William Ronald
Explorer
Ah, the smells of flaming troll. Quick, people, get out the sticks and marshmallows. Or do we want hot dogs?
Seriously, I think a balance between role playing and combat is realistic for a game where characters are fantasy heroes. Mind you, certain parts of my campaign have different proportions. If one of my characters is negotiating with someone over a trade route, trying to form an alliance, or solve a problem, then role playing works well. (Some problems can't be solved with a fireball or a few quick strokes of a sword.)
However, even during combat heavy sessions, my group still role plays. One of the best role players in my group, loves to play rough and tumble fighters. So, combat and role playing are not exclusive.
Also, you can role play during the middle of a combat. Shouting instructions, or trading insults with an enemy can be part of a battle. Similarly, player characters can have very emotional reactions to seeing someone important to them seriously wounded or killed.
As for breaking up an excessive role playing session, I would likely have some event occur that the characters should respond to in character. For example, let us say that a town is being attacked and the "retired heroes" in our troll above wish to do nothing. They can be attacked.
Worse, the people who depended on them and even agreed that a little rest might be needed could ask for help. They may end up fighting for their lives, and their courage may inspire a reluctant former hero. (Okay, most people will fight back if attacked. If the player characters don't, just take away the character sheet when the PC drops dead.
)
In previous posts, I have suggested that there are some things DMs can do to encourage role playing. I have suggested creating family members, friends, and mentors for PCs. Additionally, I also said having the characters roped into social situations (weddings, funerals, festivals, etc.) can be great tools for encouraging role playing.
shadow, I would like to thank you for a most excellent troll.

Seriously, I think a balance between role playing and combat is realistic for a game where characters are fantasy heroes. Mind you, certain parts of my campaign have different proportions. If one of my characters is negotiating with someone over a trade route, trying to form an alliance, or solve a problem, then role playing works well. (Some problems can't be solved with a fireball or a few quick strokes of a sword.)
However, even during combat heavy sessions, my group still role plays. One of the best role players in my group, loves to play rough and tumble fighters. So, combat and role playing are not exclusive.
Also, you can role play during the middle of a combat. Shouting instructions, or trading insults with an enemy can be part of a battle. Similarly, player characters can have very emotional reactions to seeing someone important to them seriously wounded or killed.
As for breaking up an excessive role playing session, I would likely have some event occur that the characters should respond to in character. For example, let us say that a town is being attacked and the "retired heroes" in our troll above wish to do nothing. They can be attacked.
Worse, the people who depended on them and even agreed that a little rest might be needed could ask for help. They may end up fighting for their lives, and their courage may inspire a reluctant former hero. (Okay, most people will fight back if attacked. If the player characters don't, just take away the character sheet when the PC drops dead.

In previous posts, I have suggested that there are some things DMs can do to encourage role playing. I have suggested creating family members, friends, and mentors for PCs. Additionally, I also said having the characters roped into social situations (weddings, funerals, festivals, etc.) can be great tools for encouraging role playing.
shadow, I would like to thank you for a most excellent troll.