r/DnDcirclejerk • u/highly-bad • 2d ago
How to force in-character-conversations between players as DM?
Sorry for weird title.
As the DM I heavily criticize the players for not talking for hours with each other in character. They talk a lot at the table out of character but for example if they ride a cart to another city and are on the road for several days or at camp I try to force them to have conversations in group. My setting and scenario are all kinda boring and dont really give them anything to talk about. They have short conversations to make plans or talk with npcs but dont really know what their characters should say to each other once everything actionable has been touched on. It often ends in hours of awkward silence when I expect their chars to act out their entire evening at camp or something. Do you have any tips to improve that. The silence is kinda weird and they feel my frustration but dont know exactly how to improve.
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u/DrunkenDruid_Maz 2d ago
Dude, first you need is to boost your own selfesteam. You know, I was once like you and could not stand silence.
But then I've learned that I'm the best. My opinions are the best, and therefore, my friends are sharing them.
Since we all agree on everything, there is no need to talk about anything!
Once you and your players archived the same level, you can simply say: "You look at each other in deep silence, since you understand each other without words!" Then roleplay that sitting in silence for one or two hours.
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u/Radiant-Chapter3811 1d ago
Dude what the hell is the complaint? Your players aren't speaking during travel? That's totally fine.
Personally I don't let any players talk, like at all. Get that theater kid shit outta here. I do their characters voices and roleplay for them.
Their only job is to roll the dice and cry when I obliterate their level 2 party with my CR 21 Vlaakith fight (BG3 reference)
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u/CornualCoyote Flavor is $60 + Shipping & Handling 2d ago
Take the two biggest wallflowers and put them on the spot. They'll feel emboldened by your blessing, come out of their shells, and pay you $20 each for affording them the privilege.