Post/Author/DateTime	Post
SnowSage 01-01-07, 05:44 PM	OK... I'm starting a campain with a very survival horror {think Resident Evil or some such game} feel to it. Out of concern for the creepy element I have disallowed magic. A dark hallway or zombie attack just isn't as creepy when you have a bard who knows light and cure light wounds with you. Anyway, two people have joined, one because he loves survival horror stuff, and the other because she likes the idea of the storytelling aspect of the game and this was a chance to get in with a group that wouldn't go telling her friends she played until she knew she liked it {I am the only one in the group who really knows any of her friends and she trusts me.}. Anyway, I'm trying to hold their hands and teach them things about the mechanics, along with helping them to make their characters, during our lunch period at school {the three of us are in 11th grade and hang out together at lunch daily.}. I'm not sure, past the basics of a summary of their classes and disciplines {the party ended up being entirely nine swords material. The girl is a Swordsage focusing mainly on setting sun, while the guy is a Warblade focusing on Iron Heart.}, how to properly, and comprehendably, explain to them basics such as BAB, saves, HP and AC. Plus feats and skills aren't really something simple to explain either. Can someone help me out with some way to give them a good feel for the mechanics before we start, so they don't feel stupid when I call for spot checks and they are the only ones to say 'what?'
RobbyPants 01-01-07, 07:42 PM	Perhaps run a mock game for them (before having them enter into the horror game). Make some very simple characters for them (roll them up before hand), and just run through a few simple battles with them. Let them roll the dice. Tell them what they're rolling ("roll a d20, and add your character's BAB *point to character sheet* and Str mod *point again*"), so they get an idea why they're rolling the dice. Once they get the hang of it after a fight or two, throw in some other things (ranged combat, terrain, cover, and maneuvers like bull rushes, trips, etc...). Bascially, try not to overwhelm them at once. Slowly ease them into it. The reason I'd suggest this approach is that D&D is a hugely complex game. Trying to explain it without an example would be tough. That way, they can learn and see the examples at the same time. Because it's a mock game, they can make all the mistakes in the world, and it doesn't matter. Once they've gotten the hang of it, walk them though character creation. Now that they understand what BAB, HP, saves, and feats are, they will be able to better make smart choices (of course, they will still need help). Good luck! :D
IdleAltruism 01-01-07, 07:46 PM	Well for starters they should read the players handbook. Why not start their characters off in training(Academy or w/e) and do a basic tutorial on everything.
CryoSilver 01-01-07, 07:50 PM	Horror is a bad way to start out players, IMO. At least the way I run horror games, which are somewhat rules-light (so your newbs don't learn the rules fast), and deadly (if they don't understand the subtleties of D&D combat they WILL perish).
Dei 01-01-07, 09:08 PM	Well for starters they should read the players handbook. Why not start their characters off in training(Academy or w/e) and do a basic tutorial on everything. Quoted for truth. I heartily recommend that they both become intimitely familiar with the PhB, my group sensibly had me purchase and read through it well in advance of ever coming to the gaming table. As such I was able to dive more or less straight in because I knew how everything worked already (more or less). Also, for the love of all that is fluffy and sweet start them on a low level game.
Aven 01-01-07, 10:52 PM	The mock-game idea is probably your best bet. That's how I taught my little brother to play. Also, I find new guys learn pretty quickly from watching experienced players play. Maybe they could observe a part of a session just to see how the game runs...