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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Surgoshan" data-source="post: 4143194" data-attributes="member: 61205">Executive Summary:  She hasn't watched that many fantasy or action movies; she doesn't have preconceived notions about the roles she'd like to play.  Lead her by the hand to build up a character.It sounds like she's never really been into the fantasy/action genre so she doesn't really have any archetypes built up in her head to draw from.  Most of us geeks would absolutely love to be able to play Drizzt (damn, I hate Salvatore for making him so popular that every 14 year old has to play him), Spiderman, Wolverine, Batman, Raistlin, etc.  We've already seen those and we can make up our own variations or even come up with a somewhat new character.  But if you don't have those then the options won't mean much to you.You've already tried through the "what's your favorite character?" angle; try this one.Don't bog her down with the terminology or definitions, just give her a short description of a few playstyles and move from there.  That way she won't be overwhelmed with choices.  8 races? 8 classes?  Two subtypes in each class?  You have to choose a weapon/implement/pact/whathaveyou?  Aaahh!  Start her out with the four archetypes: Defender, Striker, Controller, Leader.  Not the names, the descriptions.  Do you want to step to the front and force the enemies to focus on you?  Do you want to move around the edges, striking down problem enemies?  Do you want to use magic powers to damage enemies or reshape the battlefield itself?  Do you want to hit the bad guys with one hand while healing and helping your allies with the other?Once you know which playstyle she wants, which flavor of that she wants to go for.  At each point, present her with just a few options and the process won't seem so overwhelming.Also, if you actually manage to tailor it to her choices and build up a personality and character along with the numbers it'll giver her more of an investment in the character and a reason to be involved in gameplay.Just basing things on stereotypes; she's a girl (you've noticed this) and therefore is less likely to want to get in and kick ass by herself.  Girls tend to be more group oriented.  A cleric and its role as a supporting class may be best for her strictly in terms of playstyle.  The group will have to walk her through combat until she gets a feel for how the character can use her powers for the benefit of the group.  It would also give her the option to do a little ass-kicking herself so she's not relegated totally to the role of REMF support and can be actively involved through the whole session.</blockquote>

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