Update -- Gaming wives, the ongoing saga!
- Thread starter Psion
- Start date
Dr Midnight
Explorer
Congrats Psion!
For me, nothing beats having a new gamer. Someone opening their eyes to the possibilities, getting high on their own imagination. That kinda buzz is hard to recapture after the first taste.
I also recommend against starting with psionics. NeMoren's Vault, though... That's the stuff. That'd be a great one to start a new player on.
PLUS, I know I recommend this adventure every chance I get, but for a nice 1E D&D feel with puzzles, traps, and the fun flavor you want for low-level adventures: Gorgoldand's Gauntlet. It's on that free CD that came with Dragon and Dungeon about a year back. Give it a look... of course, you're Psion, you review adventures like they're candy. I'm sure you've got a better overview for what's best for her.
Enjoy... hope she likes it!
For me, nothing beats having a new gamer. Someone opening their eyes to the possibilities, getting high on their own imagination. That kinda buzz is hard to recapture after the first taste.
I also recommend against starting with psionics. NeMoren's Vault, though... That's the stuff. That'd be a great one to start a new player on.
PLUS, I know I recommend this adventure every chance I get, but for a nice 1E D&D feel with puzzles, traps, and the fun flavor you want for low-level adventures: Gorgoldand's Gauntlet. It's on that free CD that came with Dragon and Dungeon about a year back. Give it a look... of course, you're Psion, you review adventures like they're candy. I'm sure you've got a better overview for what's best for her.
Enjoy... hope she likes it!
Psion
Adventurer
Re: Re: Wife is taking the plunge!
(shrug) I really think I have Harry Potter to thank! She watches that movie all the time; that might have been what perked her interest in things fantastic. It also didn't hurt that (unlike our group in Idaho) she gets along with all the players away from the table.
I also had a theory that she felt guilty because recently I admitted that I didn't like participating in another group she participates in but have done so without a peep for years, but she denies that's the reason.
pennywiz said:Marriage generally curtails that sort of behaviour. Congratulations!
(shrug) I really think I have Harry Potter to thank! She watches that movie all the time; that might have been what perked her interest in things fantastic. It also didn't hurt that (unlike our group in Idaho) she gets along with all the players away from the table.
I also had a theory that she felt guilty because recently I admitted that I didn't like participating in another group she participates in but have done so without a peep for years, but she denies that's the reason.
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Voadam
Legend
Try to keep the situations simple ruleswise to start. Avoid having monsters trying to grapple, entangle, disarm etc. for the first few games so that she can get a feel for the basic mechanics first, then later throw in nifty rules situations.
Good, evocative descriptions help get players into their characters so that they feel more first person.
Good, evocative descriptions help get players into their characters so that they feel more first person.
Desdichado
Hero
Congratulations! Ironically, I'm in sorta the same boat. My wife discovered that some other friends of ours, that we had no idea were gamers (we're not really close friends). She jumped in and talked to them, mentioning that I gamed, and before we knew it, she had kinda sorta committed to playing with them as well.
It hasn't happened yet, and I don't have high hopes that she'll really pick up the hobby the same way I have, but I'm really interested in showing her what it's all about, at least, and hopefully she'll at least have as much fun as she does playing Skip-bo...
Anyway, for suggestions, I'd go through some character generation with her ahead of time, and make sure she's as up to speed as can be before she starts. Nothing worse than sitting there not knowing what you're doing. Maybe even run her through a small trial scenario of some kind just to show her how a few things like skill checks, simple combat, spell-casting, saving throws, or what have you work before the session.
It hasn't happened yet, and I don't have high hopes that she'll really pick up the hobby the same way I have, but I'm really interested in showing her what it's all about, at least, and hopefully she'll at least have as much fun as she does playing Skip-bo...
Anyway, for suggestions, I'd go through some character generation with her ahead of time, and make sure she's as up to speed as can be before she starts. Nothing worse than sitting there not knowing what you're doing. Maybe even run her through a small trial scenario of some kind just to show her how a few things like skill checks, simple combat, spell-casting, saving throws, or what have you work before the session.
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Desdichado
Hero
Yes I am!
Although I'm not sure how that enters into it... Are you as well? Hey, you're not the folks my wife got talked into gaming with, are you?
Although I'm not sure how that enters into it... Are you as well? Hey, you're not the folks my wife got talked into gaming with, are you?
Psion,
I am very excited for you. My wife began playing with our group a few years back when her sister became interested in it and asked me about it. She knew I had played for years and was looking to try it out and since her sister was new to gaming, my wife decided to jump in as well. We have enjoyed it ever since! There have been many wonderful suggestions thusfar from other posters and I'd just like to chime in myself. Everyone seems to be advocating taking time and letting her first time be simplified. I'd agree, but try not to let her catch on that you are doing so. It can be insulting when she just wants to be "one of the guys" so to speak. I do suggest that she have her own PHB. My wife and I shared for a couple of years before I broke down and bought a new one, but it has certainly made things easier when it is time to level up and also she has her OWN book. Just a simple little empowerment issue, I know, but it makes an extraordinary difference.
Now, for the bad news. If before you were in the habit of sharing your world with your wife, you'll now have to curtail some of that as she is a player in it. The upshot of this is that now she may actually care about what you are saying, so share some of course, but try not to let her in on any more than you would share with any other player.
I certanly have enjoyed the time I spend with my wife in our games and I wish you and your wife the best in yours. Oh, and for the record, I am LDS too. How many are there of us lurking around here I wonder?
I am very excited for you. My wife began playing with our group a few years back when her sister became interested in it and asked me about it. She knew I had played for years and was looking to try it out and since her sister was new to gaming, my wife decided to jump in as well. We have enjoyed it ever since! There have been many wonderful suggestions thusfar from other posters and I'd just like to chime in myself. Everyone seems to be advocating taking time and letting her first time be simplified. I'd agree, but try not to let her catch on that you are doing so. It can be insulting when she just wants to be "one of the guys" so to speak. I do suggest that she have her own PHB. My wife and I shared for a couple of years before I broke down and bought a new one, but it has certainly made things easier when it is time to level up and also she has her OWN book. Just a simple little empowerment issue, I know, but it makes an extraordinary difference.
Now, for the bad news. If before you were in the habit of sharing your world with your wife, you'll now have to curtail some of that as she is a player in it. The upshot of this is that now she may actually care about what you are saying, so share some of course, but try not to let her in on any more than you would share with any other player.
I certanly have enjoyed the time I spend with my wife in our games and I wish you and your wife the best in yours. Oh, and for the record, I am LDS too. How many are there of us lurking around here I wonder?
Black Arrow
First Post
Congrats Alan!
Maybe I should try to make it back down to Southern MD again for old times sake. You guys meeting pretty regularly?
I've seen a couple of your reviews btw, and picked up Rokugan on the basis of your recommendation. Don't regret that purchase in the least. Thanks for sharing your impressions of d20 products.
My sister is slowly getting introduced into table RPGs too by her husband. She was really into anime and computer games. It's the story (and 'mood') that appeals to her, and creating that atmosphere makes all the difference. Best of luck with your wife.
Anyway, I'd like to get in touch again some time [yet another LDS...].
- Roger
Maybe I should try to make it back down to Southern MD again for old times sake. You guys meeting pretty regularly?
I've seen a couple of your reviews btw, and picked up Rokugan on the basis of your recommendation. Don't regret that purchase in the least. Thanks for sharing your impressions of d20 products.
My sister is slowly getting introduced into table RPGs too by her husband. She was really into anime and computer games. It's the story (and 'mood') that appeals to her, and creating that atmosphere makes all the difference. Best of luck with your wife.
Anyway, I'd like to get in touch again some time [yet another LDS...].
- Roger
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