If No One Trusts Ya, That’s Not a Roleplay Choice — That’s a Problem

By Mike the Tavernkeeper, beard-grayer of ten thousand party arguments

When Yer “Story Arc” Smells Like Trouble

Back in my adventurin’ days, I had a ranger named Durnick who insisted betrayal was “just part of his arc.” Said it with a straight face as he nicked our healing potions mid-dungeon. Next session? We locked him in a mimic chest and walked away.

See, lad — “it’s what my character would do” ain’t a shield for bein’ a disruptive, trust-wreckin’, cave-lost donkey kicker. D&D ain't a solo performance in yer personal tragedy. It’s a team game. And if everyone’s side-eyin’ ya like a cursed goblet, that’s not deep roleplay — that’s a problem.

I don’t care how “flawed” yer rogue is, or how “emotionally damaged” yer bard is. If no one in the party can rely on ya, yer not playin’ a character — yer sabotagin’ the table.

“Trust Ain’t Loot — You Don’t Just Steal It and Hope It Sticks”

👉 If yer party dynamics crumble every time you speak, Mike’s Tavern can show ya how to be dangerous and dependable — without startin’ a civil war:
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/player-tip
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/tavern-etiquette

Why No One Trusts You (And Why That’s a Bad Sign)

1. You Lie More Than a Cursed Coin Purse

If every sentence outta yer mouth is “I didn’t take it,” “I’m not with them,” or “Trust me,” then I guarantee nobody does. Every betrayal might feel “cool” to you, but to the rest of the party? It’s just another reason to vote ya off the damn cart.

Want to see a better kind of wild card? This one actually helped his team:
👉 The Goblin Cleric Who Hates Healing but Does It Anyway

2. You Burn Bridges for Fun and Call It Roleplay

Sabotaging the party, ditchin’ folks mid-combat, stealing from teammates, refusing to back down from every argument — that ain’t character depth, lad. That’s just bein’ a powdered keg with a short fuse and no plan.

If yer whole vibe is “I don’t work well with others,” then maybe ye shouldn’t be in a party-based game, ye cave-lost, party-wreckin', team-forgettin', forge-snuffin’ MILK DRINKER!!

…Sorry. Lost me temper there.

Let’s get back on track.

“Broken Party? Broken Game.”

👉 If yer table’s always one fireball away from collapse, visit Mike’s GM Guides and Player Tips to learn how real trust is built — and where it's usually lost:
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/gm-wisdom
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/player-builds-and-npcs

How to Fix the Mess Ya Made

Start With Actions, Not Apologies

Trust ain’t rebuilt with a speech. It’s earned with consistency. Stop backstabbing. Start flanking. Use yer turn to help someone. One or two well-timed assists go further than a monologue about “changing.”

Talk to Yer Table, Not Just Yer Character Sheet

Out of game, ask what yer fellow players are comfy with. Maybe they love the drama — maybe they’re barely showin’ up ‘cause of you. Find out. Fix it. This ain't just about the story — it’s about makin’ sure yer group ain't fallin' apart.

Need help sortin’ party chaos? Start with this:
👉 How to Keep a Game Going When Players Keep Leaving

And this one too:
👉 What to Do When Nobody Prepares But You

Earn Trust In-Character Too

Trust don’t have to be boring. You can still be mysterious, shady, or rough around the edges. But throw in a save. Use that spell. Take a hit for the wizard once in a while. It shows ya want to be part of the team, even if yer playin’ the rebel.

Just look at this build for proof:
👉 The Paladin Who Can’t Lie but Carries a Shield That Does

“If No One’s Got Yer Back, Yer Already Dead”

👉 Don’t wait until the group splits or the campaign collapses. Learn how to be the player everyone wants at their table, not the one they roll Initiative against.
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/contact
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/faq
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/about-mikes-tavern

FAQ

Q: But what if my character really would betray the party?
A: Then you better talk it through with the group before it happens. Consent, drama, and storytelling go hand in hand — surprise betrayal without warning is just sabotage in a fancy hat.

Q: Can I play an untrustworthy character and still be part of the team?
A: Absolutely — just show reliability through actions. Loyalty doesn’t have to be loud, but it better show up when the dice hit the table.

Q: What if I was trying to roleplay trust issues and it backfired?
A: Then it’s time to roleplay growth. Shift gears. Surprise the party by standing your ground with ‘em instead of against ‘em.