Help Me, Teach Newly Recruited Girl Gamer Learn DnD

[Dispater]

I've introduced one girl to gaming myself though that was in the old days of ad&d and we weren't exactly running a rules' light campaign (I guess my home rules filled ten pages).

Anyhoo, we just made a jump start, and I explained things underways. Of course, I had to give the 'evil DM stare' to the other guys - and it worked - not a single remark (heh). She seemed to be more interested in role playing than dice rolling anyway, so I usually just told her to 'roll a d20' and then I told her what happened. Ok, it would have been best if she learned all the rules, but hey it worked.

Good luck! (dont stare down her shirt)
-Dispater

 

[Darkness]

... horrible mass of tenclacles. She isn't human. ...

That's only a bad thing if you're not into Hentai, LOL.

 

[qstor]

If she's never role played have her read this

http://members.aol.com/essuncius/cover3.html

Mike

btw that site is good for New Dm's as well.

 

[CRGreathouse]

Teaching a new player, male or female, is dependent on the individual, and how they learn best. Some will learn best with a manual, others if they have a guide.

Need I say more?

 

[HeavyG]

I'd avoid killer dungeons at first.

If your party is heavily into powergaming, I'd recommend starting her off in another game (maybe even a solo one) until she's comfortable with the stats and rules. Or let her try Baldur's Gate 2 or Icewind Dale first.

I'm sorry, but I have to disagree with almost everyone here. You can stare down her shirt, as long as she doesn't notice it. To be safe, quick glances are better, though.

I heard they always notice. Or is that what they want you to think ? *cue X-Files music*

Anyway, looking at her butt when her back is turned is way safer.

 

[Rel]

Regarding the staring down of the shirt, I must agree with the majority who say don't do it.

But if she is attractive, nice, smart and enjoys playing D&D, do whatever you can to try and marry this girl. There is no greater joy in life than being married to someone who enjoys your favorite hobby.

Plus, then you are legally allowed to stare down her shirt as much as you want.

 

[WSmith]

I will always recomend the D&D Adventure Game boxed set for teaching new players. IMO, it is the most under-rated tool a DM can have to teach newbies the concept of "playing" D&D, even with the omission of some rules. It truely is rules-lite. Run her through a couple of adventures in it to get the "feel" of the game. The missing particular rules stuff, like AoOs and such, can come later.

 

[GWolf]

Great

I have plenty of stuff to work with so great, and thanks to you all peace out!

 

[Teflon Billy]

This isn't exactly "girl specific", but my advice would be to just handle the mechanics of things yourself for the first few sessions until she gets a feel for the group and for roleplaying in general.

Just tell her to describe (in normal descriptive prose) what actions she wishes to take in her six-second window of opportunity. when she does so, then try and explain as clearly as you can how you are doing the math involved.

Don't slow down the game, just explain once and count on repetition to do your teaching. After she sees it in action a few times, lend her the book.

I've always found it easier to teach people how to play after they've seen playing going on.

Otherwise I've found it's like trying to teach colors to a blind person.

As for looking down her shirt, I say go for it. If she's against it she'll wear a turtleneck

 

[Teflon Billy]

Of course, now that I think of it that places a girl in a tight sweater nearby, creating it's own set of issues