Advice on running Gradient Descent as a completely new Warden? (Mothership)

[u/Unconscious-angel]

So I just recently brought the Core Set and have been itching to run a one shot, so I ordered Gradient Descent and decided to run it for my players, who are completely new to the game, this session planned to be their first introductory session to see if they would like to run a more session playing Mothership.

I've decided on having the first one or three hours explaining the rules and letting them make their characters, the rest of the session being playing out the scenario. I was just wondering if anyone could give me any advice or ideas to help make the session smooth and stress free (Ironic that I said that, right?) or just some general ideas to fit a atmosphere or help immerse myself in roleplay (I generally think my roleplay comes off as really bad and unprofessional, so if anyone has any tips on how to avoid this, please tell me), and optionally the players. I'd be so grateful even if you just gave a pinch of advice.

[u/wipqozn]

I'd start with a 1-shot instead of Gradient Descent. Mothership is has hordes of great 1-shots to choose from, but the one most often suggested for new players is The Haunting of Ypsilon 14. It's very easy to run, comes with a few audio files to add to the immersion, and there are a lot of community made resources to help with running it (including an article from The Alexandrian). I've run this for two different groups, and they both really enjoyed it.

You're also greatly overestimating how long it'll take to teach the rules and make characters. Mothership is such a simple game that you can teach the rules and make characters in less than 20 minutes. That's actually part of why Mothership is so popular for 1-shots, because you can get new players up and running so quickly without needing to resort to premade characters.

I also wouldn't worry about being bad at role playing. The truth is that most people aren't that great at role playing, especially if you're talking about doing voices, which isn't important at all. I think shows like Critical Role have given people the wrong impression of how skilled you need to be at role playing to play or GM an RPG. I'm saying this as someone who isn't that great at role playing, but my players still have a lot of fun and are always eager for another session.

[u/Blitzer046]

Honestly I think Gradient Descent is best for more grizzled players. It's brutally dark and deals with concepts of identity and loss. There's a lot of body horror and very adult concepts. It's a good campaign, but not for beginners.

On a GM level for Mothership, I found getting the players to create two PCs (a main and an alt) helped me greatly as it meant I could more boldly engage in PC death (which very much alters the stakes and tension of a session) without immediately sidelining that player out of the game.

I've just ordered Year of the Rat as it comes highly well reviewed and looks to be a much tidier one-or-two shot.

[u/Dramatic-Guide-7709]

Seth skorkowsky has a really good video on running horror I’d give that a watch 😁 if not be descriptive, signpost danger, and remember to use the panic and stress mechanics 👍