As a Pathfinder GM, I seem to constantly be teaching new players how to play Pathfinder. I started using the Pathfinder Beginner Box as a tool to teach new players how to play and this has helped tremendously. After running the initial adventure, however, I still get asked basic questions about what dice to roll, what actions players can take in combat, what players should do next, etc. Tabletop Role Playing is complex and I don't expect everyone to understand everything in one sitting, but I wonder if there are some tips and tricks others have picked up to make the on-boarding of new players even easier. These could be anything like:
- Place mats that use weapons as slots for dice.
- Have a large initiative board so everyone can see whose turn it is.
- Or simply make a point to pick up the die that is expected to be used when you ask for a check.
I'm interested in anything and everything that you've found gets ideas across more clearly to brand new players. I'm also interested in stories about what specifically you find players having a hard time with. Maybe we can come up with some ideas that may solve those issues too.
Thanks everyone!
Have them take notes? It's just a thought, but writing things down both solidifies the memory and acts as reference.
So the first time they roll an attack, have them write on a "Notes" sheet "attack = 1d20 + BAB (1) + strength (3)" and "damage = 1d12 + 1.5*strength (4)" or whatever shorthand works for them.
Then, instead of answering repetitive questions each time they roll an attack, have them refer to the sheet.