Any DMs ever try this?

[JVisgaitis]

Hey all, I've recently started DMing for a biweekly game set on Violet Dawn using the Broken Isles and I've been trying to come up with interesting adventures for the group. One of my favorite episodes of Buffy was the Hush episode where none of the characters could speak.

I was thinking of having something similar threaten the Broken Isles and was wondering if there would be any noticeable pitfalls or problems with taking away a players ability to speak. Granted, spells with verbal components couldn't be used, and I imagine it would get boring if it went for more then a session or two. I'm sure someone has done this, but I'd just like to get some insight on how this would play out. Thanks!

 

[Crothian]

It of course depends on your players. I tried this a few years back and all they did was just use pen and paper to communicate and it was kinda boring. With some people who would go with non verbal non writing communication and use writing less it could be fun.

 

[JVisgaitis]

I tried this a few years back and all they did was just use pen and paper to communicate and it was kinda boring.

That's what I'm afraid of. The reason I want to do this is that awhile back (like 2e days), one of my players played a barbarian who was raised by minotaurs and couldn't speak common. H+e hammed it up, and it was really cool.

 

[Hypersmurf]

While I have much love for the Gentlemen, if you really want to freak out your players, have the villain menacing the Isles be Sweet...



-Hyp.

 

[Vorput]

While I have much love for the Gentlemen, if you really want to freak out your players, have the villain menacing the Isles be Sweet...



-Hyp.

::sniffs:: That would be the coolest adventure- EVER.

 

[Hypersmurf]

::sniffs:: That would be the coolest adventure- EVER.

If all your players are improv comedians with the cantatory talents of Mike McShane or Wayne Brady, sure

-Hyp.

 

[JVisgaitis]

While I have much love for the Gentlemen, if you really want to freak out your players, have the villain menacing the Isles be Sweet...

Hehe... That would be craziness.

 

[Contrarian]

It of course depends on your players. I tried this a few years back and all they did was just use pen and paper to communicate and it was kinda boring.

Escalate the threat. Don't take away voice, take away language. They try to speak -- no sound. They try to write -- useless squiggles. They try to read -- the letters jump around the page.

It's more Twilight Zone than Buffy, but it'll force them to think of a new way to communicate. Maybe they'll use hand signals. Maybe they'll draw pictures. Maybe they'll pantomime everything. Maybe they'll just get angry and give the DM the finger all night.

For a Lovecraftian twist, let them realize the "useless squiggles" aren't random -- the squiggles are a language they've never seen before, but suddenly know how to write, yet still can't read.

 

[xnosipjpqmhd]

For a Lovecraftian twist, let them realize the "useless squiggles" aren't random -- the squiggles are a language they've never seen before, but suddenly know how to write, yet still can't read.

I like this idea.

I think you do really need some sort of clever twist or purpose to it--ideally one that the players can eventually discover and turn on its head--or else I think it'll just end up being an annoying and pointless restriction. Like, "Hey, let's all play characters with no limbs!"

 

[JVisgaitis]

Escalate the threat. Don't take away voice, take away language.

That sounds awesome, thanks. And Lovecraft ties back to Violet Dawn so very well...