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Message: <blockquote data-quote="hobbes" data-source="post: 1559620" data-attributes="member: 333">We have done a couple of things in our group to help promote well-rounded play. Maybe one of them will help you.First of all, the PC's need to realize that their character is part of a world. In this case, the player in question is fixated on the combat side of the game. Well, someone who is that proficient and willing to fight would probably be viewed much like an athlete would today, right? Maybe attract a certain amount of fame amongst the locals? Maybe also attract rivals who wish to challenge the character to duels as test of bravado (even though they will likely get carved up)? If you can integrate the combat aspect of the character with the role-playing aspect, those lines blur, and you may have an easier time sliding the player into non-combat situations (that are *related* to his combat proficiency but don't actually revolve around fighting) that don't totally bore him. Local celebrity is almost always a good plot twist to add, as it tends to coddle the ego of the munchkin.Another idea we use is "color skills". Every time a character levels up, he is given his usual advancements (feat, sklils, etc). In addition, he is also given "role playing" skill points (usually 2 to 4) to be assigned to knowledge or performance-based skills that don't directly impact the character's combat or abilities. For example, things like Knowledge: Wine, Perform: Dance, etc. The idea is that they add color and distinctiveness to the character without requiring the player to intentionally divert points away from things that are tactically good.Approaching the additional skills as a 'bonus' rather than something that is diverting points away from 'useful' (as the min-maxer might see it) skills forces the player to start thinking about other aspects of the character (besides combat) without him feeling like he's being forced to give something up to embrace the role-playing side of things.Also, my group frequently will give out small experience bonuses for good role-playing. So if nothing else works, this may make him realize that effort spent on roleplaying gives him rewards. Bribery could be viewed as a little cheap, but if it enriches the role-playing experience for everyone involved, then I'd consider it worth it.Hope this helps,hobbes</blockquote>

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