One technique I’ve always suggested for my players who prefer the hack’n'slash is to write down a unique warcry for each “special move” they have. This works particularly well in 4e where each special attack is a different move. On my blog I built a paladin and made notes of both generic warcries and warcries for each of his individual prayers (linked the post below). Even throwing these out in battle can help a combat-heavy player start roleplaying.

http://beneaththescreen.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-first-4e-character-final-product.html

@Jared – Getting your RPers to help will make this a little easier too. It’s intimidating at first for some players to really get into roleplaying in character, and I hope these suggestions can help.

Thanks for the feedback =D

I’m running a session this Sunday and will pass on these suggestions and let you guys know how they work out. I also pulled aside some of better RP’ers in the group and asked them to help ease the non-RP’ing players into more immersion in the story.

However, I think these are great suggestions for a player to make the transition slowly and comfortably, hopefully we get to hear from some hack’n'slash players or DMs and how this advice works!