Role Playing Damage (Important)

oh, I've been having trouble with this one lately.  I don't like the idea of stumbling back or anything so when I take hits i just make a noise, but lately now that I've started playing my goblin that method doesn't really work anymore!  i've tried making my breathing sound a little more shallow or sort of wincing, but those are both very small and i'm not sure if anyone even notices them.  anyone got any better suggestions that won't give me blatant disadvantages in combat ?

Obvious body movement. You do not have to step backwards to show you took a hit. For example if I take a shot in the arm, just throwing your elbow back and dropping your shoulder would be a clear indication that your arm took some punishment, without making your have to lower your guard. Or if you take one to the leg bend the appropriate knee suddenly, it doesn't have to be much to be visible, so as to look like you were momentarily weakened, then straighten back up. Simple but clear changes in you posture are easy to spot by others, you would be supprised how aware of someones shoulders you are when looking at their face. Also if you happen to have a free and empty hand you could act like you are holding a fresh wound. You could use facial ex presions to show fatigue as your get closer to zero, or grimmaces for when you get struck. Your face is expressive, use it!

I can personally vouch for Brendan's idea of body movement and facial expression.  I know the closer I get to zero, the more I tend to stumble, and lean heavily on my weapon, when I'm not directly swinging it, or in a guarding posture.  One thing to keep in mind is that being hurt in combat has lasting effects after the combat is over, until you are healed.  It also gets all those Healers' attention without having to vocalize it all the time.

Also, if it doesn't by-pass Soak/Theshold, you should say "No Effect".  And thats all you need to say

actually malcolm, all I need to do these days is walk up to a healer and stare at them.  if i do it for more than 3 seconds they get the picture and heal me hehe ! it's great

-not elyse-

roleplaying damage being a disadvantage in battle seems to be a common concern, and has been addressed in several ways, but i feel the mark has been missed. experiencing pain or getting knocked back IS a disadvantage in combat. larp is not a sport, and "winning" should not be first priority, the roleplaying should be. the answer to this problem is simple: do as your character would, and combat will be more rewarding "win" or "lose".

-Block