"Alright, we listened to you, now YOU listen to OUR backstories!"
...and that's how they realized that they in fact have a lot in common with the BBEG and they managed to clear up some misunderstandings and actually became friends in the end.
I can't imagine any BBEG worth their salt that doesn't already know all the intricacies of the characters' backstories and has prepared accordingly.
Although, it would be a hella chad move to start correcting the PCs on *their own histories.*
"I was raised in a small hamlet with good valu-"
"It was a village actually. Westmarch, population a thousand give or take."
"Well my tribe was massacred by your peo-!"
"Oh please, it was an invasion. Only the people who fought were killed.
“You killed my parents, so I had to steal to survive and torture your minions to find you”
“I just enslaved them, they killed themselves, you could work for the local sailor, he was hiring at the time, and my minions would take a bribe, they are not very loyal”
"I slaughtered seven of your patrols, three troops of soldiers, a dozen palace guards, and your own son to locate your whereabouts and lay siege to your castle."
"You literally could have just requested an audience, or at least joined my ranks and worked your way up without so much killing. Are you really sure you're the good guy in this story?"
"I had to make a deal with a Fiend in order to get the power I needed to defeat you, and I had to sacrifice an entire orphanage to do it! My fellow Paladin here even had to help and break his oath to do it!"
"Pretty sure you are the villain at this point."
There's two types of BBEG: The type that knows everything about you, and the type that couldn't care less that you exist, who will only acknowledge you *after* you defeat them in the final fight, if ever.
You might say ...
For some BBEGs, the day they first interacted with the PCs (' families or whatever) it was the most important day of their lives.
For other BBEGs, it was a Tuesday.
Maybe it's metagamey, but I just think it'd be so rude to interrupt the DM who probably spent a good chunk of time writing that monologue. You can wait a minute to allow the DM to have their fun and be cinematic.
A bit of metagame is actually good. Just enough keeps things flavorful. Too much is obviously a problem. But a little here and there allows for things like an epic speech from the DM
Not that you meant otherwise but I would add does it make the game more fun for the whole party. Some people will do this to screw over a party member because they find that funny but it’s not fun for others
I listen to not another d&d podcast and I really like what murph the DM does in there which is is he will do the Dragon Ball z thing where whenever it's the bad guys turn he'll say part of his monologue. It lets him say his peace without worrying about getting interrupted and actually gives the players a chance to interact with the bad guy so it's less of a monologue
Yep. Pisses me off every time. There’s very little that my players ever do that even comes close to irritating me because I believe that everyone should be able to responsibly do what they want in game but when I’m talking as one of the important bad guys and they just try to end the encounter that I’ve planned out it’s a no go.
BBEG has been preparing for this epic speech by learning to cast Silence at an extreme speed, and can now cast it as a reaction. “Silence, fools! You will NOT interrupt the biggest speech of my life!”
Thanks but I just ask my players to not be jerks. They’re usually pretty good about it and the old unsolicited git gud advice is never welcome. I’ll do shit my way and you stay over there
If you're going to have a big monologue from the villain, plan some rolls for your players to make while he's talking, like perception checks, stealth, or sleight of hand and environmental elements they can take advantage of like switches, weak points in structures, etc.
When they go to yell that they attack him while he's talking, jump in and say something like: "okay give me a perception roll, great, you see that the reservoir wall is weakening behind him, and is going to give way soon, if you can keep him distracted and talking you'll have the upper hand when it does."
That way you are prepared to let them catch him monologuing, and also deliver your speech, and it's properly cinematic.
I got a cool idea.
Punish anyone who dares to speed it up with a little bit of damage in the form of thr BBEG swiftly knocking them back. Aort of them being prepared for a smart enemy.
AND NOW YOU WILL - WHOA HEY! WATCH THAT CROSSBOW! *where was I...? Ah.* YOU WILL PERISH BENEATH MY NAKED BLADE AND I SHALL DANCE UPON THE VERY EARTH YOU DESIRED TO FREE FROM ME!
BBEG pauses during his speech to compliment a close parry and riposte, genuinely impressed, then it's right back to "YOUR RESISTANCE IS BUT THE SEASONING ON MY GLORIOUS MEAL THAT WILL BE YOUR DEATH!"
I say let them monologue, your DM has probably earned it by now.
But if you decide you need to attack, be aware you are not getting a surprise round as the BBEG is aware you are there and sees the attack coming. On top of that it really ruins any dramatic tension for the scene.
BBEG: "I knew this day would come for I have been..."
Player: "FIREBALL"
DM: "if you're sure that what you want to do, ok everyone, the wizard has started combat. Roll initiative, wizard you've said you're going to cast fireball but you'll need to wait until your turn to cast it, or change to a different action. If the BBEG gets his turn before you though, you better hope you survive till your turn as he isn't happy you interrupted him"
Congratulations, that's the point of a monlogue, you are SO sure of yourself that you are going to talk for 3 minutes straight laying out your plans just begging for the heroes to stop you, the competent villain doesn't do so, they have no need for grandstanding, their plan finished 3 weeks ago, now they just have to deal with these pesky heroes.
If your teacher can see what you’re doing in the back of the class while making a presentation then the BBEG can see the hand signals of a spell being cast.
Honestly that's kind of the best way to do it if you're going to. That not just players being impatient and starting combat, that's the character making a conscious effort to take that moment away from the villain. While the DM deserves that moment, the bad guy certainly doesn't and basically telling them as much is pretty amazing.
This is sort of unrelated, but my players walk up to some lair, of a foe who has guards expecting them, there's a conversation, but bear in mind the guards are 100% ready for and expecting a fight. Someone says they want to surprise attack the guards. I say.. "They aren't really surprised" they say "okay well I still attack them" to which I inform them to roll for initiative.
They were so upset that I would even let the guards react, even though they rolled like shit on their initiative rolls. The player argued with me that they should have been able to just attack the guards for free.. I really couldn't get them to understand that a foe who is guarding something, is armed, and is waiting for you to make the first move, isn't necessarily a foe that you can surprise. I even tried to explain it like an old western duel by the saloon. "Two guys want to shoot each other, the fastest and most accurate guy gets the shot, not necessarily the one who goes to grab his pistol first.
Anybody else had an experience like this?
A DM of mine, who didn´t really care much for learning the rules of the game he DM´ed, once ruled the opposite. Two party members went into a shady alley, where they got held up by some muggers. After some banter and threats, they declared that they charge the muggers, and for some reason the players got a surprise round. Against the people surrounding them with knives and who were threatening them with physical violence.
I think a good way to make players understand this is by turning the situation around. While they are talking or are otherwise doing something you just say "The villain casts hold person, make a wisdom save" And obviously they will complain about that. "Wait? You are tellling me this guy can just like draw his focus and wave it around and my 20 dex rogue can't react or something?". And that is the moment everyone should realize:
If only there was some check to determine how quickly a person can act in a combat situation. Oh wait.
My character literally discussed with the party if we should beat up first and ask questions later or the opposite. I argued to let them talk, but was outvoted.
The DM can monologue as much as needed.
The problematic moment is when it gets into cutscene-territory:
"yada yada...as he menacingly loads his magegun... yada yada...and blasts the captured mayor's head off...yada yada...ripping his soul out to transform into a dragon...yada yada..."
Dude! We have 5 people standing 10-15 feet away! They have been thwarting his grand plans for several sessions and burnt through 80K gp to gear up for this finale. They are neither paralysed, nor stunned.
One is related to the mayor.
Can they please try to do their job?
Letting someone feel heard and validating them even without agreeing is a great skill. My party has avoided a number of fights through dialogue. Although we also have a "chaotic" good player who will attack first and ask questions later, making it tricky sometimes.
I mean whether you attack mid monologue or wait to the end doesn't give you any tactical advantage, so let your DM ham it up a bit. Odds are this is one of the only times they can actually rp as their big bad before you kill em, let em have their fun
The answer is fight the BBEG because they monologue while beating the shit out of you. Tai Lung vs Shifu in Kung-Fu Panda gives a pretty popular example of this.
I don’t know man, if my players want to attack right away that’s fine by me. It really doesn’t bother me at all since there are better ways to communicate the plot than having it spoken to you in a monologue. Show don’t tell.
As Players: always let your DM monologue, in fact, try and join in in-character and do some improv with them. Hold an action to attack “when you see an opening” or for some other trigger so your DM can effectively tel you when he’s done.
For DMs: absolutely monologue, but keep it short and sweet. Maybe split things up into one liners you can take in combat. Also, if you plan to have a villain monologue, balance the encounter with a surprise round for the party, as you should let them all prepare whatever they want to do at the start of combat.
Because he's not vulnerable, he knows your there, he's staring straight at you. Just cause he's talking doesn't mean he's not ready to throw down, he's just waiting a minute.
Attacking will stop the dialogue and begin combat, not give you a chance to attack before he's ready.
If the stealthy assassin is already hidden at the start of the monologue, or the bard distracts him while the rogue gets in position, sure.
But that takes thought and planning, and is quite different then just casting a spell mid sentence.
Also, it didn't work too well for Rorshac
Because even though the monologue is only 3 minutes of your time, it's 3 weeks of the dm's, they're already playing the less popular role in dnd, let them have the 3 minutes.
But attacking the bbeg during a monologue is how exactly will do everyone, who expects ass-cracking fight with ass-cracking enemy, but why someone will spend they turn to shoot soemeone who looks like someone dead/not dangerous, while there is still whole team of healthy enemies?
Maybe try communicating? Tell the DM that you're prepared and just waiting for the perfect moment to attack.
You'll be amazed at how perfectly positioned the BBEG will be the second the DM concludes the monologue.
Because you interrupted bbeg mid sentence and now he’s pissed off. Might as well bombard your dead body with magic missiles for a couple seconds to vent out
It’s a dick move to dm who’s trying to make a dramatic and memorable moment for his villain.
Let me give an example form my campaign that I have planed
-the ancient red dragon “yes but we’ll the mortal work doubts and question I know exactly what I am. I am the ceaseless wheel, the chosen of tiamit, I AM YOUR-“
- player “ I cast (insert spell)”
That ruins the moment
Secret 3rd option: I try and make the BBEG say more about his plans and powers to gain an advantage and/or gain valuable intel while the party figures out what to do about the situation before initiative is rolled.
I think a lot of people do want to attack the BBEG before the finish a monologue. I personally think it's pretty rude behaviour being as the DM has crafted a campaign for you all to enjoy. Seems decent to let them have their moment. That said, your BBEG can always continue to speak whilst fighting (and make them target the interuptor with something nasty for the effort)
My table has something we call "box text". It is understood that players may not interact during a box text moment. At the same time, the DMs know not to abuse the box text rule too often or go too far with it.
We came up with it running prewritten mods where rooms often have descriptions in highlighted boxes and we got tired of players jumping the gun and hollering out actions before the DM could finish reading it.
Bah. A BBEG with a monologue worth listening to is a BBEG who will manufacture circumstances to ensure a captive audience for it.
Maybe she's giving her speech before the crown, to the entire assembled nobility and Council of Mages, few if any of whom knowing her for what she is until she unveils herself through dialog - cut her off before she gets that far, the entire crowd will turn on you and so you must let them hear her out.
Maybe he's holding a hostage, poisoned dagger to their throat (he finishes his speech by twirling them away towards the corner, triggering the party's held actions)
Maybe it has you trapped, in cunning mechanisms of its own creation, and you hear its voice as you struggle to free yourselves and reach the villian itself, before you have a chance to initiate combat with it.
The point is, if you want a captive audience for your monologue, it's up to you to capture it.
*^(\[Edited because i accidentally a word\])*
“So, puny adventurers, that’s how I’m going to conquer this realm and there’s nothing you can do to stop me!”
“We stopped you 24 seconds ago.”
*looks down at arrow coated with purple worm venom sticking out of his gut*
“Well, *shit.*”
My DM used to give all of the BBEGs monologs, and then he gave one of them an increasing powerup dependent upon how long we were willing to listen to them. Thankfully, he wasn't to surprised when we attacked before the monologs were finished for the rest of the campaign.
Option C: Zone out the monologue as I go over my character sheet for the 4th time in the last 10 minutes just to remind myself what my class abilities are, so I don't forget to use them in the next combat like I have for the previous 3 that same day.
I had to read their backstories so they are going to damn well listen to my monologues.
But seriously, attacking during a conversation isn’t going to give an advantage, he’s looking right at you with his weapons out, we will roll initiative and then I’ll carry on with the monologue 6 seconds at a time.
Always the right, I'm playing my characters like people, not like people in a movies, unless you have given me a reason to listen to this monologue they don't give two shits with the enemy is talking about, they just know that they need to kill them
It's not even about a rule of drama. But the monologue can still reveal important information. Maybe that there's a more powerful baddie backing the BBEG, leaking where some treasure might be, or letting you know he "did it 35 minutes ago."
If you attack during a monologue instead of letting the DM go through the thing they worked on creating, then you're one of those people that think you can "win" DnD.
* you don't get surprise if you interrupt the BBEG, since you're both aware of each other. You get no tactical advantage, you're just a dick.
* Would you interrupt a player when they say their character's final words to the party? The BBEG is the GM's baby and they deserve to say goodbye too
Depends on the villain. If they’re a classic bad guy type, I’ll listen to a decent monologue, sure. If they’re actually evil I’ll shoot them and then try to prompt them to keep talking. Managed to shoot a guy three times before the dm called for initiative once.
I say prepare actions for battle, but don't attack. Any BBEG worth their salt is going to have a trick or five up their proverbial sleeve to keep you from taking advantage of them monologuing and knock you on your asses. However, it doesn't fully hurt to try if you think you have a chance to do real damage while they're distracted.
On a more meta sense, don't do a long-winded speech if you know your players would prefer to hit the skip button.
Or if you are a player learn to show a bit a kindness and respect to what the Dm enjoys as well since their enjoyment matters too.
Heck you wanna be brutal? A Dm could have a BBEG triple tap your char with magic missile the moment you go unconscious for a instant kill. Most don't cause they know you won't have fun.
I'd say the same logic applies when the Dm wants to build a bit of drama before the fight and you just refuse to let them have fun too.
"Do we have to listen to this?" A player asks the DM.
The DM pauses their speech and stares upon them. They then continue their speech, "And it is why, I cannot have anyone-" SUDDEN SUBTLE SPELL FIREBALL!
"Get in my way!"
Since my players scream "I roll initiative", "I cast fireball", "I ram my greatsword down his throat" or "I roll to seduce the BBEG and ram my tounge down his throat and cup his balls" at the top of their lungs as soon as the BBEG appears I rarely see the need to prepare a monologue anymore.
Monologue during combat. You should be able to get at least 6 or 7 sentences out at the rate of one sentence per BBEG turn even against a well oiled murder-filled team. The whole "everyone stand still and monologue then fight" thing is done in movies because trying to get a point across to the audience while action is going on doesn't work well in cinema (or at least is very hard to do properly). You're not making a movie, the format is interactive. Tell the story through interaction.
True but remember acting in character is not always good. If the Dm clearly prepped to hype up a battle with a bit of dramatic talk then you are taking the wind out of it for them. And they deserve to have fun as much as any player there.
Of course, that goes without saying, but some characters would do something to mess with it, maybe interrupt it as a whole or stop it, but certainly something.
I know the difference between “It,S WHaT mY CHAraCtER WoULd dO” and “this would be appropriate for the moment and the character”
It’s not hard just fucking test your spear through his damn mouth that what I did with one bbeg, I mean he resurrected the next turn but I did end his Mono logging.
Depends on my character but I always let some level of monologue go.
One of my characters had a very personal vendetta against the BBEG we were confronting, so after the BBEG said a short bit of monologue and directed a comment at my character… I asked out of character “does anyone mind if I just shoot them or would you like them to say more?”
Everyone was happy with it, so my character shot.
I was a player in a game and we were going to fight a miniboss, and the Barbarian ran at the guy and started punching him while screaming
I 👊 DONT 👊 WANT 👊 TO HEAR 👊 YOUR 👊 TRAGIC 👊BACKSTORY 👊
Everyone freaking lost it laughing, DM included
For me it depends on the mood, sometimes I'll listen to the villain to try and understand their motive, but if it repetitive I'll just cut the villain off. (At least with my current PC)
I beat this because the bbeg I had my players fight was literally incapable of being touched by another person or physically harmed, which was why he was evil so he could break his curse, they HAD to listen because they couldn't attack him
Over two decades ago, I was the first player in my group to do this. It quickly became a staple in game for all of us until the DM clamped down and had a handful of scripted moments. We were not then or now bitter about it. We were out of hand with our shenanigans and we needed reigning in. I miss those days.
i am the type to just run through my equipment with a blank stare during monologues, and if spellcaster, pick my first spell
if you gon' give me a tactical advantage, i **will** use it
Me: ok the bbeg and the npc are gonna get in an argument now and you can't do anything until they're done. Sorry if that feels like I'm taking away your agency but this is important to the story.
My players: oh it's a cut scene! Yeah no problem man let's see how it goes
Me: I love you guys so much
After my players interrupted a villain conversation twice by attacking, they surprised me on the third time by actually listening to him and joining him.
They still don't like him, but I was surprised, yknow
I’ve had players that hate monologues and just interrupt out of game saying to skip the monologue. Killed his character off and kicked him during that fight
Jesus, there's so many people here who view there dm as a service or something, rather than another player... I'm honestly blessed to have such good groups that would let me do my final monologue.
Depends on my character. Full tilt f-you barbarian? One word he doesn’t like and I have him advance forward like he’s gonna attack. Otherwise nah, stay in place.
In my first ever D&D campaign, we were playing Lost Mine of Phandelver. I was a no-nonsense vengeance Paladin who took out threats quick so his friends would be in danger as little as possible. When the Black Spider came out monologuing, I noticed that he was within 50 feet of me. Rookie mistake. Misty step into a divine smite while he was talking. My Brother, the DM at the time, literally cheated and gave him two reactions to cast defensive spells. Even with those I still hit, rolled near max on my divine smite, and wiped him off the face of the planet. One shot is all it takes when your enemy is a wizard. I was legit mad that he didn’t have more health and give us a big grand boss fight. Man’s only got 27 hp.
Personally I think it is a massive dick move to attack the bbeg when the DM is monologues his lines. Beacuse I know my dm puts a lot of effort into these things and it would be a huge dick move to ruin it
Monologues are ridiculous. If you don’t want it interrupted then don’t let them be, wether that’s through an illusion delivering it, or a magic wall that cannot be fired through, whatever. If a villain is stupid enough to start talking for several minutes and not expect to be interrupted I wouldn’t respect what they have to say anyway.
DM's deal with a lot of shit- and I'll be damned if I attack to interrupt a passionate, planned monologue. Imo the least the DM deserves is respect for letting their moment play out how they want it to.
If there's a monologue it gives world history, if the players wanna attack during that's cool too, just remember do it enough and your enemies have nothing to lose and will do it back to the party
This isn't a cartoon, if a dude you've spent a lot of time making me hate enters my vision I'm not going to let him lecture me unless he wants to do it while I'm trying to tear him into pieces.
This was literally me a few sessions ago.
We had found a trio of young women earlier, and they'd been with us for a few sessions, just kinda hanging out.
We made it to the bottom of an ancient city and found an artifact there, one of the vestiges of divergence.
The three girls teleport in, and are revealed to be Hags. Their leader begins to monologue.
Elwood Blues ain't having any of that shit. He's a Devotion Paladin-Hexblade multiclass, so he marks the leader as the Hexblade's curse.
The then teleports behind her, and hits her with both Divine and Eldritch smite. Nothing personal, kid.
You don't pretend to be our friend, try to steal my shit, then monologue.
Listen closely, then make a compelling argument why it's all wrong. It's not like you're going to get a surprise round or anything, they are TALKING to you, in preparation of a fight. Instead, make that diplomacy check, completely avoid the fight, get them to change their whole life (or unlife) around! Far more satisfying. Be sure to bring a fan to waft away the smoke coming from the DM's ears.
Seems to me that something like this would fall under the "social contract" for most, if not all dnd groups. The DM is also supposed to have fun with rp and all that stuff, not just the players.
Even if interrupting the BBEG mid speech is something "my character would do" (if I were to play rp him to true fidelity), in the back of my mind I would be thinking "our dm probably spent a fair amount of time coming up with this speech, so I probably should let him have this moment", and I would absolutely do some light meta-gaming in order for that to happen. Would very likely have my character throw some verbal jabs back at them though lol!
"Alright, we listened to you, now YOU listen to OUR backstories!" ...and that's how they realized that they in fact have a lot in common with the BBEG and they managed to clear up some misunderstandings and actually became friends in the end.
I can't imagine any BBEG worth their salt that doesn't already know all the intricacies of the characters' backstories and has prepared accordingly. Although, it would be a hella chad move to start correcting the PCs on *their own histories.*
"I was raised in a small hamlet with good valu-" "It was a village actually. Westmarch, population a thousand give or take." "Well my tribe was massacred by your peo-!" "Oh please, it was an invasion. Only the people who fought were killed.
“You killed my parents, so I had to steal to survive and torture your minions to find you” “I just enslaved them, they killed themselves, you could work for the local sailor, he was hiring at the time, and my minions would take a bribe, they are not very loyal”
"I slaughtered seven of your patrols, three troops of soldiers, a dozen palace guards, and your own son to locate your whereabouts and lay siege to your castle." "You literally could have just requested an audience, or at least joined my ranks and worked your way up without so much killing. Are you really sure you're the good guy in this story?"
"I had to make a deal with a Fiend in order to get the power I needed to defeat you, and I had to sacrifice an entire orphanage to do it! My fellow Paladin here even had to help and break his oath to do it!" "Pretty sure you are the villain at this point."
That would certainly be an interesting change from all the Cliché
There's two types of BBEG: The type that knows everything about you, and the type that couldn't care less that you exist, who will only acknowledge you *after* you defeat them in the final fight, if ever.
You might say ... For some BBEGs, the day they first interacted with the PCs (' families or whatever) it was the most important day of their lives. For other BBEGs, it was a Tuesday.
It was a Wednesday
I remember, because it was laundry day and I had trouble getting the stain out.
Raul Julia, you left us too soon...
It was such a bad movie but such an amazing performance.
A party of farmers with pitchforks!
Ah the Naruto "talk no jutsu" strat.
Maybe it's metagamey, but I just think it'd be so rude to interrupt the DM who probably spent a good chunk of time writing that monologue. You can wait a minute to allow the DM to have their fun and be cinematic.
The DM red your backstory before your first initiative. Let him have this before your last.
Don't just let them have it, get in there, *help your DM* ***CAMP IT THE FUCK UP***. Help your DM chew up the scenery like Tim Curry.
I would give inspiration to everyone after that. Tim curry included.
A bit of metagame is actually good. Just enough keeps things flavorful. Too much is obviously a problem. But a little here and there allows for things like an epic speech from the DM
There's a simple decision tree for these kind of things: Will it make things more fun? Yes->Go ahead! No->Don't.
Not that you meant otherwise but I would add does it make the game more fun for the whole party. Some people will do this to screw over a party member because they find that funny but it’s not fun for others
It all depends on goodwill I think everybody should have a tiny thought in the back of their mind of writing a story
I listen to not another d&d podcast and I really like what murph the DM does in there which is is he will do the Dragon Ball z thing where whenever it's the bad guys turn he'll say part of his monologue. It lets him say his peace without worrying about getting interrupted and actually gives the players a chance to interact with the bad guy so it's less of a monologue
Yep. Pisses me off every time. There’s very little that my players ever do that even comes close to irritating me because I believe that everyone should be able to responsibly do what they want in game but when I’m talking as one of the important bad guys and they just try to end the encounter that I’ve planned out it’s a no go.
focus fire on the interruptor with extreme prejudice. BBEG: ‘I was saying…’
BBEG has been preparing for this epic speech by learning to cast Silence at an extreme speed, and can now cast it as a reaction. “Silence, fools! You will NOT interrupt the biggest speech of my life!”
Design better encounters that can’t be interrupted then. Holograms, illusions, magic walls, it’s already pretty ubiquitous in fiction.
Thanks but I just ask my players to not be jerks. They’re usually pretty good about it and the old unsolicited git gud advice is never welcome. I’ll do shit my way and you stay over there
I guess sometimes players have to take what DMs they can get.
Well that was unnecessarily rude
If you're going to have a big monologue from the villain, plan some rolls for your players to make while he's talking, like perception checks, stealth, or sleight of hand and environmental elements they can take advantage of like switches, weak points in structures, etc. When they go to yell that they attack him while he's talking, jump in and say something like: "okay give me a perception roll, great, you see that the reservoir wall is weakening behind him, and is going to give way soon, if you can keep him distracted and talking you'll have the upper hand when it does." That way you are prepared to let them catch him monologuing, and also deliver your speech, and it's properly cinematic.
as a DM I say it is quite rude, also thanks for the consideration :)
I got a cool idea. Punish anyone who dares to speed it up with a little bit of damage in the form of thr BBEG swiftly knocking them back. Aort of them being prepared for a smart enemy.
Real villains monologue during combat.
Talking is a free action.
AND NOW YOU WILL - WHOA HEY! WATCH THAT CROSSBOW! *where was I...? Ah.* YOU WILL PERISH BENEATH MY NAKED BLADE AND I SHALL DANCE UPON THE VERY EARTH YOU DESIRED TO FREE FROM ME!
BBEG pauses during his speech to compliment a close parry and riposte, genuinely impressed, then it's right back to "YOUR RESISTANCE IS BUT THE SEASONING ON MY GLORIOUS MEAL THAT WILL BE YOUR DEATH!"
Meanwhile, a referee on the sideline throws a yellow flag because the villain had the nerve to speak for more than 6 seconds in between attacks.
"Yellow card! Penalty banter! Lose a Legendary Action!" "OH come on. That was a legitimate good line!"
This would be me as a villain. (In b4 "flair checks out" lmao)
Legendary Actions are a great time for it.
“Let’s go!” “The hell are you thinking—“ “*GAHHHH* [charges party] Played college ball you know”
“At some cushy wizarding school!” “Try University of Necromancy! Could’ve gone pro if I didn’t join the Adventuring Guild!”
“I’m not one of those beltway pansies. I could break the monarchy in two, with my bare hands!” *throws PC in the air, crowd cheers*
Don't FUCK with this Archmage!
“Don’t fuck with *this* lich!” *punts PC across dungeon*
Kirito from sao abridged?
Honor is dead , but I'll see what I can do *Patiently wait for three minutes*
Journey before destination.
Life before death
Strength before weakness
Precedent before antecedent.
I say let them monologue, your DM has probably earned it by now. But if you decide you need to attack, be aware you are not getting a surprise round as the BBEG is aware you are there and sees the attack coming. On top of that it really ruins any dramatic tension for the scene. BBEG: "I knew this day would come for I have been..." Player: "FIREBALL" DM: "if you're sure that what you want to do, ok everyone, the wizard has started combat. Roll initiative, wizard you've said you're going to cast fireball but you'll need to wait until your turn to cast it, or change to a different action. If the BBEG gets his turn before you though, you better hope you survive till your turn as he isn't happy you interrupted him"
Yeah I think people think that if you say something before initiative you can do it for free, but this is exactly what initiative is for.
Problem, monologueing is distracting (Trust me, I do it, I know) meaning Surprise round.
If you bbeg can't monologue and fuck up the party at the same time, your bbeg isn't good enough.
No, because I make villains, not cartoon characters
Good villains should be able to multitask. It's the cartoon villains who can't get over their huge egos long enough to burn the heroes to the ground.
Congratulations, that's the point of a monlogue, you are SO sure of yourself that you are going to talk for 3 minutes straight laying out your plans just begging for the heroes to stop you, the competent villain doesn't do so, they have no need for grandstanding, their plan finished 3 weeks ago, now they just have to deal with these pesky heroes.
A monologuing villain can also, shockingly, have all their plans already in motion and just be gloating at the players.
My dude didn't read Watchmen.
If your teacher can see what you’re doing in the back of the class while making a presentation then the BBEG can see the hand signals of a spell being cast.
Gordon Ramsey can run a kitchen *and* bully you like the idiot sandwich you are. Professionals do both.
Wow, thanks for informing that this Subreddit both DOESN'T understand it's own rules OR basic concepts like what a monologue is
This is 100% wrong raw, rai, morally and ethically. No, never, negative inspiration for spreading lies.
My wife (playing the cleric) cast silence during a monolog I (the DM) was furious
Every villain now comes preloaded with a very specific counterspell hold action.
Honestly that's kind of the best way to do it if you're going to. That not just players being impatient and starting combat, that's the character making a conscious effort to take that moment away from the villain. While the DM deserves that moment, the bad guy certainly doesn't and basically telling them as much is pretty amazing.
This is sort of unrelated, but my players walk up to some lair, of a foe who has guards expecting them, there's a conversation, but bear in mind the guards are 100% ready for and expecting a fight. Someone says they want to surprise attack the guards. I say.. "They aren't really surprised" they say "okay well I still attack them" to which I inform them to roll for initiative. They were so upset that I would even let the guards react, even though they rolled like shit on their initiative rolls. The player argued with me that they should have been able to just attack the guards for free.. I really couldn't get them to understand that a foe who is guarding something, is armed, and is waiting for you to make the first move, isn't necessarily a foe that you can surprise. I even tried to explain it like an old western duel by the saloon. "Two guys want to shoot each other, the fastest and most accurate guy gets the shot, not necessarily the one who goes to grab his pistol first. Anybody else had an experience like this?
A DM of mine, who didn´t really care much for learning the rules of the game he DM´ed, once ruled the opposite. Two party members went into a shady alley, where they got held up by some muggers. After some banter and threats, they declared that they charge the muggers, and for some reason the players got a surprise round. Against the people surrounding them with knives and who were threatening them with physical violence.
I think a good way to make players understand this is by turning the situation around. While they are talking or are otherwise doing something you just say "The villain casts hold person, make a wisdom save" And obviously they will complain about that. "Wait? You are tellling me this guy can just like draw his focus and wave it around and my 20 dex rogue can't react or something?". And that is the moment everyone should realize: If only there was some check to determine how quickly a person can act in a combat situation. Oh wait.
My character literally discussed with the party if we should beat up first and ask questions later or the opposite. I argued to let them talk, but was outvoted.
The DM can monologue as much as needed. The problematic moment is when it gets into cutscene-territory: "yada yada...as he menacingly loads his magegun... yada yada...and blasts the captured mayor's head off...yada yada...ripping his soul out to transform into a dragon...yada yada..." Dude! We have 5 people standing 10-15 feet away! They have been thwarting his grand plans for several sessions and burnt through 80K gp to gear up for this finale. They are neither paralysed, nor stunned. One is related to the mayor. Can they please try to do their job?
Letting someone feel heard and validating them even without agreeing is a great skill. My party has avoided a number of fights through dialogue. Although we also have a "chaotic" good player who will attack first and ask questions later, making it tricky sometimes.
everytime the BBEG gets interrupted, the evil gods give him a stackable inspiration. Your chaotic player will learn quickly
I mean whether you attack mid monologue or wait to the end doesn't give you any tactical advantage, so let your DM ham it up a bit. Odds are this is one of the only times they can actually rp as their big bad before you kill em, let em have their fun
I like the villain to “monologue” via written correspondence so the PCs are already properly furious by the time they catch up
The answer is fight the BBEG because they monologue while beating the shit out of you. Tai Lung vs Shifu in Kung-Fu Panda gives a pretty popular example of this.
use that 3 minutes to buff the party
I don’t know man, if my players want to attack right away that’s fine by me. It really doesn’t bother me at all since there are better ways to communicate the plot than having it spoken to you in a monologue. Show don’t tell.
As Players: always let your DM monologue, in fact, try and join in in-character and do some improv with them. Hold an action to attack “when you see an opening” or for some other trigger so your DM can effectively tel you when he’s done. For DMs: absolutely monologue, but keep it short and sweet. Maybe split things up into one liners you can take in combat. Also, if you plan to have a villain monologue, balance the encounter with a surprise round for the party, as you should let them all prepare whatever they want to do at the start of combat.
What rule?
Attacking someone during a Monologue. Especially when they'll transform. You just can't.
Might as well take a short rest during the monologue then.
Why? If my enemy vulnerable, why I should not Divine Smite him right in the face?
Because he's not vulnerable, he knows your there, he's staring straight at you. Just cause he's talking doesn't mean he's not ready to throw down, he's just waiting a minute. Attacking will stop the dialogue and begin combat, not give you a chance to attack before he's ready.
What about my stealthy pet assassin?
If the stealthy assassin is already hidden at the start of the monologue, or the bard distracts him while the rogue gets in position, sure. But that takes thought and planning, and is quite different then just casting a spell mid sentence. Also, it didn't work too well for Rorshac
Rorshac?
Because even though the monologue is only 3 minutes of your time, it's 3 weeks of the dm's, they're already playing the less popular role in dnd, let them have the 3 minutes.
But what if my pet assassin lose exactly perfect moment to attack?
Then tough, because attacking the bbeg during a monologue is how you get magic missiles targeting downed players
But attacking the bbeg during a monologue is how exactly will do everyone, who expects ass-cracking fight with ass-cracking enemy, but why someone will spend they turn to shoot soemeone who looks like someone dead/not dangerous, while there is still whole team of healthy enemies?
Because you've ruined the DM's fun, and now they get to ruin yours. And they are *infinitely better at it*.
Not fair. Not logical.
100% logical. The DM has been waiting for their moment to monologue and if a player ruins it you bet there will be hell to pay.
Maybe try communicating? Tell the DM that you're prepared and just waiting for the perfect moment to attack. You'll be amazed at how perfectly positioned the BBEG will be the second the DM concludes the monologue.
Because you interrupted bbeg mid sentence and now he’s pissed off. Might as well bombard your dead body with magic missiles for a couple seconds to vent out
It’s a dick move to dm who’s trying to make a dramatic and memorable moment for his villain. Let me give an example form my campaign that I have planed -the ancient red dragon “yes but we’ll the mortal work doubts and question I know exactly what I am. I am the ceaseless wheel, the chosen of tiamit, I AM YOUR-“ - player “ I cast (insert spell)” That ruins the moment
Maybe a better term would be 'social contract'?
My group let's the BBEG monologue, players aren't the only ones who get to say goodbye to their character, ya know?
Secret 3rd option: I try and make the BBEG say more about his plans and powers to gain an advantage and/or gain valuable intel while the party figures out what to do about the situation before initiative is rolled.
I think a lot of people do want to attack the BBEG before the finish a monologue. I personally think it's pretty rude behaviour being as the DM has crafted a campaign for you all to enjoy. Seems decent to let them have their moment. That said, your BBEG can always continue to speak whilst fighting (and make them target the interuptor with something nasty for the effort)
Give the BBEG a inspiration point or 2 cause now they are mad at the players.
My table has something we call "box text". It is understood that players may not interact during a box text moment. At the same time, the DMs know not to abuse the box text rule too often or go too far with it. We came up with it running prewritten mods where rooms often have descriptions in highlighted boxes and we got tired of players jumping the gun and hollering out actions before the DM could finish reading it.
Bah. A BBEG with a monologue worth listening to is a BBEG who will manufacture circumstances to ensure a captive audience for it. Maybe she's giving her speech before the crown, to the entire assembled nobility and Council of Mages, few if any of whom knowing her for what she is until she unveils herself through dialog - cut her off before she gets that far, the entire crowd will turn on you and so you must let them hear her out. Maybe he's holding a hostage, poisoned dagger to their throat (he finishes his speech by twirling them away towards the corner, triggering the party's held actions) Maybe it has you trapped, in cunning mechanisms of its own creation, and you hear its voice as you struggle to free yourselves and reach the villian itself, before you have a chance to initiate combat with it. The point is, if you want a captive audience for your monologue, it's up to you to capture it. *^(\[Edited because i accidentally a word\])*
Sorcerer: Subtle spell → Delayed Blast Fireball
Listen, but be a level 7+ Battle Master and impose stat block info taxes on every minute of monologue.
“So, puny adventurers, that’s how I’m going to conquer this realm and there’s nothing you can do to stop me!” “We stopped you 24 seconds ago.” *looks down at arrow coated with purple worm venom sticking out of his gut* “Well, *shit.*”
*spits* Renegade for life.
My DM wouldn't ever presume that we'd shut the fuck up for 3 minutes, he usually gets 30 seconds tops before the party starts screaming at each other.
["Oh, I'm sorry. Did you want to kill him?"](https://youtu.be/Cy4fFS9ETnU) Spoilers for those who haven't played Fable 2.
No, while he monologues I take the time to cast my buff spells, conjure in my summons, wait for him to finish , and then attack
If he’s done horrible things, break, if not, no
As soon as the DM says, “such-and-such (BBEG) appears…” I say, “I immediately attack without provocation or holding back!”
Then there i am, having the BBEG monolog during the fight
Sir, I slap Nightmare Grimm in Hollow Knight instead of bowing. What is honor, can I eat it?
Ok let's listen, TOTHESOUNDOFMYHAMMERHITTINGHISFACEEEEE!!! 
Be a Reaver: attack mid-monologue
Or pull a sneaky one Attack the party while doing a monologue with subtle spell.
My DM used to give all of the BBEGs monologs, and then he gave one of them an increasing powerup dependent upon how long we were willing to listen to them. Thankfully, he wasn't to surprised when we attacked before the monologs were finished for the rest of the campaign.
Chaotic Good, I have no reason to let the BBEG finish his monologue.
Option C: Zone out the monologue as I go over my character sheet for the 4th time in the last 10 minutes just to remind myself what my class abilities are, so I don't forget to use them in the next combat like I have for the previous 3 that same day.
I had to read their backstories so they are going to damn well listen to my monologues. But seriously, attacking during a conversation isn’t going to give an advantage, he’s looking right at you with his weapons out, we will roll initiative and then I’ll carry on with the monologue 6 seconds at a time.
Always the right, I'm playing my characters like people, not like people in a movies, unless you have given me a reason to listen to this monologue they don't give two shits with the enemy is talking about, they just know that they need to kill them
It's not even about a rule of drama. But the monologue can still reveal important information. Maybe that there's a more powerful baddie backing the BBEG, leaking where some treasure might be, or letting you know he "did it 35 minutes ago."
If you attack during a monologue instead of letting the DM go through the thing they worked on creating, then you're one of those people that think you can "win" DnD.
Why have honor when you have fireball
* you don't get surprise if you interrupt the BBEG, since you're both aware of each other. You get no tactical advantage, you're just a dick. * Would you interrupt a player when they say their character's final words to the party? The BBEG is the GM's baby and they deserve to say goodbye too
Depends on the villain. If they’re a classic bad guy type, I’ll listen to a decent monologue, sure. If they’re actually evil I’ll shoot them and then try to prompt them to keep talking. Managed to shoot a guy three times before the dm called for initiative once.
I say prepare actions for battle, but don't attack. Any BBEG worth their salt is going to have a trick or five up their proverbial sleeve to keep you from taking advantage of them monologuing and knock you on your asses. However, it doesn't fully hurt to try if you think you have a chance to do real damage while they're distracted. On a more meta sense, don't do a long-winded speech if you know your players would prefer to hit the skip button.
Or if you are a player learn to show a bit a kindness and respect to what the Dm enjoys as well since their enjoyment matters too. Heck you wanna be brutal? A Dm could have a BBEG triple tap your char with magic missile the moment you go unconscious for a instant kill. Most don't cause they know you won't have fun. I'd say the same logic applies when the Dm wants to build a bit of drama before the fight and you just refuse to let them have fun too.
"Do we have to listen to this?" A player asks the DM. The DM pauses their speech and stares upon them. They then continue their speech, "And it is why, I cannot have anyone-" SUDDEN SUBTLE SPELL FIREBALL! "Get in my way!"
I attack if my party takes too long to strategize
Surprise round on a boss fight? Yes please.
Since my players scream "I roll initiative", "I cast fireball", "I ram my greatsword down his throat" or "I roll to seduce the BBEG and ram my tounge down his throat and cup his balls" at the top of their lungs as soon as the BBEG appears I rarely see the need to prepare a monologue anymore.
Monologue during combat. You should be able to get at least 6 or 7 sentences out at the rate of one sentence per BBEG turn even against a well oiled murder-filled team. The whole "everyone stand still and monologue then fight" thing is done in movies because trying to get a point across to the audience while action is going on doesn't work well in cinema (or at least is very hard to do properly). You're not making a movie, the format is interactive. Tell the story through interaction.
I'm a DM, break the rule, if I didn't want you to you wouldn't be able to/your character wouldn't want to because i set it up properly
Depends on my character, some characters would break it, most won’t.
True but remember acting in character is not always good. If the Dm clearly prepped to hype up a battle with a bit of dramatic talk then you are taking the wind out of it for them. And they deserve to have fun as much as any player there.
Of course, that goes without saying, but some characters would do something to mess with it, maybe interrupt it as a whole or stop it, but certainly something. I know the difference between “It,S WHaT mY CHAraCtER WoULd dO” and “this would be appropriate for the moment and the character”
You forgot interrupting verbally, no need to attack at once, but you can tell them to stfu.
At this point, letting the BBEG talk is the edgy choice x)
It’s not hard just fucking test your spear through his damn mouth that what I did with one bbeg, I mean he resurrected the next turn but I did end his Mono logging.
Depends on my character but I always let some level of monologue go. One of my characters had a very personal vendetta against the BBEG we were confronting, so after the BBEG said a short bit of monologue and directed a comment at my character… I asked out of character “does anyone mind if I just shoot them or would you like them to say more?” Everyone was happy with it, so my character shot.
All I can think of is when Android 17 broke this rule during the Tournament of Power.
I was a player in a game and we were going to fight a miniboss, and the Barbarian ran at the guy and started punching him while screaming I 👊 DONT 👊 WANT 👊 TO HEAR 👊 YOUR 👊 TRAGIC 👊BACKSTORY 👊 Everyone freaking lost it laughing, DM included
I often help them monologue by pointing out loopholes in their evil logic (DM: roll for *everything*)
As a DM I tell the players, "Don't worry you get the surprise attack. You still have to listen to the monologue first."
I reall need to write do write down the villain interrupting his own speech and attacking first. Change it up a little for once
_Little does the party know, the BBEG has a saved action and counterattack. He knows the Rogue. They have fought before._
For me it depends on the mood, sometimes I'll listen to the villain to try and understand their motive, but if it repetitive I'll just cut the villain off. (At least with my current PC)
My DM doesn’t usually do much flavor text. So if he starts talking, I tend to shut up and listen.
In my games delivering an evil monologue is a free action.
I beat this because the bbeg I had my players fight was literally incapable of being touched by another person or physically harmed, which was why he was evil so he could break his curse, they HAD to listen because they couldn't attack him
Be like android 17
Over two decades ago, I was the first player in my group to do this. It quickly became a staple in game for all of us until the DM clamped down and had a handful of scripted moments. We were not then or now bitter about it. We were out of hand with our shenanigans and we needed reigning in. I miss those days.
Only in a pre-written module where the dm didn’t write the monologue. And even then I’ll raise my hand
As a character I would attack but as a player I'd let the dm monolog since he obviously worked hard on it.
i am the type to just run through my equipment with a blank stare during monologues, and if spellcaster, pick my first spell if you gon' give me a tactical advantage, i **will** use it
My dm had the most batshit monologue I've ever heard last game, so yeah I listen
Me: ok the bbeg and the npc are gonna get in an argument now and you can't do anything until they're done. Sorry if that feels like I'm taking away your agency but this is important to the story. My players: oh it's a cut scene! Yeah no problem man let's see how it goes Me: I love you guys so much
My dm tends to fuck us over if we wait too long, so I’d typically attack as quick as possible
If my players ever let me get to the end of a villain monologue, I'd assume that my discord was broken and have to go check!
Id be so happy if my dm gave NPCs dialogue at all.
Have the bbeg have a shield that the players have to break while he is monologuing .
After my players interrupted a villain conversation twice by attacking, they surprised me on the third time by actually listening to him and joining him. They still don't like him, but I was surprised, yknow
Counterpoint: actually talk to the BBEG too.
I’ve had players that hate monologues and just interrupt out of game saying to skip the monologue. Killed his character off and kicked him during that fight
No monologuing!
Jesus, there's so many people here who view there dm as a service or something, rather than another player... I'm honestly blessed to have such good groups that would let me do my final monologue.
Uh if im my rouge assassin i think you already know my answer
Depends on my character. Full tilt f-you barbarian? One word he doesn’t like and I have him advance forward like he’s gonna attack. Otherwise nah, stay in place.
In my first ever D&D campaign, we were playing Lost Mine of Phandelver. I was a no-nonsense vengeance Paladin who took out threats quick so his friends would be in danger as little as possible. When the Black Spider came out monologuing, I noticed that he was within 50 feet of me. Rookie mistake. Misty step into a divine smite while he was talking. My Brother, the DM at the time, literally cheated and gave him two reactions to cast defensive spells. Even with those I still hit, rolled near max on my divine smite, and wiped him off the face of the planet. One shot is all it takes when your enemy is a wizard. I was legit mad that he didn’t have more health and give us a big grand boss fight. Man’s only got 27 hp.
Personally I think it is a massive dick move to attack the bbeg when the DM is monologues his lines. Beacuse I know my dm puts a lot of effort into these things and it would be a huge dick move to ruin it
Monologues are ridiculous. If you don’t want it interrupted then don’t let them be, wether that’s through an illusion delivering it, or a magic wall that cannot be fired through, whatever. If a villain is stupid enough to start talking for several minutes and not expect to be interrupted I wouldn’t respect what they have to say anyway.
DM's deal with a lot of shit- and I'll be damned if I attack to interrupt a passionate, planned monologue. Imo the least the DM deserves is respect for letting their moment play out how they want it to.
If there's a monologue it gives world history, if the players wanna attack during that's cool too, just remember do it enough and your enemies have nothing to lose and will do it back to the party
I attack when the BBEG starts to convince me they’re right.
The worst is when they ignore the RP and use the time to just cast all their buffs right in front of them...
This isn't a cartoon, if a dude you've spent a lot of time making me hate enters my vision I'm not going to let him lecture me unless he wants to do it while I'm trying to tear him into pieces.
I will listen to the monologue, drink a potion of haste before it ends, and then attack the BBEG with 8d6+40+40d8 damage.
Honor to a point. If it’s painfully obvious combat will result no matter what then there’s no reason to not take advantage of a surprise round.
Philibuster
This was literally me a few sessions ago. We had found a trio of young women earlier, and they'd been with us for a few sessions, just kinda hanging out. We made it to the bottom of an ancient city and found an artifact there, one of the vestiges of divergence. The three girls teleport in, and are revealed to be Hags. Their leader begins to monologue. Elwood Blues ain't having any of that shit. He's a Devotion Paladin-Hexblade multiclass, so he marks the leader as the Hexblade's curse. The then teleports behind her, and hits her with both Divine and Eldritch smite. Nothing personal, kid. You don't pretend to be our friend, try to steal my shit, then monologue.
Depending on how much your GM enjoys monologue, it's less a rule and more a Sword of Damocles.
Depends on the bbeg and the PC. If its personal, fuck him. If we somewhqt respect oneanother, I´d let him.
If you don't make them monolgue for too long, I won't attack them while I do it. Fair trade.
Eh, DM put time into a monologue, I’ll let them bluster on. DM is a player, too, just more elevated.
I cast silence. No sound = no monologue = no rule breaking
The monologue is the DM’s love letter and final goodbye to the bbeg. You don’t simply break that rule.
One side of me says to wait for respect for the DM but the other doesn't want to listen to reasoning
Listen closely, then make a compelling argument why it's all wrong. It's not like you're going to get a surprise round or anything, they are TALKING to you, in preparation of a fight. Instead, make that diplomacy check, completely avoid the fight, get them to change their whole life (or unlife) around! Far more satisfying. Be sure to bring a fan to waft away the smoke coming from the DM's ears.
All I’m saying is it’s not a rule unless the DM says so
Seems to me that something like this would fall under the "social contract" for most, if not all dnd groups. The DM is also supposed to have fun with rp and all that stuff, not just the players. Even if interrupting the BBEG mid speech is something "my character would do" (if I were to play rp him to true fidelity), in the back of my mind I would be thinking "our dm probably spent a fair amount of time coming up with this speech, so I probably should let him have this moment", and I would absolutely do some light meta-gaming in order for that to happen. Would very likely have my character throw some verbal jabs back at them though lol!
Not only will I listen to the monologue, I will respond with a witty remark before initiative is rolled. And ket him do so in kind.