So I'm finally introducing the Big Bad this upcoming session and I'm still in the process of crafting her mannerisms and voice.
Some notes on her: she's a homebrew race that I based on the farspawn, i.e., people who are born as normal humans but who develop monstrous traits as they get older. Hers is that she's covered from head to toe in eyes. She's a real looker. Due to that, she doesn't have a mouth and can't speak unless she casts Alter Self, and she normally uses Telepathy. When they meet her, they think she's a simple priestess, which means I have to come up with a voice for her while she's all mouth-having and whatnot. I wanted her to have a recognizable vocal trait, like a lisp or a stutter, but neither of those seems particularly in-character for her, so I'm not sure.
Basically, what are some other distinct vocal qualities that aren't stutters, lisps, or accents, or are unique takes on those traits?
From what you described without knowing anything else, I could foresee her speaking in monotone. Flat words, consistent pace, no emotion. Or maybe she only speaks in questions, etc.
What is her general personality? I know you mentioned her being the main antagonist, but is she manipulative, dominating, violent, serene? This typically lends to the tone of their voice. You also mentioned she has no mouth and developed eyes with age. Did she speak normally for a significant part of her life? If she has gone years without ready access to speech, her "vocal cords" will be fresh every time she gains them. As a result, she may speak with more of a raspy, hissing tone so as to not damage herself. Despite her reluctant voice, she may have a booming, omniscent presence vis telepathy. She may present herself as a gentle, pious woman, but her telepathy reveals a titanic presence within.
I like the idea of a priestess disguise. It makes for great intrigue as allies can be potential pawns of the enemy. Might be preaching to the choir with this though as you may have already put this in place :)
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Have you seen Matt Mercer DM in Critical Role? He's fantastic and entertaining as hell. (Being a voice actor, DMing a D&D group of voice actors will do that though).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srsSEIb-Bw4 (Getting Players to Roleplay (GM Tips w/ Matt Mercer)) has a few tips about voices and body language , especially the 3-4 minute mark might give you a few ideas.
Have a strong idea of what drives the NPC. How will the characters engage them and how will they react. Why are they important?
What is the goal of the NPC in each interaction. Are they trying to inspire the characters to be heroes? Trying to get a key piece of information? Trying to feel them out? Trying to get more money?
Use body language to define characters. Don't be afraid to steeple your fingers or drop your shoulders to imitate the character's appearance. Open your hands and be welcoming. Use body language to show your players that you're a new character.
So I'm finally introducing the Big Bad this upcoming session and I'm still in the process of crafting her mannerisms and voice.
Some notes on her: she's a homebrew race that I based on the farspawn, i.e., people who are born as normal humans but who develop monstrous traits as they get older. Hers is that she's covered from head to toe in eyes. She's a real looker. Due to that, she doesn't have a mouth and can't speak unless she casts Alter Self, and she normally uses Telepathy. When they meet her, they think she's a simple priestess, which means I have to come up with a voice for her while she's all mouth-having and whatnot. I wanted her to have a recognizable vocal trait, like a lisp or a stutter, but neither of those seems particularly in-character for her, so I'm not sure.
Basically, what are some other distinct vocal qualities that aren't stutters, lisps, or accents, or are unique takes on those traits?
Can you speak with multiple voices at once?
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
Tooltips (Help/aid)
Inflection & pitch.
From what you described without knowing anything else, I could foresee her speaking in monotone. Flat words, consistent pace, no emotion. Or maybe she only speaks in questions, etc.
What is her general personality? I know you mentioned her being the main antagonist, but is she manipulative, dominating, violent, serene? This typically lends to the tone of their voice. You also mentioned she has no mouth and developed eyes with age. Did she speak normally for a significant part of her life? If she has gone years without ready access to speech, her "vocal cords" will be fresh every time she gains them. As a result, she may speak with more of a raspy, hissing tone so as to not damage herself. Despite her reluctant voice, she may have a booming, omniscent presence vis telepathy. She may present herself as a gentle, pious woman, but her telepathy reveals a titanic presence within.
I like the idea of a priestess disguise. It makes for great intrigue as allies can be potential pawns of the enemy. Might be preaching to the choir with this though as you may have already put this in place :)
Characters:
Grishkar Darkmoor, Necromancer of Nerull the Despiser
Kelvin Rabbitfoot, Diviner, con artist, always hunting for a good sale
Bründir Halfshield, Valor Bard, three-time Sheercleft Drinking Competition Champion, Hometown hero
Have you seen Matt Mercer DM in Critical Role? He's fantastic and entertaining as hell. (Being a voice actor, DMing a D&D group of voice actors will do that though).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srsSEIb-Bw4 (Getting Players to Roleplay (GM Tips w/ Matt Mercer)) has a few tips about voices and body language , especially the 3-4 minute mark might give you a few ideas.
I also saw this (while searching of the other short video, I haven't watched it) :http://slyflourish.com/mercer_bringing_npcs_to_life.html but there's these tips and bunch of others:
Matt's Top Three Tips