The Cleric Ain’t a Potion Stand, Lad
Mike’s Rant
Let me ask ya — when’s the last time you thanked the cleric?
No, really. When?
Was it after they patched yer guts back into yer ribcage? Was it when they cast Revivify and burned their last diamond just to drag yer sorry bones back from the brink?
Or did ya just grunt “cool” and ask what loot dropped?
Here’s the truth, lad — and hear me clear:
THAT CLERIC AIN’T YER DAMN VENDING MACHINE.
They’re a player. A person. They’ve got dreams for their character too. But you? You treat ‘em like a bandage with legs.
That’s gotta stop. Not because it’s rude — because it breaks the table. And the soul of the game dies quiet when one player becomes nothin’ but a resource to the rest.
Yer Fellow Players Ain’t NPCs
The people at yer table ain’t just props. They’re storytellers. They’ve got hopes for their characters. They’ve got wounds o’ their own. They show up tired after work, maybe burnt out, maybe nervous. And they sit down anyway.
Don’t make their whole game about you.
Yer cleric? Maybe she’s a quiet acolyte searchin’ for lost lore. Maybe he’s a war-priest haunted by what he’s done. Maybe they just want someone — anyone — to ask what they believe in, instead o’ yellin’ “HEAL ME” every time the dice roll south.
You want to be a real hero?
See them.
Not just the spells. Not just the utility. See the player behind the character, and the character beneath the spells.
How to Show Respect at the Table (Without Being Weird About It)
Here’s how ya actually help your table thrive — especially that cleric who's been carryin’ yer group like a blessed mule:
Acknowledge them. “Thanks, that saved me.” One sentence. That’s it.
Engage their character. Ask how their faith works. Ask what they think of the undead. Treat ‘em like more than a spell slot.
Don’t just beg for heals. Take hits for them sometimes. Help them get out of danger.
Defend their space. If someone’s talkin’ over the cleric’s player, say something. Help make room.
Ask what they wanna do. “What do you think, [character name]?” That question changes the room.
You want proof? Go look at The Strongest Character at the Table Is the One Who Listens. It ain’t strength that holds a party together — it’s attention.
You Wanna Be a Legend? Start by Seeing the People Next to You
You wanna be the most valuable player at the table? Be the one everyone feels safe playing with. Not the loudest. Not the smartest. The kindest.
👉 Go read That Grudge Yer Clingin’ To? It’s Ruinin’ the Game. Let It Go, Lad if yer still hangin’ onto petty habits that get in the way. Or check the Tavern Etiquette page for more ways to be the kind o’ player people remember.
If You Treat Others Like People, You Become the One They Trust
You wanna know the truth, lad?
The most important player at any table ain’t the one with the best build. It ain’t the one with the best backstory. It’s the one everyone wants to see again next week.
That player — is you, if you make it so.
You be the one who shares the spotlight. Who says “your scene matters.” Who makes space for the shy ones and the tired ones and the ones always cast as “support.”
You be that player, and they’ll miss ya when yer gone. I promise.
Look at The Quiet Player’s Guide to Gettin’ Noticed. Respect makes space — and space makes stories.
Stop Lookin’ for the Spotlight — Be the One Who Builds the Fire
The best players I’ve ever seen weren’t the loud ones. They were the ones who noticed. Who asked. Who lifted others up.
👉 Contact the Tavern if ya want help buildin’ a stronger group. Or check the FAQ for more on what table respect actually looks like. Yer cleric deserves better — and so does everyone else sittin’ beside ya.
FAQ
Q: What if the cleric player likes being the healer?
A: Great — but ask anyway. They might also like bein’ a scholar. Or a leader. Or a jokester. Don’t assume.
Q: What if I’m not the one disrespectin’ them, but others are?
A: Speak up. Be the one who makes space. That kind o’ support can change a whole table.
Q: Is it really that big a deal?
A: Aye. You treat someone like a tool long enough, they stop showin’ up to work. That includes game night.
