anyone have advice for characters unable to speak?

[Satoshi Kyou]

i have been planning an rp but in this rp the main focus is a single character but she is unable to speak due to a curse which players would help her to fix but do you guys have any advice on roleplaying a silent character thats unable to speak?

then again maybe tale of the silent magician might not be that good of an idea... ill have to make a IC and see how it goes next month

[vancexentan]

hand gestures or sign language. Katawa Shoujo has Misha follow Shizune around to translate her sign language for the protagonist due to her (shizune) being deaf.

[mdk]

To make things easier, typing out what she's thinking or meaning to say would help people interpret her "Glare" or "Sideways looks" or whatever.

[Rilla]

I have a 'selective mute' character. Sign language.

Undoubtably, everyone will know how to understand it.

[ArenaSnow]

Sounds like you will be depending on lots ot description of the character's looks, attitude, etc, to get the message accross.

[Satoshi Kyou]

hmm i'll need to think of something since i know people cant learn sign language in one week of being cursed...
i had a simple solution of her writing things down but i think i could let people just guide her instead

im going to make a interest check next month (because that's when i lose my job) and probably have her story and personality finished along with the land she lives in Izerna

[Jig]

To make things easier, typing out what she's thinking or meaning to say would help people interpret her "Glare" or "Sideways looks" or whatever.

@mdk

Definitely recommend.

She glared at Thomas, eyes wide and gently pulsing. How dare you speak to me like that?

Seems legit. It's basically dialogue without sound; she has used her own words to express how she feels to the reader, but the italics clearly indicate that it's an internal thought rather than an audible utterance.

[Satoshi Kyou]

hmm... i'll look at that technique

i do not want people know what she is trying to say... and let them assume... but i'll need some practice the first place... like this is the first time i'll be doing a silent character

[Ellri]

There are countless ways to communicate without using words or speech. You could use mere expressions to give vague hints. It's more challenging if the reader can't see her exact thoughts. Some players can't help letting their PCs comprehend what she means if they understand it themselves. But if the other players are unsure exactly what she means, then they can't accidentally break the fourth wall by letting their characters know things that they as players know.

Failure of communication, while it can only mean invasion (subtle Star Wars reference), can build an interesting interaction chain. Especially if the others misinterpret her intent.

[Satoshi Kyou]

do you think its alright if i let people know beforehand in the OC?

[Phantomlink959]

easy fix:chalkboard around neck

[Ellri]

that is all up to you, @Satoshi Kyou