New to the RPing aspect of D&D HELP! [Archive] - Wizards Community

New to the RPing aspect of D&D HELP! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
CalibanZaxx
03-13-07, 08:44 PM I'm not sure if anyone else has had this problem, but I've always played the "Kick in the door" style of D&D where there's little roleplaying and just about everything hinges on the rules. Now I'm in a campaign where it's all roleplaying and it's rare that the dice are even rolled.

Problem is, I'm playing a Paladin who's taken a vow of silence (Incase you're wondering, I'm playing Link from Zelda fame and since he rarely ever talks, I chose the vow of sience as a way to stay true to that.. And my dork points go sky high woo!) and I have no idea how to play him in a vow of silence in an almost totaly verbal campaign and still progress and interact with the plot. Any suggestions on how I could keep the vow of silence but still interact with PCs and NPCs smoothly?
Chrono Nexus
03-13-07, 09:50 PM Sign language. It's a language, just not spoken. If your character can find someone to teach him, he can learn it. But that won't help much if others of the party aren't looking at you while you "say" things or if they also don't know sign language.
Alternatively, carry a large stack of premade signs for the situation. When danger approachs, raise the sign that says, "Look out behind you!". When the bard is fibbing, be a paladin and raise the "Bull crap..." sign.

Edit:
I've played a mute character before. It's a challenge. Facial expression, stance, and attitude all tell books about what your thinking (whether you know it or not). Being able to catch onto and use these messages are the first steps to roleplaying, public speech, and mind reading.
Instead of "Hi!" use My character raises his iron mitt in greeting, a bright smile adorning is face.
Instead of "Enemies!" use Broderick the bold whirls around, his eyes trying to pierce the darkness for threats.
A mute character is a great challenge and window to roleplay. Use it like it's a tool, not a drawback. Think outside the box.
Dreamstryder
03-13-07, 11:50 PM Such characters in video games often use body language. Sometimes they makes suggestive shouts or hummings, but if you can't vocalize at all, consider even acting out your character's gestures at the table. You'll still have to say toward what imaginary doo-dah you're gesturing, but, besides that, feel free to have fun, short of turning D&D into charades.

If you think it fits the character feel, have a notebook with scraps of speech written to other characters in it; for the players, this would take the form of scratch paper on which you yourself write notes (tho' the barbarian might have some trouble...).
CalibanZaxx
03-14-07, 05:25 PM Wow, all great help! Thanks for the suggestions!
fil kearney
03-16-07, 04:15 AM the mount you choose can help immensely as well.. it'll be smart as hell eventually... you can hold non verbal conversations with it, allowing it to bring additional character out for your silent paladin.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
CalibanZaxx 03-13-07, 08:44 PM	I'm not sure if anyone else has had this problem, but I've always played the "Kick in the door" style of D&D where there's little roleplaying and just about everything hinges on the rules. Now I'm in a campaign where it's all roleplaying and it's rare that the dice are even rolled. Problem is, I'm playing a Paladin who's taken a vow of silence (Incase you're wondering, I'm playing Link from Zelda fame and since he rarely ever talks, I chose the vow of sience as a way to stay true to that.. And my dork points go sky high woo!) and I have no idea how to play him in a vow of silence in an almost totaly verbal campaign and still progress and interact with the plot. Any suggestions on how I could keep the vow of silence but still interact with PCs and NPCs smoothly?
Chrono Nexus 03-13-07, 09:50 PM	Sign language. It's a language, just not spoken. If your character can find someone to teach him, he can learn it. But that won't help much if others of the party aren't looking at you while you "say" things or if they also don't know sign language. Alternatively, carry a large stack of premade signs for the situation. When danger approachs, raise the sign that says, "Look out behind you!". When the bard is fibbing, be a paladin and raise the "Bull crap..." sign. Edit: I've played a mute character before. It's a challenge. Facial expression, stance, and attitude all tell books about what your thinking (whether you know it or not). Being able to catch onto and use these messages are the first steps to roleplaying, public speech, and mind reading. Instead of "Hi!" use My character raises his iron mitt in greeting, a bright smile adorning is face. Instead of "Enemies!" use Broderick the bold whirls around, his eyes trying to pierce the darkness for threats. A mute character is a great challenge and window to roleplay. Use it like it's a tool, not a drawback. Think outside the box.
Dreamstryder 03-13-07, 11:50 PM	Such characters in video games often use body language. Sometimes they makes suggestive shouts or hummings, but if you can't vocalize at all, consider even acting out your character's gestures at the table. You'll still have to say toward what imaginary doo-dah you're gesturing, but, besides that, feel free to have fun, short of turning D&D into charades. If you think it fits the character feel, have a notebook with scraps of speech written to other characters in it; for the players, this would take the form of scratch paper on which you yourself write notes (tho' the barbarian might have some trouble...).
CalibanZaxx 03-14-07, 05:25 PM	Wow, all great help! Thanks for the suggestions!
fil kearney 03-16-07, 04:15 AM	the mount you choose can help immensely as well.. it'll be smart as hell eventually... you can hold non verbal conversations with it, allowing it to bring additional character out for your silent paladin.