A really nifty idea for characters that focus on role-playing. [Archive] - Wizards Community

A really nifty idea for characters that focus on role-playing. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Maniacal_Cackle
10-13-04, 11:44 PM One of my players is new to the game. I told her to write up a character concept, and I would translate it into game mechanics. What do you think of this approach? For the player, it takes the focus completely off the game mechanics and allows them to only think about role-playing. More work for the DM, but I am willing to do it. If the DM is unwilling, perhaps one player could do it for everyone. I will of course go over everything with the player, but what do you think? Any input is appreciated, even something as simple as "Bad idea!" Although more thoughts than that would be appreciated even more ^_^ Thanks in advance.

Edit: I would like to note that this method may require some tinkering with the rules, but I think the rules are there to help us play, not restrict our play.
Persephone Imytholin
10-14-04, 01:12 AM I think it's a pretty good idea, actually. One of the most significant problems for players picking up D&D (or other such games, with a strong mechanical focus) can be the overabundance of rules and options - it gets in the way of the roleplay, and people want to bash heads with their carefully reasoned numbers rather than get into the story.

This kind of story-focus should give you an attentive player who engages well with the game world - exactly what you want in an RPG. Then, you can ease in the mechanics with later characters.

The other option would be to use a story-focused system like FATE (http://www.faterpg.com), then switch to D&D after a while.
Cantankerous
10-14-04, 05:04 AM That pretty much is the way I handle newbie players at all times. Once the player has a handle on the system they can make the character that suits them best, but until then it simply makes the most sense to do it this way.

Isshia
guru7892
10-16-04, 04:33 AM personally i think thats a great idea. i think people should have players create charictar stories and then they all trade storys doing each others charictar. that would also build player trust.

but thats just an idea
Murr-Quan Lord #2
10-16-04, 11:26 AM I think what you proposed is a great idea, Maniacal. I've been using it for some time now, with new 15-16 year old players. ^.^

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Maniacal_Cackle 10-13-04, 11:44 PM	One of my players is new to the game. I told her to write up a character concept, and I would translate it into game mechanics. What do you think of this approach? For the player, it takes the focus completely off the game mechanics and allows them to only think about role-playing. More work for the DM, but I am willing to do it. If the DM is unwilling, perhaps one player could do it for everyone. I will of course go over everything with the player, but what do you think? Any input is appreciated, even something as simple as "Bad idea!" Although more thoughts than that would be appreciated even more ^_^ Thanks in advance. Edit: I would like to note that this method may require some tinkering with the rules, but I think the rules are there to help us play, not restrict our play.
Persephone Imytholin 10-14-04, 01:12 AM	I think it's a pretty good idea, actually. One of the most significant problems for players picking up D&D (or other such games, with a strong mechanical focus) can be the overabundance of rules and options - it gets in the way of the roleplay, and people want to bash heads with their carefully reasoned numbers rather than get into the story. This kind of story-focus should give you an attentive player who engages well with the game world - exactly what you want in an RPG. Then, you can ease in the mechanics with later characters. The other option would be to use a story-focused system like FATE (http://www.faterpg.com), then switch to D&D after a while.
Cantankerous 10-14-04, 05:04 AM	That pretty much is the way I handle newbie players at all times. Once the player has a handle on the system they can make the character that suits them best, but until then it simply makes the most sense to do it this way. Isshia
guru7892 10-16-04, 04:33 AM	personally i think thats a great idea. i think people should have players create charictar stories and then they all trade storys doing each others charictar. that would also build player trust. but thats just an idea
Murr-Quan Lord #2 10-16-04, 11:26 AM	I think what you proposed is a great idea, Maniacal. I've been using it for some time now, with new 15-16 year old players. ^.^