Answers to “But that’s what my character would do.” /u/Windford DnD: Roll for Initiative!

Please help me make a standing list of responses and consequences for using the phrase, “That’s what my character would do.” I’ll start.

1. That does not shield you from responsibility.

Players are responsible for hurtful actions towards other players. Resolve your problems out of game. If it’s toward NPCs, those in the game world may retaliate.

1. Your character is now an NPC.

For extremes like PCs who refuse to adventure. “We discussed this campaign in Session Zero. Please make a character who is motivated to go on this adventurer.” It’s the DM’s role to provide hooks, not motivation.

Offer additional context as needed. Thanks!

EDIT: To be clear, the intent of this post is not about taking away player agency. It’s about dealing with players who use that excuse as an attention-seeking mechanism, or annoy other players and the DM.

Please help me make a standing list of responses and consequences for using the phrase, “That’s what my character would do.” I’ll start.

1. That does not shield you from responsibility.

Players are responsible for hurtful actions towards other players. Resolve your problems out of game. If it’s toward NPCs, those in the game world may retaliate.

1. Your character is now an NPC.

For extremes like PCs who refuse to adventure. “We discussed this campaign in Session Zero. Please make a character who is motivated to go on this adventurer.” It’s the DM’s role to provide hooks, not motivation.

Offer additional context as needed. Thanks!

EDIT: To be clear, the intent of this post is not about taking away player agency. It’s about dealing with players who use that excuse as an attention-seeking mechanism, or annoy other players and the DM.