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This reads more like classic gatekeeping than positive community stewardship. Sure, the Spyrer guy wasn’t exactly a joy to play with—but imagine the time, money, and enthusiasm he put into building that gang. Necromunda isn't exactly a cheap or plug-and-play hobby. He might’ve spent weeks assembling models, painting details, and getting hyped about the campaign... only to hit a wall of resistance because his playstyle didn’t fit the preferred narrative tone.

Saying “I should have told him he wasn’t suited to the campaign” sounds eerily close to saying someone doesn’t belong unless they play the “right” way (or buy this Canis Rex). It’s one thing to encourage cinematic play, but if someone’s turned away because they weren’t painting within the narrative lines, that’s gatekeeping in practice.

I get wanting a cohesive story and vibe—especially with a lovingly built campaign—but maybe a better outcome could’ve been helping the Spyrer player channel their competitiveness through the narrative rather than pushing them out of it. After all, even murder machines can have character arcs.

I think we have to take more introspection on who is the villain and who is the hero in these examples. Everyone thinks they're the hero until they post on AITA and thousands of people say they are in fact TA.

I’m sorry, but are you extracting the Michael?

Spyrers were, tops, four strong. Of the eight available models, three required assembly, and at that, gluing on wings (Yeld) or an arm (Orrus).

The gang itself just doesn’t interact in the post-game phase. Can only hold a single Territory at a time. Can’t go to the trading post.

It was a gang perfectly aligned with I Only Wunt 2 Win. And this goon embraced that. Until he suffered his first casualty and flounced out the campaign.

Sure, Spyrers might’ve been easy to assemble—but affordability and access aren’t just about how many limbs need gluing. Not everyone has the luxury to buy multiple gangs, especially if they’re testing the waters in a new gaming space or just getting back into the hobby. Maybe the Spyrers were the models they could afford, maybe it was all they had at the time, or maybe they just liked the concept and aesthetics. Does that automatically make them a “goon”? A try hard?

Gatekeeping isn’t always about shouting “you’re not welcome.” Sometimes it’s more subtle—setting narrative standards that quietly edge out anyone who doesn’t fit the mold. If someone shows up excited to play and ends up flouncing off, maybe it’s not just about poor sportsmanship. Maybe it's because they sensed they were already halfway out the door before the dice even hit the table.

 Lathe Biosas wrote:


My second was a run in with a group of BattleTech donkey-caves with ulterior motives.

I had really gotten into the lore and bought the BattleMech Manual, Technical Readout: 3145 Republic of the Sphere, the Ares Super-Heavy Mech (and a backup one not put together), a Campaign book (whose name I cannot remember... Shattered Something?, but cost a pretty penny and some models.

I heard the group was friendly, but they told me flat out that they don't play 'mechs only, I can't use anything from that era. They didn't realize that I'd played for a long time, a long time ago (when I would show up with Aerospace fighters, Boomerang Spotter planes, and Long Tom Artillery pieces hugging the corner of the map), and realized that I can use my stuff in the IlClan era.

These bastards proceeded to tell me that I needed to buy all new stuff, and that I couldn't use any of what I had. But three (of the five) separate players approached me and were super friendly and said, "since you can't use that stuff, I'll buy it off you." (and offered pennies on the dollar - Sadly for them I'm not fething stupid.)

And your response was to laugh in their faces & say something incredibly rude I hope.

"Sorry mate, we're practicing for an upcoming tourny and want to focus our limited game time on meta-lists that we might encounter there. Would love to play you if you could run this meta-knight list that I'm struggling against?"
"Perfectly fine with me, I didn't want to play with you losers anyway!" <Flounces over to another table >

I was trying to write a nice way for someone saying they don't want to play with me, but I think I'd still be a bit peeved!