#dnd tip for player management: DISCLAIMER: Players don’t fit neatly into categories. Labels are for discussion purposes only. These are most useful when DMing for strangers. So far we have covered Actors, Instigators, Power Games, Storytellers, Optimizers, Explorers. (1/5) Today let's talk about the OBSERVERS. They most often want to be included for the socialization or for entertainment, but they might not be comfortable with interaction with the game or with the story. They may be shy, self-conscious, or unsure of how to interact. (2/5)
— Shawn Merwin 🔜 #dndlive2019 (@shawnmerwin) April 24, 2019
OBSERVERS can be tricky, because we often want to draw them in to share in the excitement of the game that we feel, but being too pushy actually drives them away. It’s OK to let the OBSERVER observe if that is their comfort zone. (3/5) For OBSERVERS who are shy but to want to participate more, try to find their comfort zone and start there. If they don't like speaking in front of a group, ask them simple questions that can be answered yes or no. Ask them to roll dice for you. (4/5)
— Shawn Merwin 🔜 #dndlive2019 (@shawnmerwin) April 24, 2019
After a session, communicate with an OBSERVER one on one to see what they thought. Find out what they liked most, and add some more of that to the next session, with a chance for them to participate in the ways they are most comfortable. (5/5)
— Shawn Merwin 🔜 #dndlive2019 (@shawnmerwin) April 24, 2019
Addendum: with more people coming into the hobby via stream viewing, OBSERVERS are becoming more prevalent. Being able to engage OBSERVERS in ways that make them comfortable is going to be a larger part of DM duties as the hobby grows.
— Shawn Merwin 🔜 #dndlive2019 (@shawnmerwin) April 24, 2019