Thorvaldr
Besides having a lackluster imagination on the fly when it comes to NPC names (I apparently have a city where half of the guards are named "Frank"), I have been informed by some of my players that my lithe female elf sounds very similar to my store clerk, who can sound similar to Two Guard #1, etc. etc. I see two have two modes: normal, and slightly gravelly. Any GMs here have tips on how to better voice NPCs, especially female ones? 'cause the only thing I can think of is just to go falsetto, and nobody wants to hear my falsetto. :P
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--The Geek
Current Campaigns:
Shadows of the Rift : Homebrew Pathfinder Campaign (Campaign of the Month, September 2018)
The Dresden Files: Portland
Deadlands: Riders on the Storm
Velvet & Steel : 7th Sea 2nd Edition
killervp
"A God...Rebuilt":http://www.obsidianportal.com/campaigns/a-god-rebuilt
Unabashadly pushing for 300 fans!
Just trying to help out.
Killervp: Yeah, I just need to get better at having the name generator up and running during game-time. During prep-time though, they are a god-send. Also, I love the official D&D one. That's where I found "Lord Xavhorn Soulaxe, the Rising Hawk." :D
Leonidas: Never thought of using a PC narrator program... does that affect the flow of the session at all?
-Thorvaldr
DM of "Tyellador":https://tyellador.obsidianportal.com/dashboard
I don't have a high range at all, so female voices tend to be on the butch side; but I agree on mannerisms being useful. Or just not trying.
Or playing in a text-only game.
If you've got the money, take voice coaching or singing lessons, or even full acting lessons.
Voice or sound modulators work, too.
I play around with my voice all the time, figuring out just the right shape, muscle control, and timing to pull off a sound or accent. It also extends my range, though I will admit I have lost a bit in the last year or two due to reduced vocal practice and activity. Breathing exercises go a long way, as do simply going over instrumental scales (pianos, harps, xylophones, and guitars are better for this I find, but really any instrument should do the trick).
~Mae
CotM Selection Committee
@Langy: I could work on my large ham! I know I have that within me! I just need to coax out my inner ham. :P And the text-only game almost goes with Leonidas's suggestion! It's like text, but everyone's together! :P I may have to combine the TTS program for female voices with the Elcor (Mass Effect) form of communication. I'll just preface everything with an emotive statement. :P
[Seductively] Come young warrior, remove your armor and rest a while.
[Rage] You killed my family! I'll cut off your heads and spit down your throats!
All said with the same computerized monotone. I think this could work!
-Thorvaldr
DM of "Tyellador":https://tyellador.obsidianportal.com/