Now, I've never really run a game before, but I think I'm starting to get the itch. I don't know if I want to run an adventure, campaign, or maybe just a one-shot. In any case, I think it would be fun to have everyone come over, for me to provide snacks, maybe dinner, set up a table, and host a game night. It would be even more fun if everyone were coming over to my place because of a game that I was running.
Now that I think about it, perhaps I should take it slow. I think I might like to try out a one-shot. I'm wondering, though, what game should it be? We're playing 4e right now, so I don't want to do that. We've played Star Wars D6 and Savage Worlds, too, so I think those are out. I don't know, I think I'd like to run a game, for one night, that is a little bit "out there." One that's rules-lite and easy for everyone to get into.
Anybody have any suggestions?
Thanks for reading!
Check out STUFFER SHACK, where I contribute to the Next Level Gaming column!
FATE?
ReplyDeleteThe rules are available free, and online as HTML too, and it seems to be a pretty easy rules-lite system. I'm definitely considering it for future use, it's essentially FUDGE with structure.
We've tried a few rules-lite systems, and the only other really worth a mention was PDQ, if you can get around the unusual damage mechanic.
Good luck!
Tom
Forget game mechanics and think genre. Which genre/style of game are you most comfortable with? Do you really want to try fantasy? Maybe Horror? Or even super hero? Once you find you setting comfort zone then you can search out a rules system.
ReplyDeleteI find I'm a much better GM with settings I'm more comfortable with. There are some settings I would just avoid as they are too far outside of my comfort zone.
Good point - Once you have a setting, you can run with whatever system you want. I like generic systems, so I guess my viewpoint's skewed ;-)
ReplyDeleteHave you looked at the free stuff on RPGNow, or the indie games over at The Forge (http://www.indie-rpgs.com) for something that piques your interest??
GMing without a solid idea of the world and the rules your game's defined by is tough - which is why I'm glad I started with 4E and a pre-published adventure path!
I think I'd like to do a sci-fi game for one night. Perhaps the PCs have to retake a spaceship, one whose crew has fallen the zombie plague?
ReplyDeleteMaybe Cortex system?
I'll take a look at RPGNow and the Forge.
Thanks guys!
Errant is at a playable level, though still an alpha. Join my blog as a follower, toss me your e-mail, and I will toss you an Alpha copy. You can look it over and decide if it is worth your while.
ReplyDeleteIf you are already playing 4e, it should be a snap
For Sci-Fi(hard SF) and FATE I'll look out for Diaspora, which SRD is in web free to use (here).
ReplyDeleteAnd if you want a true one-shot, I'd look at Fiasco, it is VERY unusual, but from what I heard, a lot of fun. I'm sure there's SF playset somewhere.
though it was me being me, commenting after nearly a year since the post was written. good luck anyway.
ReplyDeleteIf you want something quick-n-Easy, despite this being a dead game/system, try the dX system (Originally created with the Big Eyes, Small Mouth RPG). Sans the latest incarnation (Which I regret having my name attached to) that got put out by White Wolf before it went the way of the Dodo, I always found the system to be quick and easy to learn. Plus it's simple to make up things on the fly.
ReplyDeleteOkay, so it's a bit selfish, but for undead zombies in science fiction check out one of my resource pages: "People vs. Creatures," with "Death Shines on the Fornia Moons" rough draft, with "zombies."
ReplyDeleteIt's all free download, based on a modern/sci-fi version of Old School Hack.
http://fictivefantasies.wordpress.com/old-school-hack-modern-slash/