Loot Don’t Mean Leadership, Ya Gold-Grabbin’ Pebble Counter

Jul 29

By Mike the Tavernkeeper, hoard survivor, treasure dispute referee, and veteran of six loot-based party splits

The One with the Most Coins Ain’t the Captain

Let me tell ya about Grelm, a dwarf with more gold than sense. Every dungeon crawl, he’d scoop up the loot like it was goin’ outta style. Magic sword? Claimed it. Healing potions? Claimed ‘em. Cursed tiara that whispers in yer sleep? Claimed it twice. Then he started barkin’ orders like he was the party leader — as if havin’ the fanciest belt buckle made him the boss.

Wanna guess how long he lasted? Let’s just say the mimic that ate him didn’t even spit out the crown.

If ya think havin’ all the gear makes ya the leader, ye’ve mistaken treasure for trust, and weight for worth.

“No One Follows the Greediest Goblin in the Room”

👉 If yer backpack’s full but yer team’s fallin’ apart, Mike’s Tavern’ll teach ya what real value looks like at the table.
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/player-tip
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/tavern-etiquette

When Greed Puts You in Charge (and Why That’s a Trap)

We don't like greedy adventurers at Mike's Tavern. Greed is a trap, a silent killer

1. Ya Act Like the Stuff You Grabbed Earned You Authority

Taking the Sword of Lighty-Shiny-Flame™ don’t make ya the leader. It just makes ya the one the dragon targets first. Leadership ain’t about gear — it’s about trust. And if yer trust fund is bigger than yer trust pool, ya ain't fit to run a wagon, let alone a party.

2. You Use Loot to Leverage Power

“If you want the boots of quiet steppin’, you’d better follow my plan.” That’s not strategy — that’s manipulation wrapped in velvet gloves. I’ve seen friendships end over a +1 dagger. Don’t be the fool who thinks bribes build loyalty. They don’t. They build mobs.

If ya want a party that works together instead of beggin’ for scraps, start here:
👉 How to Roleplay Without Making It Weird
👉 Why Healing Ain’t Just the Cleric’s Job

“Real Power Ain’t in Yer Inventory — It’s in Yer Intentions”

👉 Whether yer hoardin’ coins or hoardin’ attention, Mike’s got the slap of wisdom yer party’s too polite to give ya.
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/gm-wisdom
https://www.mikes-tavern.com/player-builds-and-npcs

How to Share the Shine Without Gettin’ Dimmer

Let the Loot Fit the Role

That shiny new dagger? Maybe it fits the rogue better. That spellbook? Better with the sorcerer. Sharing ain’t weakness — it’s smart strategy. A stronger party keeps ya alive longer. And don’t tell me yer “just taking it until the next rest” — we both know that rest never comes.

Want gear that actually tells a story? Try this:
👉 The Sword That Remembers Every Kill It Makes

Let Leadership Be Elected, Not Assumed

You want to guide the party? Then earn it. By listenin’. By protectin’. By bein’ the dwarf who holds the door, not just the bag of holding. Authority’s a byproduct of respect, not a bonus from loot weight.

Split the Spoils — and the Spotlight

Let others shine. Rotate who takes the lead in town, in battle, even in social scenes. The less ya cling to control, the more control people trust ya with.

Wanna see someone play a support role and still run the show?
👉 The Paladin Who Can’t Lie but Carries a Shield That Does