fatal

Leadership
Overall, the Aedile is the leader, so to speak,
of the game. If issues and disagreements arise, especially
over rules, then the Aedile is the final arbiter;
the decision of the Aedile must be final. Of
course, if an Aedile makes bad decisions and the
gaming group is displeased with the Aedile’s performance,
then the players are not obligated to continue
the game or return for another gaming session.
It should always be the goal of the Aedile to
make the best decision possible, though not necessarily
the most entertaining decision, but the most
fair or the decision that deviates the least from the
rules or reason when a contradiction or conflict
arises.
Oftentimes, 1 player will become a leader
regarding the other players. Sometimes this is a good
thing, and sometimes bad. Ideally, each player should
be able to participate as much as any other, should
they desire. Some players are naturally quiet or followers,
while others tend to be assertive, aggressive,
or natural leaders. Though it can be difficult, 1 duty
of the Aedile is to attempt to referee a player’s leadership
behavior to correspond to their abilities and
personality. For instance, a character with a low
Charisma, poor rhetorical skills, and phlegmatic temperament
is unlikely to be a dominant party leader.
Group dynamics will differ from group to group,
but the ultimate goal of gaming is to have fun and
should be remembered at all times. Try to make the
game an enjoyable experience for everyone, if possible.
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Players and Characters
Argumentative Players
Occasionally, gaming groups may be comprised
of 1 or more argumentative players, players
who seem to disagree with everything. These players
need to understand that even though this is a
game, 1 of the roles of the Aedile is as an authority
figure, referee, or moderator. Assuming the Aedile
is competent and familiar with the rules, the argumentative
player must either accept the Aedile’s authority
or leave the game. Issues such as these are
often handled best by not embarrassing the player
and asking to speak privately with them.
Dominating Players
Usually, 1 player will, either intentionally or
unintentionally, dominate the others and the game.
It is, in fact, rare to have perfectly even input from
all participants; inevitably someone will participate
more than others. However, if this becomes a problem,
usually the best way to handle it is not to embarrass
the player in front of the others, but to ask
to speak privately with them. Those who are troublesome
beyond this point, at the Aedile’s discretion,
should seek a new gaming group.
Non-Participating Players
Some players do not participate very much,
which may be indicative of many things. Some truly
enjoy the game but feel inhibited, lack the confidence,
or lack the experience necessary for them to
feel comfortable participating. Conversely, others
are simply disinterested and lack of participation is
a symptom. If they are disinterested, then don’t let
a wet blanket spoil the fun for everyone else. Without
embarrassing the person, pull them aside and
speak privately with them. If they do not want to
be in the game, perhaps they should not be. More
often than not, quiet or passive players are interested,
but need encouragement. As the Aedile, you
may attempt to make their character more integral
to the plot, introduce an immediate encounter or
incident that revolves around them, or anything else
imaginable to evoke their participation.
Chapter 15: Conducting the Game