Primer for first-time RPGers?

[Bill Zebub]

Anybody have any favorite reads (or videos) that would help explain to first-time RPGers what it's all about and how it works? I know somebody who wants to try GMing a game with some kids, but he literally knows nothing about RPGs. If I start explaning via email it's going to be long-winded and disorganized, so if I can just send him some links that would be great.

 

[ninjayeti]

If you are just looking for very basic primers on what an RPG is Roll20 has a short summary. Vox has a longer video specifically on D&D - it is a bit cheesy, but does a good job of explaining not just what RPGs are, but why they are fun.

For a more in-depth explanation of how to start running a RPG, Matt Coleville's Running the Game series is great.

 

[Mannahnin]

Like this one?

 

[Ovinomancer]

Anybody have any favorite reads (or videos) that would help explain to first-time RPGers what it's all about and how it works? I know somebody who wants to try GMing a game with some kids, but he literally knows nothing about RPGs. If I start explaning via email it's going to be long-winded and disorganized, so if I can just send him some links that would be great.

I'd highly recommend a non-D&D or D&D-esque game that requires the GM to be really on the ball and juggle a lot of things to make the game work. Similarly, I don't recommend published adventures because, well, they're not actually very good.

I'd recommend pointing them at Ironsworn. It's free online, is an absolutely fantastic game, does an even better job of explaining how play works (for Ironsworn) that pretty much anything else I'm aware of, AND has a way to get into learning how the game works with solo play. You can sit down, work out how the game is supposed to play with the solo mode, and then be very comfortable with the job moving to playing as a group.

Granted, this isn't a D&D game. But, for someone trying out RPGs without a close mentor able to show them the ropes (the traditional mode for introducing players/GMs to D&D), this is a much easier pathway.

 

[Bill Zebub]

Yeah I should have specified that I’m looking for something about RPGs generically, not D&D. He’s going to be playing with kids under 10, so I directed him toward Hero Kids but I will take a look at Ironsworn (and the other links).

Thanks, all.

 

[Ovinomancer]

Yeah I should have specified that I’m looking for something about RPGs generically, not D&D. He’s going to be playing with kids under 10, so I directed him toward Hero Kids but I will take a look at Ironsworn (and the other links).

Thanks, all.

Kids under 10? No Thank You Evil is highly recommended for younger players.

 

[GMMichael]

Like this one?

Meh...I prefer this one: