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Message: <blockquote data-quote="wlmartin" data-source="post: 5657954" data-attributes="member: 6679380">I think the key isnt to reward your players for Roleplaying but to reward them for contributing.Some groups don't like Roleplaying, some do. Some DMs don't like Roleplaying, some do. It would be unfair as a DM to expect your players to Roleplay just because you want them to, after all whilst the DM puts a great deal of effort into running the game - he is still part of the group and it is no more his game than it is equally his players.So I think firstly you need to find a group that appeals to the fun elements you enjoy whether you are a DM or a player, having likeminded fellow players is essential in any game but especially in D&D.Once you are set with that and are either part of a group that likes Roleplaying, likes Wargaming or perhaps something in between (but you are happy with the motiviations within the group) then what you as a DM or player should be looking for in other group members are those that drive the Campagin forward.(I know you asked about encouraging Roleplaying and whilst that is part of what I am talking about, I wanted to clear up that just crowbarring people into RPing is not the answer, you need to find a group that wants to roleplay before you start encouraging them and if you cant find one or choose not to then you may need to look at encouraging in other ways)It doesn't matter if the idea is to encourage Roleplaying or other ideals, the principle of my advise is the same.It isn't about one character taking over the game table with a long poem about how his character worships Ilmater and is going to strike down at the Slavers they are about to burst in on... it is about what one character does to drive the experience forward for the rest.There are some people I have played with that arent really into the game for some reason (personal reasons, not having fun, not rolling well etc) and I would often find things to talk to them about that included them in the game more... like being interested and ask them about a power their character has, commending them on a well thought out tactical move or perhaps discussing a way to combine tactics to overcome a difficult enemy.Sure, I could have sat back and let that Player bite his fingernails or flick through his PHB remaining bored with the current Encounter but to me driving the adventure forward means that we are all passionate about the game and be that turning over every stone to find the hidden parchment of Lloth or something more simplistic, the development of the real life social interactions has to come as a priority over what RP spiel a character will spout next.I am a big RPer, I think it is underused in D&D bigstyle but I don't agree that the idea of DMs to find ways to bribe or reward players to RP is the answer. The idea should be to find ways to encourage or reward players in working together better, interacting in new and exciting ways and being more passionate in their gaming interactions... because no matter if the group want to RP, want to wargame, want to act and be dramatic or want to do whatever they choose.... it will flow a lot better when teamwork is encouraged.And who knows, you may be convinced that the group want to Roleplay - they keep saying it is something they love but in reality they prefer the game-game side of things and the tactics involved in battle so what would you prefer? A group of so-so roleplayers whos heart isnt 100% in it but you are getting Roleplaying out of them or a group of commited and diehard enthusiastic players who are treating every D20 roll like it is a cliffhanging moment and really enjoying themselves.Sorry if I got a bit ranting or preaching but I have seen lots of "How do I encourage Roleplaying" posts on forums and I think the direction of those posts is misguided... ultimately if the group want to Roleplay (and it isnt something they plainly dont know how to do... that is a different issue) they will but they won't get to do anything they truly want to do without feeling comfortable with each other and getting to work together well.... encourage THAT from them and whatever motivates them will be written all over their faces before long and rewarding or encouraging those motivations will get better results in the long run.</blockquote>

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