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Dumpshock Forums _ General Gaming _ Demoing a game

Posted by: Freejack Nov 2 2009, 01:22 AM

Ok, so I want to run an intro game at the FLGS. The shop owner has approved it (and likely will play ). I expect I'll be running it for several weeks as word gets out and hope to get a few games at least started with others in the area.

What I want to do is create an attractive flier that will provide some of the game background and get folks to come out for instruction.

I created the following flier last time to see if I could get a few locals together for a game, an in-character request for 'runners

QUOTE

Greetings chummer.

I've been forcibly relocated to the area and don't have any current contacts. A mutual associate has recommended a posting at this site for available 'runners.

I have a mission that I could use some help with. The nuyen is good and there may be a little danger but when has that stopped a dedicated 'runner?

If the mission is successful, you'll help establish my street cred here and we'll get more work. Everyone can use a few extra cred, eh?

So if you're interested, send up a flag and I'll be in touch.

Freejack

So I think I want something in character a bit for the hook and then another part that follows with a good description of the game. I'll try to whip something up but I thought I'd drop a line here and start some thought processes going.

Thanks for any input.

Carl

Posted by: Crusher Bob Nov 3 2009, 03:22 AM

Since you will be expecting people who aren't familiar with the system, I'd include in each character description a list of things that the characters can do. For example, something like Knasser's http://pavao.org/shadowrun/miscellany/WWSD.png. And some brief notes on how to act within the system to: what should your first action in combat be, when should you use edge, stuff like that.

Another thing worth doing, since you will be making the characters, is to think of places in the characters knowledge skills might apply, and then have the bit of knowledge already written out onto a note card, that you give to the player when the moment comes up. You can also use this to show-off background info.

Also, because the game will involve pickup players who may not be familiar with the genre conventions, you'll have to be more aware of them than normal. For example, lets say that things go wrong, and the cops show up. One guy expects it to be like Heat and gets ready to open up with his machine gun, one guy expects it to be like Sneakers and expects to run away, one guy expects it to be like a modern kung-fu movie where he gets arrested and then uses his kung-fu to escape the cops... Since the group will have never played together before, the clashing expectations about how the game world works can quickly screw everything up. So come up with a short 'genre brief' for the beginning of t he game, to give to everyone to make sure everyone is more or less expecting the same thing.

Posted by: Freejack Nov 3 2009, 04:25 AM

I'll check out the link, thanks. I am planning on the first two paragraphs you mentioned. The third is a good idea and I'll whip something up to account for it. Thanks.

Carl

Posted by: Warlordtheft Nov 3 2009, 06:25 PM

Other suggestions---prepare maps for visual reference.

Another suggestion--start in "media res" like star wars episode IV (IE in a firefight in the barrens with a buch of gangers-pick appropriate flavor of gang). It gets them into action quicker, and will perk their ears up. Start off with a breif background of why they are there, what happened, and who screwed them (like the Johnson or another runner such as the teams now ex-hacker).

I would add the scenario should be short (between 4 and 6 hours, though YMMV) so as to not to discourage new players because of time constraints.

Posted by: Freejack Nov 3 2009, 06:45 PM

Yep, I have several maps ready to go. I plan on using one of the Denver Missions modules since I've run them once and am familiar with them. Plus I still have the props I used the first time through so I think I'm good there

carl