Advice for Returning Gamer - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Advice for Returning Gamer

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
mboss77
Aug 29, 2008 19:43:03 Hi, folks. I'm a fellow gamer returning after 20+ years. I'm excited about getting back into it, but of course I have to tread lightly because those that I will likely rope into playing with me have rarely/never played before and have the usual stereotypes in their heads.

My wife will reluctantly support me and play (god-bless her), as will my best friend and a few others. I'm going to be getting back in with 4E, so I guess my question is to you what do I need to do to be really prepared to offer as much of a positive experience to them as possible? Also, what type of adventure should I run? I'm thinking that something that would involve only a few hours of commitment would be better so that they experience a beginning, middle and end--lots of fun with not much time commitment. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. I ramble a bit, but I'm really excited about being involved again.
#2
darkraven18599
Aug 29, 2008 20:05:24 If you're looking for DM tips, I'd highly suggest posting this thread on the "What's A DM To Do?" forum section. There are some amazingly helpful people that will be more than willing to give you some solid advice, and who are very up to date on the new rules and methods for using them effectively.

Other than that though, I'd suggest going with something a little more action oriented to allow new players to become somewhat more used to the rules, and how to use them effectively. After all, practice makes perfect. Also, as you play out the scenes it will give you a chance to gauge the levels to which they are willing to roleplay as compared to rollplay. While I tend to favor the former, it all depends on your personal gaming style.

If you are someone that likes to focus on roleplaying, just remember to go slow with it. Allow them to get used to the idea of playing a part in a story.

I'd also suggest going with some of the pre-packaged modules like module H1 Keep on the Shadowfell. These will have all the characters and encounters pre-made up for you and allow you to focus more on learning the rules again.

Most of all though I would suggest just having fun. It's always great to see someone getting back into The Game and I wish you all the epic tales and soaring adventure you can handle.

Game on!
#3
dirtyfrank
Aug 29, 2008 20:13:08 Make sure to say "yes" especially to new players. They need to feel like they have lots of options and control.

4E tends to have combats that are strategy and group based. With inexperienced players I would suggest toning combats down a bit and playing monster a bit dumb (I nearly TPKed my lvl 1 group with a EL 1 encounter during our first 4E combat).

Use combat cards to keep track of powers. Index cards work fine for power cards or you can get some off of the internet. Here is a link to Dragon Avenue which has some 4E character sheets and good looking power cards. The power cards helps keep people from flipping through the PHB during combat to look up their powers.

For action points use poker chips, beads, or anything else that you can think of. This helps remind the players, with something tangible, that they have an action point. After each mile stone pass more out and as they use action points collect them.

For new players you should probably roll dice in front of them.

Have the players come up with a slight character idea/background so that if they keep coming back you can base other adventures off of this.

If you want a small adventure then have a 2 or 3 room dungeon with a little RP before and after the dungeon.

Have the players be restricted to making good and unaligned characters.

At the momment I cannot think of anything else.
#4
mboss77
Aug 29, 2008 21:24:33 Thank you so much for the advice. This really helps. Just talked to the wife about it tonight and she is excited to give it a try.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 mboss77 Aug 29, 2008 19:43:03	Hi, folks. I'm a fellow gamer returning after 20+ years. I'm excited about getting back into it, but of course I have to tread lightly because those that I will likely rope into playing with me have rarely/never played before and have the usual stereotypes in their heads. My wife will reluctantly support me and play (god-bless her), as will my best friend and a few others. I'm going to be getting back in with 4E, so I guess my question is to you what do I need to do to be really prepared to offer as much of a positive experience to them as possible? Also, what type of adventure should I run? I'm thinking that something that would involve only a few hours of commitment would be better so that they experience a beginning, middle and end--lots of fun with not much time commitment. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. I ramble a bit, but I'm really excited about being involved again.
#2 darkraven18599 Aug 29, 2008 20:05:24	If you're looking for DM tips, I'd highly suggest posting this thread on the "What's A DM To Do?" forum section. There are some amazingly helpful people that will be more than willing to give you some solid advice, and who are very up to date on the new rules and methods for using them effectively. Other than that though, I'd suggest going with something a little more action oriented to allow new players to become somewhat more used to the rules, and how to use them effectively. After all, practice makes perfect. Also, as you play out the scenes it will give you a chance to gauge the levels to which they are willing to roleplay as compared to rollplay. While I tend to favor the former, it all depends on your personal gaming style. If you are someone that likes to focus on roleplaying, just remember to go slow with it. Allow them to get used to the idea of playing a part in a story. I'd also suggest going with some of the pre-packaged modules like module H1 Keep on the Shadowfell. These will have all the characters and encounters pre-made up for you and allow you to focus more on learning the rules again. Most of all though I would suggest just having fun. It's always great to see someone getting back into The Game and I wish you all the epic tales and soaring adventure you can handle. Game on!
#3 dirtyfrank Aug 29, 2008 20:13:08	Make sure to say "yes" especially to new players. They need to feel like they have lots of options and control. 4E tends to have combats that are strategy and group based. With inexperienced players I would suggest toning combats down a bit and playing monster a bit dumb (I nearly TPKed my lvl 1 group with a EL 1 encounter during our first 4E combat). Use combat cards to keep track of powers. Index cards work fine for power cards or you can get some off of the internet. Here is a link to Dragon Avenue which has some 4E character sheets and good looking power cards. The power cards helps keep people from flipping through the PHB during combat to look up their powers. For action points use poker chips, beads, or anything else that you can think of. This helps remind the players, with something tangible, that they have an action point. After each mile stone pass more out and as they use action points collect them. For new players you should probably roll dice in front of them. Have the players come up with a slight character idea/background so that if they keep coming back you can base other adventures off of this. If you want a small adventure then have a 2 or 3 room dungeon with a little RP before and after the dungeon. Have the players be restricted to making good and unaligned characters. At the momment I cannot think of anything else.
#4 mboss77 Aug 29, 2008 21:24:33	Thank you so much for the advice. This really helps. Just talked to the wife about it tonight and she is excited to give it a try.