[RPG] 3 novices, 1 Warhammer Fantasy. How to make sure the friends don’t have a bad first experience

new-gmnew-playerswfrp-3e

I recently convinced my friends to try out a table-top RPG. Now, being an almost complete novice to table-top RPGs, and adding the fact that I will have to take point and GM this campaign… Is there any way I can ensure my friends have an enjoyable first experience playing these sort of things? I'm simply unsure of how a campaign for beginners should be. I know for a fact that PC deaths on the first campaign would really cloud their opinion. I'd like to ease them into that.

We'll be playing Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay, more than likely just getting the Core Set to get us started. Any tips and tales of experiences you had when playing WFRP for the first time, or from the perspective of experienced GMs when introducing beginners to WFRP or table-top RPGs in general.

Best Answer

Specific issues with WFRP3 as a novice:

  1. everyone needs to be close to the dice. Play at a single table is recommended
  2. it helps to have the dice symbol meanings page copied and sitting on the table.
  3. use the pregen/sample characters for the first session, as character generation is really helped immensely by knowing the value of attributes and skills in play.
  4. The core box only supports 3+GM.

Things you can ignore in the first session:

  • stance dice - use default stance for the character only.
  • magic - it's not needed for starting players.
  • Stress from indecision. - It won't help when learning. Especially for actions.

A couple tricks:

  • Make and use "I have gone"/"Waiting to go" markers - business card stock or 3x5 cards are fine. It really streamlines the initiative process.
  • photocopy the NPC/Monster sheets out before session, for easier reference (and to be able to make notes on them if you want.)
  • play the introductory adventure. It slowly teaches the game!
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