Page 168 – True to Character

Balancing in-character and out-of-character knowledge is one thing. Balancing your character’s emotions, habits, reactions, and mannerisms against yourself is quite another.

I discovered this while I was roleplaying as Applejack at Everfree Northwest – my Applejack was NOTHING like canon Applejack, taking the lead in the party and being generally more snarky and savvy. My portrayal of her was essentially me with a southern accent.

(Although, in hindsight, I played her rather closely to Friendship is Dragons Applejack. Huh.)

Rarity: How does Intimidate – from ANYONE – help us in this case?

Rainbow Dash: It doesn’t have to, like, shut him down. If Fluttershy can stop him for just a couple of rounds, we can pick ourselves up and get back to the fight.

Fluttershy: But…

Twilight Sparkle: Isn’t that going to take a really high roll, though? Intimidating a dragon is close to impossible.

DM: I can’t say you’re not wasting your time… but I DO give situational bonuses – or penalties – depending on what you say.

Applejack: So she’s gotta roleplay some real firebrand speechin’.

Fluttershy: I… I can’t do that! I mean… she could never be threatening to another creature like that. It’s not in Fluttershy’s character! It’s just not!

Applejack: So… what IS in Fluttershy’s character right now?

Fluttershy: …Wanting to run away, but not wanting to abandon her friends.

Applejack: Aww…