Joining a new group.

[S'mon]

Ok, so for another direction of questions:

Pathfinder has enough info around that I can get an idea of the system even though I don't own any books for it at the moment. But, I'm also looking around for groups for other games and such I'd like to find.

So, for other DMs out there. How do you handle a new player coming in unfamiliar with the system? What do you ask of them ahead of time?

For 4e D&D I recommend they get a PHB or a Heroes of the Fallen Lands so they have some kind of rules reference (esp for understanding standard/move/minor actions), but I'm happy to generate a character to their specifications. The electronic character builders make PC sheets that fully describe the PC's powers & how they work in play.

For 4e it needs to be done in advance of play; for 3e and other games you can make a new 1st level PC in 30 minutes at the table before the game starts.

 

[Gilladian]

Most DMs, if they are willing to invite a brand-new player to a game, and know that the player is not familiar with "their rules", will be ready to be helpful and considerate.

Show up at a game like that with paper, pencil, dice, a good snack (a healthy one?), and be willing to learn... if they're not willing to teach, are you really going to be happy playing the game?

If you can AFFORD a copy of the player's book for the game, go for it before the first session. Otherwise, wait until you're sure you'll stay with the group before buying one.

I think you'll be fine!

 

[Bedrockgames]

Try not to think about it too much. This is not just their opportunity to see if you fit in but your chance to see if it is a good match. If either side pretends to be something else to make a good impression that will just delay the real judgement. Relax and have fun.

 

[Bedrockgames]

Ok, so for another direction of questions:

Pathfinder has enough info around that I can get an idea of the system even though I don't own any books for it at the moment. But, I'm also looking around for groups for other games and such I'd like to find.

So, for other DMs out there. How do you handle a new player coming in unfamiliar with the system? What do you ask of them ahead of time?

If i have a new player who doesn't know the system then I expect to set aside time before the game to explain character creation and the rules. I do not expect them to go out and buy the book (they often do though). If the publisher has an online quickstart guide i will send them the link prior to the game.

 

[modernist]

If i have a new player who doesn't know the system then I expect to set aside time before the game to explain character creation and the rules. I do not expect them to go out and buy the book (they often do though). If the publisher has an online quickstart guide i will send them the link prior to the game.

That's another thing on my "To do" list. Try to setup time before my first session, preferably with the DM, to go over character creation guildelines, initial resources to read over before buying the book and to just have a chat with them to make sure there's no real conflict right out the gate.

At least it's comforting to see me coming to a session with a brand new setting isn't some forbidden, stupid awful thing to do

 

[modernist]

Try not to think about it too much. This is not just their opportunity to see if you fit in but your chance to see if it is a good match. If either side pretends to be something else to make a good impression that will just delay the real judgement. Relax and have fun.

Didn't see this earlier.

I'm not really wanting to "pretend" at all. It's just, back when I did consistently play mostly with close friends, we used to joke that the only two "alignments" that ever made sense to me were "Chaotic Jackass" and "Chronic Insane". Playing characters along those lines like I used to doesn't always translate well into a brand new group

 

[Oryan77]

"Chaotic Jackass" and "Chronic Insane".

Just don't be surprised if you run into any players with those alignments. Also, make sure you don't fall into either of those categories yourself. Just be nice and easy going and you should be fine. It's people that need to be catered to or are high maintenance that seem to be the problem. At the same time, don't over-think yourself. It's like any other social situation.

It should be known that joining random players/groups can be very difficult and nerve wracking. It's not impossible to find good people to play with, it happens all the time. But it can be a process and take time to find the compatible players/groups. So if your first group doesn't work out, don't worry. Just find another until you join one that works for you. Once you find the right group, it will be well worth it.

 

[Wednesday Boy]

When I got out of college and wanted to start gaming again it took trying a number of new groups and shuffling the players in the group before I found a cohesive group (of now friends) to play with. If you try a group but don't enjoy their playstyle or the people in the group don't feel like you have to stay. Politely decline from playing with them permanently and be enthusiastic and willing to try another group. It's like dating--you may not make a match on the first try but if you stay positive and give it other chances you'll eventually settle down.

 

[Traveon Wyvernspur]

I totally get what you are saying [MENTION=6682376]modernist[/MENTION] I was a bit nervous journeying out and finding a new group as well. What I did was posted on this site in gamers seeking gamers, meetup.com, and pen and paper games. I hadn't ever played with anyone prior to this that I didn't know, so it was a new and fun experience for me.

I ended up DM'ing a great campaign for a great group of guys from level 1-30 in a 4E campaign.

I had to move away from the group so I started looking around again in my new city.

After looking around I met up with a few of the guys in the game at Starbucks and I joined the new group that is running Pathfinder (which I had never played before), I got in with a totally new group that someone else put together for this and we have played 3 sessions so far with the 4th coming up this weekend. It's a lot of fun so far and everyone seems to really enjoy it.

A couple of the guys I play with know each other and have played together before in other games, among them are two that are really into the RPG community here. One actually helps run Neoncon. So I've decided to volunteer my time at Neoncon this year (which should be a lot of fun) and this past weekend I went to the monthly game day here in Las Vegas. I met some more people and joined in on a LFR 4E game. I had a great time.

My advice to you is to keep an open mind, don't be too nervous, just be yourself, have fun, and allow everyone a session or two to work together before trying to get the DM to do anything that you suggest (i.e. ask for Drow encounters).

Before joining a game, I would ask the DM in an email or a face to face meetup beforehand what kind of campaign s/he will be running, what kind of alignment(s) allowed, what genre, what races/classes allowed, if they want a background of your character, and any other valid stuff you can think of. This should give you an idea before you actually join the game if you want to or if they want to invite you. If everything works out and you join up, just have fun and be relaxed.

My 2 cp,
Trav

 

[was]

DO NOT spend 45 minutes telling the group your character's background story