As a GM, one of my main goals is to create a rich world for my players. I love to build weird settings full of whacky people and things to explore and enjoy, but no matter how fleshed out, worlds always fall flat without characters pushing to change it. Every time I have had a session where I sat back afterward and said, "Wow. That was awesome." It has been the player's characters who have made it awesome. But, it can be hard to get out of our own heads and into character so here are some fun tricks I use to help my players put aside the little stresses of real life and get into the head of their characters.
Do a Physical Warmup
Being in character is all about being in the moment. Orgaega Turnskull is not thinking about rent or work and if Orgaega's player is thinking about that, they are not thinking like Orgeaga. There is nothing like a physical warmup for jerking us into the present. It forces us to think about our bodies and what is currently going on around us. There are a few physical warmups that I love but my number one is to have a slow motion sword fight. With a few rules of course.
In this game, each player's arms are turned into magical swords. The object of the game is for players to touch other players with the edge of their sword-arms. However, they must maintain slow motion at all times.
If anyone is touched by another player, they must act out an incredibly dramatic death (also in slow motion). When only one player remains, the game is over.
If your players are not comfortable touching, there are a lot of other physical games. I also really like Fish Story.
Give Them A Prop
I know, it is a stereotype for the DnD group to be dressed up around the table and it can feel... a little weird but I am not saying we all need to fully cosplay our characters. What I am saying, is that having a little prop to play with that related to the character can be a great way to stay in the headspace of that character. Encourage your characters to bring along a little prop that fits with their character or, if you can, bring one for them. Just having it there will be a fantastic trigger for the player's imagination.
Start with a Character Fact
One thing I have done ever since listening to the absolutely fantastic first season of Dungeons & Daddies is have each player start the session with a fun fact about their character. I like to ask each character a questions to prompt the fun fact like: What did you want to be before you were called to adventure? Getting into character can be a challenge but these tricks can all be fun and effective ways to help players put aside the stresses of real life, get into the heads of their characters, and create truly memorable and enjoyable experience. So, next time you're starting a session, give these tricks a try and watch the characters come to life!
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