was meant tongue-in-cheak. It is certainly funny in a facebook, social media sort of way, but for those of you who such things are lost on, of all the recommendations in this thread, I hope this would be your very LAST choice, if at all. Being "aggressive" without the "passive" does not necessarily make things any better and could easily make them worse. Have an ounce of compassion for someone who very well may be unaware of their "problem." Confront them in private and go from there. Treat people with respect and you'll be amazed how they'll respond.

I have kept it very pc, pleasant, round about, whatever you want to call it.

See I have had different experiences with the treat people with respect concept. Personally I have found being blunt does a whole heck of a lot more. ymmv

However my patience on the matter runs thin when the cpt/lt continues to show up smelling like they do.

If it was 'they have a physical job' I could handle that, it's not. It's lack of personal hygiene.

It isn't confined to just odor. Clothing isn't laundered. For me that was the tipping point. I could suck up the funk by not sitting next to them. Yo0u keep showing up week after week without laundering your clothes...that's too far.

Shadow Lodge 5/5

Bob Jonquet wrote:
Despite the lack of emoji I am going to assume this was meant tongue-in-cheak (ibid).

Half of it was. I'll let you figure out which half.

4/5 **

Quiterjon wrote:
It isn't confined to just odor. Clothing isn't laundered. For me that was the tipping point. I could suck up the funk by not sitting next to them. Yo0u keep showing up week after week without laundering your clothes...that's too far.

OK, then. Next step is to use the link I provided above, find out who your Regional V-C is, and bring it up with them. Good luck!

Grand Lodge

I had a local gaming buddy mention his daily 3 2 1 rule for cons.

3 hours of sleep
2 meals
1 shower

the list is meant to go from bottom to top and step 1 should never be overlooked, 2 and 3 and more on the optional side.

Paizo Employee Chief Technical Officer

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Just drop lots of subtle references to Grandmaster Torch.

Liberty's Edge 2/5

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Vic Wertz wrote:
Just drop lots of subtle references to Grandmaster Torch.

Imply that it would be really awesome and immersive if they were to act out the scene... then drag in an inflatable tub/pool?

Dark Archive 4/5 5/55/5 **** Regional Venture-Coordinator, Massachusetts—North Shore

Vic Wertz wrote:
Just drop lots of subtle references to Grandmaster Torch.

Cleanest PF Venture Captain he is always in the Bath when you talk to him.

Grand Lodge

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He does invite you in with him.

Likely doubles as a disarming technique.

3/5

Torch is also mostly naked in bath if i remember right.
Wonder how many people would be offended by that^^

4/5 5/55/55/55/5 ****

I do love that the post immediately following Vic's plea for use to quit making subtle reference to Grandmaster Torch, the thread derails into direct references about Grandmaster Torch and his bathing habits...

Liberty's Edge 3/5 *

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Tempest_Knight wrote:
I do love that the post immediately following Vic's plea for use to quit making subtle reference to Grandmaster Torch, the thread derails into direct references about Grandmaster Torch and his bathing habits...

Well, it sounds like we stopped making subtle references.

Lantern Lodge 5/5

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Paizo Messageboard Drinking Game:
Torch Derail! Everyone drinks!

But it was Paizo Staff doing the derail, so make it Gran Marnier. Be classy.

I was expecting references to "The Enigmatic-smelling Osprey," actually.

Shadow Lodge 4/5

Grand Marnier straight? What is this, sweet tooth deathmatch?

Grand Lodge 4/5

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Tempest_Knight wrote:
I do love that the post immediately following Vic's plea for use to quit making subtle reference to Grandmaster Torch, the thread derails into direct references about Grandmaster Torch and his bathing habits...

I think you misread Vic's post about 'dropping hints to the stinky VO'.

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