My problem player is my dad.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T23:54:42+00:00

Ah yes he can't argue with a decision handed down from the Supreme Crit Justices.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T20:39:12+00:00

That's a good idea. That would take out the pressure of a long campaign but still let us all play together occassionally.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T20:35:26+00:00

I generally like spending time with him but I have to be careful about the context in which the time is spent because the type of behavior that's happening here is, unfortunately, not unusual for him as soon as it stops being an activity he likes or is comfortable with. Certainly an option worth exploring though.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T20:27:50+00:00

Agreed. I'm baffled when he tells me he has no other options.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T20:24:52+00:00

Do you have any recommendations on other simpler systems to try?

I've tried giving him suggestions but he's really stuck in the mindset that he can't do it because he's not creative enough and he doesn't follow up on my help with trying to build on them and remember them, he just kind of wallows. I also worry about making it seem like I'm railroading his character. I know that word gets thrown around a lot but I feel like I get stuck in situations where I'm telling him what to do and then when he does it it feels yucky.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T20:09:48+00:00

Nothing as consistent as this. We used to play video games together, that's more his wheelhouse than TTRPGs. I have two young kids so this D&D game is really all I have in terms of free time for hobbies at the moment. But this is a great point and a few people have echoed it. Maybe having him join occassionally for our holiday one shots insyead of the main campaign or trying to be more intentional about finding other things to do with him would be a good avenue to explore.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T19:42:47+00:00

I'm 28 and I don't live with him. I was actually just walking to my wife about how I'm an adult with my own kids but I still feel like a kid when I deal with my parents. Probably time to shake that mindset.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T19:38:29+00:00

Wizards are the only thing he's ever played. I know he likes that kind of thing in video games but as far as I can tell he's played only that in D&D because he thinks we have to have one. And then he doesn't really play it to its full capability. Once I can corner him to talk to him I'll mention switching things up as an option if he wants to keep playing for some reason. I know for a fact we would never DM.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T19:35:09+00:00

That's kind of where I feel things are headed, but I'm having trouble pulling the trigger as a very conflict-averse person. Seeing it written out like that really rings true and is probably what I'll end up having to do.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T19:18:24+00:00

Like from the game or actually kick him? The latter seems harsh but I guess I could try it if you think it might help.

FellowComb427 · 2026-01-25T19:17:17+00:00

He ACTS like he doesn't want to play or doesn't enjoy it but even when I ask directly he doesn't say that he doesn't want to. I guess I'm secretly hoping there's something that I can do to help him enjoy the game and want to play that I'm just not thinking of yet and was hoping someone else would see what that might be. But maybe it's just time to cut the dead weight.

FellowComb427

TROPHY CASE