I can vouch for the "fewer players, the better" concept. The group I currently attend has seven players usually. This often results in a couple of players sitting on the sidelines as the action focuses on others... that's usually when someone makes 50 clones of Bianca Beauchamp and starts marching in the streets... not making that one up either.
A lot of people have said that enthusiastic DMing will lead to an enthusiastic group. I agree wholeheartedly! A couple of sessions I've been in with DMs who are either too nervous (which has been me the mercifully few times I've DMed) or strangely apathetic. This can kill the group dynamic.
I'd also advise playing a game that actively encourages group storytelling, even the most reticent of players have gotten up and jumped in feet first when we play an awesome system like Prime Time Adventures. At times, this can be more important than anything else. If the group feels like they're involved, I can guarantee they'll jump up and take notice. Of course this is all from my perspective as a player. I know people have lots of different play styles but this one seems to work any time I've seen it tried.
A lot of people have said that enthusiastic DMing will lead to an enthusiastic group. I agree wholeheartedly! A couple of sessions I've been in with DMs who are either too nervous (which has been me the mercifully few times I've DMed) or strangely apathetic. This can kill the group dynamic.
I'd also advise playing a game that actively encourages group storytelling, even the most reticent of players have gotten up and jumped in feet first when we play an awesome system like Prime Time Adventures. At times, this can be more important than anything else. If the group feels like they're involved, I can guarantee they'll jump up and take notice. Of course this is all from my perspective as a player. I know people have lots of different play styles but this one seems to work any time I've seen it tried.
