How to introduce the FS universe to newbies

Discussion on game mastering Fading Suns. May contain spoilers; caution is recommended!
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable
User avatar
Holz
Posts: 299
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:43 am
Location: São Paulo - Brazil
Contact:

How to introduce the FS universe to newbies

Postby Holz » Mon Nov 02, 2015 12:47 pm

Well, this weekend I GM'd a FS adventure (Thorn Mansion) to a few players that never played Fading Suns.

So I did what I had, explained the basic rules and the scenario of the universe.
The rules are easy to explain and as the game follows the players get the mechanic.

The story part is tricky, since it has a lot of information, jumpgates, story, emperor wars and the factions on noble houses, guilds and church.
And I omitted tons of info like symbiots, 2nd republic details and Ukari-human war etc.

How do you present the universe to new players?

I am thinking on making a sketch or presentation where you just flip a few pages and present the main relevant history facts (dates, what, where, when and who) and the factions.

Any ideas?
To hell with information, ammunition is ammunition.

If brute for ain't working you ain't using enough.

Fan site of the FS Universe: https://fadingsunsbr.wordpress.com/portal/

User avatar
Angelman
Posts: 1034
Joined: Wed Nov 23, 2011 5:11 am
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: How to introduce the FS universe to newbies

Postby Angelman » Mon Nov 02, 2015 1:15 pm

I focus on the politics and a VERY brief overview of the history (since history is what ties FS to our own world), as well as whatever I need to explain for story reasons. The rest I leave very vague ("there are also space vikings and space ottomans about") or just leave out entierly.
Writer, editor, & developer for:
. (Fading Suns Revised: PG, GMG, Criticorum Discord)
(numerous projects)

User avatar
Bertjammin
Posts: 408
Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2014 5:26 am
Location: Ipswich, UK
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: How to introduce the FS universe to newbies

Postby Bertjammin » Mon Nov 02, 2015 1:22 pm

I used to start by saying it's kind of like Dune or Warhammer 40,000. These days my favourite intro is to say "Imagine Game of Thrones meets Star Wars..."

In the past I've then shown players the intro cinematic for the old Emperor of the Fading Suns video game (you can find it on Youtube). It's a neat intro/set up and then lead into *just* focussing on the areas you are going to cover in that session. Start with a small focus and blossom out as the game/epic continues.
"The crazy ol' Vorox"

Something witty, pithy and observant ought to go here.

Oh well.

Follow my current campaign and my general musings about GMing Fading Suns at: http://trialsofarcadia.blogspot.co.uk/

Darksyde
Posts: 29
Joined: Sun Jan 29, 2012 1:45 am
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: How to introduce the FS universe to newbies

Postby Darksyde » Mon Nov 02, 2015 9:31 pm

I'll be having the same inssue in the not too distant future. I did come across an older free intro pdf. If you remove the last bit where it gets in to the basics of the rules and character creation it is a quick and dirty primer that may work.

http://sholarijames.com/fadingsuns/Docs/FSIntro2.pdf

User avatar
Bertjammin
Posts: 408
Joined: Fri Jul 04, 2014 5:26 am
Location: Ipswich, UK
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: How to introduce the FS universe to newbies

Postby Bertjammin » Tue Nov 03, 2015 6:33 am

"The crazy ol' Vorox"

Something witty, pithy and observant ought to go here.

Oh well.

Follow my current campaign and my general musings about GMing Fading Suns at: http://trialsofarcadia.blogspot.co.uk/

User avatar
Holz
Posts: 299
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:43 am
Location: São Paulo - Brazil
Contact:

Re: How to introduce the FS universe to newbies

Postby Holz » Tue Nov 03, 2015 6:02 pm

Hum... true it does give the information in a nutshell.

Well, does anyone has other nice ideas? =P
To hell with information, ammunition is ammunition.

If brute for ain't working you ain't using enough.

Fan site of the FS Universe: https://fadingsunsbr.wordpress.com/portal/

Leviathan of Maddoc
Posts: 163
Joined: Mon Sep 01, 2014 8:33 pm
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: How to introduce the FS universe to newbies

Postby Leviathan of Maddoc » Tue Nov 03, 2015 6:52 pm

I usually give the players a copy of the Fading Sun's timeline and a brief breakdown of the 15 major factions. I try to avoid metaphor or similies when I describe the game as it tends to drive strange ideas into the play.

User avatar
Holz
Posts: 299
Joined: Sat Mar 31, 2012 12:43 am
Location: São Paulo - Brazil
Contact:

Re: How to introduce the FS universe to newbies

Postby Holz » Tue Nov 03, 2015 8:01 pm

GM poker face is the hardest ever!
To hell with information, ammunition is ammunition.

If brute for ain't working you ain't using enough.

Fan site of the FS Universe: https://fadingsunsbr.wordpress.com/portal/

Madmage
Posts: 54
Joined: Thu Feb 26, 2015 1:29 am
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Re: How to introduce the FS universe to newbies

Postby Madmage » Thu Nov 05, 2015 3:13 pm

When people ask me a description of Fading Suns, I just say: "It's the middle ages... IN SPAAAAAAAAAACE."


[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable
[phpBB Debug] PHP Warning: in file [ROOT]/vendor/twig/twig/lib/Twig/Extension/Core.php on line 1266: count(): Parameter must be an array or an object that implements Countable

Return to “For Game Masters”



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 3 guests