Calling For More Roleplay Not More Skill Checks

In a time when more and more of us are increasingly playing online, we've noticed a deminishing amout of roleplay -- both in our own online games, and the ones we watch online. The advent of virtual table tops has brought combat to forefront of many games. And while that is fun, it's only one of D&D's three pilars. So we ask ourselves, how do we bring back more of the roleplay element that we felt at the physical table.

And as we looked at this problem, we noticed one crutch that we all seem to be leaning on, both veteran players and noobs alike: too many Ability Checks. Ability Checks for everything. Ability Checks that slow, and often derail, the flow of the story.

This week we take a look at how as a DM (and players) we can choose to make fewer calls for skill tests, and instead use those moments of the game to do more roleplay. We look at reducing how often the dice decide (and derail) the story, and how to use Ability Checks best when conflict demands it.

Welcome to Like Dragon Like Son, a podcast hosted by Jay and Jack Oatway where they discuss everything D&D, from character builds to personal experiences. Stay tuned for new episodes on Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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