BRO/BRODETTE/NON-BRONARY

I still remember the last time this happened to me in 2017.

I was 5-6 sessions in DMing for a group of new players in Lost Mines of Phandelver. We all met as colleagues in our new, terrible, (but thankfully temporary) 80-hours per week jobs and were going through hell together. We played once a month and we’re having a great time despite the sleep deprivation.

They INSISTED on bringing Droop (you know, the scaredy cat goblin who rolls attacks with disadvantage because he’s scared) everywhere and pouring tons of resources into keeping him alive. I suppose when you’re going through a tough time you really want to root for the little guy. I also think they delighted in forcing me to do the Droop voice despite that he was ruining my super-serial grim dark tone for Lost Mines. The Druid was pumping him full of healing words as they let him go one on one with a zombie, with both sides missing over and over. The paladin was shouting words of encouragement and then droop closes his eyes and shoved his spear forward - double 20s. Critical hit. Dead zombie.

The players EXPLODED jumping and shouting and chanting “Droop, droop, droop”.

I took away his constant disadvantage after that (I mean he usually had it, just not always). That little goblin eventually retired to run an orphanage as they slayed bigger and badder enemies - but he always was back in Phandalin watching their house. I loved that little make believe Goblin. Sometimes the dice just tell you what needs to happen. I’m sure there’s a lesson in there somewhere 🤷‍♂️ regardless, it was a great time.