My question is about roleplaying, which might be the hardest part for me. I think I'll be slightly embarrassed at first, and that I'll move into it, but do you guys have any advice on how to conduct myself in the game world? I'm making either an unaligned or good Eladrin Wizard (Not like that matters much as far as how to conduct myself).
They're all pretty laid back, and they have a lot of fun, but I just don't want to say or do things in character that are just stupid or laughable.
Any and all help is appreciated, and thanks in advance for your responses!
Now then to me role playing was hard at first I could not get past the fear of looking like a fool but as you play it should become a lot easier. For your first character I would suggest giving him a personality similar to your own that will make you feel more comfortable.
With a base personality close to yours you can tweak it with with some of the traits of the eladrin race but I would not go too far, it is your first time and you said these guys are relaxed so no one will freak out if you don't play exactly as an eladrin should be played. (and remember the adventuring members of a race are always slightly different then the other members of their race so you have some room to play with)
But remember that the most important thing is to have fun so relax and enjoy the game, and again welcome to our hobby I hope you enjoy it
That being said, you have watched them roleplay before, try to do the same types of roleplay they do.
A few times I have seen new players with an instictive ability to roleplay run into that problem. My wife's first adventure we went into a dusty old building of some sort, and she sneezed.
I think to this day that is excellent roleplaying, but folks laughed at her. I think it was in character, she was the only human, and the only character who wasn't a prior adventurer in character, but it hurt her feelings.
Another time we had just fought a bunch of rats, and spread out to search for treasure. She saw a lump under the pillow, and smashed it with her warhammer. Tinkle went the glass.
The thing is, everyone forgave her for the different RP style, even when folks were going "that could have been a potion!" I think they even learned something about RP from her.
They will enjoy playing with you too, even if you make "mistakes."
I start playing on Saturday, and hopefully I'll be ready. :D
That said, the best piece of advice I have is to think of a long term goal for your character, something they want to achieve over the course of their adventuring career. Then think of three reasons why they would want to achieve this goal...motivation if you will. Finally, try to think of some shortcoming or another springing from the characters personality that may hinder their personal quest in someway. Establish these basic things, and you have a good foundation for a character, and it will be easier to view the gameworld from their eyes.
But again, the most important part of all...have fun with it. Anyway, you sound like you have the enthusiasm, the rest will come with time and experence.
Welcome to the hobby!
Yeah, this is the aspect that has made me aphrenshive about getting into tabletop D&D. I'm not at all worried about how I'll look, I'm just not comfortable about the idea of speaking "in character".
Preclude and post-fix each thing you say with "(Character) says:"
I've had to DM for 15 years or so, and occasionally it comes with a female NPC. When I have to speak as one it's easier to do this than my faux femme voice.
Don't even change your tone either; at most, your diction. Groups are few that expect genuine theatrics out of you.
And welcome to the game.
My main character (human paladin) I model after myself so my RPing is natural. Heck, one of the guys we used to game with at a local hobby shop was a biker and RPed his Dwarven Fighter in his normal personality (which was a litle frightening as well as cool).
Yeah, this is the aspect that has made me aphrenshive about getting into tabletop D&D. I'm not at all worried about how I'll look, I'm just not comfortable about the idea of speaking "in character".
This is quite natural. Odds are the rest of the people at the table felt exactly the same way when they first started playing. You have something going for you already, though: you know these guys and they're laid back. Sounds like a good mix to me! :D
Volund-Starfire has a neat bit of advice I'm not sure you caught:
When starting out, play a character that's based on yourself. Take a look at the classes, and find one that meshes well with one aspect of your personality. For example, if you're normally an outgoing, talkative type, pick a race with a bonus to Charisma and a class that has Diplomacy, Bluff, and/or Insight on its class skill list.
Pick one or two little quirks, some verbal schtick and a physical bit are good options, and use them regularly. Being overly formal to women or always shouting some variation of "Cry havoc! and let loose the dogs of war!" in battle are two examples of the verbal schtick. Running your hand through your hair when you're thinking or making a coin dance back and forth across your knuckles when you're bored are examples of physical bits.
**BAMF**
You're now the outgoing, talkative type with deft hands that the ladies find charming ... who just happens to be able to pick locks and stick something excessively sharp somewhere exceedingly soft, or be able to blast you to little smoking bits from 50' away, or be able to lay down some serious butt-kicking for goodness! when necessary.
Then... relax. You're among friends. If you can't act like a fool with your friends in the privacy of your own home, where can you act like a fool?! :D
Say you're an Eladrin dedicated to emulating human behaviour. Or that you're a super-genius that has trouble finding the right words for his brilliance. Write up a few catch-phrases to make your character memorable ("What you talk about, Driz'zt?") and you're golden.
I remember my first session. The idea of talking in character is so foreign. I was in no way an actor or anyone who had ever performed before. I got nervous and stuttered anytime I had to talk "in character", and believe me that's not a good thing for a bard to do.
But after a while I realized two things. One, I probably shouldn't of been playing a character upon whom social interaction was such an important part of who they were. And two, nobody cared that I was nervous or antsy, they were just glad their friend was there to share in some good times.
And that's what this is all about. You're just going to sit down with some friends and make a few memories you can look back at and laugh at later. So what if you are nervous your first time out. I bet you full well that they were just as nervous their first time out too.
Just think to your self who is your character? Why are they adventuring? What do they want to do? Does your wizard seek grand celestial powers of the cosmos to be bent to his will? Or does he just seek to discover some of the secrets of the universe in order to share them and better his fellow people? Is he a kindly soul who looks out for others? Or is he a power hungry person out for his own gain?
Also, go with the good alignment. I'm not sure who you are personally, but I'm willing to bet that you, much like most of the rest of society are just your basic good person. Say things you think you might say in that given position. Just be yourself somewhat. Let the things your character sees and does add to the personality you're creating. As you adventure, your gaming persona will develop on it's own. An old returning foe will make angry remarks spring to your lips. Remembering a fallen comrade might make you sad. Thinking of an ironic or funny memory should bring a smile to your lips.
Give it time, take it easy, and let it all unfold as it will. Just be yourself and remember that you're here to have fun with your friends, just like they're there to have fun with you. ;)
This is quite natural. Odds are the rest of the people at the table felt exactly the same way when they first started playing. You have something going for you already, though: you know these guys and they're laid back. Sounds like a good mix to me! :D
You have me confused with the starter of the thread, I'm just a dude in the same boat! I actually haven't even found a group yet, though I did just order the 4th edition Core Rulebooks set from Amazon. Finding a group is bit problematic for me because I work evenings at the moment and until I can tranfer to day shift (have to get my 90 days in before I can even put in), my only free day is Sunday, and that's reserved for baseball and football (though my Indians are in the cellar right now, huge dissapointment thus far
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