Handouts to Explain RPGs

[Odhanan]

I started my current campaign with 5 beginners out of 6 players. Fortunately, I am french speaking. I say "fortunately", because it allowed me to use a document originally published by the french gaming magazine Casus Belli intended for beginners to the game. This document is completely free of use.

I decided to translate and adapt it, rewriting some parts.
Here is the result, in English:

What is a Role Playing Game? (Part 1 - drawing) (191 KB)
What is a Role Playing Game? (Part 2 - FAQ) (76 KB)

(Click Right, "Save As...", you know how it works)
I hope it may be of some help to other DM/Gamemasters and players out there.

Cheers,
Odh.

 

[Lasher Dragon]

Wow cool, thank you kindly Odhanan

 

[Odhanan]

Glad it can be any help!

 

[Torm]

That's cool, but when I saw the name of the thread, I imagined something more like this:

 

[DaveStebbins]

GAMA (the Game Manufactureres Association) used to have a wonderful pamphlet called "Questions and Answers about Role-Playing Games" available for download from their site (gama.org). Their Publications sections mentions the pamphlet but it is not available in the sub-section it directs you too. The pamphlet is somewhat dated, as the copy I have is copyright 1991, but it was written by Loren Wiseman and Mike Stackpole.

GAMA had their annual trade show in Vegas this week, but I hope to hear back from them about whether the pamphlet can be freely distributed or not in the near future.

-Dave

 

[Odhanan]

That's cool, but when I saw the name of the thread, I imagined something more like this

Well, like you certainly saw after downloading both PDFs, it actually DOES explain what a roleplaying game is, and not the stuff you are talking about (which is the opposite propanganda to its original, let's face it, and therefore just barely constructive, if any).

Cheers,
Odh

 

[Torm]

not the stuff you are talking about (which is the opposite propanganda to its original, let's face it, and therefore just barely constructive, if any).

Some people just have no sense of humor.

Since you're in a non-humorous mode, though, I'll go along - your PDFs are obviously better if you want to legitimately introduce someone to roleplaying. But something like my little strip would be a good thing to carry with you to replace the Chick tracts with if you come across them, so that you maybe get someone to read it who was expecting to read his usual intolerant propaganda.

 

[Odhanan]

I'm sorry if I offended you, Torm. That was not my intention. Like you say, I wasn't on humorous mode.

I don't think it helps to make a propaganda of our own. I think that it is more likely to pour oil on the fire, so to speak, than bring people to the game.
I think that a self-explanatory truth is much more effective.

No hard feelings I hope.
Odh

 

[Pbartender]

I don't think it helps to make a propaganda of our own.

The trouble is, by any definition of the word, what you've posted, Odhanan, is also propaganda...

"Propaganda" on Webster.com:

2 : the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person
3 : ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause; also : a public action having such an effect

You are deliberately spreading ideas and information for the purpose of helping an 'institution' (roleplaying games).

Now, what Torm posted is a particularly satirical and sarcastic bit of propaganda meant to discredit Jack Chick (damage an opposing cause, that is), and much as it further's roleplaying.

They may be different types of propaganda, but they are both propaganda.

Tha said, I usually just just people that it's the geeks version of a 'poker night'... That it's not unlike playing a more complicated and more involved game of Clue. Most people understand that.

 

[Odhanan]

Perfectly good point, Pbartender.

I was ranting at the satirical aspect of the thing more than anything else, I think.