Electrohydra
2012-12-06, 01:12 PM
Hi Playground!
I've got a dilemma. I'm looking into running a one (long, probably around 10-12h breaks included) session of RPG with some friends of mine, but I'm unsure about the details. Our group consists of myself (DMing/GM/STing for this time) and an old friend, both of us 3.5 veterans who have dabbled into a few other systems as well. Two more players I've introduced to PnP RPGs through two games of Paranoia, and the rest have never RPed before.
So I guess my first problem is what system to run. I wanted to shake it up from Paranoia, so I though about it and here are the options I'm considering (but if you have another suggestion that would fit very well I have no problems learning new systems.
-D&D 3.5: Pros: I know the system (except grapple rules) by heart.
Cons: Very hard system. Same thing I usually do.
-D&D 4.0: Pros: All the dragon slaying of 3.5, but the better balance means the different levels of RPG experience wont matter as much.
Cons: Still very similar to what I am used to, not as simple as systems bellow.
-Vampire: The masquerade: Pros: Both me and another friend have played Bloodlines and really like the setting and style.
Cons: Lots of background lore for everyone to learn. Also, writing/preparing a good session seems like it would be a lot or work.
-New World of Darkness: Mortals:Pros: I have a little experience in this system as a player. Also, really easy to pick up, and absolutely no special lore to learn.
Cons: I'm not sure everyone would love playing slightly above regular humans.
Things to keep in mind: Most of the players are "noobs" to RPing or almost. We'll probably only do one session, so not having to do an excessive amount of preparatory work is very nice, for me but MOSTLY for my players. I love RPGs, but I don't want to tell them "yeah you have to read this this and this book front to back". Best would be if I could tell them everything they need to know in person, but some reading up isn't so bad. Finally I'd rather shake things up from my usual RPG habbits. My last two sessions where Paranoia, which (while it turned out great) it's not on the list, and 3.5 is also something I've done a whole lot of.
So, after this wall of text... any insight? System suggestions, but any good ideas are welcomed.
tl;dr: Looking for system suggestion for a group of new players: D&D 3.5, 4.0, V:tM, OWD:Mortals.
I've got a dilemma. I'm looking into running a one (long, probably around 10-12h breaks included) session of RPG with some friends of mine, but I'm unsure about the details. Our group consists of myself (DMing/GM/STing for this time) and an old friend, both of us 3.5 veterans who have dabbled into a few other systems as well. Two more players I've introduced to PnP RPGs through two games of Paranoia, and the rest have never RPed before.
So I guess my first problem is what system to run. I wanted to shake it up from Paranoia, so I though about it and here are the options I'm considering (but if you have another suggestion that would fit very well I have no problems learning new systems.
-D&D 3.5: Pros: I know the system (except grapple rules) by heart.
Cons: Very hard system. Same thing I usually do.
-D&D 4.0: Pros: All the dragon slaying of 3.5, but the better balance means the different levels of RPG experience wont matter as much.
Cons: Still very similar to what I am used to, not as simple as systems bellow.
-Vampire: The masquerade: Pros: Both me and another friend have played Bloodlines and really like the setting and style.
Cons: Lots of background lore for everyone to learn. Also, writing/preparing a good session seems like it would be a lot or work.
-New World of Darkness: Mortals:Pros: I have a little experience in this system as a player. Also, really easy to pick up, and absolutely no special lore to learn.
Cons: I'm not sure everyone would love playing slightly above regular humans.
Things to keep in mind: Most of the players are "noobs" to RPing or almost. We'll probably only do one session, so not having to do an excessive amount of preparatory work is very nice, for me but MOSTLY for my players. I love RPGs, but I don't want to tell them "yeah you have to read this this and this book front to back". Best would be if I could tell them everything they need to know in person, but some reading up isn't so bad. Finally I'd rather shake things up from my usual RPG habbits. My last two sessions where Paranoia, which (while it turned out great) it's not on the list, and 3.5 is also something I've done a whole lot of.
So, after this wall of text... any insight? System suggestions, but any good ideas are welcomed.
tl;dr: Looking for system suggestion for a group of new players: D&D 3.5, 4.0, V:tM, OWD:Mortals.