I get to introduce new people to Fiasco next week.
This, of course, makes me ridiculously happy. Fiasco has a very special place in my heart.
It's been a while since I've introduced new people, especially folks more accustomed to trad games (whatever that means).
Any suggestions?
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"London, 1593" is my all-time favourite playset, so I suggest using that one.
ReplyDeleteWhen I've introduced folks to Fiasco in the past, I've found that my best experience is to scene-guide a bit harder than the rules suggest. I remind everyone at the start of each scene how the scene economy works, and I try to have a framing idea ready for each character, just in case anyone says they choose to resolve. I'm also mindful of time and conflict, and I like to jump in and say "that sounds like a good conflict, so it might be good to move towards resolution; do you want to resolve now?"
I don't explain the Outcomes table at the start for new players. I let them know that the dice they are collecting will determine their character's fate, and that matching colours are good, but a "bad" ending can still be a really fun ending.
Because I'm scene-guiding a bit, I tend to keep my own scenes very short. I build them quickly towards conflict, and try to introduce other player characters whenever possible, and then resolve them with a minimum of fuss. Part of that is to make sure everyone gets a bit more spotlight time, but part of it is to lead by example.
After the third set of scenes, I remind everyone "this is your last scene coming up. If you have anybody you want to get even with, any needs you want to resolve, any stories you want to explore a little more, this is your last chance! Better take it."
The two types of "problem" players (ie, players who need a little more guidance) in Fiasco are people who are uncomfortable framing and improvising, and people who run their scenes too long without conflict. Give the former lots of time and space, and ask them if they would like any input from the rest of the table to get them started. Remind the latter that the game works best when the scenes are short and punchy, with lots of conflict, and that their characters will be more fun if they are constantly in trouble.
I suggest A Nice Southern Town, which is the best Fiasco playset.
ReplyDeleteSmall, mundane playsets are better than the gonzo wild ones. I like Flyover best, myself.
ReplyDeleteSimple psychological trick: When you're doing the setup, pick a player who's never played Fiasco, and have them roll the dice. then have all the players sort the dice by value. Giving someone something to do early on (while you're still explaining the game) helps them create an emotional attachment to the experience. Once they roll the dice, it's no longer a boring thing you're explaining, it's a fun activity that they're doing.
A Quarter Million Dollars In A Grocery Bag...
ReplyDeleteI missed these updates while G+ wasn't updating! Lemme get up to date.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely one of the small mundane playsets. That's true!
ReplyDeleteI'll only bring the ones from the basic book, all of which are straightforward. The hooks we can get in those work out well.
Everything else ehre is really good. Having someone else role the dice while explaining is genuis.
Shane Liebling YEEEESSSS
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