The RP of RPG

[Darthbelch]

Alright, I've got a slight problem here. I started up a dnd group two months or so ago [we've got 5 in the group counting myself] and I'm having a really hard time Getting them to Roleplay. I'll start out really in character, but they seem like they dont want to react or how to even. Anyone got any tips?

 

[Nifft]

Kill them and take their stuff?

Find a group with a dynamic that you like?

-- N

 

[Reynard]

Alright, I've got a slight problem here. I started up a dnd group two months or so ago [we've got 5 in the group counting myself] and I'm having a really hard time Getting them to Roleplay. I'll start out really in character, but they seem like they dont want to react or how to even. Anyone got any tips?

Are we talking about players totally new to RPGs in general? If so, it is probably best to lead by example, as well as use lots of carrots -- circumstance bonuses to rolls for good description and/or IC speech. make sure to try and engage them on a personal level -- instea dof having a random barmaid get kidnapped by orcs, make it a PC's sister.

If the players a not new to RPGs or D&D, then you might just have a group that doesn't care for RPing. In that case, you can try the above, but chances are they aren't going to change much.

 

[Henry]

My advice? Don't expect them to immeidately adapt to your style, even if they are not new to roleplaying games. The best thing is to (1) start taking notes as to what in the game lights them up - what do they get enthused about? Not every one will be necessarily "just combat," so listen carefully. Secondly, find what drives them, and attach roleplaying behavior to that, sparingly at first, but increasing slightly session by session.

(A) finding what they enjoy about a session and playing to that ensures they keep enjoying and coming back.

(B) introducing sparing roleplay elements increasingly gets them used to the idea. Some people are not comfortable with being in-character, and some aren't comfortable thinking "what would the character do." However, you can get them more comfortable as time goes one.

(C) beware "casual players" - these are the guys who just like to show up and contribute, but can't stand the spotlight. Their focus IS the gathering, not the game per se, and pushing them too far to the spotlight can turn them off. Accept them for the blessing that they are - anchors who will ALWAYS show up for a game or movie night.

What does it mean? It means starting a small conversation in-character, but only for a minute or so, for a very specific purpose - info gathering, or talking out of hostilities (or even getting INTO hostilities). Directly address a character, and they'll usually respond in kind. Aim for only two or three of these incidences per session, gradually increasing as sessions go on.

You can't expect a new group's style to immediately gel, and it sometimes takes a few months to really get to know one another, how to act and react, etc.

Robin's Laws to good gamemastering and the DMG2 are two of the best books on the subject of helping a group "gel together" that I know of.

 

[Darthbelch]

Yep...

Thanks a bunch. Yeah they are pretty much knew to the whole Roleplaying thing so I guess I've been luck as to what they have done so far. Its odd though, They seem to roleplay more whenever their characters are at rest, or in Sharn or something. Their the ones who picked Eberron and I figured they would liek that better anyway. Positive reinforcement, a tool of the gods lol

 

[DonTadow]

I like the lead by example approach. Make sure you're always role playing and don't join side banter and conversation.

I have a set of houserules for role playing I received from my previous game master and I go over them with all of the players new and old before a campaign. Before we even have our first game, I go over the expectations of the campaign. In my game, for instance, the whole game is role played in character except rolls. When a person talks outo f character they put their hands on their heads. When a player says something that is not in character, the npcs look at him in confusion or better yet, comment on what the player said. That usually gets an "oh sorry forgot look" from the players.

It also doesnt hurt to express that you've been disappointed in the amount of role playing thats been going on and offer tips on how they can role play better. When I lost half my group (divorce, baby, and wierdo... in that order) I got three new people whom really didn't understand the role playing for my campaign. I politely addressed the issue for an hour before game and offered tips as to how they can role play their characters better, describing great attacks, interacting with pcs. I also reminded them that you dont have to be an actor but do remember it is you not your characterspeaking.