DMs: How do you decide which player gets to talk first?

[Bystander]

I have three very self-centered PCs in my campaign at the moment. When the chance to talk comes up, or the chance to make a "funny" comment... a random two or alll of them will try to blurt something out at once. They haven't decided on a leader for the group, in fact, the characters actually argue about this on occassion- which has been kind of realistic, and amusing.

But talking is a free action, but how do YOU decide which character gets to do the talking in those important situations.

Is there some kind of "Vocal Initiative"?
And if so- surely Dexterity should have nothing to do with it.

It isn't really a big deal, but coming up with a system for this would certainly make for smoother gameplay.

I could always roll a dice, or tell the person who has done the least talking that its turn if he wants. Determining by int or char doesn't seem so hot.

Anyone have some ideas?

 

[Aust Diamondew]

I dont have this problem (at least not as bad as you describe). Just let them each roll 1d20+int. mod. and who ever gets highest gets to talk first.

 

[Jeph]

I use initiative for everything regarding sequence. That's what initiative is for.

 

[JustKim]

I would think they would simply blurt things out simultaneously IC as they do OOC. There's no reason to assume the other characters will stop talking and allow someone else to finish when they each consider themselves the leader.

If you just roll dice to determine who gets to talk first, it encourages the players to blurt things out so that everybody has an equal chance of saying something. Ruling that it all happens simultaneously, however, may change that behavior when NPCs have difficulty understanding them or taking the group seriously.

 

[Cloudgatherer]

Have a snide NPC inform them he cannot possibly answer questions simultaneously. I doubt a party leader would be selected, but that is another route.

 

[Valmur_Dwur]

I think you as the DM needs to decide this for them. By that I mean this. Use the characters skills and abilities to decide for the NPC's which PC has best chance at swaying the NPC. Use Diplomacy, bluff, perform, knowledge skills, Charisma bonuses whatever to get an accurate picture of who the NPC would most listen to. Then whoever speaks modify the NPC's reaction to the PC.

Example you need to get by a guard to enter a building. Let's say he doesn't like to listen to big words or self-important people. He was in the last war or spent time in the service. So who will get the best chance to get in? Without assigning anything I would say fighter type IF he talked to him as one old solider to another. Then a Bard or Cleric who perhaps used their special skills gather info or just a wisdom check to know how to play this NPC. A mage probably would have trouble just because of the way he would talk or act. Now this doesn't mean a MU could get in he just may have to roll higher to change the reaction. Anyway hope some of this makes sense

Cheers

 

[The_Gneech]

How about opposed Charisma checks to see who gets noticed?

-The Gneech

 

[clark411]

I would have the NPC react to the group as though they were doing exactly what their character do over the table. Have the NPC ask for everyone to calm down/slow down. If the NPC is in a position of power, have him order one person do the talking. Have the NPC react poorly to their actions if appropriate. If anyone has Diplomacy, have them roll it- and let them know that they aren't acting appropriately or that their efforts are being hampered by their desire to all quip in.