Upgrade your account to a Community Supporter account and remove most of the site ads.

Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="argo" data-source="post: 1558353" data-attributes="member: 5752">Most people who know me would say that I lean closer to the roll playing than role playing.  But when you have to make Vilanous Speaches or other Big Dramatic Moments I think that it is definitely time to bust out some DM Narration.Try this, next time they are about to confront the villan begin describing the scene as you normally would; the room, the frunishings, the NPC's present.  Then at the point where you would normally pause and your players start asking questions/describe actions/roll init just don't stop talking.  Press on quickly and forcefully and just narrate how the villan sees the PC's, spreads his arms mockingly, says "welcome to my abode" and then begin the Vilanous Speach.  Don't deliver a Shakespearean monologue mind you, a little gloating followed by a few choice insults is much better.  Whereupon the players will probably not be able to resist throwing a few insults back as they reach for their dice to roll init.  Same thing with the Dragon overflight.  Describe the dragon appearing over the hill as you normally would, then start telling them in detail about the dragon's powerfull wing muscles and tough scales, then tell them they are noticing this detail as he flys low over their heads and turns about for another pass, narrate their fear and terror as he passes by and then finally let them roll init as he turns about with a wicked grin on his face.The trick is to make the transition quickly so that by the time your players realize that you have stoped Describing and started Narrating it is too late and the Villan is already talking.  If your players have any manners at all they will know better than to interupt the DM (or even another player for that matter) when he is speaking.  Of course there are a few things to remember when trying this out.1) Player/DM trust.  This is important in any situation but it is espically important here.  Don't use Narration to screw the players over or they will never let you Narate again!  If they have buff's up before confronting the Villan then don't let the speech count against the time the buff's are active.  If the Dragon absouetly must use his breath weapon to show off don't use it on the PC's, toast the conviently located red shirt to their left.2) Less is More.  Don't use Narration that often and only when it is important.  Once a session tops and probably less.  The idea is to train your players so that they go "oh hey!  The DM has gone into Narration mode.  This must be important!".  This has worked well for me in the past, hope you can get some milage out of it too.</blockquote>

Verification