Numenera Other Systems Random musings RPG

Countdown to Numenera

Tomorrow I’ll run my first game of Numenera. In addition to being the first time I run this game it will be the first time that I run a game for such a large group. When everyone shows up as planned, I’ll have a group of six player, including three people I never ran a game for. I have to admit, I am a little bit nervous.

The rules are easy enough, so I don’t see any problems on that front. And if everything fails I am sure I can rely on Marcus, who is at least as much excited about the game than I am. What concerns me a bit is the setting itself. While I totally love the weirdness and the everything-is-possible attitude I’m not exactly sure if I can get this weirdness across. It doesn’t help that the descriptions in the adventure I will be running are a bit vague. A few more illustrations would have helped. I guess I’ll have to rely on my improvisational skills.

In order to reduce my nervousness I already read the adventure several times, printed and bound the books I got as PDFs, charged my portable loudspeakers, and put some fitting music onto my Android tablet. It might surprise some of you that a veteran GM is still nervous when running a game. I think in my case it’s some kind of stage fright. Especially when my depression was worse this lead me to cancel whole campaigns, but luckily things are better now. I’m also pretty sure that all doubts and fears will be gone as soon as we’re actually playing.

Overall I have some high hopes for Numenera. If things turn out well I might run it on a small convention we’re planning in October. It might also become my go-to fantasy roleplaying game. The rules are so straightforward and simple that it’s the perfect pick-up-and-play game, especially if you’re comfortable with the setting.
Stargazer

Michael Wolf is a German games designer and enthusiast best known for his English language role-playing games blog, Stargazer's World, and for creating the free rules-light medieval fantasy adventure game Warrior, Rogue & Mage. He has also worked as an English translator on the German-language Dungeonslayers role-playing game and was part of its editorial team. In addition to his work on Warrior, Rogue & Mage and Dungeonslayers, he has created several self-published games and also performed layout services and published other independent role-playing games such as A Wanderer's Romance, Badass, and the Wyrm System derivative Resolute, Adventurer & Genius, all released through his imprint Stargazer Games. Professionally, he works as a video technician and information technologies specialist. Stargazer's World was started by Michael in August 2008.

view all posts

Related Posts

4 comments

comments user
neoookami

I really think it’s gonna become a go to system for me when it comes to one shots. As the rules are simple enough to get across quickly, but still fun. (I also think it’d be a fun ongoing, especially with how crazy abilities in the higher tiers can be!)

I’m currently planning to run it at a convention later this year. It’d be my first time running a game at a con, and I’m shy, and it’ll all be new people. So even though it’s months away, I’m ridiculously nervous about it!
Reply
comments user
Chaosmeister

I am sure it will be great. we players can help you create that weird environment, After all a lot of stuff can be asked of the player to do, like cypers. Looking foward to it! Never played with such a big group either, will be interesting to see how it flow. But the quickness of the system should facillitate quick play and woth so many people it should hardly ever be boring.
Reply
comments user
Ralf

Looking forward to hear more about your experiences with the system and goog look.
Reply
comments user
Voidman

Annnnnnd? How was it? I’ve been intrigued by Nemenera for quite a while now. Bought the book set and eagerly awaiting the Ninth World guide book. I find the system very refreshing and I absolutely love the mystery of the setting. Reminds me of some strange sf Francophonic graphic novels with a dose of post-apocaliptic themes thrown in. Haven’t had a chance to play / run it though. I’d like to hear your impressions.
Reply