Great PC: Engaging your Fellow Player Characters - Great Player Character in RPG Tips

Our latest video looks at getting everyone involved at your table, it's not just your GM's job :P Tips on how to get everyone involved for an epic Roleplaying session.
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[@sazdx]

In our game, my Elf Ranger became best friends with my friend's Half-Elf Druid. She helped me rescue my animal companion from a band of shaman Orcs who wanted use him as a sacrifice. Because of this, my character became indebted to her and swore to guard her with her life as a bodyguard of sorts until their friendship took over over time... When the moment came when my character shielded her from a mortal blow (It was a one-hit death), she broke down. The enemy general (my character's rival) laughed and mocked my character and the rest of the party.... and then my friend's grasp of her elemental power turned loose in her rage and sorrow and the general was thrown to the winds and the room was dead silent. It was an awesome scene with my character fulfilling a role she swore to uphold not just because of the debt, but because she was her friend and was too important to her to let her die at the hands of the general. And also having such an impact in the session was amazing it even surprised the GM XD. My character did manage to survive after a lucky crit roll on her last breath, and the GM used that to expand something into my backstory which I'm still trying to decipher XD. Still awesome.

[@GreatGMLive]

This is a beautiful moment. And for me - what role-playing is all about. Thank you for sharing, it must have been an amazing experience!

[@SomeFreakingCactus]

One of those rare moments in an RPG that sends chills down everyone's spines.

[@pernillekaaber8335]

Beautiful, beautiful.

[@murraylindsay4163]

Blood relations is my favourite. I was the street savvy muscle brute big brother to a goofy wizard younger brother. Mom told me to follow him and make sure he survived. Or don't come home. It's "wingman", and "adversarial" with a dash of "mentor". But, as always, your marvellous advice only applies with fellow players who are role players as opposed to roll players.

[@GreatGMLive]

Absolutely. I did leave out the family aspect because I wanted to have a video solely on that. But you are right - roll play versus role play. I think there is a video there... :) Thanks Murray!

[@sirslaughter5884]

+Bacon Battalion RPG ooh can't wait, relations between players are one of the biggest reason I role play

[@jacobmcgrew6610]

Didn't notice anyone else bring this up previously, but, if it was your intent with your wardrobe, I loved the subtle nod to The Phantom!

[@trashfire9641]

During character creation I had a Hill Dwarf prepared, another player wanted to build a Hill Dwarf fighter. I asked if he wanted our characters to be clansmen, he said 'yes' and it added much to the narrative. Then his character died at the end of last session and the possibilities for development of my character are multiplying. Do I become quiet and resolved, bitter and angry, do I break from my cleric vows and begin practicing necromancy to bring my clansman back? It turned out to be a great decision to create this relationship.

[@GreatGMLive]

That's an awesome (and sad) situation. Depending on your group and the type of GM you have, the necromancy thing opens some interesting doors does it not? The bitter and angry to me doesn't promise as much adventure or other player engagement. So many options!

[@jamiesanchez8063]

Playing someone who has lost a good friend, but resolves to continue respecting the ways of your shared clan would be a noble, bittersweet facet of your character. Don't waste an opportunity and lessen him by being bitter. :)

[@brandonschlimpf9718]

In my game I had social anxiety and my friend was a werewolf who was able to stay in the form of a wolf and not even my character knew he was different. I grew to rely on him as a support pillar for my anxiety until he revealed that he wasn’t a full wolf. My character felt betrayed and lied to. And after several sessions of deep inner conflict, came to realize that the wolf wasn’t actually helping my anxiety anymore and my character was able to function better in taverns and in public. Even without the wolf. Lead to great roll playing from my friend who was the wolf because he had no clue I was going to react negatively to his reveal.

[@JacomClarkson]

Your suggestions are golden and your voice is so pleasant to listen to!

[@GreatGMLive]

Gratitude for your comments, and I hope that the suggestions help in some way to improve your gaming experience!

[@rylee8609]

When you were saying “ I can climb faster than you can.” And all of that stuff, my mind was like. 🎶“ Anything you can do, I can do better! I can do anything better than you!” 🎶 From, Annie Get Your Gun

[@bookieman111]

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[@JenniferFuss]

Interesting tip. Though I would talk to the player before reversing the role in game. As putting it after the reversal might sound like I'd cheat on the player as a person or like I am being condescending towards them.

[@GreatGMLive]

It really is about getting a feel for your fellow player and quite correctly working with them. I've got players who know I will betray them/turn on them/feed them to the demon... because that's what I do ... apparently. New players are a different story and a good solid warning up front and a strong discussion is all that is needed to make it fun. So yes - thank you for raising it!

[@feartheghus]

Yeah honestly the wya that sounded seemed bad “oh good you’re enjoying the relationship so far? Well FUCK YOU my character cheats on you”

[@sanablue]

kind of unrelated to the topic but I like the background you chose for this video. it's so calming and pretty.

[@aaronsmith1790]

This information is great... I'm currently in a game where I personally took on a challenge from the GM where he stated that in his system it was "impossible to remain the "good guy"" due to it being a mercenary free-roaming type of setting, so I deliberately made a character that shunned all worldly possessions and act with very high morals. The issue lies with the players in that they aren't exactly on the same wavelength as my character. This breaks party dynamic. Much to my suprise, after you showcased these examples I can see how due to the plot where these ques of relationships were already seeded in the game. I look forward to talking to my fellow players to develop relationships in the party and come to compromises and understanding through in game interaction. I feared the day when I would have to do the stereotypical paladin v. rogue and was putting it off because frankly that often ruins people's fun and I didn't want to do that.

[@GreatGMLive]

Glad you spotted this early! The whole Pally versus Rogue is frustrating and requires some good discussions. A great option for you to get some ideas is to watch the TV series Dark Matter. The character of 'One' sounds similar to your character, and is surrounded by merc's. How his issues resolve is interesting.

[@aaronsmith1790]

Thank you for your advise, I'll look into it.

[@carolpetty964]

My BF and I are working on a pair where his fighter is going to play the protector of my necromancer. We've sort of built the characters around this relationship. We're super excited to give them a go!

[@DocDoesGamingTV]

My Half-Elf Sorcerer became best friends with a fellow Half-Orc Monk, after being rescued trying to prove himself (since he was the weak link in the party when it came to combat). They were also talking about carpentry and beer a lot, since they were both craftsmen. Our DM even gave them a bonus for pincer attacks and assisting each other, the Monk was desolated when my Sorcerer died in combat.

[@sirslaughter5884]

Dude, you guys are literally the best, i've never felt this kind of acknowledgement in any channel before, thanks so much my friend is freaking out right now. Seriously, you guys kickass!

[@GreatGMLive]

Only a pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it and thanks for the question suggestion.

[@sirslaughter5884]

+Bacon Battalion RPG oh and looking sharp by the way!

[@GreatGMLive]

:)

[@dragoneggsbenedict5028]

This was my favorite GreatPC session to date. Truly an amazing and inspirational video. I plan on starting this dialogue for my next session. Thank you!

[@GreatGMLive]

Wow - I cannot respond to such high praise! Thank you. And please let me know how it goes and if more questions arise from it. I think the one sad thing about this is if your fellow player isn't interested, in ends there. Good luck!

[@ashtonnorthrip6164]

I just keep thinking of all the relationships between the critical role characters

[@fordsmolko872]

vandar 37 same

[@clinthazzard7397]

There are much more fulfilling relationships than those on critical role, especially when you get to do them yourself

[@1simo93521]

Playing Fiasco really helped me get a grip on this kind of stuff. I would recommend it for any rpg group it really gets you thinking.

[@GreatGMLive]

Ah dear sweet Fiasco. I have several players who love playing it. And yes it really does help!

[@mayt7192]

This video was really helpful! I never really gave doing something like this much thought, but I'll be sure to give it a shot next time I have a good opportunity for it.

[@GreatGMLive]

That's what this is all about - just planting a thought to make life better :)

[@frederickbentley7774]

My lizardfolk rogue and my friend's goliath barbarian are kinda in a wingman/mentor relationship. My character is reserved and tries to be the level headed mouthpiece for the party and her character is boisterous and flirty and will walk in on me trying to get information from someone and start hitting on them or threatening them, throwing a wrench in whatever headway I'd made. My character sighs and says "keep it in your pants, Bilba" or "hi. Yeah, Bilba? I'm handling it" she's my character's best friend and also the bane of his existence.

[@MajorShepard]

I am going to subscribe now as I find your videos very helpful and informative, especially this series. I also like watching RP games so this is another plus ;p. I recently have been getting back into rp (About a year now) with mixed results, using Roll20. Either groups did one session and then stopped or they got cancelled or the DM ended up leaving. RN I have 2 games I'm in and 1 on hold for the moment, all different systems. Shadowrun, D&D 5E and Stars Without Numbers and the GM's all have varying qualities that make me like some more than the other ones. So anything that can help my RP better is much appreciated as most of the time I feel like I'm blundering through it lol. So cheers for these tips! :D

[@OhanCockett]

In the 5e PHB it has character backstories you can choose from. my mates and my group has found they integrate together really well. My game has change from 5e to 3.5 now but we've kept our characters and 2 in particular have held strong, because their back stories were intertwined

[@CaughtDingoes]

Brilliant advice. Something I tend to struggle with. Campaigns I'm in are coming to a close so I will try this in what is happening next.

[@GreatGMLive]

Sweet! Let us know how it goes!

[@CaughtDingoes]

Tomorrow is session 3. Still very much in stage 2. OOC it's a blast. IC our arrange marriage is starting to get out of an awkward phase where our characters get to know each other.

[@mikkel8618]

This rock, which started off heavy and cold, now feels warm and soft.

[@Ashden96]

How to engage your fellow player character: a) buy a ring from a jeweler/have one made b) have your character kneel down before their character c) ask if they want to tie their life to yours Done :D

[@thedm8873]

Clever girl

[@carnivoriousleaf]

This made me nostalgic, as the game we just finished this July I had a great time building relationships with most of the other characters (and their players too). Had the wingman relationship, literally once as our characters went to a drinking establishment, was able to play that character's advocate as that character was a tad silly and my character was a tad overly serious and wanted to loosen up. Sadly that player lost interest in the game and moved on. Tried to have a mentor-mentee relationship, though I viewed it more as becoming a protective older sister with another character. It didn't work out as that player seems addicted to playing "Trouble Loners" (tm). Ended up alienating both characters players! Then there's the most dynamic if very quiet relationship which evolved from mildly antagonistic, to friendship, to best-friend to the point I was able to get the player to admit that my character would be the best man (best woman?) at his character's denoument wedding (where of course something went wrong, because roleplaying game). Hated that character's fiancee though. And finally there was the burgeoning romantic relationship, and the point about not rushing really strikes home. So the love interest character was a late joiner (replacing the Loner (tm) actually) and while our characters flirted immediately we let it simmer at that level for a while. We made sure to engage eachother and try to set up the relationship as BFF-Wingman. There were puns, light hearted jabs, and occasional short flirts. After around 7 sessions, there was a moment of weakness that the two supported eachother through. AND THEN the hammer fell. I moved my piece towards growing infatuation but at the same time that player was confronted, cause our GM is willy, with their old flame. The verbally corrosive old flame who undermined that character's confidence. So our characters danced around the relationship a lot (probably 8 months RL time). It was gratifying, if from my perspective confusing. WELL it all came to a head in a later session where we were supposed to get diplomatic support from a Vampire. Being rather "Good aligned" the party was uneasy with this. Being very "good aligned" my character tried to drag the party to say "screw the plan we need to kill the vampire" (with GM approval). However the Romantic-Interest character had an alterior motive. She, the character, wanted the power of vampirism, because holy smokes she could protect her friends, family, and country if she was just better (see corrosive old-flame whispering in her ear during that character's private sessions). And well.... the vampire turned that character by playing to her doubt.... So, that was bad. My character flew in a panic barged into the Vampire Lord's quarters stammering for answers and then, and I truly did feel chill to my stomach, I stammered out "I... i challenge you to an honor duel for her freedom". (I wish my memory could erase the extraneous "honor"). The vampire asked why, and THAT's how my character actually verbally confessed her feelings. Through using every dirty trick I could, and by prodigious use of "willpower" resource I won. AND then the relationship got more complicated before finally settling out at the end. Totally worth it. Totally fun.

[@GreatGMLive]

That sounds like an epic journey of fun. I was reading about this relationship and thinking - the old flame must die... but not by your hand... mwahahaha. It really feels like there was a strong really profound sense of relationship building. Awesome! Thank you for sharing!

[@carnivoriousleaf]

Three years is a lot of time for stuff to happen. Thanks for the video I pointed a player this way when they asked me about a similar problem just last Friday. (In the game I'm running we have a player who's a little stubborn about "But this is what my character would do" so I suggested they collaborate OOC map out how to build an in--character relationship that isn't antagonistic)

[@GreatGMLive]

carnivoriousleaf Indeed three years is a lot of time but sounds like it was well spent! Great advice to your player about mapping it out OOC and thanks for sharing the channel. Absolutely it's about finding a way to play your character without ruining the fun for everyone. Might I suggest our video around character vs. story? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoWqpXyLed-pqdU Hope this helps :)

[@stubbyfoamz1]

Hi I have my first game coming soon with friends and your videos are helping me grasp how I might conduct myself as to keep the table entertained and inhaled but I suppose my question is how can I keep a conjurer from slowing down a quest for the rest of my team? With a heavy focus on summons and buffs I've been told it may slow down gameplay and I don't wish to burden anyone with a longer wait time just to spam the field with a pack of dogs for example

[@grandyt196]

How can I accept friend request in this game

[@cookies23z]

My previous (first) session went bery well :) we did player xreation as a group and did a bit of rp, ended right belfre first combat :) I used the tips from your videos and really enjoyed the game. The next session is this firday, amd I camt wait to incorporate more :) I have only 1 other spell caster in the group so I will try to befriend him in game, then talk at the end of session to see how it goes. I was so happy with the tiny bit I got forst week I thought of a bunch of things my character could do with my party and what woild be possible (some ideas may not be allowed, like in 5e, mage hand cant make an attack, but I wanted to stab a baddie, then mage hand to drag it across his eyes to blind him) Anyways very happy woth the video :) I will definitely put this to use right away in hopes I can get one of the more shy members to be involved, also the 2 non magic users and me and the other magic user being split for the beginning of our journey males sense (amd cam fot the sotry) Basically just a huge thanks to the effort you put into your videos, and Im glad I gave dnd a try, because i am enjoying it immensely (my hype is so high I wasted a bunch of time at work reading a rulebook online) I will see you again mext week :) and thank you

[@GreatGMLive]

How did the next session go? Glad our videos can help :)

[@cookies23z]

It went very well :D Glad to hear from you again, I now play weekly [but missed last week :( ] and things seem to be going well, not perfect, but doing alright (had my first death, a new character in a new setting, and my new character is a bit more fleshed out, only a bit though) Have a wonderful weekend :)

[@GreatGMLive]

Glad to hear it. Through death we learn... apparently!

[@adamuglow7207]

Currently playing a female Elf Swordsage and looking to build somekind of relationship with my friends Barbarian. It's naturally started out quite adversarial... But we've both agreed we'd like to draw out the comedy if possible, but not particularly sure how to go about that during a rather serious campaign! Any pointers?

[@murraylindsay4163]

Are you familiar with Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser? (Fritz Leiber author). I think there might be some inspiration there.

[@GreatGMLive]

Comedy is really tricky. However a great example of 'light comedy' is Gimli and Legolas in the films. They were allies but very adversarial. The swordsage would be smart and wise, so her retorts should be verbally scathing. The barbarian could play 'dumb' to her words and rejoin with misinterpretation of the insults. It's a great opportunity for him and you to try to get the other characters to join your 'side'. Aside from the clueful versus clueless comedy approach, the one up-manship of I killed orc with club (barbarian). I killed three orcs with my finger (swordsage)... Oh yeah?! I kill five orcs with my face (barbarian) as the barbarian throws his weapons away... That can happen and be funny. Especially if the swordsage realizes that barbarians point of honour now prevents him from picking up his weapons even if he is loosing... so she has to get them for him type of thing. I hope this helps in a small way?

[@MagnificentMelkior]

be equally competitive in trivial matters. pick up a poker set (poker dice Ala witcher is great because it's easy to run with dice) for when you're eating lunch on the road. get into a foot race (barbarian is fast, but you can teleport) in the city. if you do it right you'll cause enough chaos to have the guards chasing you both.

[@adamuglow7207]

+Bacon Battalion RPG That does help, giving me some ideas at least! Come to think of it his Barb does have a Kill List.

[@adamuglow7207]

+Murray Lindsay I'm not but I'll certainly look it up!

[@aaronmontague623]

Is the Daisy in a Chest reference something specific?

[@Psychesrose]

I'm in a new campaign (2 sessions in) and already my character seems to be quite close with a different character while two others are mainly there to watch and be support and the last two are just joined so there's very little development there. I want to start out with one strong relationship first and then build the others just so I can have some focus. Who should I start with- the character I'm already starting organically to be drawn to but he's the leader type so everybody has a pretty good relationship with him or the characters who are having difficulty role playing and more or less just like to watch the other characters get into trouble?

[@GreatGMLive]

Firstly I think go with what your character would do and let your roleplaying guide you. That being said it can never hurt to try and draw in and engage with other players, but if they feel more comfortable watching they will come to you when they have gotten more used to roleplaying, give them opportunities but I would say focus on the character that you organically as a character feel drawn to. The rest will follow and the fact that the other character is a leader type doesn't make your relationship with them lesser or mean that you have to focus on the others. It is still early days in your game and who knows what will happen (That's the beauty) so if you feel you need to focus then do that just not to the exclusion of the others. Hope this helps.

[@oziancitizen]

I need help. I snapped at two of my fellow players and essentially threw a childish silent tantrum while the game continued. (D&D5e) Our paladin was having a moment where we'd come to a new town and come across people who would take in our paladin for becoming an Oath Breaker, a fact the rest of the characters had been selfishly trying to deny though we knew it to be true. My character, whom was unfortunately a new one into the fold (my replacement), listened to those whom were going to take him, heard that the paladin wasn't going, and given that there was one moment in darkness that he flat out attacked me, turned to the rest of the party to tell them that our tiefling friend, whom they'd know in game for 3-4 months and out of game for a year, the half devil could possibly turn full devil if we don't do something... and I find the sorcerer and cleric were sharing something on their phone. To me, this was an important moment, inter-party conflict had arisen and it would be an important stage in the story, even a movie if it were such, and yet these two, even after I snapped at them to get their attention, didn't look up. After I made sure they new that I'd like their attention in the game but they didn't seem moved by it at all, I did something stupid: I sat up on one of the tables, specifically between one of them and the DM, and rattled the Pringles tin can that held my dice. The story continued though and I later got down. It was ridiculous, and since my character never got their input, I took it upon myself to summon up giant spiders to restrain the paladin. I need help. Should I distance myself from the group the next few meet-ups? Should I explain myself to the DM and party before we start the next session? I went to include their characters but... I'm angry and sorry all at once. I need help.

[@GreatGMLive]

Gosh Jack, it really sounds like your party doesn't want to role-play they want to roll-play. It also sounds like you are sorry about the whole table dice rattling thing. My advice would be to ask the guys via whatsapp if that makes it easier - how they think it went. Quietly and individually. Ask them how they felt. Then see. Maybe the two sharing stuff on their phone just didn't realize their mistake, maybe they did, and feel the Paladin is getting all the story, so why should they bother? Maybe the GM needs to realize you like role-playing more than just getting on with it. It could a great opportunity for you to express your feelings and see if its reciprocated. If it isn't, if the rest of the group thinks it's no biggie... then maybe you were taking it too personally. Last night I had an incident with one difficult player. He over stepped the mark, and then declared he was going to openly sabotage the party plans. I've thrown him out the group. He doesn't like how we play, and we don't like how he plays. I consulted all the players first to make sure it wasn't just me being emotional. They all felt terrible, and the cap it off, they all felt responsible for his childish play! That's how much he affected them. I refuse to let that happen at my table. I hope this helps in some way. Let us know how it goes!

[@michaelmrozek7206]

Hey as a DM I have to ask if you agree with the idea of making a npc specifically for the reason of getting new players comfortable with role playing because I personally wouldn't have role played my first game if my DM had added a Druid npc for my character to be able to talk to in Druidic so I could get used to role play but I know some people say it's not a good idea

[@SpasticEliteStudios]

it depends very heavily on how the gm uses that character and how much work the gm is willing to take on. GMs already have quite a bit of work on their hands and adding a character to build on top of that can be more trouble than it is worth. However, it does make certain kinds of interactions possible that would otherwise require lots of finagling. GMPCs generally fall into one of two categories: -Little Buddy: the Little Buddy is a way for the gm to interact with the party in a consistent way. They typically fill a supporting role in the group dynamic and get out of the way when it's the PC's turn to do something. Very few people have problems with the Little Buddy GMPC. (sounds kinda like your first experience with a GMPC was with this category of character.) -Main Character: the Main Character is the GMPC whom the entire story revolves around. they are often more powerful or more competent than the PCs and the party is often told to "stay out of their way". This is the category of GMPC that everyone hates (and why there is a knee-jerk reaction to the idea).

[@nooneimportant9623]

I explored a servant-master relation

[@sonnymaviano3824]

I have a dragonborn paladin who is very protective over his wife but she thinks he's going to get someone killed because he never heals any one in the party but her unless there at low hit points. it's very close so Thay have to injoy not fighting at ever second and be whith each other He's also the strongest in the party

[@fhuber7507]

Engaging your Fellow Player Characters IN COMBAT!

[@Minakie]

I'm 26 and I have never had a romantic relationship. I guess that means I've been living under a rock. :P

[@Halinspark]

At least you're not Saudi Arabian. Then you'd be living under Iraq.

[@89taklung]

I think I'll try talking to the player after all... I really tried to built a realtionship with this one character first by being nerds together but he shot that out than, since he generally had simelar beliefs like my priest, I tried to bring him to my cult but the player just blocked with no real way to further persue it without being noisy and annoying. Somehoe every thing I try he simply acts all annoyed (and I mean the player even more than the characteR) because in one book it was written that his circle of wizards don't get along too well with my kind of priests.... which really annoys me ^^* but at the moment I'm GMing the group any way ^^*

[@gaoth88]

I notice how you probably work at the Department of Post-Mortem Communications.