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When I had this issue I made it my characters goal to engourage my party’s growth.
I ended up being the leader by merit of my character being more forward thinking and organised.
So instead of me handling anything I’d be like… “Elf go talk to that guy I have a feeling you will get in well”
I encouraged them to grow in character.
This is the way.
Any table that has a “main character” can fuck right off
You might feel that way, but if they’re complaining that you steal the spotlight too much, theyre probably introverts who find it too hard to cut in without you allowing them a chance.
I will literally let my table sit in silence before butting in.
Like, I’ve trained myself to hold back so much I struggle to get a word in edgewise in more proactive groups.
The problem is definitely they’re introverts, but I can’t force them to talk.
Eh, I’ve seen it cut both ways (as someone who GMs 90% of the time).
Had a player I was friends with, and roommates for a while, who was a huge ‘spotlight hog’. Since some players are quieter and less assertive, I try to make sure each player gets at least one ‘spotlight moment’ each arc. And this player was real bad for always kinda muscling into other player’s ‘moments’.
After having multiple talks, eventually just had to kick him (cause he didn’t stop), which has pretty awkward considering ‘roommate’.
So I’d take players that need to be coaxed into RP over players that have main character syndrome any day (though, of course, ideally all the players just RP readily but politely).
The key to being a good spotlight hog is to know you do it and drag the quieter players along with you.
“Hey grog, let’s go check out that huge rock that seems to be sitting on a big red button, maybe that will unlock the door”
I encourage high engagement players to toss the spotlight to lower engagement players. It isn’t solely on the GM to make sure everyone gets their turn in the spotlight.
Have your character ask other characters what they think, refer NPCs to them, suggest they go first/attempt a task, etc.
I think there’s also only so much you can do if people just won’t engage.
Kick/leave
And as a DM the Omni man player is far far more welcome at my tables.
Damn right.
Seriously. I mean, show a little appreciation for the hours of game prep and, I dunno, play in the world beyond rolling initiative? 😅🤷🏼♂️
