[HeroQuest 2] New GM Advice...
Chris_Chinn:
Hi,
Quote
We're more casual so not everyone is going to read the rules before we play, we're a trusting group, so if someone wants to try something, it's a go for it kinda vibe.
One other thing that's useful to do with new games, in general, is to write a 1-2 page "quicksheet". It's not just the rules you reference a lot, it's also a bit of emphasis on what rules the player should focus on and a few hints on how to best use the rules.
Check out the one I did for Burning Wheel:
https://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AQRtXp2Cfy8pZGd4Y3hicGdfMjc3NW14ZGdjeA&hl=en
If you can give players a basic understanding of the rules in 2 pages (1 sheet, front & back) and expect them to read it, that's usually a good minimum rules commitment that isn't too hard. It also helps you better understand the rules as a GM, as well, because you're practicing how you describe things both succinctly and clearly.
Chris
Grognard:
The one-sheet is a great idea. I've heard about these in various places, but hadn't considered needing one for this. Thanks.
Any other hints, tips, or tricks to offer, Chris?
Or anyone else?
Grognard:
So something like this?
Chris_Chinn:
Hi,
Yeah, 2 pages is nice because you can print out a few of these to have handy at the table. I'd probably also do some formatting with bold and italics, just because it makes it easier to read (and, if people are referencing it during play, you want it to be easy to navigate).
For me, personally, I try to make the one-sheets a little more casual in writing voice- use examples, things people might say, etc. When the one-sheet is all in "game text talk" it seems really abstract and people skim over it.
For example, I might say something like this:
Quote
Contests
When you get into a contest, I'll let you know if it's a Simple Contest (1 roll) or an Extended Contest (a series of rolls). Tell me what your final goal is- what you want to have done by the end of the Contest.
"I beat him up a little, but mostly, I make him look like a fool" = good.
"I punch him" = bad. Don't think of the step-by-step - think of the big picture.
Then tell me how you're doing it, and what ability applies.
It's kind of helpful to describe steps in play as a process and have active subjects in the sentences - "I do this" "You do this" is a clear process.
"The players frame any contest..." sounds like you're hearing it from a distance- we're talking about an abstract group of players somewhere else, "framing" ("what's framing?") something called a "contest".
Obviously, though, it depends on what works best for your group and their style of reading/learning, but generally I find the casual voice creates better retention and makes it easier to skim and refer to in the midst of play.
Chris
Grognard:
Yeah, good points. I went with the style I'm used to, and honestly, I don't think I could fit all that on two pages using a more fluid and regular style, to say nothing of examples.
Thanks for the help, really. So, is HeroQuest not much discussed on these forums? You're the only one who's responded.
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