a problem - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

a problem

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
shatteredsun
May 21, 2009 2:07:08 The Problem -
I just joined this party with old friends who are used to paying 3.5e. This is their first 4e campaign. The trouble is, they aren’t good at teamwork and everyone wants to be the primary damage dealer, out front and doing cool things. The results are sub-par; encounters take forever (it took us two hours to finish a simple 15 kobold fight), an unnecessary amount of damage is absorbed, and everyone ends up using their dailies. How can I encourage better team work without ticking off the rest of the party?

The Party -
Swordmage (assault), level 4 - A new player, unfamiliar with the rules.
Cleric, level 4 - The DM’s girlfriend, not really into the game.
Ranger, level 5 - A very self-centred player who colourfully interprets rules and die roles to his benefit.
Warlock, level 4 - An experienced player.
Wizard (illusionist), level 5 - Me.
#2
kouk
May 21, 2009 2:53:49 Why are you different levels?

How long have you all been at this I wonder? It generally is pretty apparent I think when teamwork is necessary, but you could just try to tell them "This edition requires more teamwork, and small bonuses from flanking and such really add up."

I'd also make sure your character is actively pursuing a teamwork agenda, perhaps using in-character instructions if they won't just get annoyed with you as a player for it. Illusionists can pile on status effects though, so a lot of "teamwork benefits" can be caused just by you using at-wills and encounters (Combat Advantage, sliding enemies into being flanked, etc.).
#3
rambaldi
May 21, 2009 3:48:37 Get the DM to help you out. Have him use effective tactics vs you. I did it to my players and I think they learnt quite a bit that fight.
#4
thorn-wychkin
May 21, 2009 5:07:32
Get the DM to help you out. Have him use effective tactics vs you. I did it to my players and I think they learnt quite a bit that fight.

i DMed for a group like this once and did just what you said. i ended up with near TPK despite holding back and a bunch of players yelling at me saying i make encounters too tough. the catch is that they were a level 3 party and the encounter was standard for a level 2 lol
#5
rambaldi
May 21, 2009 6:33:22 Lol, mine were 3rd and I didn't fully prepare so didn't realise there were no aberations below level 7 so i through 3 of them plus an 8 i think vs the party and after an initial hardship the 6 of them succeeded. luckily they thought it was a random travelling encounter so blew all their dailies.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 shatteredsun May 21, 2009 2:07:08	The Problem - I just joined this party with old friends who are used to paying 3.5e. This is their first 4e campaign. The trouble is, they aren’t good at teamwork and everyone wants to be the primary damage dealer, out front and doing cool things. The results are sub-par; encounters take forever (it took us two hours to finish a simple 15 kobold fight), an unnecessary amount of damage is absorbed, and everyone ends up using their dailies. How can I encourage better team work without ticking off the rest of the party? The Party - Swordmage (assault), level 4 - A new player, unfamiliar with the rules. Cleric, level 4 - The DM’s girlfriend, not really into the game. Ranger, level 5 - A very self-centred player who colourfully interprets rules and die roles to his benefit. Warlock, level 4 - An experienced player. Wizard (illusionist), level 5 - Me.
#2 kouk May 21, 2009 2:53:49	Why are you different levels? How long have you all been at this I wonder? It generally is pretty apparent I think when teamwork is necessary, but you could just try to tell them "This edition requires more teamwork, and small bonuses from flanking and such really add up." I'd also make sure your character is actively pursuing a teamwork agenda, perhaps using in-character instructions if they won't just get annoyed with you as a player for it. Illusionists can pile on status effects though, so a lot of "teamwork benefits" can be caused just by you using at-wills and encounters (Combat Advantage, sliding enemies into being flanked, etc.).
#3 rambaldi May 21, 2009 3:48:37	Get the DM to help you out. Have him use effective tactics vs you. I did it to my players and I think they learnt quite a bit that fight.
#4 thorn-wychkin May 21, 2009 5:07:32	Get the DM to help you out. Have him use effective tactics vs you. I did it to my players and I think they learnt quite a bit that fight. i DMed for a group like this once and did just what you said. i ended up with near TPK despite holding back and a bunch of players yelling at me saying i make encounters too tough. the catch is that they were a level 3 party and the encounter was standard for a level 2 lol
#5 rambaldi May 21, 2009 6:33:22	Lol, mine were 3rd and I didn't fully prepare so didn't realise there were no aberations below level 7 so i through 3 of them plus an 8 i think vs the party and after an initial hardship the 6 of them succeeded. luckily they thought it was a random travelling encounter so blew all their dailies.