Mike’s Rant

Ye know the one. They show up early. Bring pastries. Offer drinks. Say things like:

“I just love spending time with you guys.”

And five minutes later, their character’s makin’ deadpan quips about abandonment, nightmares, and bein’ betrayed by their twin brother again.

That’s the duality, lad. They feed yer belly — and gut-punch yer soul.
But don’t mock it.

CELEBRATE IT. LOVE IT. FEED IT — AND MAYBE GROUND IT JUST A LITTLE.

1. The Snacks Are a Cry for Help (Kinda)

When someone’s playin’ the broken warlock orphan with 14 layers of betrayal — and handin’ out homemade cookies?

That’s not imbalance. That’s art.

It means they care. It means they’re present. It means their backstory has as many layers as that lasagna they brought.

2. Don’t Roll Yer Eyes — Roll With It

Yes, they bring drama.

Yes, their backstory has three betrayals, a dead pet, and a haunted violin.

But when you support that kind of roleplay? You give 'em the green light to shine — and that builds a stronger table.

If you’re strugglin’ to let someone else have their drama arc, go read Yer Not the Main Course, So Stop Hoggin’ the Spotlight. Might cure ya of stealin’ every tragic monologue.

When a Player Feeds the Table, Feed ‘Em Back

Not just with applause. Not just with jokes.
Feed ‘em with attention. Support. Collaboration.

👉 Check The Quiet Player’s Guide to Gettin’ Noticed if yer unsure how to uplift players without stealin’ the show. Sometimes the trauma-snack combo needs just a lil’ nudge to bloom.

3. Let Their Pain Shape the Party

A character with big baggage? That’s campaign gold.

Ask:

“How can my character help yours?”
“Can our backstories overlap?”
“Wanna share a moment mid-session?”

Suddenly, that sad rogue ain’t brooding alone.
Now they’ve got a ranger who reminds them of their sister, or a cleric who helps them learn to forgive.

You want to be the player that others remember? Start by readin’ The Strongest Character at the Table Is the One Who Listens. That’s the scroll that shows how supportin’ others ain’t passive — it’s powerful.

A Player Who Brings Snacks Is Worth Protectin’

They’re the table’s glue. The vibe-keeper. The one who sets the tone without ever shoutin’.

Protect ‘em. Encourage ‘em. Maybe don’t let ‘em narrate every tragic flashback — but give them their space.

👉 Contact the Tavern if yer party’s got great chemistry but poor spotlight sharing. Or head to the FAQ to learn how trauma arcs and silly sessions can coexist without derailin’ each other.