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Actors Having a Tough Time Roleplaying
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<blockquote data-quote="Imaculata" data-source="post: 6856019" data-attributes="member: 6801286"><p>I've never had the experience of game mechanics getting in the way of role playing. I suspect this depends entirely on your group. </p><p></p><p>In a recent session, my players were fighting a bunch of evil wizards, while lava was closing in on them. One of the players had summoned a phantom army, thus exposing the enemy wizards to attacks of opportunity (this is 3.5 rules). The players discussed out loud with each other what the most efficient position would be to summon the phantom army, which is perfectly fine by me. I don't feel this breaks immersion. The players are talking tactics with each other, not the characters.</p><p></p><p>Another player then discussed how on his turn, he could dash into one of the wizards, so the wizard would be pushed back a few squares, and exposed to multiple attacks of opportunity from the phantom army (a great example of players combining their powers for cool combos). The players all discussed what actions would be best in this situation, leading to some interesting strategic play. But then as soon as a strategy was decided on, they resumed role playing. And I think this works great.</p><p></p><p>I don't think you need to be in-character 100% of the time. If you're only in character when it is your turn, then that is perfectly fine. And you don't need to narrate every attack you do, and every dice you roll. Because that could get old fast. If the combat starts feeling a bit mechanical, or too much by the numbers, then I as a DM can always add some extra narration. But I don't think the players should feel obligated to ONLY talk in-character.</p><p></p><p>I also prefer my sessions being open to offhand comments and silly jokes. That, to me, is what D&D is all about. If I as a DM accidentally call a female npc a "He", and everyone has a big laugh about it, then there is nothing wrong with that. It doesn't matter, and it doesn't ruin role playing. </p><p></p><p><strong>OC jokes and interruptions are good. Especially when the plot is super serious, or extremely suspenseful, then that is all the more reason for moments of levity. It allows a relief from the suspense, triggered by the players themselves.</strong></p><p></p><p>I NEVER tell my players that they MUST BE SERIOUS. If your story is exciting and engaging, then your players will automatically be serious <u>when it matters</u>. And you can perfectly mix OC discussions about strategy, with bits of serious IC role playing.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Imaculata, post: 6856019, member: 6801286"] I've never had the experience of game mechanics getting in the way of role playing. I suspect this depends entirely on your group. In a recent session, my players were fighting a bunch of evil wizards, while lava was closing in on them. One of the players had summoned a phantom army, thus exposing the enemy wizards to attacks of opportunity (this is 3.5 rules). The players discussed out loud with each other what the most efficient position would be to summon the phantom army, which is perfectly fine by me. I don't feel this breaks immersion. The players are talking tactics with each other, not the characters. Another player then discussed how on his turn, he could dash into one of the wizards, so the wizard would be pushed back a few squares, and exposed to multiple attacks of opportunity from the phantom army (a great example of players combining their powers for cool combos). The players all discussed what actions would be best in this situation, leading to some interesting strategic play. But then as soon as a strategy was decided on, they resumed role playing. And I think this works great. I don't think you need to be in-character 100% of the time. If you're only in character when it is your turn, then that is perfectly fine. And you don't need to narrate every attack you do, and every dice you roll. Because that could get old fast. If the combat starts feeling a bit mechanical, or too much by the numbers, then I as a DM can always add some extra narration. But I don't think the players should feel obligated to ONLY talk in-character. I also prefer my sessions being open to offhand comments and silly jokes. That, to me, is what D&D is all about. If I as a DM accidentally call a female npc a "He", and everyone has a big laugh about it, then there is nothing wrong with that. It doesn't matter, and it doesn't ruin role playing. [B]OC jokes and interruptions are good. Especially when the plot is super serious, or extremely suspenseful, then that is all the more reason for moments of levity. It allows a relief from the suspense, triggered by the players themselves.[/B] I NEVER tell my players that they MUST BE SERIOUS. If your story is exciting and engaging, then your players will automatically be serious [U]when it matters[/U]. And you can perfectly mix OC discussions about strategy, with bits of serious IC role playing. [/QUOTE]
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