Is the original BASH good for first time players?

[xBlackWolfx]

As I've mentioned, I've tried to get my sister into roleplaying a year ago, but that fell through, mostly because she couldn't understand the game, at least while she was working a 50-60 hour shift and going to college at the same time.

Because of all the stress she's been under, from spending pretty much all day either working or going to school, my mother has forced her to take a break this summer, for her own health. Now, I think may be a good time to try again, and not just because of the lack of school this summer, I think it may actually help her relax.

Anyway, people on here told me the ultimate edition is probably too complex for her, and I guess they're right. But what about the original edition of BASH? I mean, I've heard it was made for a bunch of kids that were learning their multiplication tables (thus the unusual die mechanic). Could I use that to teach her how to roleplay? I would like that since she's claimed she's far more interested in superheroes than a fantasy game, and once she gets used to that game it'll probably be easy to transfer over to the ultimate edition, if she so wants that.

Anyway, could I use the original BASH as an introductory rpg for my sister? She's 27, so we're not talking about a kid here.

[Sijo]

Certainly. It helps that the Megapolis setting was written for those rules, so you already have characters, adventures etc. for it.

Also, remember that the Ultimate Edition contains Optional Rules, many of which are simpler to use than the standard ones. Remind her also that as the Narrator, you do most of the work anyway, she mostly has to decide how her character reacts to every situation.

[fairytalejedi]

I think BASH 1st edition is as good an introduction to roleplaying as you'll find. Put 7 points in three stats and 7 points in powers, and you're pretty much ready to go save the world.

Good luck and have fun with it!

[MrJupiter]

BASH 1e would make a great and quick supers system to get started with. If she is enjoying it and wanting to head into "new territories" not covered by that set of rules, then the two of you could discuss about the possibility of upgrading to BASH: ULTIMATE EDITION (or stay with the status quo, and house-rule. The good thing about upgrading to Ultimate Edition is that character conversions will be a snap! Don't push for it though; let things run organically and enjoy it for what it is... a fun supers game!

[xBlackWolfx]

I told my sister about it. She's willing to try again, especially after I told her that the old book is a quarter the size of UE.

However, there is one minor problem: my brother-in-law may be interested too. Let's just say, I don't really like the guy. Honestly, I wouldn't be willing to play the game if he's going to be involved.

Oh well, we'll see what happens.

I also noticed that the pdf had been updated since I first downloaded it, so I just downloaded the latest version. I don't know what the differences are though. I know that I can't find any difference between the third printing of UE and the second printing. Oh well, downloaded it anyway, just in case. Though I would like if it had the typical 'what is a role-playing game' segment at the start. Oh well. I'll just show her the one from the basic fantasy book or some other simple rpg I have.

edit: Right after I posted this, it dawned on me that UE probably has that segment, which it does, which is immediately followed by the introduction at the beginning of the original BASH. I guess I can just use that.

[xBlackWolfx]

Been reading through the old PDF, it may take me a while to get used to it again. I keep wanting to use the changes that UE made, such as the energy limitation no longer being mandatory, alterations, martial arts.

Oh well, I'll just have to learn to live with what the big gives. Besides, I think she told me once she wants to make a character like Raven from Teen Titans anyway. I doubt martial arts will really be of any interest to her.

The thing I'm more concerned with though, is actually running the game. I don't see how I could come up with a scenario without knowing what kind of character she's playing first. And I imagine I'll have to sit there with her and guide her through the process of actually making a character. I was thinking of just doing some kind of brawl, since I think that would be able to work regardless of what kind of powers she has.

And yes, I know about the thing where the characters and GM often build the world together. I was planning on doing that, letting her come up with some things associated with her character.

[Sijo]

I believe players should at the very least help the Narrator decide the genre and tone of the game they will be playing. After all the main point of *any* game is for all players (including the Game Master) to have fun.

Also remember, if you're finding something in the game too difficult or confusing, change it- it's your campaign! (That is why optional rules are so useful.)

[MrJupiter]

Been reading through the old PDF, it may take me a while to get used to it again. I keep wanting to use the changes that UE made, such as the energy limitation no longer being mandatory, alterations, martial arts.

Oh well, I'll just have to learn to live with what the big gives. Besides, I think she told me once she wants to make a character like Raven from Teen Titans anyway. I doubt martial arts will really be of any interest to her.

Yeah, having to restrain yourself from all the great options, and improvements, found in the Ultimate Edition can be difficult. Having the restrictions in 1st edition can also be freeing to some extent (so much less to have to remember). It also gives you lots of opportunities to improvise on the spot and keep the game momentum moving (its especially helpful to already have an intuitive sense of knowing the direction where Ultimate Edition went in terms of rules).

The thing I'm more concerned with though, is actually running the game. I don't see how I could come up with a scenario without knowing what kind of character she's playing first. And I imagine I'll have to sit there with her and guide her through the process of actually making a character. I was thinking of just doing some kind of brawl, since I think that would be able to work regardless of what kind of powers she has.

And yes, I know about the thing where the characters and GM often build the world together. I was planning on doing that, letting her come up with some things associated with her character.

I agree with having player input as it helps them to feel some investment in the campaign. As for having that first adventure, you can’t go wrong with a simple bank heist scenario. All the crooks will be minion-level opponents and you sister will have a fun time dispatching them and learning the ropes of playing the game at the same time.

For traditional four colour superhero fun, I was going to suggest the free adventure “Dr. Null: The Battle on the Bay Bridge” by Lame Mage Productions, but it seems to have disappeared from their archives… That was a fantastic adventure and would be pretty easy to convert and relocate to Megapolis (or anywhere else you might choose). Note: if you have already bought this adventure, you can still access the file from your account downloads (so it’s still in the site there somewhere).

[MrJupiter]

I told my sister about it. She's willing to try again, especially after I told her that the old book is a quarter the size of UE.

However, there is one minor problem: my brother-in-law may be interested too. Let's just say, I don't really like the guy. Honestly, I wouldn't be willing to play the game if he's going to be involved.

Oh well, we'll see what happens.

Yeah, that can be a real downer. Some people can be bullish at the game table or only interested in pursuing their own ideas without any concern for what other players want (which can railroad everyone's fun). You might try talking to your sister about your concerns. She might be able to talk him out of participating, or at least persuade him to be more cooperative during the game. It might, and I do mean might, be a great opportunity to build a better relationship with him (which could benefit everyone). I realize that this can sometimes be a real stretch. I've stopped gaming with certain people that my friends enjoyed playing with, just because we couldn't gel. It happens.

Best of luck, xBlackWolfx.