The Giant is dead and the Players' Characters have congregated outside its cavernous lair. It was a terrible battle and I thought it was the end of our adventuring heroes. But, as usual, the group was able to rally together and overcome the brute. Paul suggested that they all heal their wounds, mend their armor, and prepare themselves before they enter the cavern.

"What if there is another one?" The veteran Player says with a staged stutter. "Why you guys get ready, I'll just poke my head in there. If I see anything, I'll let you know." The other Players give their appreciation and pat Paul on the back. "A brave soul", someone says. "Definitely a party-man," another mentions with a smile. And as Paul's Character disappears into the cavern, the other Players start to discuss their situation and prepare for the worst.

"Man, my armor is destroyed", groans Scott. "And I just bought that Studded Leather, too." He looks around at his fellow Players with a melancholy expression, waiting for someone to reassure him that his thief will be properly compensated.

"What are you complaining about?" Mike snaps as he erases the last of his Binding Kits. "I just spent a fortune healing you guys. Think I like being the healer?"

And as Loraine and the others gibber about their own problems, I see Paul secretly writing a note. Unbeknownst to his fellow players, he slips the folded paper to me and smiles his impish grin. Secretly I open Paul's note behind my Referee Screen and read the four simple words: I pocket the room!

What does that mean? To Paul it means - I take everything of value.

Stealing

What do you do when a Player Character steals from his own comrades? Well, being impartial you should do nothing. I mean, you're not supposed to take sides, right? But if someone's Character is stealing it can really put a damper on the game. I've seen it happen. Arguments erupt. Threats of Character annihilation are thrown about like empty soda cans into the trash. And as tensions flare, party unison diminishes. As a Referee I know this is extremely detrimental. In Forge: Out of Chaos, working together is a key element to survival. Without cooperation, you will spend a lot of time generating new Characters each night. And, unfortunately, bitter feelings do not automatically disappear with a new Character. Resentment can linger on for some time. Like decades!

What do I do in situations like this? Simple. I tell the Player what his Character sees. I let him or her collect the valuables. I maintain my impartial status so that the game does not become unbalanced against any single Player. After all, a Referee should never stifle role-playing.

But, if the action continues on a regular basis I may remind the Player that he or she is working in a group and should consider his fellow Players. I might even put another beastie or trap in the treasure trove just to cause the treasure-thief grief. Yes, it may be a little underhanded, but it gets the message across.

Written by Mark Kibbe of Basement Games, Co-Creator of the Forge: Out of Chaos RPG and World of Juravia, http://www.basementgames.com