How do I get my role-players to stop role-playing so much?

Ah, the smells of flaming troll. Quick, people, get out the sticks and marshmallows. Or do we want hot dogs?:D

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.:D )

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.
 

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bwgwl said:
i know many people will consider this thread a troll, but i personally would hate to play in or DM a group like this. role-play and "deep immersion storytelling" are all well and good, but like "hack-n-slash," it can be taken too far.

i prefer a more action-based game than a "talking" one. YMMV.

to the point, i don't really have any advice. it seems your players enjoy a different style of game than you. if you can't adapt to their style or they to yours, perhaps you shouldn't be gaming together? :(

I think this is a troll too, prehaps under a change self spell ;)

Be that as it may I will give my standard suggestions, teleport them over here. I can handle any amount of Roleplaying they might like.

I don't use D&D for this usually but if all they want is RP they won't mind something else anyway--- Story Bones maybe or GURPS.
 

William Ronald said:
Ah, the smells of flaming troll. Quick, people, get out the sticks and marshmallows. Or do we want hot dogs?:D

shadow, I would like to thank you for a most excellent troll.

Not on Troll meat please.it imparts a horrible flavor to thine treats methinks.

Sorry I was channeling Col. Plahdoh or a bad comic book for a moment.

Seriously though, I second the congrats-- This is a rare treat, a good troll
 

A good troll is a treat, Ace. This has actually sparked some serious discussion -- and a few good jokes.

I like role playing but I have seen some examples of, how should I put it, very bad acting that seems worthy of characters in a Saturday Night Live skit.

I have had all role playing sessions -- and others where the characters had the fight of their lives. To me, variety helps keep everything interesting.

Besides, Ace, treats cooked with flaming troll might taste better than some of the stuff I had in my old high school luncroom.;)
 

Eh. If it's a troll, it's not an exceptionally well-disguised one. *I* think it's a troll. :)

If it's not, tell your players to then roll up characters who *will* go on adventures and slay beasties. Leave the angst to their individual novels (they probably have them...)
 

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