Introducing Far Eastern players to D&D D20

[Tha1on]

Since this is my first post let me introduce myself. I am an American living and teaching in VERY rural Thailand. I have played and DM'ed since 1977 and I would like to introduce my students to RPG's. I believe RPG's will be a wonderful way for my students to use their English skills in a fun and interesting way.

My question is what module would you use if you were introducing a group of people that have never heard of D&D? I will most likely use a storytelling system to start and add in D20 later. I seem to remember a number of 0 level modules out there.

 

[Gilladian]

I wouldn't try a module. Instead, use a very simple system like Microlite20 and then convert a local myth, fairy tale or legend, into a playable scenario. You probably want to build on what's familiar to them, first, before you try to introduce a lot of the traditional concepts of DnD type RPG'ing.

At least, that's where I'd come from.

If you do want to try a module, look for Gorgoldand's Gauntlet. It's one of my favorites.

 

[Hereticus]

My question is what module would you use if you were introducing a group of people that have never heard of D&D? I will most likely use a storytelling system to start and add in D20 later. I seem to remember a number of 0 level modules out there.

Instead of using a module, consider building your own campaign based in a regional ruin like Mingun.

http://www6.worldisround.com/photos/4/425/188.jpg

 

[Piratecat]

Welcome!

I agree. Use a mechanics-light game and make up your own plot. It'll probably be more fun due to cultural reasons.

 

[Bumbles]

Well, I don't know if it'd apply in Thailand, but I might choose to be careful about involving local mythos. Somebody might find that offensive, especially by an outsider.

I'd start with something generic they're familiar with, and see if anybody asks for something local to add color.

But I'm cautious that way.

 

[I'm A Banana]

"Here's a story about four magic warriors fighting a dark and dangerous monster and that monster's underlings."

That line is pretty cross-cultural, and forms the base line of D&D. You guys are the warriors, and the DM plays the role of the monster. Undoubtedly, they've heard stories of heroes they can draw on to be those warriors.

Use d20s for basic resolution, but keep it rules-light. I'd even consider doing it as True 20, which is crazy rules light and lets a lot of creativity go into those die rolls.

 

[pawsplay]

I'd find out what movies from Western culture they were familiar with, such as Star Wars, LOTR, James Bond, Star Trek, or whatever, and then pick a game. Something with rules that would not require a lot of translation or learning unfamiliar English terms. If all they've heard of is Star Wars, feel free to rip off the "evil empire" storyline and substitute D&D or whatever your favorite is.

If they are so rural they mostly lack TV, movie, and Internet exposure, then I really don't know. I wouldn't myself presume to be able to do local legends or beliefs justice. You could probably do worse than running an Old West game using Savage Worlds or True20 or something.

 

[S'mon]

"Here's a story about four magic warriors fighting a dark and dangerous monster and that monster's underlings."

That line is pretty cross-cultural, and forms the base line of D&D. You guys are the warriors, and the DM plays the role of the monster. Undoubtedly, they've heard stories of heroes they can draw on to be those warriors.

Yes, I agree with this. I would tend to go for a strong, melodramatic plot with a scenery-chewing villain, and a good mix of combat and character interaction.

One intro scenario I like is Basic D&D's Eye of Traldar, which involves 1st level PCs breaking into the evil overlord's fortress (via the dungeon) to liberate a magical gem.

 

[thai1on]

MY sincere apologizes for being away from the tread for so long. Turns out I have been busier at school more so than last year. Here is a small update.

As of now still no game but I have gotten a few leads and one thing to remember EVERYTHING moves slower in Thailand, including we expats.

Good news is I have been in email contact with a guy in Bangkok that has a great way of introducing D&D to the Thai's (he's as a school teacher). He has come up with single character adventures. The guy in Bangkok doesn't have much DM experience in writing "griping" encounters but his basic ideas are quite good. I have written more encounters than I care to admit to so we are going to work together on making these very short simple but exciting single player modules.

The ideas you all have given using True D20 may just work as one look at the size of the players handbook scares many of my students off.

As far as local mythology and monsters go these place is a gold mine to us westerns. There is a rich variety of mythical creatures both good and evil here and one day I'll try and stat a few out and give you a taste of the Thai idea of mystical and legendary creatures. On a side note if you ever get a chance to visit some of the Khmer temple ruins, which there are quite a few in a 100 km circle where I live, you can't help but thinking of the many adventures you have gone through. I found myself cautiously peering around doorways, checking for traps, checking for secret doors and waiting to be attacked be something only an evil DM could come up with

This is truly a magical place to live and it would be perfect if I can ever get a game started.

 

[kitsune9]

Since this is my first post let me introduce myself. I am an American living and teaching in VERY rural Thailand. I have played and DM'ed since 1977 and I would like to introduce my students to RPG's. I believe RPG's will be a wonderful way for my students to use their English skills in a fun and interesting way.

My question is what module would you use if you were introducing a group of people that have never heard of D&D? I will most likely use a storytelling system to start and add in D20 later. I seem to remember a number of 0 level modules out there.

I would go with your own system instead of a mod. Good luck with your endeavor! Let us know how it goes.