I felt like releasing two Minicasts this week, so episode 7 has now been published.
In this episode of the NewbieDM.com Minicast, I am joined by Dave Chalker, founder and head writer of the Critical-Hits.com website, and also winner of the Wizards of the Coast DM’s Challenge at the PAX East gaming Convention in Boston.
Together we attempt to help a listener who asks about how to go about making his players really learn the rules of the game.
You can subscribe to the minicast via Itunes, or reach the feed directly at http://newbiedm.podbean.com/feed
Nevy
May 14, 2010
I’ve had this problem too. My group of players have been getting together for up-words of 4 years, and I still answer the “what do I need to roll” question at least twice in any given encounter.
I’ve come to live with the fact that they play it mostly to please me, partly as a chance to get together without the kids, and leastly because they like the idea of FRP. They will never learn the rules, because it just doesn’t appeal to them, no matter how much I tell them they’ll enjoy it more if they learn more about it….
C’est la vie.
Elderac
May 18, 2010
I listened to the cast and found it reasonable.
I would suggest telling new players to not open the PH after the DM has helped them create the character and filled out equipment. The size of the PH can be daunting. Instead, print out and hand them the Quick Start Rules. It is compact, easy to read, and has all of the rules they need to start with.
Once they have mastered that, and as unique situations come up, explain it to them as was suggested, but open the PH and show them where they can find it. Encourage them to look through the combat chapter. Really, there are very few rules they need to know past that.
@Elderac