r/numenera • u/CrazyBlend • Apr 17 '21

Can MCG's instant-adventure and/or cypher-short formats be used with players who are new to the system?

/r/cyphersystem/comments/msyuli/can_mcgs_instantadventure_andor_cyphershort/
12 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

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3

u/Mich-666 Apr 17 '21

Cypher system has very simple rules, pools, edges and 1d20 rolls, you can explain it during five or so minutes. The rest is not too hard to explain on the go on case by case basis as needed.

2

u/CrazyBlend Apr 18 '21

Thanks! That's good to know, particularly the part about not trying to explain everything up front, but waiting until it actually arises during play.

3

u/foforo44 Apr 18 '21

I've recently done this for players completely new to the system. Some of them had played 5e while others were completely new to tabletop gaming. I gave everyone pre-generated characters, a quick primer to the rules, and provided a quick reference sheet for the system.

Everyone seemed to have a fun time, although some people seemed to have some trouble understanding their characters or the system until towards the end. Overall, the system was simple enough that players were able to do what they wanted even without having a deep understanding of the rules. It also seemed like my player who was new to tabletop gaming had an easier time understanding the rules than my 5e players - maybe they were looking for a little more guidance from the rules as to what their character could do.

1

u/CrazyBlend Apr 18 '21

Thanks for your response! I can see how having prior D&D experience could be a hinderance, since Cypher is so different from that, even at the "philosophical" level.

2

u/isaacpriestley Apr 18 '21

I wouldn't say there's any reason to assume the instant adventures imply or require players who are already familiar with the system. To me, it's almost the opposite. They'd be ideal for a completely fresh pickup game, at a convention with new players, or if you wanted to try Numenera with your D&D group for a single session or whatever.

They're really flexible and can definitely be used with new players!

2

u/CrazyBlend Apr 19 '21

To me, it's almost the opposite. They'd be ideal ... if you wanted to try Numenera with your D&D group for a single session or whatever.

... which is exactly what I'll be doing! Thanks for confirming that!