Strong Silent Type [Archive] - Wizards Community

Strong Silent Type [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
PharaunZarfien
02-11-06, 02:56 PM I am an experienced role player but recently I challenged myself by playing a strong but silent character. I'm am playing in a campaign were role playing is rewarded and find myself falling behind on the xp. Someone suggested to me to explane to the Dm why I'm being silent. I don't like that. The other charasters don't explane why they are talking. I am trying to find ways of role playing without speaking. Any suggestions?
ZARATHOS1972
02-11-06, 03:10 PM As a DM, I can tell you that not saying anything is bad. Your DM is not a mind reader. You need to let him know that is what you are trying to do. If you don't tell him, it won't matter what else you do. He may not pick up on the suttle things you are trying to do if he's not looking for them.
PharaunZarfien
02-11-06, 07:57 PM I have talked to my Dm. We both agree that me not sying anything or just standing behind the wizard while he talks is not worthy of xp. That's why I'm trying to think of things my character can accualy do without breaking his whole concept. :weep:
Fithero
02-12-06, 01:17 AM Think how much "in-game" time a conversation you actually role play would total at? For a talkative character... you might role play about 10-15 minutes of him/her talking... and its assumed that when the party isnt activley in a conversation... the characters are still talking (While they are riding their mounts, around the campfire.. while their stabbing foes)

but of course you dont actually say all of this dialogue yourself... heck youd be sitting around the table talking for hours.

If your character is the strong silent type, perhaps he takes part in important conversations (pretty much all the plot driven convo's you have with npc's) and maybe sometimes with the other pc's. Apart from that, just say that while your characters are in their down time (getting ready for bed, traveling to the next town etc...) your character speaks very little, or not at all.

This allows you to keep your strong silent type persona and also allows you to gain role playing exp... and besides.. playing a character that doesnt converse with the others is never really that much fun.

Hope this helps

Later
Caretaker
02-12-06, 05:20 AM Talking is, of course, only a part of roleplaying. The DM cannot tell the difference between somebody who is not participating in the RP and somebody who is intentionally silent. What you might tryis describing what you're character is doing, and as such chreating an impression of your character. when an important conversation is going on, you might insert things as "you see [character name]'s face contort in contemplation. he raises his hand as if he wants to say something, but then he seems to reconsider and remains silent." or [ Character name] sits back while the others talk, gazing intensely at those involved in the conversation." And then, there's just the actions that do not involve talking, but still display your character. While others go to talk to the inkeeper, you can describe your own actions, like "I sit down, pull out a knife and start to carve a figure from that piece of wood I picked up earlier (or whatever your character does to pass the time)"
Another tactic you can try is not saying much, but inserting some comments now and then to show how your character is thinking. My current character is a bit of the strong and silent type who doesn't waste his time with idle conversation, but his intense dislike of wizards causes him to mutter "Wizards!" every time the party's flamboyant mage opens his mouth.

Remember, strong silent types are not mute, they are just uncomfortable talking to others. when they are around people they trust, they feel less of this discomfort and open up a little more. IRL I am the silent type, but my close friends always consider me to be quite talkative. Once your character starts to feel a bit more comfortable around the other party memebers, he might open up to them more, but he shuts up when others com around.

I hope this helps a bit
Sita Ram
02-12-06, 10:31 AM You may also try skills that do not require talking such as intimidating...

Ultimately your best bet is to speak during important conversations. Just make sure when you are not being silent the words that you choose are "strong".
Branto
02-13-06, 03:40 PM Intimidating without talking? :P Possible, of course.. waving a weapon around or puffing your chest out or smashing some nearby object or something.. but sometimes threats and smacktalk are what intimidation are all about. ;)

As for your DM thinking you shouldn't get XP because you don't talk.. well, if you're not talking much OOC, then it's understandable.. you should at least be describing your actions as Caretaker suggested .. .. I just hope noone ever gets on your case because of your character being untalkative.. that'd just be silly ;)
streydog80
02-20-06, 08:27 PM I can see your pain as I can't seem to get away from that particular charcter trait. My own interpretation of that is not that the char doesn't speak at all, its that they only speak when they think another spin needs to be put on what others are saying or they are not asking things your char would think of. then in those situations where you would speak, keep it as short as possible no uneeded words. just short and sweet. use body language descriptions as much as you can and let the other players interpret the meanings, adding another facet to their interaction with you. hope that helped
Morka
02-21-06, 02:33 PM You could perhaps tell what your character is thinking? Put your two hands before your mouth to create an effect, and make a difference from when your character is actually talking. He could be thinking a lot of things, but don't bother to tell it.
Saxis
02-21-06, 06:26 PM Here's what I do with my shy and sneaky little Whisper Gnome...

When roleplaying and talking to NPC's, she stands just within listening range and hides there, until something comes up that concerns her, or she disagree's with. Then she moves in fast and makes her dialog short and to the point, but flamboyant and almost angry sounding. She's a rogue, so I stick to the concept, and just deal with things quickly. She also does not like fair fights and the like... anything to benefit her is taken up quickly and without remorse.

With your situation, I don't think standing down completely is the right thing to do. You're the intimidator, but maybe you're embarassed. You glance around cautiously to see who's watching you, and give quiet yes/no answers and slight gestures when replying to people you are unfamiliar with. You get mad when people misunderstand you, or are unable to interpret what you're trying to put across. Join whover usually speaks for the party, as a protector or guard for them. Force yourself into the conversation. You can have your party members help you with this one. :D Give them ideas on how to get you involved, like say things they know your character won't agree with, cause scene which requires your help etc..

Definitely a tough one to pull off in alot of situations though...
interpretivechaos
02-21-06, 07:34 PM Sit next to the DM and mutter to yourself. Often the DM will be the only one who heres you, but you can get away without joining the conversation, and furthermore the DM can occasionally throw in high listen check NPCs to pick up on stuff and play off of.

Furthermore, I would make a list of things you will talk about. Most people are quiet when they're disinterested or have nothing to say, but pick a few passions that might show up from time to time. Give the list to your DM and you might experience from time to time an eccentric old man who shares your interests.

Finally, your DM may or may not accept this (as it doesn't add to the game as much), but you could keep a journal and regularly hand it to the DM. It gives you the oppurtunity to react in a silent passive way to things, and the DM can with the feedback make hooks etc.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
PharaunZarfien 02-11-06, 02:56 PM	I am an experienced role player but recently I challenged myself by playing a strong but silent character. I'm am playing in a campaign were role playing is rewarded and find myself falling behind on the xp. Someone suggested to me to explane to the Dm why I'm being silent. I don't like that. The other charasters don't explane why they are talking. I am trying to find ways of role playing without speaking. Any suggestions?
ZARATHOS1972 02-11-06, 03:10 PM	As a DM, I can tell you that not saying anything is bad. Your DM is not a mind reader. You need to let him know that is what you are trying to do. If you don't tell him, it won't matter what else you do. He may not pick up on the suttle things you are trying to do if he's not looking for them.
PharaunZarfien 02-11-06, 07:57 PM	I have talked to my Dm. We both agree that me not sying anything or just standing behind the wizard while he talks is not worthy of xp. That's why I'm trying to think of things my character can accualy do without breaking his whole concept. :weep:
Fithero 02-12-06, 01:17 AM	Think how much "in-game" time a conversation you actually role play would total at? For a talkative character... you might role play about 10-15 minutes of him/her talking... and its assumed that when the party isnt activley in a conversation... the characters are still talking (While they are riding their mounts, around the campfire.. while their stabbing foes) but of course you dont actually say all of this dialogue yourself... heck youd be sitting around the table talking for hours. If your character is the strong silent type, perhaps he takes part in important conversations (pretty much all the plot driven convo's you have with npc's) and maybe sometimes with the other pc's. Apart from that, just say that while your characters are in their down time (getting ready for bed, traveling to the next town etc...) your character speaks very little, or not at all. This allows you to keep your strong silent type persona and also allows you to gain role playing exp... and besides.. playing a character that doesnt converse with the others is never really that much fun. Hope this helps Later
Caretaker 02-12-06, 05:20 AM	Talking is, of course, only a part of roleplaying. The DM cannot tell the difference between somebody who is not participating in the RP and somebody who is intentionally silent. What you might tryis describing what you're character is doing, and as such chreating an impression of your character. when an important conversation is going on, you might insert things as "you see [character name]'s face contort in contemplation. he raises his hand as if he wants to say something, but then he seems to reconsider and remains silent." or [ Character name] sits back while the others talk, gazing intensely at those involved in the conversation." And then, there's just the actions that do not involve talking, but still display your character. While others go to talk to the inkeeper, you can describe your own actions, like "I sit down, pull out a knife and start to carve a figure from that piece of wood I picked up earlier (or whatever your character does to pass the time)" Another tactic you can try is not saying much, but inserting some comments now and then to show how your character is thinking. My current character is a bit of the strong and silent type who doesn't waste his time with idle conversation, but his intense dislike of wizards causes him to mutter "Wizards!" every time the party's flamboyant mage opens his mouth. Remember, strong silent types are not mute, they are just uncomfortable talking to others. when they are around people they trust, they feel less of this discomfort and open up a little more. IRL I am the silent type, but my close friends always consider me to be quite talkative. Once your character starts to feel a bit more comfortable around the other party memebers, he might open up to them more, but he shuts up when others com around. I hope this helps a bit
Sita Ram 02-12-06, 10:31 AM	You may also try skills that do not require talking such as intimidating... Ultimately your best bet is to speak during important conversations. Just make sure when you are not being silent the words that you choose are "strong".
Branto 02-13-06, 03:40 PM	Intimidating without talking? :P Possible, of course.. waving a weapon around or puffing your chest out or smashing some nearby object or something.. but sometimes threats and smacktalk are what intimidation are all about. ;) As for your DM thinking you shouldn't get XP because you don't talk.. well, if you're not talking much OOC, then it's understandable.. you should at least be describing your actions as Caretaker suggested .. .. I just hope noone ever gets on your case because of your character being untalkative.. that'd just be silly ;)
streydog80 02-20-06, 08:27 PM	I can see your pain as I can't seem to get away from that particular charcter trait. My own interpretation of that is not that the char doesn't speak at all, its that they only speak when they think another spin needs to be put on what others are saying or they are not asking things your char would think of. then in those situations where you would speak, keep it as short as possible no uneeded words. just short and sweet. use body language descriptions as much as you can and let the other players interpret the meanings, adding another facet to their interaction with you. hope that helped
Morka 02-21-06, 02:33 PM	You could perhaps tell what your character is thinking? Put your two hands before your mouth to create an effect, and make a difference from when your character is actually talking. He could be thinking a lot of things, but don't bother to tell it.
Saxis 02-21-06, 06:26 PM	Here's what I do with my shy and sneaky little Whisper Gnome... When roleplaying and talking to NPC's, she stands just within listening range and hides there, until something comes up that concerns her, or she disagree's with. Then she moves in fast and makes her dialog short and to the point, but flamboyant and almost angry sounding. She's a rogue, so I stick to the concept, and just deal with things quickly. She also does not like fair fights and the like... anything to benefit her is taken up quickly and without remorse. With your situation, I don't think standing down completely is the right thing to do. You're the intimidator, but maybe you're embarassed. You glance around cautiously to see who's watching you, and give quiet yes/no answers and slight gestures when replying to people you are unfamiliar with. You get mad when people misunderstand you, or are unable to interpret what you're trying to put across. Join whover usually speaks for the party, as a protector or guard for them. Force yourself into the conversation. You can have your party members help you with this one. :D Give them ideas on how to get you involved, like say things they know your character won't agree with, cause scene which requires your help etc.. Definitely a tough one to pull off in alot of situations though...
interpretivechaos 02-21-06, 07:34 PM	Sit next to the DM and mutter to yourself. Often the DM will be the only one who heres you, but you can get away without joining the conversation, and furthermore the DM can occasionally throw in high listen check NPCs to pick up on stuff and play off of. Furthermore, I would make a list of things you will talk about. Most people are quiet when they're disinterested or have nothing to say, but pick a few passions that might show up from time to time. Give the list to your DM and you might experience from time to time an eccentric old man who shares your interests. Finally, your DM may or may not accept this (as it doesn't add to the game as much), but you could keep a journal and regularly hand it to the DM. It gives you the oppurtunity to react in a silent passive way to things, and the DM can with the feedback make hooks etc.