getting started

[matsif]

getting started

some of my buddies from other gaming communities want to try out D&D, as a few of them are really into it and want us to try.

I, however, brought up playing Cyberpunk instead. The guys who brought up trying D&D aren't against the idea, but having never played are slightly hesitant due to the whole "never played" thing.

So, for a bunch of noobs who would be playing over teamspeak/skype/the like, what would we really need to get started other than some character sheets, some dice, and the rulebook? Is there a good online codex of sorts that gives a rundown?

I'm really the person driving to playing Cyberpunk, but I need to sell the idea to the rest of the group giving it a shot. We'll likely do D&D first as that's what the people who have done PNPRPGs before are used to, but assuming we stick with it I really want to try to get them to play Cyberpunk, and the guys who play D&D will likely understand some/more of it than myself. Any tips or info anyone can give would be great.

thanks!

 

[TheCybersmily]

Which version are you refing 2020/203x?
I would say start with a throw-a-way game. You can use the Fast & Dirty Expendables roll up charts (CP 2020 book pg 30) to create the characters quick. Maybe do a bit of lifepath, that is one selling point on CP 2020 I've notice some players really like. Do some tweaks to be a bit more inline with the character concept (solo, fixer, nomad, cop, ...) and start running a game using one of the screamsheets in the back of the main book. This is a game to give them a taste of the mechanics and what the world is like. Keep the pace quick. Don't get bogged done with looking up the rules in the beginning, that will for the next game.
Agree with the players first before doing this so they don't get too attached to their characters or think they need to go research all the material out there.
If they like it, then get into full blown characters, take the time to buy equipment, weapons, and cyber from the various Chromebooks, do some more looking up of rules during game play.
Some players can get quickly turned off from a game if you present too much info up front, and CP 2020 can do that, especially with all the Chromebooks and Solo of Fortunes. Keep it simple and keep the pace up. Key is to make the players have fun. Fun = continuing to play.

 

[guidokpd]

What I do If I am introducing some new players I make up characters for them and run a few introductory sessions. I make sure to tell the players that is what is going on. If they want, later they can make up their own characters for the game. Then first go through the character sheet explaining what everything is and where it is located. A simple adventure with some short combats.

 

[eraser7278]

the ones who have played other games before might not love the idea of going into the game "blind" in terms of rules. it might be an easier sell if they could view the rules beforehand to get acquainted. your options there are:
A- have them buy it off drivethrough http://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/50354/Cyberpunk-2020-The-Second-Edition-Version-201
B- use interlock unlimited, which is free http://datafortress2020.com/fileproject/details.php?image_id=1204

also, assuming the group is more or less established already, might i suggest a session zero to build characters but at the same time make it a movie night so they have a better grasp of the genre. 6 hours of film is going to drive home the point better than days of exposition on your part.

 

[Calistarius]

Another thing might also be to figure out how well versed these players are with Cyberpunk as a genre as well... what they know about this subgenre of sci-fi. And if they do not know much then maybe give them some advice in what to watch/read to get some level of a grip of what Cyberpunk Sci-Fi is all about.

 

[jacqsynn]

Look online for the CP2020 reference book and send them the link to it wonderful information in it. You can then just basically show them task resolution which is very easy to pick up and play.