Really looking forward to next session? Can’t wait to play your character and return to your adventures?
One way to keep some of the magic of your last game’s adventures fresh is to make an in-character post between sessions. The impertinent intrusion of the real world on your campaign is actually a great opportunity to amp up your ever-growing RP and creative writing skills, develop and present your spectacularly cool character’s background and personality, and share your private and keen thoughts on the unfolding adventure and campaign.
Advantages of In-Character Posts
“The creation and convincing representation of fictitious characters” (the very definition of characterization) – adds memorable amounts of mood, atmosphere and storytelling flavor to your campaign. This encourages other PCs to roleplay with your character – both with their own in-character posts, and, using your cues and clues, “live” in your next session and all sessions beyond. They also make for a handy and entertaining journal-like record of your adventures and the campaign.
Components of Great In-Character Posts
A great in-character post often includes some combination of the following aspects of your D&D character:
- physical description
- background
- specific items of interest from the current adventure
- thoughts on the current adventure
- thoughts on other people
In-character posts are a great way to steadily introduce and present details of your character’s appearance, history, equipment and thoughts – from simple observations to grand dreams. The last component is especially important as the entire cast of characters and their thoughts and actions, starting with and featuring the PC party, are the lifeblood of D&D.
Example
Here’s an excerpt from my last session’s in-character post, highlighting my character’s thoughts on the rest of the party I had fallen in with during the opening session of my brother’s brand new dark fantasy-flavored Shadowfell campaign. An eladrin past-life revenant avenger of the Raven Queen, Sever is just beginning to understand some things about his allies:
They fought well today, Sever notes with satisfaction.
The big-boned, hairless dwarf’s strange runic prayers and faith are indeed strong, whatever god this “mul” priest worships.
The paladin, though not surprisingly dull-witted for a human, is tough as a bear, a staunch warrior indeed. He serves our Queen well, and I am glad he is with us.
The freakish, mouthy, tattooed shadar-kai has proven himself a spectacular, if a bit insane, combatant, flashing through the shadows onto roofs and through portals to confound his enemies. The General’s zest for blood and glory surprises even me. In the thick of pitched battle, perhaps we are not so different?
Go Forth and Post!
Whether you rarely post or email very brief roleplaying bits surrounding a discovered treasure that entices you, or you keep and share a full-fledged journal going, go ahead and confidently flex those creative writing and storytelling skills and talents. Make the D&D experience that much more enjoyable for everyone!
Kilsek
I’ve tried to toy with this in the past, but to no avail with my fellow gamers. I think now I’ll give it one more try, at least for my enjoyment.
Thanks bud.
Hey, if you enjoy it, do it! A very short post with a single, private thought or single, simple question to a party member about their past or style is sometimes all it takes to really help bring your party’s personalities to life. Thanks for swinging by Tourq – glad you liked this piece.
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