New Game, New Group

[daxos232]

After having our previous group dissolve over time, a friend and I have decided to try and host a game at a local game shop. The store seems to get quite a bit of people who game there often. We spoke with the owner who was very polite and he said that he would be happy to try and send some players our way. The two most popular RPG games are Pathfinder or 4th Edition, with a few various other games, but most of the groups are too big and he can't find enough GM's to start new parties. He seemed interested in MRQ2/Legend.

I intend to run a generic/non-specific fantasy setting that will allow new players some freedom in picking what they want to play, as I want to show how flexible/depth MRQ2/Legend has.

I've never played with a group outside of my circle of friends and I only have 1 friend there to lend a hand. Anyone have any hints or tips for new groups?

 

[jux]

Playing online using G+ hangout is quite popular these days.

 

[Vortigern]

I suggest making a handout/flier describing your intended game & the style/tone. And having a discussion with prospective players, in addition to the usual 'What do you want to play?' one, about their play expectations and how they see their character concept fitting into your intended game style and tone.

Essentially I feel that the most common mistake that people make when forming new groups/games is at the interpersonal communication level of things, completely outside the mechanics/rules etc. If you are aiming for a given game tone and not everyone really grasps that right away, things can collide mid-session rather than being hammered out beforehand.

To that end, despite your desire to showcase the flexibility of the MRQ2/Legend system, I suggest you still spend a bit of time focussing on the setting you intend to depict and the tone of the game that will be set in it. And have those thoughts about setting and tone in mind when you write your flier/handout and/or make any pitches about your game.

Know what product you are selling ( your game, and why it is different from another one ), to use another vernacular, and know what kind of customers you want ( people that will like and appreciatte your game, and intended tone etc. ), and will be happy buying. Then go out and sell it ( convey that message about setting, tone, and play expectations ).

I think this vastly increases the probability that the players that you do find, that actually sit down at the table with you, will actually gel into a cohesive group, get along, and have fun together in the game.

I hope you find happy buyers, and wish you the best of luck in getting a new game up and running.