Hello! At this point in my blog, you should be complete with your own backstory and how you’re going to roleplay your character

Now, on to another point in D&D.

Combat. I don’t know if it’s just me, and not to point any fingers, but it seems that every time I play D&D with my friends when I’m the DM, and we wind up rolling initiative, the players never seem to roleplay DURING combat. They just say, “I roll to hit”, or “I cast insert spell here“. That’s it.

And that got me thinking: how can players roleplay DURING combat? Well, that’s what this blog is for! This blog will give you some ideas on how you can roleplay during combat!

1. Making the action more character centered through roleplaying

As a player, it’s understandable for you to act more strategic as combat goes on. After all, what good in roleplaying if you character dies due to a poor strategy?

But why not also focus on something important: “What would my character do?” instead of acting strategically

For example, Player A is playing Jorben the Orc Fighter, who has the protection fighting style. Perhaps Jorben has been getting along with the rogue of the party, so Player A has Jorben stick close to the rogue, and making sure to protect her from enemy attacks. Moments like these can help build comradery within a party, and turn a normal combat encounter into a memorable one.

2. Use every tool at your character’s disposal

This one requires a bit of homework on your part, but it is still important to understand you. You should know what your character has, as it could lead to clever moments, and you just be hitting things.

For example, Jorben has access to rope. Instead of killing that raging orc, he could instead knock him prone, then hogtie. What would’ve been a predicable combat now becomes an interrogation moment for the party.

3. Completely understand your character

This may ask a little too much, but this is good advice nonetheless

It’s a good idea to completely understand your character’s motivations during combat

Jorben’s motivations involving protecting others, which is his greatest strength and worst weakness at the same time. So he might protect civilians during a fight, but he himself might end up dying for the cause.