Yer Not the Chosen One, Yer Just Another Player, Act Like It
Mike’s Opening Rant: The Story Ain’t Just About You, Lad
Every now and then, some fresh-faced wizard or brooding half-elf sits down at me table and tells me this:
“My character is the only heir to the shattered throne, blessed by an ancient god, and destined to bring balance to the realm.”
Aye. Great. And we’ve got a goblin tryin’ to make rent and a barbarian whose only goal is findin’ his pants.
Yet guess who the story suddenly starts orbitin’? Mr. Prophecy Pants.
He interrupts quests with “visions.” He tries to override group choices with “divine insight.” He rewrites scenes in his head and tells the GM what “should be happening.”
YA AIN’T A LONE HERO IN A MOVIE — YER ONE CHARACTER IN A PARTY, AND IF YA CAN’T PLAY NICE, YA CAN STAY HOME!!
Ya Don’t Need a Destiny to Be Worthy
👉 Mike’s Tavern is where every story matters — not just the loudest one. Learn how to share the spotlight and build together in Tavern Etiquette or Player Builds & NPCs.
Yer Character’s Cool. But So’s Everyone Else’s.
I get it. Ya worked hard on yer backstory. Maybe it’s tragic. Maybe it’s epic. Maybe it’s tattooed on yer spine.
But the GM didn’t build this world just for you. And the rest of the players didn’t show up to be your emotional support cast.
They’ve got dreams. Pasts. Arcs. So when ya turn every moment into a stepping stone toward your prophecy, what yer doin’ is pushin’ them outta the game.
It ain’t just rude. It’s weak storytelling.
Build Together or Break the Game
Let me tell ya who shines at my table:
The Paladin Who Can’t Lie but Carries a Shield That Does — deep story, shared scenes.
The Tiefling Who Was Never Really There — impactful, but never overbearing.
Captain Nail, the Law in Broken Armor — commands attention, but still listens.
They ain’t tryin’ to hijack the plot. They’re helpin’ write it with others.
The Party’s the Protagonist — Not You Alone
This is a party-based game. Not a solo narrative. Not a “main character” simulator. If yer makin’ moves that override others, rewrite the world, or suck up half the GM’s prep time, ya need to rethink yer role.
And if yer strugglin’ to feel important without bein’ the center? Then learn to build with others. Be the knight at someone else’s turning point. The witness to another’s triumph. The friend, not the spotlight.
It’ll mean more. And they’ll remember ya better.
FAQ
Q: What if my character is the chosen one?
A: Then make sure everyone agreed to that story. Otherwise, yer just takin’ liberties.
Q: What if I didn’t mean to steal the story?
A: Then stop. Step back. Ask. Share.
Q: What if I want big moments too?
A: So does everyone. Help them get theirs — and you’ll get yours too.
You Don’t Need Divine Blood to Be Legendary
👉 Mike’s Tavern is where legends rise together. The best players know how to lift others while buildin’ somethin’ real. Talk to Mike | Read More Builds
