Introducing a GF to RPGs.

[Ambrus]

I've been seeing a new lady for the past few months and she's grown more and more curious about the RPGs in which I'm involved. She seems to enjoy fantasy movies and books and even played World of Warcraft a few years back. To my surprise, she's even begun reading through some of my game books (mostly Planescape supplements) and comics (early Knights of the Dinner Table).

Lately she's been saying that she'd really like to give playing a try. On a lark, I asked her to try describing the type of character she'd like to portray. It was interesting watching her try to weave some initially vague concepts into a more coherent character background. In essence, what she described was a winged elf (perhaps unsurprising for her first character), member of a family of winged elves who serves the (non-winged) elven monarch of a kingdom of (non-winged) elves. She went on to describe how her character was raised in an elven city but prefers the solace of the wilderness. Her character has wild animal companions (usually birds) and practices nature magic. To me it sounds as if she's pretty well described an avariel druid with an eagle animal companion and an aristocratic background.

Now I'm looking for advice on how to introduce her to her first solo game of D&D (likely 3.5 or Pathfinder). I think it'd be great if she developed a long term interest in the hobby; one more thing we could share. So, anyone have any experience in doing such a thing? Any pitfalls I should be aware of? Any suggestions for a campaign setting or adventure in which to start her off?

 

[The Grumpy Celt]

Lately she's been saying that she'd really like to give playing a try.

She must really be into you.

Don't scare her off by dumping too much info on. Help her draft up an arse-kicking Xena-type just to whet her appatite. Then go from there.

 

[dm4hire]

Actually a good way to introduce your GF to the game is with the starter box or give her her own PHB as a gift. Use the starter box as an introduction if you want. Though giving her her own book to read and then introducing her to the game would be better and a two fold action. Then to top it off take her out to pick her own dice out. I watched a young couple do that at a con last weekend; it was pretty funny. One last advice is to let someone else DM her first time with you playing with her, but only help if she asks. Good luck and happy gaming.

 

[craggle]

Possibly the greatest wealth of knowledge on the subject of DMing your significant other (if not in general): Lessons from DMing with my GF - Wizards Community - Lessons from DMing with my GF

 

[Ambrus]

Thanks for the great link Craggle! I sent my GF the link.