Tabletop RPG blog Tribality recently published a post titled , where author Kevin Victor Rae discusses how roleplaying can be used to help bring your character to life after combat initiative is rolled. Rae centers their approach to combat RP on the three factors of character-centered action, using all the tools available to you, and a deep understanding that abilitie🍸s are extenꦫsions of the character.
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Concerning "Roleplay In Combat", author Rae begins by acknowledging the three pillars of D&D, and that “roleplaying is the glue” that holds the other two (exploration and combat) together. Not only is this three-pillar system true for D&D, but, as Rae states, it’s also the basis for “any tabletop roleplaying game.” And while non-combat RPGs do exist, 🦹and are increasing in number, roleplaying absolutely remains as the heart and soul of the system.
Character Comes First
Character centered action is the first principle Rae points to as a way to get RP rolling during your combat encounters. This principle hinges on the fundamental concept of the separation of player and character knowledge. ♈You as a TTRPG player have knowledge that your TTRPG character does not, and vice-versa. In ord𓆉er to avoid and allow roleplaying to flourish, it’s imperative that player and character knowledge be kept independent of each other.
Rae explains character centered action RP as you asking the question, “What would my character do?” over the question “What is the most strategic thing for me, the player, to do?” It’s an excellent way to help you concentrate on RP at all times, even in combat. If you think about it, “What would my character do?” is a question you’re already asking yourself during exploration and social interactions, so it’s not a stretch to consider the same question in combat💯 encounters and act accordingly.
Since basically any action you do in a TTRPG is centered on your character, roleplaying during combat can be done easily with this approach in mind. However, when you may not have an idea of how to initiate RP, you can always employ it as a response. In combat, RP can be brought into play depending “on the kind of ene⭕my you’re faced with.” Rae uses the examples of a gibbering mouther and a troll to spark the question of how 🎃your character would respond with RP. They are two distinct creatures that have to be fought with very different combat techniques. These techniques (i.e., character actions) are where your character’s roleplay can shine during combat encounters.
Tools Of The Trade
When your character enters into combat, iꦉt’s a good thing to know your weapons, armor, and other fighting gear in your inventory. However, those are by far not the only tools you have. Rae’s second principle is to use all your tools, and those include your character’s non-combat-oriented tools, knowledge, and motivations.
“Get creative with your t💞ools,” writes Rae, which is an excellent idea. It’s highly reasonable to think an adventurer would know the equipment they’re carrying, as their very survival depends on having and using them. You the player should also know the items within the various equipment packs (burglar, dungeoneer, explorer, etc.), kits (climber, healer, mess, etc.), and other adventuring gear. “The equipment, training, hopes, and knowledge that your character carries with them are just as important, and just as much a part of them as their spells are known or class abilities.”
Speaking Of Abilities...
Abilities are extensions of the character, states Rae in explaining the third rolepl༒ay in combat principle. Abilities are the paths through which your character interacts with their world, the (character-centered) actions they prefer to use which helps tell those around them who they are. That’s called roleplaying. Just because your character enters combat doesn’t mean they suddenly become mindless, character-less automatons with the ability to do nothing more than swing sword/cast spell.
As Rae points out, your character’s abilities not only inform you o🍸f their personality, they also help guide you in how, when, and where to express it. In some way, every ability (and skill) can be roleplaye♒d in combat situations, even though they’re not listed in the ‘Actions’ tab on your D&D Beyond character sheet.
Rae has written a fine article here, with essential information for beginner and veteran TTRPG players. Roll over to and read the full post for your🥀self, along with many other valuable TTRPG articles there. And plug into their , , , and feeds to keep yourself informed and entertained.
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