Rewarding Roleplaying

[Delgar]

I've found that roleplaying is it's own reward. However, since I'm playing a game with friends scattered across 3 time zones and two countries using maptool, usually when we actually game we get a lot of that pesky combat out of the way, in between sessions I started up a series of "In Character" threads.


Here is an example:

Goblin Burial Chamber

Sharn. Below the City.

A simple task of destroying a Kruthik lair has swiftly turned into a mystery and exploration of a 5000 year old burial chamber beneath Sharn. Clearly someone stumbled upon this chamber, disturbing a clutch of Kruthiks in the process. Whatever lies within the tomb, the designers didn’t want anyone to find. The first room appeared to be a puzzle which summoned creatures from hell, followed by a room built to look like a dragon’s maw, complete with a magical rotating stone in a pit to simulate being ground up and digested. Finally, after barely escaping the Maw of the Dragon, the party burst into a room rank with the smell of death and humid from a constant flow of water from the ceiling into a grate in the floor. Here, the party fought undead guardians protected by enchanted displacer beast statues. Two more Kruthiks joined the fight from the ceiling where the water is pouring. The magic of the statues dissipated as the final guardian fell. Tired and exhausted from their ordeals, the party decides to rest as the smell of death, humidity and vinegar linger in the air.


Grayos: Is there really, at any point, where we could catch a respite from walking into a room and something vile happ- By the Nine Hells, deva, what is wrong with your eyes?

(Grayos considers his knowledge of history, arcana, and religion to recall if anything like this has ever occurred, but comes up with nothing.)

Mathas: My eyes? What do you mean?

Grayos: In all my studies I’ve yet to even HEAR of, much less SEE, a deva with purple eyes… And glowing, no less. They were not that way when we arrived in Sharn originally. Did something transpire?

Mathas: No, not that I’m aware of.

Grayos: (curses his utter lack of being able to read people) Do you feel any different? Ill perhaps? Is anyone capable of perhaps diagnosing a disease that could do that? Were you bitten by a kruthik?

Mathas: I can’t imagine you’ve seen many of my kind in your life in any case. Perhaps it’s just a trick of the light. My vision doesn’t seem to have changed, and my eyes are white, not purple.

Grayos: You can’t imagine I’ve seen many…? Do you think I got to be in the position of where I am by being related to an ettin? I’ve read countless books about my home country, and mark my words, rakshasa number in the not-so-few. So yes, I know a bit about Deva, and even still, I can most assuredly see the change, markedly the glow. Here, have a look…

(Grayos uses prestidigitation to create a high-gloss surface akin to a mirror to allow MATHAS to view himself)

Vralwyn: The Tiefling speaks truly, there is something different about you Deva.

Mathas: (startles as he glances at the mirror, noticing not just his eyes, but the dark circles under his eyes) I… I don’t know. I feel fine, really, other than just being tired. I haven’t been sleeping well.

(Tor simply mutters to himself, then moves closer to MATHAS as if he, or something else would like a better look at his transformation)
Mathas: Well the night before we left the upper portion of the city, I had my last nightmare. He came to me then and showed me what was to become of us. He showed me my failure, and your deaths. I have failed so many times, and, it must not continue. He offered his help, which I accepted. Though it was only a dream, I feel, well, more empowered, like I’m not alone in my task. There is always the voice to guide me. I feel as if I can call on him for anything and he’ll answer.

Grayos: He? Who is this “he” you speak of? Not that I’m paranoid, but allow me to say that deals made in such a manner, well, I would be wary. I should know, I have a little experience in that area. (Grayos indicates his horns) How were our deaths portrayed by this… Being?

Mathas: He is Chemosh.

(As soon as the word Chemosh is uttered all eyes from the robe focus on Mathas and stare at him intently)

Mathas: You were all dead… No, I don’t know how… You were all on the floor as I battled Erandis d’Vol. She taunted me again, and again like she always has, showing me my failure. She will not have my soul, but must be made to release those she has taken!

(Mathas’ eyes flare with wisps of purple flame)

Tor: (Looks a bit perplexed) “We were all dead?”

(Tor turns away from Mathas, the eyes of his coat still fixed upon the deva.)

Tor: I don’t understand, how does this all connect? (he says to no one in particular.)

Vralwyn: (Gives Mathas and Tor a confused look) Pardon my confusion but all this information is new to me.

(He rubs his chin, thinking. After a moment he addresses Mathas)

Vralwyn: Let me see if I understand this. Erandis d’Vol is some enemy of yours. She is an eater of souls, a demon? And because you had a vision of her defeating you, you’ve now allied yourself with some unknown power called Chemosh, who has changed you in some fashion.

(Vralwyn turns to face Tor)

Vralwyn: Could your new ‘friend’ (Vralwyn indicates the cloak) be Chemosh or one of its agents? Certainly you both have … ‘changed’ since we first met. I wonder if the Goblin ancestors have taken to looking for more worthy vessels than there kin. It would explain why you two are now hosts to… whatever it is you are carrying.

Tor: The two may be connected …something …feels amiss. I can feel the change coming over me. A shadow moving past my soul, but I know I am still in control. But since the mention of …that name …I feel something bad is going to happen and I fear the worse.

Mathas: Does the name Chemosh mean something to you? Is there some tie to Belashyrra?

Tor: I’m not sure …not yet. As for Belashyrra, his eyes are watching our actions. The new player agitates the coat …but what I’m unsure of is whether or not it’s pleasure or displeasure.

Grayos: And the… Voices? They tell you nothing?

(Grayos ponders the name “Chemosh” for a moment, trying to recall if his reading in arcane lore, divine literature, or historical tomes has resulted in coming across this name before, or any relation to Belashyrra. However, he seems unable to recall anything. Grayos turns to Tor)

Grayos: When you say “something bad is going to happen”… Anything more specific than that? To us? Or does your malefactor fear the name Chemosh?

Tor: Oddly …they’ve been silent. I cannot say …but death surrounds us.

Grayos: As well as kruthiks, goblins, kobolds, and undead, but apparently that doesn’t halt our progress into things that are worse. Not that I can presume to know the workings of a garment of eyes, but I’d think that this would be a good time to chime in with all the activity.

Mathas: Erandis d’Vol is the matriarch of House d’Vol, and an abomination that has lived hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Her evil deeds have followed me for many of my lives, always have I failed to bring her down. Chemosh found me. I did not search for him. I believe he has shown me the truth of things and will aid me as he says he would. We’ll need all the help we can get.

Grayos: I agree, we will probably need all the help we can get… Though I am a little curious how the topic went from singular to plural. When was it decided we needed to go after House Vol? The followers only are ambitious, maybe a bit dark, but from all my readings, not evil. Why do we seek to pick a fight with the leader of the house? As well, not to pass judgment, as members of my… Lineage are less than wholesome, but this whole ordeal of making deals with devils, or far realm beings, are you not worried?

Mathas: I cannot speak for you or the party. My task is, and always has been, to destroy her. That may not align with our current goals now, but know that vengeance courses through my veins. D’Vol is not a being to be underestimated. She has had a hand in atrocities that have touched not only my life, but the lives of all the people of Khorvaire. I beg you to not underestimate her or discount her involvement. I know she is behind this…

Grayos: I’m not saying you do. I’m simply posing questions that I feel should be brought up. By no means am I implying an undead creature is wholesome, but I also am leery to judge a book by its cover. I guess, at this point, we’ve killed for less, so as long as you’re positive, we can chalk another target up. I hope that you have not become the next conduit, though, for this Xoriat being to come through.

Mathas: I’m not sure Chemosh is from Xoriat. Though, you might know more about these sorts of things than I.

Grayos: Does your patron voice anything to YOU, Mathas?

Mathas: Yes, he has. Though we haven’t had long conversations, he has been nothing but pleasant to me. He offered me aid in exchange for assisting him in punishing his children. I think they may have done something horrible.

Grayos: Well, I was meaning something specific to the coat of eyes activity, but that’s an intriguing revelation. Children, you say? Is there any indication of who these children might be or what they did? And you say he is not FROM Xoriat, but is trapped there?

Mathas: I’m afraid I don’t know.

Grayos: Well I’m sure we’ll end up finding out eventually, as it appears he, as well as Belashyrra, have decided to engulf us in their fates.

Tor: Wait …it’s fear …my coat is feeling fear.

(Tor stumbles back from Mathas)

Tor: Regardless we must get out of here.

(Tor’s own eyes begin to show the fear that is washing over him)

Grayos: Get out of HERE, or get away from Chemosh?

Tor: I am unsure.

Vralwyn: This is just idle speculation, but could it be that what Chemosh’s children did wrong has something to do with Belashyrra? Perhaps they abandoned one patron for another? I hope I’m wrong in this. I’d hate to see you two forced into a battle not of your own making.

Mathas: Something has unnerved you. Maybe it would be a good idea to share. Whatever is there to fear, I can’t say I’m feeling it.

Grayos: I’d wager to say that since he’s reeling back from you, it probably has something to do with you. This ought to lead to a lovely conclusion…

Tor: (Tor looks sternly at Mathas) Of course not …you’re the source. The coat is quiet now, I need answers …we must move on.

Grayos: Did I just hear a thunderclap outside? Is it raining? Hmm… Maybe I’m hearing things.

Mathas: Not sure I follow. All I know is I could use a good night’s sleep for once. Maybe you are hearing things, Grayos. You wouldn’t be the first one. <eyes>

Grayos: It just seemed like the perfect backdrop for a lightning crash and a little thunder, but as we have no bard or other purveyor of dramatic effects, well, we’ll just have to suffer with eyes… Lots of them.

Mathas: In any case, I meant to ask you about your university appointment. How did you manage to secure a position in one of the more esteemed universities in Sharn in such a short period of time? I’ve never heard of such a thing. <watches>

Grayos: Tch, says the individual who invites otherworldly beings into themselves, for what nefarious purpose I’m not sure. Mayhap the individual who is the eyes for a macabre painter shall chime in and pass judgment as well? And what, pray tell, do you presume I’m not telling you? I have told you nothing but truth. I’m unaware of the inner workings of how the application was pushed through, but I DO know that it worked out for the benefit of all of us. Everyone. Would anyone else care to ARBITRARILY imply something?

Mathas: Very well, then. I’m sure it will all come out in time. Though I would caution you, I am not easily deceived. For you see, the eyes always show the truth, even when words do not.

(Mathas glances at Tor’s coat and chuckles)

(Waits)

Mathas: That was a joke.

Tor: We …err …I am not amused.

Grayos: Oh come off it, Warden. We’re aware that there’s basically two of you there. So as it appears no other party members need help with pointing out the specs in each others’ eyes, I imagine we should get some sleep and prepare for the follies that tomorrow will bring.

 

[bargle0]

Good role play is its own reward.

 

[Riastlin]

For the reasons mentioned above (i.e. not everyone is into roleplay, etc.) I prefer to use some sort of group reward. In a game that uses XP, I might award the group bonus XP at the end of the session for good roleplay. Alternatively, if I've ditched XP, I like the idea behind Hollow Earth's style point system and I might toss out bennies or boons or whatever you want to call them. With these bennies, players can turn them in to allow an extra 1d6 to a die roll (generally just a d20) but it can be applied to any player's roll (so, the avenger could help out the invoker's attack, etc.)

The idea here is that those who love to roleplay a lot more can still be rewarded for their efforts, but those who are not as involved in the RP side of things still won't feel cheated. Personally, I think its a good way to mix the two styles together in a way that doesn't alienate either. Even the guys who just want to kill stuff and take their loot won't mind too much when there's a bit of a social RP sidetrack because they know that the social encounter will ultimately help them to kill stuff and take their loot.

 

[Saagael]

My general method for things is to reward with attention. The better developed a character is presented in roleplaying, and the more hooks provided, the more attention I put on the character to explore those hooks. NPCs that knew a characters mentioned father, a long lost relative showing up, lore that a character's mentor had that not even a great sage had that becomes important later on; things like that.

This is pretty much what I do. I'll work a lot with players to come up with a good background for characters, and if players put in that effort, the campaign will be a lot more focused on that backstory. I don't do it consciously, it just sort of evolves that way since I'm more familiar with characters that have stronger backstories and can plan for more in-depth RP encounters and story points.

One way I do actively reward RPing though, is to make the all important RP situations have powerful, in-game affects. Players planning a military attack? RPing tactics will definitely make things go better in-game. I also give out +1 to attack or damage when players banter with enemies in combat based on what they're saying; its really fun to have players really trying to get on the bad guy's nerve; it makes it more immersive for everyone involved.

 

[Herschel]

I must admit it is something I find harder to do these days. Back in 1E/2E days I found it easier because every character was on a different XP chart so the difference wasn't that noticeable but with unified level progressions in a balanced game I have a hard time rewarding XP for RP directly but I do try to balance it out with attention, opportunity and a bit with treasure, although one character I actually did have level a bit quicker than the others, about a session, since I went away from the strict XP charts.

 

[Kelvor Ravenstar]

I do a combination of what the rest of responders have already said. The players that put more development into their characters backstory get more plots or screen time around their characters, because I find the players who don't bother as much with the development are playing for other reasons.

Instead of bennies, my group uses Plot Twist cards. Each either gives a little bonus in certain situations, or complicates the story for the PCs and awards some XP. The more roleplaying focussed cards offer varying rewards in XP based on how much detail the player puts into it. However, 98% of the XP rewards go into the group's pool and are divided up equally at the end of the encounter or session. I just recently divided my deck into two, with roleplaying and combat cards, as the size of the deck was becoming cumbersome and unfocussed. If you're interested in finding out more, there is a thread on it in the 4e homebrew section.

 

[Windjammer]

Yes, but then I encourage and reward player pro-actvity across the board. Whether that means rewarding people for the occasional gem at witty in character conversation, or for just coming up with great plans (tactically and/or long term planning), etc etc, are all covered. [Brief aside: even that apart, I'm one of those DMs who don't separate roleplaying and combats (and respective rewards for handling each well), though I know it's been customary for some time to do so, e.g. 3.5 DMG.]

I give out bonus XP, but I've also seen DMs hand out bonus action points.

One of the more harsh things proposed online included DMs who didn't let PCs use dailys or make use of magic item abilities without some roleplay. Talk about incentives...

 

[I'm A Banana]

Whether a DM or a player, do you manage/appreciate non-combat based rewards? All things being equal, do you reward players at your table for roleplaying? If so, how? Do you find incentivizing this behavior works for you?

What, you mean like, "treasure" that isn't related to attack rolls and AC bonuses?

Followers? Allies? Titles? Leadership roles? Influence? Magic and power (but not the power to kill the other guy faster, necessarily)?

In 4e, not really. These kinds of rewards kind of need a system to support them. 4e revolves around combat quite centrally, and so giving someone, say, a squire that wants to help them (but is useless in a fight) is not a reward that is valuable.

Of course, in a more politically oriented game, squires could be very valuable -- a sign of your station, able to keep your stuff looking good, etc.

But to make that valuable you'd need to have a system underpinning politics like that. You'd have to make being king mean something, in the context of mechanics, in order for it to matter. If, perhaps, in 4e, we had a system for competing kingdoms, or leading rival factions, that kind of stuff might matter on a more material level. Without that, it's potentially interesting story material, but not really much more.

Of course, if you mean rather, rewards for doing things out of combat...yep! I like a lot of the narrativist rules for XP and the like that involve leveling up when you grow as a character. Combat, for this, to me, is just one way to advance your character or get your goals or overcome your failings. There's lots of other stuff involved, too.

 

[wedgeski]

Yes, I do, on occasion, but only because I run group XP and so everyone benefits. In games where I've run individual XP totals, I feel more uncomfortable doing so.

 

[S'mon]

But to make that valuable you'd need to have a system underpinning politics like that. You'd have to make being king mean something, in the context of mechanics, in order for it to matter. If, perhaps, in 4e, we had a system for competing kingdoms, or leading rival factions, that kind of stuff might matter on a more material level. Without that, it's potentially interesting story material, but not really much more.

"This benefit is meaningless without mechanics!"? Hm, I'm not sure I agree. On the one hand, if the 'game' is the dice, then that makes sense.

On the other hand, if the DM describes my Thief being called to adventure from his velvet-cushioned, concubine-appointed boudoir, that certainly feels different - and preferable - than being shaken awake in a stinking gutter. The boudoir doesn't give any mechanical benefit in combat, but from the POV of my Thief it's a more important reward than another '+' on his magic dagger.