Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 cideon Feb 13, 2015 0:48:22	OK, so I'm really new at this, please bear with me. Also female, which makes me paranoid of going to a game shop right now that I'm a newbie.   I've never played D&D before, but in high school I'd love hearing about some campaigns my friends would play it. I tried following it where I could, like comics such as Darths and Droids. And as luck would have it, now I FINALLY get to play. A coworker (DM) bought the starter set for his son, and asked me and another coworker to join in. The other guy's never played before either (and probably not hoped to like I have all these years since high school, heh), and our DM used to play a long time ago.    We had a single session so far with some premade characters (being that I always prefer to tank out on video and forum games, I chose Shargai for his looks from that dungeonsmaster site) and it was pretty fun overall. I look forward to our next so much that I already ordered myself my own dice, and have tried to draw out my character a bit.    The problem lies in that it is much more combat-oriented than I thought it would be. Our characters do not talk to each other, not even to exchange names. I've planned a simple backstory for mine which includes him being in love with some random princess, Chaotic Good, and has some kind of crazy debilitating fear/love (haven't figured out if like a fear of running water or love of fuzzy animal babies, something generally un-Orcish like that). But... how can I ask for some role playing stuff? I don't want to insult the DM, since he's actually played the game, and I don't want to do too much and scare away the other two guys. Should I just start off subtly, like during a fight by cheering on a team mate? Or is there a better method?
#2 Imaculata Feb 13, 2015 6:36:00	Sure, that's usually how I try to break the ice. But I don't do it during combat, but during downtime. During our adventures, I'll simply chat with a fellow player. If that player is not used to roleplaying much, it might take some gentle cohersion to get them to talk. For example, I played a barbarian with a very low intellect a long time ago. And during the adventure I would occasionally share a story from his tribe with the other players, usually with a humorous twist at the end. Humor is a great way to break the ice, when it comes to roleplaying. Some players just need to be lured out of their protective bubble a bit.   For example, when a heavy gate had to be lifted, he would sometimes brag to his team mates, and tell them that he could lift it easily with just one hand. The players would get quite a chuckle out of it, and challenge him to prove it. The DM would then come up with a way to rule it on the fly. This sort of roleplaying adds some flavor to the character, without interupting the action.
#3 Beoric Feb 13, 2015 8:39:25	Its pretty common for beginners to start that way, and keep in mind that people are focussing on learning the mechanics; they may not have internalized the rules, or their characters' abilities, sufficiently to spare any energy on roleplaying.   I would start out by speaking in character when possible, and referring to players by their character names when you do so.  Don't be over-the-top at this point, they may not be ready for it.  But, for instance, if you have a tactical suggestion in combat, ask if Aragorn the ranger can move around into the flank, or if Kalen the cleric can heal you.    Once they start responding to it (or at least don't seem put off by it), you can kick it up a notch.  And keep your expectations reasonable.  Some of your fellow players might never get comfortable speaking in character, and that's okay too.
#4 baldhermit Feb 13, 2015 8:41:28	Also, give vivid descriptions during combat. Don't call off the name of whatever action youre doing, say instead:' Shargai leaps past his fellows, and engages the opposing (monster) with a swift slash of his (weapon) all the while yelling insults to (the opposing force)...'  or when a team mate misses: ' you gotta try harder mate, these are no sissies we're fightin '
#5 iserith Feb 13, 2015 10:00:42	Engage in both descriptive and active roleplaying as much as you can. See pages 66-67 of the Basic Rules. Don't ask questions of the DM: State actions that you take that say something about your character's nature, history, or bonds with other characters. Rather than "Can I open the door?" say "I open the door forcefully because Shargai isn't afraid of what's lay beyond." You're both taking an action here and saying something about your character. Use this approach to engage other players as well. "Shargai trusts [Character] implicitly so he agrees to follow without question." Stuff like that.   You can see some good examples of actual play here in Actual Play Transcripts where players do a good job of interacting and showing who they are. Some techniques can be seen as well that help make that happen. Good luck!
#6 Mr.Durriken Feb 13, 2015 10:07:21	Why would it be wrong to ask the DM to include more roleplaying opportunities in the game?  If there is something you want in the game and it is not there, just say so.   Still do what other are suggesting and dramatize your combat - loads of fun for everyone around the table, you'll see the other plays waiting for your colorful descriptions, and maybe they want to get in on it too.  But, if you want something in a game (or don't want something) the best thing is to just say so.  Simple, straight foward, mature.  Just, "hey, I'd really like to roleplay some conversations, maybe have to get information from an NPC, use some social skills to get out of a bad situation, something like that.  I think that might be fun to have in the game"   You say the DM played before, but didn't imply any degree of experience.  See, you just have to roleplay your character, the DM has to do ALL the NPCs. Your DM may not be comfortable trying to come up with personalities/motivations/etc for NPC's on the fly.  It might be that it is a new group, it might take some time for everyone to get their sea legs so to speak.       TjD
(Reply to #6) Beoric	Mr.Durriken wrote: