Getting Started in Non-D&D RPGs
In my last several blog posts I discussed where I would get my start were I a fresh Game Master starting today. I also suggested how to learn from other Game Masters and finally I revealed the books I keep in my personal Game Master’s toolbox. Today I am going to give an overview of some great ways to get started in some other roleplaying systems and give my thoughts on some of my favorites. My list is by no means exhaustive and there are some great starter kits for roleplaying games that I have not listed here.
It will come as no surprise to many that I am a huge Star Wars fan and thus I am a big fan of the Star Wars RPG System by Fantasy Flight Games. Each of the beginner boxes for this system are a great resource for dipping your toes into the system. Each kit comes complete with a basic rule book, pre-generated characters, a full color module, a double-sided poster map, a set of narrative dice, and full color tokens to represent characters, enemies, and vehicles found in the module. Each module is well-written and provides a great genuine Star Wars experience. All of the systems are compatible but enable you to tell very different stories within the greater narrative of the Star Wars universe. Each beginner box is also the kick-off point for a longer campaign that can be downloaded for free from Fantasy Flight Games. These are also very well-written and build off of the story found in the beginner boxes.
Edge of the Empire focuses on the scum and villainy living in the outer rim just outside the reach of the Galactic Empire. Bounty hunters, smugglers, and colonists struggle to make ends meet on the fringes of civilization and they often find their survival depends on who draws their blaster the fastest.
Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Beginner Game
Free Adventure: Long Arm of the Hutt
Age of Rebellion focuses on the intergalactic struggle between the heroes of the Rebel Alliance and the agents of the Galactic Empire. Soldiers, spies, ace pilots, and commanders are locked in a desperate battle for freedom against the Empire and must be prepared to take on daring secret missions to win the day!
Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Beginner Game
Free Adventure: Operation Shadowpoint
Force & Destiny focuses on the mysteries of the force, the cosmic energy that binds the universe together. The players take on the role of force sensitive neophytes who are taking their first steps into a larger world. In this game consular, guardians, mystics, and warriors unravel the cryptic nature of the force to walk the path of the ancient Jedi. All while avoiding capture and detection from the Empire.
Star Wars: Force & Destiny Beginner Game
Free Adventure: Lure of the Lost
If Horror is your thing, I highly encourage you to check out Chaosium’s Call of Cthulhu 7th Edition. This is the latest installment in the Call of Cthulhu franchise and definitely nails the 1920s film noir, horror vibe. If you are a fan of H.P. Lovecraft’s work, Stephen King, or other horror authors, this RPG is for you! The Starter Set contains a solo adventure so that you, the new Game Master, can get a feel for the roleplaying system before you run it for your friends. It also contains a set of introductory rules, and not one, not two, but three modules! The game also comes with five pre-generated characters, and 4 blank character sheets for creating your own characters. It also includes a set of dice and a set of ready-to-use handouts to assist with player immersion. This is an incredible value! Also, if you want to get started playing Call of Cthulhu 7th edition, you can download the free Quick Start Guide which contains everything you need to build introductory characters and run your first module: The Haunting.
Finally, a bit of an odd ball, Numenera. In Numenera, our adventurers are brave explorers trying to solve the mysteries of the ninth world. Numenera is a science fantasy world built upon the ruins of the last eight worlds. During these last eight worlds, the people of that time reached for the stars and harnessed advanced technologies before falling from grace and fading from memory. Numenera is a fantastic storytelling experience that focuses on exploration and discovery. Along the way the players will discover not only powerful artifacts, but also cyphers which will grant a temporary effect before being rendered useless. The Starter set includes 1 rulebook, 1 module, a poster map, five pre-generated characters, 2 dice, several cards used for the game, and a simple cheat sheet. If you want to try something different that focuses less on combat and more on exploration, I encourage you to give this unique roleplaying game a try.
Earlier this year there was a great article by Rob Wieland on Forbes.com about RPG kits that might provide some additional inspiration. Start the new year with an RPG Starter Set. And remember, every great GM started with a single system and a single session. No matter where you are in your journey as a GM, never stop learning from peers and other resources, never stop exploring new ideas or systems, and always have fun!
Take Heart!
Karington Hess
Game Master and Founder of Open Heart Games
