Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Bazcasta 06-04-04, 01:33 PM	I need some improvement on my roleplaying skills. So I figured this would be the best place to go.... What can I do to become a better roleplayer? I made a character a couple of days ago. I started with just a concept: "A spellcaster who has a fancy for learning and knowledge." I then wrote up a paragraph summarizing him: "Laren Dunkrest has a fancy for knowledge, information, and all things that have to do with the mind. He takes a fond interest in learning of cultures and traditions. He usually wears pleasant simple clothes. Usually a robe or scholars outfit, often in white or light gray with varying shades of blue. He is a cheery, friendly sort. He prefers to keep to himself surrounded by a pile books and scrolls. He has taken up adventuring to not only find finances for his increasingly expensive hobby, but to acquire rare and exotic books, that are scattered all around the vast expanses of Faerun. He is always willing to lend a hand to those in need. His area of trade would be the selling of information, but he sees the peddling of knowledge as illegitimate and prefers to spread knowledge at no cost." I then ranked his abilities: "Laren doesn't do much exercising, so he isn't very strong or agile, he does however keep him his health in good shape. He is okay with people (preferring books though), a fast learner, and quite smart. Strength:low Dexterity:low Constitution:middle Intelligence:high Wisdom:high Charisma: middle I then listed feats and skills he might want: Feats Diligent, Investigator, Skill Focus (knowledge [any]), Scribe Scroll. Skills Decipher Script, Diplomacy, Gather Information, Knowledge (any), Profession (scribe), Profession (bookkeeper), Speak Language, Spellcraft I was assuming that this would be a wizard, but then I listed spells hewould choose: (Note: D=Divine; A=Arcane; #=level) Read Magic (A/D)-0, Comprehend Language (A/D)-1, Identify (A/D)-1, Locate Object (A/D)-2, Illusory Script (A)-3, Scrying (A/D)-3, Legend Lore (A/D)-4, Scrying, Greater (A/D)-6, Discern Lies (D)-4, Divination (D)-4, True Seeing (A/D)-5, Discern Location (D)-8, Foresight (D)-9 Seeing as most of those spells were either divine spells or both divine and arcane, I decided that he would be a cleric. I also decided that he would be a cleric of Oghma (Forgotten Realms God of Knowledge) I wrote up a history for him after that... I wont type that here because it was a page and a half long. I also made a family tree for him. Here is a small portion of his history/story: "Born in 1347, in Highmoon, capital of Deepingdale. His father, Uldrin Dunkrest, a retired adventurer and now a priest of Oghma at the Leaves of Learning (temple in Highmoon). His mother, Shandri Dunkrest (formerly Meledrin), a housewife. His father, knowing the hardships and sadness many an adventurer face wishes his third born son would live in Highmoon, and join the temple (like him, and Laren older brothers). But his father wants his son to do what he wants. At least, his father thinks, he is a preist." When I was getting im items for adventurering, I bought things that would most likely never be boughtn. Such as a iron pot for cooking, a tent, soap for washing, spell components, books for reading, candles for reading, different sets of clothes for different times. A mule for carrying his stuff. (even though the DM rarely enforces the how much your character can carry stuff) I can post more if asked. What can I do to make this character better, and me a better roleplayer? Is that a good character? Yes I did use the method in the FAQ thing here. :)
Trydan 06-04-04, 06:36 PM	Originally posted by Bazcasta What can I do to become a better roleplayer? ... practise ;) Seriously. The best way improve is by actually doing it. Oh... and here's a few more tips, to help get you started. "Laren Dunkrest has a fancy for knowledge, information, and all things that have to do with the mind. He takes a fond interest in learning of cultures and traditions. He usually wears pleasant simple clothes. Usually a robe or scholars outfit, often in white or light gray with varying shades of blue. He is a cheery, friendly sort. He prefers to keep to himself surrounded by a pile books and scrolls. He has taken up adventuring to not only find finances for his increasingly expensive hobby, but to acquire rare and exotic books, that are scattered all around the vast expanses of Faerun. He is always willing to lend a hand to those in need. His area of trade would be the selling of information, but he sees the peddling of knowledge as illegitimate and prefers to spread knowledge at no cost."Most of the role-playing is tied up in this paragraph. What I would do would be to write out a character-sheet-cover, with some aspects of the character, and some things to say (or at least to get you started). You say that the character is interested in learning about other cultures and traditions. So... on that cover sheet, write: "Hmm... that's an interesting name? Where do you come from?" "I've never met someone from there. What is typical of the region?" "What foods do they eat there? What is the typical meal?" Etc... You also say that he is cheery and friendly. So, also write down several friendly greetings: "Hallo there, traveller! Fine weather we're having, no?" and so on. What can I do to make this character better, and me a better roleplayer? Is that a good character?To be honest, I think that this is already a very good character, and it will be a very sound foundation for role-playing it. I would suggest writing down some typical lines, as I've inidicated above, focussing in particular on the personality, as it would be discerned from a first meeting by a complete stranger -- it is this sort of thing that will govern the tone of a role-playing piece within a session, and the opening line is often enough to kickstart you (and your fellow gamers) into action. But don't forget to write them down! The only thing I'd add to the character would be a quirk of some description. Perhaps it is a certain drink that he always orders at taverns? Or perhaps a certain prayer that he always says after every battle. These things add nothing to the plot, but they do add a signature to the character, and can help the others quickly get into the swing of things if, for example, at every meal, the character scatters a pinch of salt over the table, and chants a 3-word blessing for the meal and that they have lived to see another day! Anyway... great start. Keep at it!
DNA 06-05-04, 04:46 PM	I'd add, just as a warning, that your ability to roleplay will be largely determined by the type of campaign that's being run. If it's pure dungeon crawling, roleplaying will be secondary at best. Nobody minds a good role-player, but if you're the only one, it gets old quick. But yeah, very well-developed character. You should be able to roleplay him well without focusing the campaign too much on yourself, which is important. Just try to say and do things that your character would do, and you'll be fine. Enjoy!
Raylin 06-06-04, 09:05 AM	Alright, looking at your character, it seems like you've made a great start. You've really thought about the types of things your character would take, and do, rather than what would make him more powerful. Keep up the good work. Now, this may sound fairly obvious, but when you're playing, remember to be your chaarcter. Do what your character would do, not what you would do. Try to get right into the mind of your character, and when you play, be him instead of yourself. If you can do that, you'll do great. But also, if you want some more tips, try having a read of some of the sections in this: Uncle Figgy's Guide to Good Roleplaying (http://www.dragondogpress.com/unclefiggy/rp/index.html) Hope some of that helps. :D
Bazcasta 06-06-04, 06:30 PM	Thank you. I have been playing DnD for a little over a year now. Not very long. I like to roleplay and wanted to see if you guys thought that I needed improvment. The thing that makes me sad is that, I am the guy in our group that comes up with a 2 page story about my characters, but no one else does, so all the work I put into him is useless because everyone else (when they look at what I've done) just goes, "oh" or something. What should I do? It's been bugging me for a while. The people I play with are all my good friends, so I haven't said anything because I don't want to hurt their feelings or offend them. The most I ever do is, in my own campaigns give small xp bonuses to people who play in character, roleplay, and the like... but I don't want to be a rolepalying life support. (meaning the only reason they roleplay is to get xp or gold or something.) Again, what should I do? Again, thank you.
Unleash 06-07-04, 02:28 AM	I too am the only play who writes up in depth characteristics about my character, and it's been like that for the past 3 years. I too find it frustrating at times since the other players don't put the same amount of effort in their characters, in written and during play or take all my work for granted when I DM :P. First try to find out the balance between what are you friends expectations and your own (like the poster DNA said). Try to find the pulse of your group: about 75% combat, 25% roleplay, ? 50/50 ? Etc. Ask them where they stand on the whole issue if you're not sure, nothing beats the direct approach. If they're combat oriented, that's where you come in. Focus your roleplay on your turn of play, describing your actions through your character's eyes, encompassing what other players have done on their turn. In a combat heavy campagin, it's all about the timing: key NPC interrogations, Big Boss encounters, combat tactics on the fly and so forth. The roleplay is mostly practical, and exists to advance the story. On the broader aspect of roleplaying, some people will evolve over time, mixing more and more roleplaying elements into their games, while some players will just remain the action-junkies they've always been, gracing you with some all-too-rare witty in-character moments. All you can do is accept the fact that you're all different anda ll expect something different from DnD. You're already on a great start, sacrificing concept over mechanics. Persevere and you just might slowly inspire those around you ! Also, a good roleplayer stays receptive to his fellows reactions. Thus he knows when to speak up, when to give someone else the spotlight or when to just refrain from letting the world know how the tender caress of the wind refreshes his soul and solidifies his beliefs in the greater good for the betterment of all elvenkind in all it's glorious diversity ;)
Dorkboy 06-22-04, 04:11 PM	First of all, let me say how refreshing and functional a simple part of your concept is: "... he is a cheerful and friendly person..." (or something of the sort). Really, this is great. Many people confuse "making a unique character" with "making a sociopath, so exotic and neurotic that he never properly interacts with PCs and NPCs. Being an open, friendly person is very conductive for good RPing. Second, I'll give you one strong opinion about roleplaying. If you really want your cgaracter to be cool and unique and well-played, make him rules-efficient too. Really. Roleplaying is what's it's all about, but if you're the "useless one" in fights and other rules-situations, it gets old quickly. Furthermore, by being rules-efficient AND well-roleplayed, your character will demonstrate to your party mates that these two are not mutually exclusive. Currently, I'm playing a min-maxed pirate type, and I constantly think of quotes, saying and other quirks for him. I've developed a unique voice for him, thought about his opinions about varied issues, and always try to play him to the fullest (even risking his neck several times for the sake of good roleplaying). On top of that, I'm the biggest damage-dealer in the party. This is a combination that makes my pirate extremely enjoyable to play. :)
Vexxan 06-24-04, 06:04 AM	Originally posted by Dorkboy First of all, let me say how refreshing and functional a simple part of your concept is: "... he is a cheerful and friendly person..." Being an open, friendly person is very conductive for good RPing. I'll second that. Having NPCs treat you with kindness and care is also a good feeling. You don't normally get those kinds of responses with your typical mercenary-minded adventurer who is too self-absorbed or dour to smile at others. Second, I'll give you one strong opinion about roleplaying. If you really want your cgaracter to be cool and unique and well-played, make him rules-efficient too. While I think this is very good advice, don't take it to min/max extremes. From your selections stated in the starter post I see you've made some good theme choices. By spending a single feat or skill on something that makes your character stronger in personality (albeit losing a very small bit of min/max functionality), you will feel closer to them. Relating to your character on some level, or simply being excited about this personal quirk, can provide you with alot of enthusiasm for roleplaying.