Page 362 - Narration Dissonance

Again, voice acting in the tabletop roleplaying scene is something I find kind of academically fascinating, if only because I’m very bad at it. I’ve been with DMs who know how to make a lasting impression with a unique voice (even if it’s just a Christopher Walken impression), and I’ve also been with DMs who don’t vocally emote at all when voicing their NPCs.

As always, the acceptable standard depends on the group and the DM, and it’s never expected to be a perfect performance in any case. This is a gaming session, after all.

PM: Right, nevermind what I said. Roll Endurance to avoid getting distracted by Pinkie Pie!
Twilight Sparkle: Okay… <roll>
PM: Hey, that’s good! <roll> But Spike’s concentration falters, and his focus is just as important, so the hat changes back into a rock.
SFX: (BOFF!)
Twilight Sparkle: Boff?
PM: Boff.
Twilight Sparkle: <sigh> Don’t worry, Spike. We can just take 20 on it later.
Spike: Grr… My bad. Got distracted. Pinkie Pie is being super-extra Pinkie Pie today, don’t you think?
Twilight Sparkle: Um…
PM: What?
Twilight Sparkle: Sorry, sorry. Just getting used to Spike sounding kinda… different.
PM: I’ll work on it.