I’m trying to introduce my friends to tabletop RPGs, but only one of them is really into gaming or fantasy. The rest aren’t huge fans of fantasy settings and would probably enjoy something more grounded, maybe a mystery, thriller, or horror game set in the real world or low fantasy. We only get together during holidays since we live in different cities and have busy work lives, so I’m hoping to find a short, light-rules game that can be played and finished in a single evening. I’ve never been a GM before, but I’m willing to prepare since I’m a writer and artist. Any recommendations that fit these preferences would be awesome! Thanks! :)
3 Answers
I’d suggest checking out “Excess Baggage” from Night’s Black Agents. It’s a free one-shot scenario with a modern spy thriller vibe mixed with some supernatural twists, though the supernatural stuff only reveals itself near the end, so it keeps things grounded at first. They even have pre-made characters tailored for different group sizes, plus handy rule summaries on the character sheets to keep it simple. I’ve run it with my group and it only took about half an hour – perfect for a quick session that’s easy to pick up.
I’m actually running Monster of the Week with a similar group setup! It’s really episodic, so after one session, people won’t feel like they missed out if they don’t want to keep going. Your players get to help build the world, which makes it more engaging, and there’s a playbook called The Mundane if someone wants to play a normal human instead of a monster hunter or supernatural type. It’s narrative-first, so the mechanics are light and easy to teach, making it perfect for first-time GMs and players.
That sounds perfect, especially the bit about some players being able to play more normal characters. I hope they enjoy it and want to come back for more. Thanks a lot!
Monster of the Week is a solid pick if you want something super easy to learn and very flexible. It’s low on rules but rich on storytelling, especially if you and your friends like shows like Buffy or The X-Files. You can set it anywhere, even your own town, and design monsters that fit your style. Plus, it’s modern-day focused and very beginner-friendly. It also lets you choose if you want to keep playing beyond the first session or not, which is great for groups that might not want to commit long-term.
This sounds like exactly what I’m looking for! I’ll definitely check it out, thanks so much!