Discussing Player Types - The Watcher

Welcome to the Corner! It's here that we will discuss the different player types, in particular, the Watcher! Understanding your players will only make you a better DM, and that's what this is all about!

The last player type listed is the Watcher, and I have to say, these players are VERY hard to draw out of the shell. I have a good friend that is a by-the-book Watcher. He has little gameplay in TTRPGs (Table-Top RPGs), but he is a great member to have at the table because he is reliable and dependable. Which is the Watcher way!

These players are all about being apart of a bigger experience. They play because they can be apart of something great. They don't want to be in the spotlight, and they rarely want to have a personalized story pushing their character to difficult and challenging choices. Watchers are commonly shy or laid back, and both of those traits are perfectly fine (I could stand to be in a more laid back environment myself!); they don't get caught up in optimized characters or gear. They are truly along for the ride, just make sure they don't get left behind!

Watchers don't get too caught up or attached to a lot game wise, so they actually aren't really seeking being pleased and satisfied through the game. The actual experience, being with friends, being included, making memories. These are the things the Watcher value, and if an epic moment takes place in game, they love being apart of it.

A Watcher under most circumstances isn't trying to "win" D&D, they don't try to quest for good gear and raid dungeons of their own volition. They are however, loyal friends that will follow the rest of the party to the Abyss and back!

Things to be wary of - Watchers can often be players that simply haven't played TTRPGs before or has a lot of experience in them, and that's fine! There will be a learning curve there so they can both feel included and fill in party roles more readily. This is also something I take very slowly and carefully because I don't want to be the guy that says "Hey, Clerics heal and that it." because that's not the case in D&D. Everyone can fit into a multitude of roles, so do what's best for your player and go from there!

Closing Thoughts - This series about player types has honestly been a blast. I'm sad it's taken me so long to get them all done, but here we are! Watchers are great to have in the group, they are reliable, dependable, and stay calm in most situations. They like being apart of the party more than the story, and that's actually a pretty great person to have at your table.

And with that it's time to close this series. I hope you learned even a little more about your players and got some ideas to make your table a better place for your games! For some, Dungeons and Dragons is a casual game where friends get together and just let whatever happens happen, and for others it's a serious matter where friendships can be forged or even broken. For the rest, its everywhere in between! It's my hope that these articles offer insight to any who read and can make a safe, fun, and relaxed environment where everyone can enjoy themselves and make some great memories!