Set up a session zero to establish rules so most issues and play styles can be agreed upon. Enforce the house rules, what are the consequences if players do break the rules?
You can avoid a lot of problems when the players know exactly what to expect. A heavy role player will not enjoy a Hack-n-slash session. So if they know beforehand what to expect, they don't get the right to complain about it later.
Different players end up in different roles depending on the group.
1. The Rules lawyer. Is sometimes helpful, is most of the time annoying and slowing down the game.
2. The Attention whore. Usually the class clown. Does idiotic things just for a reaction.
3. The Game Breaker. The murder hobo. this is the one who wants to burn down the tavern and kill the king.
4. The one who doesn't pay attention. what we call an audience member. Why are you even playing if you don't care what is going on?!
5. The one who keeps interrupting. Usually the attention whore. This idiot doesn't realize that it's a group game and everyone deserves a turn.
6. Audience member. Doesn't engage in the story and doesn't make decisions in game. The audience member is happy to just sit back and watch.
7. The serious player. No nonsense, Always getting things done, the only one who takes notes, always moving on the the next puzzle or plot line, usually only role plays to ask questions, usually ends up becoming the party leader to keep everyone else on track. usually makes decisions for the rest of the group.
Are you the problem player? Just stop it.
The best way to avoid being a problematic player is to just try to play along, be nice to everyone at the table, show respect and support, be patient with people when they are trying to figure things out. Do not ever call people names, or make fun of people. If someone asks you to stop doing something, you will respect their boundaries and stop you behavior without arguing.
The entire point of playing RPGs is having fun together, if you are taking that chance away from someone else, then you are a problem.
Be a good listener. Listening and paying attention to other players is the best skill you can utilize at the table. If you know what the players want and actively apply that knowledge, your friends will always be back for more.
Be a good listener. Listening and paying attention to other players is the best skill you can utilize at the table. If you know what the players want and actively apply that knowledge, your friends will always be back for more.
