Good Starting RPGs

I'm gonna be running a game for my sister, and a few other people.

They've already had the introduction to gaming with the Edge of the Empire Beginner Game, but that was a while back.

Now I need a whole RPG for this game.

I would appreciate suggestions.

So is the new game you are running still Star Wars, or are you just looking for system/setting suggestions?

It's most likely gonna be a new system.

From a Game Master Standpoint. I recommend 4ed D&D. The Dungeon's Master's Guide, is chucked full of useful tips like how to handle player expectations, stuff like that that most RP Gs never cover. Even if you don't wind up running it, read the 4th Ed Dungeon Master's guide. It's a great tool for newbie G Ms and is the most friendly book for a first time game master.

Okay, I'd like to point out that I'm not a newbie.

I've actually ran quite a few games.

It's the players who are new to this stuff.

Well, D&D is a popular starting point, but as someone who's played it for about twelve years now and tried other systems, I am likely never going to touch D&D again, on the account of it being intensely boring and lazily done. That said, 4e is a good starting point, if you don't care about a functioning setting and just want to roll the dice.

What kind of a game in specific are you trying to run? Fantasy, sci-fi, contemporary? Any preference on the dark/happy scale?

I was thinking of something set in the 1920s or 1930s.

Well, World of Darkness might be a good one. Or Call of Cthulhu. At least, if you are thinking dark/horror. Then there is Scion (World of Darkness meets Exalted...is the best way to describe it) and Unknown Armies, both of which can be easily adapted to the specific time period, at least if you want to go pseudo-historical.

If you want to go alternate history, the thing opens up to the point where you can pretty much just use any systems you would actually like and just adapt mechanics as you go. I really like the Anima: Beyond Fantasy ruleset, personally. Also, Silhouette RPG, with some modifications.

The range of World of Darkness games is kinda paralysing.

Also, is Spirit Of The Century any good?

Haven't done it, though I'm not a huge fan of the FATE system.

I myself haven't played any FATE games, but I've read the Dresden Files RPG books, and I've liked it.

I've played Dresden Files.

I get where FATE is coming from and where it wants to go, but the lack of solid mechanics and the silly broken characters people can make, especially if they are clever with their environment, really makes FATE more of a challenge to run than many other systems. I've fine with improvising and all, but in my opinion FATE just asks too much of the storyteller for too little tangible return.

On the other hand, I'm sure there are people around here who will challenge the above opinion.

Yeah, that's what I've heard.

I might run some World of Darkness game, but I have no idea which.

Probably either Mage, Werewolf, or Vampire.

What are the differences between Awakening and Ascended, for example?

FATE is either very intuitive or very not, depending on the person. I suggest giving it a test-run, and dropping it if you don't like it.

New vs. Old World of Darkness will cause lots of debate. I can say for all of them that the system is atrocious, but the story makes up for it. Personally, I prefer Old Vampire, Old Werewolf, New Mage, New Changeling. You might also want to look into Genius The Transgression, which is not technically canon but is pure awesome on a stick.

edited 28th Oct '13 2:23:49 AM by Exelixi

The system really isn't so bad, and quite remarkable for having an incredibly straightforward character sheet and fairly simple mechanics.

Watch out for munchkins, though. They can break Wo D hard.

That's basically the issue. World of Darkness is hilariously easy to snap over your knee. You can break it in half without even trying. There is no such thing as party balance, which will make some players feel nearly worthless.

Hi OP I started a similar thread about two years, a lot of the recommendation still hold water.

Everyone is gonna recommend Fate though I dont really like the system to be honest. It's so rule lite it might blow away. GURPS I love but that takes a Ph D to basically play If you get stuck into the rules. Should only use them as needed.

May suggest Savage Worlds?

Savage Worlds is okay. Fairly simple. Has a few fun settings like Deadland, Rippers, Necropolis, Solomon Kane and Weird War II.

edited 28th Oct '13 6:51:06 AM by CobraPrime

If you're going to WOD, I'd actually start with Scion or Exalted. They're pretty much in their own self-contained universes and you don't have to worry much about the storylines at large.

If you've got a more-open, improv minded group, Fiasco is close to roleplaying, but much more free-wheeling. There's probably at least one 20's/30's era set you can download for free, or you can easily alter an existing one to be set in that era.

I would love to do Scion, but I have no idea where to buy the books.

Most game stores should have them, they are pretty mainstream. Depends on where you live, I suppose.

Amazon or Drivethru RPG might also be good.

I looked at my local game store, but they only have Scion:God.

Many stores can order stuff for you, usually with free shipping and a discount.

Then again, Amazon generally has free shipping, too. And discounts.

edited 29th Oct '13 6:09:17 AM by Alkonost

It's very unlikely that they'll order it for me.

Mostly because it isn't even listed at their site.

If they would order it for me, it'd be at least listed there.

Can't hurt to ask.

If you like Star Wars. Which you shouldn't after the prequels. Star Wars Edge Of The Empire beginner box and core is worth looking into. The dice pool mechanics are bizarre[1] but simple enough to work and good if you suck at maths.

edited 29th Oct '13 2:08:58 PM by joeyjojo