Re: (TFT) Pitching game to newbies

[Rick Smith <rick_ww@lightspeed.ca>]

Hi Meg,
  To start, make sure that the environment is pleasant and that there
are snacks, etc.

  Start with a simple subset of rules.  For example, I would not use
HTH rules until you are sure that they are committed to the game.

  I might do a sample session with pre generated characters.  Let
them know that this is a learning session and that there will be no
consequences if they mess up.  Second session they can write up
their own character or stick with the pre-gen that they picked.

  The key thing is to make the first few sessions fun.  Make sure that
they level up a couple times, make sure that their is some fights that
are not too difficult.  Make sure that non-combat skills are used and
generate some exp for them.  (In my campaign, I occasionally give
5 exp for 3 die saving throws if the throw is vital and the players are
low level.)

  An interesting story with the sense that something important will
be discovered 'just next session' will help them coming back.

 Steve Jackson Games sells, "Robin's Laws of good Game Mastering"
by Robin Law, which is a good resource.

  Warm regards, Rick.


On 2016-05-10, at 12:59 PM, Meg Tapley wrote:
> I'm thinking of starting an in-person campaign sometime this summer-fall, with my friends from school, if I can get enough people together for a weekly session. They're a creative bunch and this semester, a couple of them did a collaborative storytelling project that attracted a fairly enthusiastic audience. Still, most if not all of the players will be newcomers to tabletop roleplaying. Since this will be their introduction to the genre, I'd like to make the campaign as engaging and high-quality as possible, while keeping session length short (two hours per week is asking a lot of busy music majors, so I'd like to maximize their enjoyment-to-time ratio as much as possible). I've run campaigns before, but none trying to meet standards this high.
> 
> Does anyone have advice on how to make this happen? What kinds of plots/adventures might you recommend in this scenario? Any hints on fostering in-character interactions among the group, while also providing interesting challenges to overcome? Tricks to help a group stay focused on the game? How to manage logistics and prepare for sessions?
> 
> Your wisdom is valued and appreciated!
> 
> - Meg
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