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Should I Roleplay?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
Crackerjake
Feb 15, 2009 20:15:04 I know that DnD is an RPG, and I want to role play. The problem is, I find it to be awkward and I feel a little silly when I do it, I'd like to role play, but it seems like I'm doomed to be a hack'n'slasher.
Any advice from you guys?
#2
DragonsWrath
Feb 15, 2009 20:30:05 Give it some time.

I'm just starting to get into it, and we are nearly level 6.

Also, try running a one-shot campaign, or something else silly. Last week our DM couldn't make it, so we screwed around with a flashback childhood scene.

http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1147387

I found that campaign especially fun because it was so ridiculous. Nothing was relevant to the plot, none of our actions had major consequences, and we could safely poke nasty critters with sticks, knowing we were quite safe from harm. I even spent a little while collecting rocks.
#3
navar100
Feb 15, 2009 20:32:53 For now speak in third person.

"My character (substitute your character's name) will speak with the Duke about the orc threat. He can tell the Duke about such-and-such." The DM would then ask for a Diplomacy check.

"My character will crack his knuckles while Gary's character questions the prisoner." DM will ask for an Intimidate check from you.

When you realy get into the game, before you know it you will be saying "I" instead of "my character". You won't even notice or at least not until after a few times you did it.
#4
viletta
Feb 15, 2009 21:11:48 Even when using, "I," there's still a gap there, from, "I greet Sir Loring cheerily," to, "Ah, Sir Loring, my friend, it has been too long!"

Still, experiment. You'll get to the level where you feel comfortable and can successfully roleplay at. If it's, "Galstaff stands between Thog and the prisoner, refusing to let him kill the defenseless man," then you can make that work as well as more immersive methods.
#5
ciaran
Feb 15, 2009 22:40:09 It helps when you are friends with the other people, but you'll learn to be comfortable doing it regardless.

I went to a D&D meet-up with one other guy in my group. There were about 30 gamers there. Everyone split up into groups and pre-selected DMs ran through a day of gaming. The idea is to meet other gamers where you live.

Anyways, my pal and I were playing brothers, for as chance would have it we made similar characters without consulting each other. We were the only ones really role-playing, and very few of the people were new!

If your group doesn't RP much then its up to you to go out on a limb and try it out. If you can inspire them to do the same you'll have a much better experience.
#6
Novacat
Feb 15, 2009 22:43:18 RP tools I've found helpful:

• Keep a journal, writing from your character's point of view. If you write out your characters thoughts after each session, his opinions on the events that occurred, then you'll be more aware of how your character feels about each situation during the game. Even if no one else ever reads it, it will help you develop your character's personality.

• If you really like combat (as do I), have your character really like it too. That will help you react appropriately, and you can apply your real-life reactions to your character (within reason). The more your character is like you, the easier it is to role-play.

• When I'm conceptualizing a character's personality, I'll usually pick one or two traits that are most defining for that character. A handful of habits, tendencies, or philosophies that will most strongly mold the character into what he is. For example, Selfish and Good-hearted are a great combo, mostly because they conflict with each other. When you have to choose between what's right, and what's best for you, you can have that moral hesitation, and then decide which road your character chooses. Conversations later about your character's motivations become much more interesting this way.
#7
etarnon
Feb 15, 2009 23:22:53 you could just say "I make it die." and roll a d20.

Or begin a speech that talks about "driving the enemy before you..." and worship Krom.

Good luck.
#8
johnnii
Feb 16, 2009 0:55:00 If you consider yourself a "hacknslasher", then you should start by roleplaying in combat. It might be a little awkward for you perhaps to say things in-character during combat, but describing the action you do with attacks is a very good start.
#9
Krusk
Feb 17, 2009 15:50:07 Second the journal idea.

I find a character portrait helps a ton when trying to mentally visualize your character.

Additionally, I would recomend you not do silly voices, or any accent really, for your characters. You can be Rimgard the Dwarf without a slurred scottish accent just fine. Maybe if you get very comfortable with roleplaying later on you could think of picking one up.
#10
Kerrus
Feb 17, 2009 16:36:34 With my latest group, the DM insists that we roleplay stuff in first person mostly. We can't go "alright, my character tells him that yadda yadda"- we have to say it.

That said, it's proven an interesting environment because some of the players are really getting into their characters.

Usually what I find works well is that you assume the mantle of your character- and then it goes something like this:

*Having just been knocked out of a speeding - 100 ft/round cart where the rest of my party is fighting a 92 HP bonecast template electricity skeleton with all sorts of awesome loot, gotten knocked down to zero HP, and getting a DM ******** health recharge thanks to the cleric, I'm now way behind the cart holding the cleric's greater holy relic.*

Me (Monk): (OOC) Alright. I hold the relic in one hand- and gimme a sec, gotta phrase this right, but I'm going to make a prayer. When I'm done I book it for the cart at 4x.

DM: Sure. Make your prayer

Me (Monk): *I gather up all my crazy russianesq accent and start to speak* "Mighty Pelor, and Stalwart Heironious. You have assisted our mission many times, and I thank you for these boons. This mission we find ourselves on has been long and perilous, yet thanks to our faith and determination, I believe it is finally coming to a finish. While I would not ask further boons of you, I find myself heading into battle once more. And though I am not, perhaps, as strong in my faith as some members of my party, I would beseech you. Cast thine eyes upon our party, and bear witness to the good we do. This day we shall remove the taint of darkness upon this town and begin to reclaim it. For the good of all."

Me (Monk): (OOC) Alright, I book it for the wagon.

DM: What's your speed at 4x?

Me (Monk): (OOC) 160 ft

DM: You're faster then the horse- alright, you catch up and jump back on.

Session continued on, but I was really finding it easier to roleplay in character having taken that first step. Usually I'd say something in my fake accent, but otherwise be kind of silent. Maybe because I felt my character, as a monk, was sort of the silent sort. But Roleplaying is fun. And while you do, in all honesty, feel sort of silly when you start off, once you get into it it's really interesting.

Besides, it helps when your DM rewards good roleplaying- god knows this party would be dead many times over without DM rewarding roleplaying.
#11
Mcnancy
Feb 17, 2009 18:53:59
I find it to be awkward and I feel a little silly when I do it

What exactly do you consider "role-playing"?

Every player takes it to different levels, some like to stand up and get animated with expressing movement and mimicking their character's voice, some just narrate their character's actions in the third person as though they're just telling a story.

There is no correct way of doing it.

Even though a group can often adopt a sort of standard level of role-playing, If you have a good DM they will except whatever style of role-playing you're comfortable with.
#12
silenna
Feb 18, 2009 5:37:33 One thing I learned during my first forays into "in-characterness" is not to fear that moment when something comes out a bit odd or when you forget what you wanted to say (and how). Laugh it off or take a deep breath and start again. Most of us can't come up with great speeches, deep and beautiful dialogue or witty one-liners on the spot 95% of the time, (there's a reason movies have a script and sometimes a whole staff of writers) but those 5% when it works are a blast. RPing is unfamiliar at first (even for an outgoing person who isn't the least bit shy) but quite addictive once you start to get the hang of it.

After a few times you will find a pattern: something that you are comfortable with and that fits your character. That's a great foundation, build on it. When inspiration strikes, roll with it: Sometimes the right words and actions will come to you unbidden, suddenly you will stop thinking "Can I roleplay that?" for a moment and truly be in character for a minute or two. Trust your instinct, you won't regret it. You might learn something that helps you rp that character better, in- and outside of combat.

Well, there isn't one true way, just a few tips and tricks that are likely to work. If it feels right, you'll know it. Once you're comfortable with that style and level of rp-ing either boldly immerse yourself deeper into the situation/your character/the world or just stay there and enjoy it.
#13
Shiftkitty
Feb 19, 2009 14:30:38 If all you're doing is speaking in first person, "I think your plan is wrong. It's too dangerous. We should use this other plan.", then you have nothing to worry about looking silly. It's just playing a role in a game that is about playing roles. The journal idea is a good one.

On the other hand, you could be at my table where the aforementioned line would sound more like "You're screwed in the head! Why not just run up to them and cut off our own heads while they watch? Yeah! The shock factor alone would buy our kids enough time to grow up and come and kill them while they stand there with their friggin' jaws on the floor! Brilliant friggin' plan! Sweet criminy! Whose side are you on?" It would probably also be accompanied by a full range of facial expressions, four-letter grumbling, wild gestures, and some potentially Oscar-winning moments. (Of course, we're going to limit that guy's sugar intake from now on...;) )
#14
Dreamstryder
Feb 21, 2009 18:49:25 I treat it like a cold swimming pool; it's uncomfortable for five seconds after jumping in, but if you duck out then, you'll face the same problem later (heck, you'll probably face it later anyway), but keep trying if you desire it. Premeditate some some speech patterns and a few rambling topics so you keep your mouth open during the game. A backstory's good for this, but you don't need one for it.

I have a player who brags about a different odd relative each time doing ludicrous things that somehow apply to the situation (getting knocked on your bum time & again, being rich, etc). He also speaks in accent, a different one for each character. Another character has speech oddities: she'll say "jemple" instead of "temple," and some other things I can't recall at the moment.

We'll add one word or relative to start and come up with a new one the next session or so, and they pile up that way.
#15
eshenaleros
Feb 22, 2009 23:58:33 My first few characters were all like myself. at the time, I was fifteen, so my three first characters were a young half-elf sorcerer with barely any battle skills but was still enchanted by the idea of adventuring, a teenage elf who'd been stricken by wanderlust, and a young human warrior who wanted nothing more than to keep his sister safe (she was the party cleric at the time). Until your more comfortable with roleplaying, roleplay yourself as you would have been in the setting your character is in. if you do, the actions will come naturally. Also, I agree with the others about keeping a journal. it's the kind of thing that'll help you an incredible amount while roleplaying

Myself, after those three characters I tried out someone a bit older, with more experience under his belt, but kept the personality the same. I kinda morphed my original characters into what they would become, or what they would be like as a different race, and then later characters had other aspects changed on top of those things.

My current character is a bit closer to what I had in the past. It's a changeling (3.5 eberron, so it's basically a doppleganger with no level adjustment and a gender in it's natural form) who, though born male, was convinced by his mother that it should be female, because the mother always wanted a daughter. She just wanted to live a normal life, but was thrown into adventure at a fairly young age, trying to keep up being a girl, but eventually was found out as being a male changeling, and since has been pestered about it.

Acting out what my characters would do comes naturally now. I don't stand up at the table, but I move my arms as they would, talk like they would when I'm not actually describing an action, and think how they would think. Do it enough and eventually you come to a nice place where you don;t even have to think about acting in character. just, take it slow.
#16
DBrigner
Mar 25, 2009 20:57:22
I know that DnD is an RPG, and I want to role play. The problem is, I find it to be awkward and I feel a little silly when I do it, I'd like to role play, but it seems like I'm doomed to be a hack'n'slasher.
Any advice from you guys?

A. Try being the DM, it lets you set the pace.
B. Play a character that's a little over the top in roleplaying-wise (this lets future characters you make take more liberties roleplaying-wise without seeming to awkward), ie. character spends lots of time in Brothels (especially if it's a woman), Bathes 4 times a day (get irratable if doesn't), Has a prayer for every occasion (but the less religious, the better). Quirks that make a character stick out could have deep roots in your character's past that could turn into something worth roleplaying.
C. Host a who's main Goal isn't slaying The Dragon, but finding a problem, finding the culprate behind the problem, discovering the culprate i in fact a dragon, and THEN slaying it. (Suprise is the spice of a great story)
D. Find another DM.
#17
medhia_nox
Mar 25, 2009 21:48:46 One little thing we've picked up at our table is that at the beginning of each session we do a round robin describing out character briefly. We equate this to "putting on costumes" in a way. Plus, it's a nice reminder for the other players.

About feeling silly. This will either fade, or it won't. Yeah, very useless comment, but it's true. Give it time and effort.

When your DM says:

DM: You enter a cavern. Before you is a long bridge swaying over a chasm. On it stands the dark elf you have been persuing. He holds the young girl he took from the village and threateningly dangles her over the edge.

"One step closer and the girl falls!" The dark elf entones.

---

Before you answer. Get a mental image of what is going on. Think to yourself: Okay, my guy Burnack the Dwarf is angry. He doesn't like people being treated this way and he despises dark elves. He feel comfortable in caves and these types of bridges don't give him pause. Then...

You: I step on booted foot onto the bridge and heft my axe. "Let her go and I'll spare you with a swift death you Underdark filth!"
#18
pigknight
Mar 26, 2009 0:23:49 Practice on a text based medium first, that way you'll build confidance.
#19
caradrius
Mar 26, 2009 15:37:16 before next session, think up a few ridiculous phrases that your character would say when confronted with adversity. (all D&D characters are confronted with adversity) It could be a prayer, (Lord of Light preserve us!) or an oath (By my fathers sword I swear it.)

Practice saying it in front of a mirror, or when you are alone in the car. Then, when it's apropriate, just bust it out.

I played a dragonborn not long ago that was very crude. He swore by both Bahamut and Tiamat, but neither diety would likely appreciate the attention.

"that's as likely as Bahamut's platinum fart." It'll get a laugh, and you won't feel so ridiculous next time you say something in-character.
#20
pfunked
Mar 26, 2009 16:02:54 Wear a ridiculous hat to the table. I recommend a viking helmet with blonde braids coming down. Now you're already feeling silly, so just RP it up.
#21
mellored
Mar 27, 2009 9:26:32 Pick a simple personality you know well, not something complex or unfamiliar.

If your familiar with any cartoon/comic, copy a personality from thunder cat/ninja turtle/transformer (i'm showing my age). Then it should be easy for you to answer the core RP question, "what would do?". It helps if your role is similar to the characters. Like optimus prime would probably be a inspiring warlord.

I recommend your standard dumb barbarian. Then you just have to grunt and be quick to hit things, it's easy to roll play and if you end up hack-n-slashing, you'll still be in character.

Also, steal catch lines. "You wouldn't like me when i'm angry" when you use a rage and " SMASH!" if you crit.

My first character was a doppelganger rouge with amnesia. It gave me plenty of room to experiment with personalities.
#22
defender_of_odintyr
Mar 27, 2009 9:54:32
I know that DnD is an RPG, and I want to role play. The problem is, I find it to be awkward and I feel a little silly when I do it, I'd like to role play, but it seems like I'm doomed to be a hack'n'slasher.
Any advice from you guys?

Deos anyone else around the table role-play? How about the DM's interactions with the players from NPC's and such?

Just keep trying at it. If everyone else is sortof roleplaying then you should fall into it easier, if not then maybe you'll initiate it from the others in the group. Just keep it, you'll get more comfortable with it.
#23
danimaljenkins
Mar 29, 2009 16:31:38 Changing your voice up slightly (not silly, just different) helps break away from who you are vs. who your character is.

I've done several things. Fake russian accent, or adding unneeded S's to words. (Should we kills them? Or lets them go?") I RPed one character who was a brutal alcoholic/former pirate by rubbing my temples and moaning whenever I had to talk in character.

*rubs eyes* "Srrsrrly? Serious? We have to go all the way to Kalimshan? THat's like, THE WHOLE FRICKIN DAY! I gotta go ....get... some... shtuff. I'll be back later." Then I rolled 1d4, added 2, and bought that many bottles of wine.

The best was anytime anyone asked what I thought and I had started to wander mentally, I'd just rub my temple and go "What? You're talking too loud, I can't understand you."

This being said, when first breaking from hacknslash to RPing earnestly, making characters that are basically YOU with a sword or magic power is the easiest way to get comfortable. I've been playing for almost 20 years, and I still have a real hard time playing any character that is opposite of my actual belief/thought process. I can play alcoholics, because that's true to life. I can speak russian, so I can fake swearing (even though I'm just babbling like "this car has failed me", it's still amusing to others) and the accent is sublime.

It takes time. But the more you do it, the more comfortable and fun it can be.
#24
Darkwolf_Bloodsbane
Mar 30, 2009 11:24:09 You will feel silly, but it (might) go away.

I still feel rediculous with some of the characters I play, but that's because they're so over-the-top, they make Prince seem normal.

(One's based on Kamina from TTGL.)

Some of my characters get mis-labeled by my friends.

The key is to realize, no one will be laughing AT you.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Crackerjake Feb 15, 2009 20:15:04	I know that DnD is an RPG, and I want to role play. The problem is, I find it to be awkward and I feel a little silly when I do it, I'd like to role play, but it seems like I'm doomed to be a hack'n'slasher. Any advice from you guys?
#2 DragonsWrath Feb 15, 2009 20:30:05	Give it some time. I'm just starting to get into it, and we are nearly level 6. Also, try running a one-shot campaign, or something else silly. Last week our DM couldn't make it, so we screwed around with a flashback childhood scene. http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1147387 I found that campaign especially fun because it was so ridiculous. Nothing was relevant to the plot, none of our actions had major consequences, and we could safely poke nasty critters with sticks, knowing we were quite safe from harm. I even spent a little while collecting rocks.
#3 navar100 Feb 15, 2009 20:32:53	For now speak in third person. "My character (substitute your character's name) will speak with the Duke about the orc threat. He can tell the Duke about such-and-such." The DM would then ask for a Diplomacy check. "My character will crack his knuckles while Gary's character questions the prisoner." DM will ask for an Intimidate check from you. When you realy get into the game, before you know it you will be saying "I" instead of "my character". You won't even notice or at least not until after a few times you did it.
#4 viletta Feb 15, 2009 21:11:48	Even when using, "I," there's still a gap there, from, "I greet Sir Loring cheerily," to, "Ah, Sir Loring, my friend, it has been too long!" Still, experiment. You'll get to the level where you feel comfortable and can successfully roleplay at. If it's, "Galstaff stands between Thog and the prisoner, refusing to let him kill the defenseless man," then you can make that work as well as more immersive methods.
#5 ciaran Feb 15, 2009 22:40:09	It helps when you are friends with the other people, but you'll learn to be comfortable doing it regardless. I went to a D&D meet-up with one other guy in my group. There were about 30 gamers there. Everyone split up into groups and pre-selected DMs ran through a day of gaming. The idea is to meet other gamers where you live. Anyways, my pal and I were playing brothers, for as chance would have it we made similar characters without consulting each other. We were the only ones really role-playing, and very few of the people were new! If your group doesn't RP much then its up to you to go out on a limb and try it out. If you can inspire them to do the same you'll have a much better experience.
#6 Novacat Feb 15, 2009 22:43:18	RP tools I've found helpful: • Keep a journal, writing from your character's point of view. If you write out your characters thoughts after each session, his opinions on the events that occurred, then you'll be more aware of how your character feels about each situation during the game. Even if no one else ever reads it, it will help you develop your character's personality. • If you really like combat (as do I), have your character really like it too. That will help you react appropriately, and you can apply your real-life reactions to your character (within reason). The more your character is like you, the easier it is to role-play. • When I'm conceptualizing a character's personality, I'll usually pick one or two traits that are most defining for that character. A handful of habits, tendencies, or philosophies that will most strongly mold the character into what he is. For example, Selfish and Good-hearted are a great combo, mostly because they conflict with each other. When you have to choose between what's right, and what's best for you, you can have that moral hesitation, and then decide which road your character chooses. Conversations later about your character's motivations become much more interesting this way.
#7 etarnon Feb 15, 2009 23:22:53	you could just say "I make it die." and roll a d20. Or begin a speech that talks about "driving the enemy before you..." and worship Krom. Good luck.
#8 johnnii Feb 16, 2009 0:55:00	If you consider yourself a "hacknslasher", then you should start by roleplaying in combat. It might be a little awkward for you perhaps to say things in-character during combat, but describing the action you do with attacks is a very good start.
#9 Krusk Feb 17, 2009 15:50:07	Second the journal idea. I find a character portrait helps a ton when trying to mentally visualize your character. Additionally, I would recomend you not do silly voices, or any accent really, for your characters. You can be Rimgard the Dwarf without a slurred scottish accent just fine. Maybe if you get very comfortable with roleplaying later on you could think of picking one up.
#10 Kerrus Feb 17, 2009 16:36:34	With my latest group, the DM insists that we roleplay stuff in first person mostly. We can't go "alright, my character tells him that yadda yadda"- we have to say it. That said, it's proven an interesting environment because some of the players are really getting into their characters. Usually what I find works well is that you assume the mantle of your character- and then it goes something like this: Having just been knocked out of a speeding - 100 ft/round cart where the rest of my party is fighting a 92 HP bonecast template electricity skeleton with all sorts of awesome loot, gotten knocked down to zero HP, and getting a DM ******* health recharge thanks to the cleric, I'm now way behind the cart holding the cleric's greater holy relic.* Me (Monk): (OOC) Alright. I hold the relic in one hand- and gimme a sec, gotta phrase this right, but I'm going to make a prayer. When I'm done I book it for the cart at 4x. DM: Sure. Make your prayer Me (Monk): I gather up all my crazy russianesq accent and start to speak "Mighty Pelor, and Stalwart Heironious. You have assisted our mission many times, and I thank you for these boons. This mission we find ourselves on has been long and perilous, yet thanks to our faith and determination, I believe it is finally coming to a finish. While I would not ask further boons of you, I find myself heading into battle once more. And though I am not, perhaps, as strong in my faith as some members of my party, I would beseech you. Cast thine eyes upon our party, and bear witness to the good we do. This day we shall remove the taint of darkness upon this town and begin to reclaim it. For the good of all." Me (Monk): (OOC) Alright, I book it for the wagon. DM: What's your speed at 4x? Me (Monk): (OOC) 160 ft DM: You're faster then the horse- alright, you catch up and jump back on. Session continued on, but I was really finding it easier to roleplay in character having taken that first step. Usually I'd say something in my fake accent, but otherwise be kind of silent. Maybe because I felt my character, as a monk, was sort of the silent sort. But Roleplaying is fun. And while you do, in all honesty, feel sort of silly when you start off, once you get into it it's really interesting. Besides, it helps when your DM rewards good roleplaying- god knows this party would be dead many times over without DM rewarding roleplaying.
#11 Mcnancy Feb 17, 2009 18:53:59	I find it to be awkward and I feel a little silly when I do it What exactly do you consider "role-playing"? Every player takes it to different levels, some like to stand up and get animated with expressing movement and mimicking their character's voice, some just narrate their character's actions in the third person as though they're just telling a story. There is no correct way of doing it. Even though a group can often adopt a sort of standard level of role-playing, If you have a good DM they will except whatever style of role-playing you're comfortable with.
#12 silenna Feb 18, 2009 5:37:33	One thing I learned during my first forays into "in-characterness" is not to fear that moment when something comes out a bit odd or when you forget what you wanted to say (and how). Laugh it off or take a deep breath and start again. Most of us can't come up with great speeches, deep and beautiful dialogue or witty one-liners on the spot 95% of the time, (there's a reason movies have a script and sometimes a whole staff of writers) but those 5% when it works are a blast. RPing is unfamiliar at first (even for an outgoing person who isn't the least bit shy) but quite addictive once you start to get the hang of it. After a few times you will find a pattern: something that you are comfortable with and that fits your character. That's a great foundation, build on it. When inspiration strikes, roll with it: Sometimes the right words and actions will come to you unbidden, suddenly you will stop thinking "Can I roleplay that?" for a moment and truly be in character for a minute or two. Trust your instinct, you won't regret it. You might learn something that helps you rp that character better, in- and outside of combat. Well, there isn't one true way, just a few tips and tricks that are likely to work. If it feels right, you'll know it. Once you're comfortable with that style and level of rp-ing either boldly immerse yourself deeper into the situation/your character/the world or just stay there and enjoy it.
#13 Shiftkitty Feb 19, 2009 14:30:38	If all you're doing is speaking in first person, "I think your plan is wrong. It's too dangerous. We should use this other plan.", then you have nothing to worry about looking silly. It's just playing a role in a game that is about playing roles. The journal idea is a good one. On the other hand, you could be at my table where the aforementioned line would sound more like "You're screwed in the head! Why not just run up to them and cut off our own heads while they watch? Yeah! The shock factor alone would buy our kids enough time to grow up and come and kill them while they stand there with their friggin' jaws on the floor! Brilliant friggin' plan! Sweet criminy! Whose side are you on?" It would probably also be accompanied by a full range of facial expressions, four-letter grumbling, wild gestures, and some potentially Oscar-winning moments. (Of course, we're going to limit that guy's sugar intake from now on...;) )
#14 Dreamstryder Feb 21, 2009 18:49:25	I treat it like a cold swimming pool; it's uncomfortable for five seconds after jumping in, but if you duck out then, you'll face the same problem later (heck, you'll probably face it later anyway), but keep trying if you desire it. Premeditate some some speech patterns and a few rambling topics so you keep your mouth open during the game. A backstory's good for this, but you don't need one for it. I have a player who brags about a different odd relative each time doing ludicrous things that somehow apply to the situation (getting knocked on your bum time & again, being rich, etc). He also speaks in accent, a different one for each character. Another character has speech oddities: she'll say "jemple" instead of "temple," and some other things I can't recall at the moment. We'll add one word or relative to start and come up with a new one the next session or so, and they pile up that way.
#15 eshenaleros Feb 22, 2009 23:58:33	My first few characters were all like myself. at the time, I was fifteen, so my three first characters were a young half-elf sorcerer with barely any battle skills but was still enchanted by the idea of adventuring, a teenage elf who'd been stricken by wanderlust, and a young human warrior who wanted nothing more than to keep his sister safe (she was the party cleric at the time). Until your more comfortable with roleplaying, roleplay yourself as you would have been in the setting your character is in. if you do, the actions will come naturally. Also, I agree with the others about keeping a journal. it's the kind of thing that'll help you an incredible amount while roleplaying Myself, after those three characters I tried out someone a bit older, with more experience under his belt, but kept the personality the same. I kinda morphed my original characters into what they would become, or what they would be like as a different race, and then later characters had other aspects changed on top of those things. My current character is a bit closer to what I had in the past. It's a changeling (3.5 eberron, so it's basically a doppleganger with no level adjustment and a gender in it's natural form) who, though born male, was convinced by his mother that it should be female, because the mother always wanted a daughter. She just wanted to live a normal life, but was thrown into adventure at a fairly young age, trying to keep up being a girl, but eventually was found out as being a male changeling, and since has been pestered about it. Acting out what my characters would do comes naturally now. I don't stand up at the table, but I move my arms as they would, talk like they would when I'm not actually describing an action, and think how they would think. Do it enough and eventually you come to a nice place where you don;t even have to think about acting in character. just, take it slow.
#16 DBrigner Mar 25, 2009 20:57:22	I know that DnD is an RPG, and I want to role play. The problem is, I find it to be awkward and I feel a little silly when I do it, I'd like to role play, but it seems like I'm doomed to be a hack'n'slasher. Any advice from you guys? A. Try being the DM, it lets you set the pace. B. Play a character that's a little over the top in roleplaying-wise (this lets future characters you make take more liberties roleplaying-wise without seeming to awkward), ie. character spends lots of time in Brothels (especially if it's a woman), Bathes 4 times a day (get irratable if doesn't), Has a prayer for every occasion (but the less religious, the better). Quirks that make a character stick out could have deep roots in your character's past that could turn into something worth roleplaying. C. Host a who's main Goal isn't slaying The Dragon, but finding a problem, finding the culprate behind the problem, discovering the culprate i in fact a dragon, and THEN slaying it. (Suprise is the spice of a great story) D. Find another DM.
#17 medhia_nox Mar 25, 2009 21:48:46	One little thing we've picked up at our table is that at the beginning of each session we do a round robin describing out character briefly. We equate this to "putting on costumes" in a way. Plus, it's a nice reminder for the other players. About feeling silly. This will either fade, or it won't. Yeah, very useless comment, but it's true. Give it time and effort. When your DM says: DM: You enter a cavern. Before you is a long bridge swaying over a chasm. On it stands the dark elf you have been persuing. He holds the young girl he took from the village and threateningly dangles her over the edge. "One step closer and the girl falls!" The dark elf entones. --- Before you answer. Get a mental image of what is going on. Think to yourself: Okay, my guy Burnack the Dwarf is angry. He doesn't like people being treated this way and he despises dark elves. He feel comfortable in caves and these types of bridges don't give him pause. Then... You: I step on booted foot onto the bridge and heft my axe. "Let her go and I'll spare you with a swift death you Underdark filth!"
#18 pigknight Mar 26, 2009 0:23:49	Practice on a text based medium first, that way you'll build confidance.
#19 caradrius Mar 26, 2009 15:37:16	before next session, think up a few ridiculous phrases that your character would say when confronted with adversity. (all D&D characters are confronted with adversity) It could be a prayer, (Lord of Light preserve us!) or an oath (By my fathers sword I swear it.) Practice saying it in front of a mirror, or when you are alone in the car. Then, when it's apropriate, just bust it out. I played a dragonborn not long ago that was very crude. He swore by both Bahamut and Tiamat, but neither diety would likely appreciate the attention. "that's as likely as Bahamut's platinum fart." It'll get a laugh, and you won't feel so ridiculous next time you say something in-character.
#20 pfunked Mar 26, 2009 16:02:54	Wear a ridiculous hat to the table. I recommend a viking helmet with blonde braids coming down. Now you're already feeling silly, so just RP it up.
#21 mellored Mar 27, 2009 9:26:32	Pick a simple personality you know well, not something complex or unfamiliar. If your familiar with any cartoon/comic, copy a personality from thunder cat/ninja turtle/transformer (i'm showing my age). Then it should be easy for you to answer the core RP question, "what would do?". It helps if your role is similar to the characters. Like optimus prime would probably be a inspiring warlord. I recommend your standard dumb barbarian. Then you just have to grunt and be quick to hit things, it's easy to roll play and if you end up hack-n-slashing, you'll still be in character. Also, steal catch lines. "You wouldn't like me when i'm angry" when you use a rage and " SMASH!" if you crit. My first character was a doppelganger rouge with amnesia. It gave me plenty of room to experiment with personalities.
#22 defender_of_odintyr Mar 27, 2009 9:54:32	I know that DnD is an RPG, and I want to role play. The problem is, I find it to be awkward and I feel a little silly when I do it, I'd like to role play, but it seems like I'm doomed to be a hack'n'slasher. Any advice from you guys? Deos anyone else around the table role-play? How about the DM's interactions with the players from NPC's and such? Just keep trying at it. If everyone else is sortof roleplaying then you should fall into it easier, if not then maybe you'll initiate it from the others in the group. Just keep it, you'll get more comfortable with it.
#23 danimaljenkins Mar 29, 2009 16:31:38	Changing your voice up slightly (not silly, just different) helps break away from who you are vs. who your character is. I've done several things. Fake russian accent, or adding unneeded S's to words. (Should we kills them? Or lets them go?") I RPed one character who was a brutal alcoholic/former pirate by rubbing my temples and moaning whenever I had to talk in character. rubs eyes "Srrsrrly? Serious? We have to go all the way to Kalimshan? THat's like, THE WHOLE FRICKIN DAY! I gotta go ....get... some... shtuff. I'll be back later." Then I rolled 1d4, added 2, and bought that many bottles of wine. The best was anytime anyone asked what I thought and I had started to wander mentally, I'd just rub my temple and go "What? You're talking too loud, I can't understand you." This being said, when first breaking from hacknslash to RPing earnestly, making characters that are basically YOU with a sword or magic power is the easiest way to get comfortable. I've been playing for almost 20 years, and I still have a real hard time playing any character that is opposite of my actual belief/thought process. I can play alcoholics, because that's true to life. I can speak russian, so I can fake swearing (even though I'm just babbling like "this car has failed me", it's still amusing to others) and the accent is sublime. It takes time. But the more you do it, the more comfortable and fun it can be.
#24 Darkwolf_Bloodsbane Mar 30, 2009 11:24:09	You will feel silly, but it (might) go away. I still feel rediculous with some of the characters I play, but that's because they're so over-the-top, they make Prince seem normal. (One's based on Kamina from TTGL.) Some of my characters get mis-labeled by my friends. The key is to realize, no one will be laughing AT you.