D&D 5E D&D 5e AL RP: AOK or MIA?

[kirkdent]

I'm looking to join an Adventurer's League game at my FLGS, and have some questions about the playstyle.

My preferred playstyle includes a good bit of character roleplaying, particularly between players, though I'm flexible enough to work with whatever style the DM brings to the game.

In the typical experience of people here, how much do AL players actually "roleplay," as opposed to running optimized murder hobos? For example, if I make a high charisma/low wisdom fighter to match my character concept, will I be gimping the party and making it less fun for the others? Would my attempts to have out-of-plot interactions with the other players fall flat?

I of course understand that every table is different, even in organized play, but I just want to see what the general AL experience is out there, and whether or not I'm setting myself up for disappointment.

Thanks!

 

[MerricB]

The scenarios typically give a good mix of role-playing opportunities and combat. Individual groups will vary in their approach to each.

 

[darjr]

I've found that 5e particularly seems to lean more towards role playing at the table. Or at least it's less in the way if it. And AL games benefit from this.

Though every table is different. If the table your at lacks a bit in the RP I'll bet you will be able to nudge them into more of an RP style. At my AL games I use voices and engage with players that RP.

 

[KahlessNestor]

Remember though that you're on a time limit, so too much RP might derail the plot and make it run long. I have not had huge amounts of rp in AL (or PFS), but I don't think it's either/or. I haven't run into a lot of optimizers either.

So go ahead and rp. People will accommodate you. But be mindful of getting through the adventure.

 

[Shiroiken]

In addition to the specifics of each table, it depends a lot on the type of play. If it's a regular group for AL, such as at a FLGS, then it's less of an issue because you can still get through the adventures in a couple of sessions. In a convention style game, where you will probably not play with the same people twice, I've found it's generally frowned upon due to time constraints.

 

[darjr]

One of the very coolest things about AL is the hardback play. Those games are very much like home games with legal AL characters. Keep your log up to date and follow the, IMHO lenient, campaign rules and its great for RP.

 

[KahlessNestor]

Yeah, I haven't played the APs, only the modules.

 

[darjr]

At the store I run at that's what we do Wednesday nights. My fifth level table also just brought in a 1st level character, well third now.

If folks run at a store the ability with the APs to mix tiers is fantastic. Just make sure the lower level folks play it safe