Bringing a New Player On Board

One of the players from the Work Game has left the company, having chosen to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Which is a shame, but also quite cool.

I had expected to deal with this by writing his character out, with the potential of having one of the other players possibly switch role to take on the Cleric (as he'd previously indicated a slight dissatisfaction with his Fighter). However, in a useful bit of timing, another colleague has expressed some interest in joining the game.

The only downside with this is that he's jumping in at 5th level, and will be taking over the Cleric - possibly the most complex of all the characters at the table.

So, what to do?

Well, my plan is three-fold.

Assuming he sticks it out after his first session (which was okay but not stellar), I think my plan is to start really small and build from there.

As I think I've mentioned before, I tend to introduce the character sheet across three weeks - the attacks and defences first, then the skills and abilities, and then "everything else".

Similarly, the rules are introduced a little at a time, starting with the dice and the three types of roll, then the action types and combat system, and then the rules for spells and magic.

For the spells, as they are the most complex part of that most complex character, I'll start by giving just three to start - Cure Wounds (of course), Call Lightning, and Spiritual Weapon (since those are the character's two most iconic abilities) - and allowing him to use any of them as he wishes. In the second week, I'll introduce the Cantrips, since they can also be used at-will. From there the different levels of spell and the uses per day. Then the domain spells, since those are always prepared. And then, finally, the full set of spells.

But the key and crucial thing will be to take it slowly - introduce a bit at a time, and make sure to indicate that some things have been cut down significantly for simplicity!

(The other concern, of course, is the possibility that other players may 'help' by throwing random bits of explanation at the new guy, without any sort of rhyme or reason. But I'll deal with that if and when it comes up!)