RPGnet Columns
12-04-2004, 08:27 AM
Post originally by JamesB at 2004-12-04 07:27:31
Converted from Phorums BB System
Okay, the pretext of this article is that characters are going to min-max for the "useful" stats.
While I think there were some very valid points made I think the major flaws with this are inherent in the way most people approach roleplaying.
1) The whole "This isn't ROLL-playing, it's roleplaying" thing needs to be shot in the head. I swear. You know how I handle social games? I make the players roll. I make them roleplay aswell, but I also make them roll. No matter how eloquent they are as a player. If their sheet has next to no social stats, I will make them roll them and emphasise just how weak they are in that area. I supplement this with rewards for good roleplay, so if they are actually putting in the effort of playing their character aswell, they advance quicker, it's using a carrot instead of a stick. This has the added advantage of allowing Mr. Awkward and shy to play the amazing socialite he's always wanted to, but not actually had the personal skills to manage, and roleplaying is all about living out fantasies.
Addendum: Some GMs just will not have this approach. In this case, the only thing I can suggest is that in this case, if the above happens, then you take the player aside and tell him why you are having problems, if he continues to ignore his sheet and play his combat monster with the social skills of a courtier, either start making him alone roll them or have bad things happen to the PC. It's not a nice way to deal with it, and it's why I prefer the general approach suggested above
If all else fails, I learn what is on the sheet, and react as appropriate. If the player of the combat monster acts all social, then I have the NPCs react to his lacking in charisma and ettiquette, this can be quite seamless, if done right and if Mr. Awkward has his socials out the nines, then his fumbling attempts will be met with nothing but glowing responses. This also tends to increase his confidence in his abilities, and he will grow into the part a whole lot more.
2) I tailor the games to my PCs. I will look at their sheets, after I have told them what I have wanted and try and make the stories revolve around what is on them. If the Players have made nothing but combat, well.. they want a combat game. Easily done. If they have made socialite PCs, I will make having those PCs an advantage, not a limitation.
-JamesB
Converted from Phorums BB System
Okay, the pretext of this article is that characters are going to min-max for the "useful" stats.
While I think there were some very valid points made I think the major flaws with this are inherent in the way most people approach roleplaying.
1) The whole "This isn't ROLL-playing, it's roleplaying" thing needs to be shot in the head. I swear. You know how I handle social games? I make the players roll. I make them roleplay aswell, but I also make them roll. No matter how eloquent they are as a player. If their sheet has next to no social stats, I will make them roll them and emphasise just how weak they are in that area. I supplement this with rewards for good roleplay, so if they are actually putting in the effort of playing their character aswell, they advance quicker, it's using a carrot instead of a stick. This has the added advantage of allowing Mr. Awkward and shy to play the amazing socialite he's always wanted to, but not actually had the personal skills to manage, and roleplaying is all about living out fantasies.
Addendum: Some GMs just will not have this approach. In this case, the only thing I can suggest is that in this case, if the above happens, then you take the player aside and tell him why you are having problems, if he continues to ignore his sheet and play his combat monster with the social skills of a courtier, either start making him alone roll them or have bad things happen to the PC. It's not a nice way to deal with it, and it's why I prefer the general approach suggested above
If all else fails, I learn what is on the sheet, and react as appropriate. If the player of the combat monster acts all social, then I have the NPCs react to his lacking in charisma and ettiquette, this can be quite seamless, if done right and if Mr. Awkward has his socials out the nines, then his fumbling attempts will be met with nothing but glowing responses. This also tends to increase his confidence in his abilities, and he will grow into the part a whole lot more.
2) I tailor the games to my PCs. I will look at their sheets, after I have told them what I have wanted and try and make the stories revolve around what is on them. If the Players have made nothing but combat, well.. they want a combat game. Easily done. If they have made socialite PCs, I will make having those PCs an advantage, not a limitation.
-JamesB