Loot-Hogging and Spotlight-Stealing: The Fast Road to a Broken Party
Lad… I can see it in yer eyes. You’ve had enough. Every time the treasure chest pops open, it’s the same two hands grabbin’ the best of it. Every time the spotlight swings ’round, one voice steps into it before anyone else can even clear their throat. And you sit there, half bitin’ yer tongue, half wonderin’ why you keep comin’ back.
You’re not wrong to be tired. I’ve seen good players — no, great players — walk away from a table because greed and glory-hoardin’ poisoned the well. And aye, it’s easy to stew in that, to grumble in yer pint, to replay every scene where you could’ve said somethin’ but didn’t. But before we talk about what to do next, let’s sit with the truth:
It’s not your fault.
Why It Hurts So Much
When the game’s working, it’s a shared story. Everyone gets a turn to shine, everyone gets a taste of the treasure. That’s what keeps a party feelin’ like a party.
But when one player treats it like a competition for the most loot or the most lines, it chips away at the trust. And without trust, even the best campaign starts to sag.
I’ve seen that look before — the one that says, “Maybe it’s just me.” It’s not. Some players just don’t see the damage they’re doing. And sometimes, no matter how many gentle nudges you give, they don’t change.
📌 If you need a reminder of what healthy table sharing looks like, take a read through Yer Not the Main Course, So Stop Hoggin’ the Spotlight — it’s a toast to every player who knows the game’s better when it’s shared.
If the Table Can Be Saved
Sometimes, the story’s worth fightin’ for. If the GM’s open to it, have the talk. Not the rant, not the accusation — just the plain truth about how you feel. Point out the moments when others didn’t get to act, or the loot was scooped without a thought. A good GM will see it and help fix it.
You can even use the story itself to balance the scales — let a quest reward everyone equally, or have a challenge where only teamwork wins. I’ve run tables where a bit of in-game balance restored the out-of-game respect.
If It Can’t
And here’s the part no one likes to hear: sometimes, lad, it’s time to leave. Not in anger — just in self-respect. The table’s not the only one out there.
Somewhere, there’s a group waitin’ for a player like you — one who cares more about the tale than the tally. You might even start it yourself. Round up a few mates, grab the GM screen, and pour the first mug for a game where everyone’s voice matters.
Need inspiration for the kind o’ table worth fightin’ for? Have a look at The Strongest Character at the Table Is the One Who Listens. Build that kind o’ table, and you’ll never have to watch another loot grab turn into a friendship crack.
Final Toast
Greed and glory-hoardin’ will break a party faster than any dragon. But respect? Fair share of loot, fair share of light? That’ll make a party worth rememberin’ for years.
📌 If yer ready to stop fightin’ uphill battles, pour yerself into Loot Don’t Mean Leadership, Ya Gold-Grabbin’ Pebble Counter — it’s the straight talk on why hoggin’ the spoils don’t make ya the leader.
