Hey I'm in the Kamloops area, more specifically I attend Thompson Rivers University.

I am looking for fellow gamers, being unable to find any - I was thinking of recruiting. My bf suggested this awhile ago and I think it's an awesome idea, but I was wondering how I'd go about approaching people to get them interested, it's not about embarrasment or anything just tips on opening a conversation or how to sell the idea without overwhelming people with rules or turning them off.

Any help guys? And any stories on what got you started?

EDIT: I seem to have ALOT of views and no comments. Please feel free - if I didn't want answers I wouldn't have asked.

Well, 40k players also tend to gravitate towards other geeky hobbies such as roleplaying games, comics, sci-fi/fantasy novels, video games, etc. I would recommend trying to find a gaming/sci-fi/comics club at your school and shop the idea around there (go with your boyfriend though, no joking a loose female can intimidate some of those types. Being off the market should hopefully obviate some of their akwardness.) I don't know if Kamloops has a FLGS, but the GW website has a locator for places that sell their products. The nearest one should in theory have existing 40k players as well as likely others who have looked and are interested in engaging but have not yet done so. The proprietor should be able to help (and should have a vested interest in doing so to facilitate sales.)

Another option is to check around in social websites like this and other 40k or related hobby forums like enworld. Put an advert up on meetup.com and craigslist, both are free and searched by those in the know looking for people to share their geeky hobby with.

Have your friends over to your house sometime and make sure your models are out on the table in plain view. I guarantee you'll be able to open a conversation about it!

Really, regarding games, I've found that there are 2 types of people: first, the type that like games to last between 5 and 20 minutes and then there are those who very much enjoy long and involved games. If your friends are of the former type, you might have trouble getting them interested (this game is a BIG time commitment). But if you're lucky, you will have 1 or 2 friends that might really gravitate toward this sort of game and be willing to put in the investment of time!

My friends already played RPGs, so I knew they already liked long gaming sessions. But getting them to make the move to 40K took time. I had enough models for all of us, so I divided my army up into 4 separate armies and made an army list for each. I let my friends each pick an army and we played 2 vs 2. They loved it! And after a few games like this, of course they wanted their own models - and at that point, we were off and running.

Not that your friends MUST have their own models just to try a game with you. But if they really take to it, this sort of progression happens usually on its own.

Good luck!

Thanks for the advice guys, that's alot to sift through. So...

"loose female" ? ... I just think that's the funniest thing, "Oh my gawd guys, it has boobs, what do I do?" and I'm sure there are lots of guys like that, it would be comforting to know there are some regular joes who just want to game. And yes we have a good store, but I've yet to see many gravitate towards the 40k section.

Good idea about using the interwebs.

And finally I keep all my 40k models at my boyfriends house. So I guess I could start up a conversation by saying "Hey guys, want to go hang out in a basement and play with little plastic toys?" * pause * "Muwhahahah" sinister laugh while twiddling French moustache. Because you know to most people, it sounds like you're being invited to chill with a serial killer.

But I get the drift, it's very helpful. Oh and the club idea is nice - I don't think we have an organized one on campus. I should look into starting one - once I have some sort of interest. On a side note, since I'm -trying- to join the sorority maybe get them involved... wouldn't that be something? It would certainly be a new demographic - since half the guys on this site appear to be either in highschool or ex-military.

Let them play Dawn of War and see if the universe interests them. Try playing small, simple games with them to see if they actually enjoy the gameplay, or let them sit in on a game. That's how I got some of my buddies into it.

I find that the models catch people's attention pretty well when they're left out and people pretty much always ask me about them when they see my little display setup for my painted stuff. Sometimes I leave my painting station half-setup by accident as well and my friends/people who see the work in progress models are always intrigued by the idea that I'm the one building and painting them. If you can manage something along those lines it mgiht help you at least break the ice about it and get some interested conversation.

Of course you could also just bring it up and more or less ask if anyone seems interested in it, but I always find that a little difficult to do with people that aren't into other hobbies/games that tend to draw parrellels to 40k (such as D&D, Magic, video games, etc). culler also makes a solid point related to how some among the gamer crowd may be intimidated by a girl, I see that sort of thing happen pretty frequently around the FLGS and such. It is definitely not a bad thing, but I would say do not be put off by some shy/awkward behavior among the gamer crowd if you're trying to get them into 40k.

If you get a sorority to play 40k, that would be something else! I'd also be moving to BC in the near future... hahaha

hmmmm, yea, I agree that FLGS with a warhammer crowd can be rough to find in certain areas.

One thing you can do is you can ask the store proprieter to give you a call if somebody comes in asking for a game. That "almost" worked for me in ann arbor. By the time a warhammer crowd started going on I was allready out of AA and on my way to minnesota.

another interesting bit of food for thought, is that I'm hesitant myself to introduce my friends to the hobby. It is extremely expensive, and time consumeing to get started, and you really want to be sure your friend is serious about getting into it before they buy a 90 dollar battleforce... and to get a 1500 point list which is what most people at the stores I go to play, it can cost alot more... my eldar 1500 list cost around 400 dollars.

so I've just been making a seperate group of warhammer friends. A post on craig's list or something could work, as well as a gaming club... just becareful with friends, and only suggest it to ones who you'd think would have a genuine interest.

Well, when I'm in town I'll totally play you and mettali.

I'm not good with people but I do have friend's who play maybe ill bring my pal who play's Eldar.

Assuming that you have a healthy number of friends, do what I did.

Buy them the Black Reach box as a present. It's sort of like getting someone an animal for a present. It's an evil thing to do because they *have* to deal with it, but at the end of the day, that means they have a puppy you can play with.

So.. basically just play some games and let people see if they like it or don't - seems easy. I'll let ya know how it goes, fug it it's friday and time to chill. Again lots of good advice guys

Shadowbrand wrote:Well, when I'm in town I'll totally play you and mettali.

I'm not good with people but I do have friend's who play maybe ill bring my pal who play's Eldar.

And I'll run over Marbo with my Rhino again on Death or Glory

That was seriously priceless...


Marbo: "..."

*Tank guns it's engines towards him*

Marbo "..."

*Tank is a mere 50 feet away*

Marbo: *Chucks Demo charge... It flies clear over the Rhino and lands in a crater*

*Tank is only 10 feet away*

Marbo:

-Bad End-



And yea, you could just hang around High Octane and flirt up highschool kids babe

"Hey, you wanna come back to my place... ... ...And play some Warhammer?"

Because I really want highschool boys. Lol.

And b) inviting people over really doesn't work if you say Warhammer. I get alot of what is that? and odd side ways glances.

metallifan wrote:
"Hey, you wanna come back to my place... ... ...And play some Warhammer?"

Back in my high school days I totally would have fallen for that

Anywho, talking to the owner of your FLGS is definitely a good start. He/she might let you put up some flyers or something.

So your fething awesome, just saying. A girl that plays Warhammer and is active enough to want to get people into the game AND be on an internet forum! A rare occurrence. did you get into the game because of your boyfriend? Or did you already play? If its the former, my girlfriend is moderately interested in playing, but she is very protective of her money. Is there any tips for me as a guy to get her into the game? Are you a video game type of girl? or do you just like strategy? She played one game and she said she had to play again in order to form an actual opinion, so the foot is in the door. She is trying to ebay some necrons.

I too am trying to find people to play with at college. i've encountered one that wants to play but doesn't have the money for it. I'm not too worried about him though, he lives an hour or so away from me, I think.

Now onto your question.

I've talked to a bunch of people trying to get them into the game. My core group of friends were into it, but one moved, one has little to no interest in the game and is embarrassed that he plays it, and one is a total bro that just ignores the question if I ask him to play. So I went back to square one very quickly. I've probably talked to 20 people to try to get to play this game and so far, no dice. I had one guy I knew from middle school that came to me a few weeks ago and wanted to play, but he kinda stopped talking to me, go figure. I think I laid the theoryhammer down too hard on him. He was looking for a certain army and I was trying to tell him about Pedro Kantor and all his super awesome abilities and at one point he just gave me a look and I knew he was tired of me talking.

For the rational people that want to know how it is going to cost them I came up with this army list. I made for my friends girlfriend, she said she could never afford to play.

So just for fun i decided to make a 1500 point Slaanesh daemon army for Jacklyn(Austin’s girlfriend)! i found an excellent list online, used various sources to make sure it was a credible list, and added up all the points for it. I counted up how much it would cost to buy all the stuff and then made a chart to show how much money out of a weekly pay check can buy the army. The fiends are incredibly expensive, i would highly suggest that if she uses this she would find an alternative route to buying the $20 models. But regardless this is a week by week chart showing that a Warhammer army is affordable if one is willing to wait. Better deals can come along on sites like Ebay or Amazon though, so a frugal gamer will use those to their advantage.

6 boxes of Daemonettes=
$22 x 6= $141.24= 840 points

2 Keepers of Secrets=
$50 x 2= $107= 220 points

15 Fiends of Slaanesh=
$20 x 15= $321= 450 points

TOTAL: $569.24 = 1500 points

$5 per week= 113 weeks
$10 per week= 56 weeks
$15 per week= 37 weeks
$20 per week= 28 weeks
$25 per week= 22 weeks
$30 per week= 18 weeks

Using www.thewarstore.com offers 20% off
which brings the total down to = $454.39

$5 per week= 90 weeks
$10 per week= 45 weeks
$15 per week= 30 weeks
$20 per week= 22 weeks
$25 per week= 18 weeks
$30 per week= 15 weeks

Hopefully this will offer some sort of insight to what a warhammer army costs, and that it is practical if one is willing to put forth the effort.

from: http://fuckyeahwarhammer.tumblr.com/page/2 (my tumblr page that i copied it from)

Like I said in the post, the Fiends can be converted fairly easily in order to cut costs. I think aside from that a warhammer is fairly affordable if someone is willing to save the cash. I think if this is something really effective for you to do for a person that wants to start playing with the army that they like. Not exactly obviously, because the person may change their mind on what they want. let them know their are alternative to paying full price for things.

Something that has worked for me has been telling the person if they torrent, to torrent the rule book and army that they have an interest in. Have them read the rulebook up until the day that you play with them so they have some understanding of the rules and that way it saves some time.

In terms of introducing the game, I have just been playing combat patrols, its fun to think of something they can relate to. Like the dude I mentioned earlier that just kinda stopped talking to me is really into Starcraft, so it was easy to make a connection between the Zerg and Tyranids fighting space marines. Tyranids I think off a very intimidating opponent, while still being easy to beat somewhat in smaller points due to lack of Carnifex or other such creatures.

I am thinking about starting a gaming club at my college, i would probably start off slow and play Settlers of Catan or Risk and then offer to anyone if they want to try warhammer a few weeks later. That sounds like a really good way to get something started.

I suppose I danced around your question, but hopefully some of that helps.

Stop your girlfriend before she actually buys said Necrons, gets steamrolled, and then hates the game.

Necrons are one of the worst armies to be playing right now. Invest in something she might be able to win with, so that she finds the game fun.



As to how I got binky started, she was always into anime and stuff. Basically she was over on her first visit, asked what all the buildings and plastic soldiers were for, so my buddy and I decided to show her by demoing a game. She flipped through the rulebook and assorted codi at my place, and then next time she was over, decided to try her first game. After that, she picked an army... Well... Two armies (CSM /w Daemon allies), and that's pretty much where she's at.

I guess she could've told you too, but I got here first!

Summary: If they've got a nerdy vice already, and you know other people that can help demo the game to her, as well as any local FLGS you can game at, then getting your lady started shouldn't be too hard.

Hell, all I had to do was tell binky that Slaanesh and Tzeench both like pink and she was all over the Daemons. Her Marines look like evil cotton candy too

I have gaming friends and non-gaming friends.

There is no way in hell that I would try to casually introduce my 'dark secret' to my mates who play volleyball and surf. As far as I know, most surfies don't take after tabletop gaming.

However, if I had an artsy friend, or knew someone who liked to paint and/or model, I might talk to them about that aspect of 40k and maybe show them a few models. (Then utilise thier painting skills, enslave them and have them paint my whole army! Muwahahahahahaaaa!)

...Geez. That was a bit of a 'Morgrim Moment'.

I have a friend that is artsy(like me I suppose) but she doesn't have the attention span to play...

Unfortunately my girlfriend and I looked through all the armies and she thought most of them looked boring. She was trying to decide between Eldar and Necron. I have seen people do very well with necrons, but I know they are very tough to play as right now.

Well, playing is only one part of the hobby aspect. She may enjoy painting and putting together the models. Who knows? Maybe she could make a killing out of it? And maybe those models may yet see the light of the tabletop.

Eldar is the worst starting army to choose. They are very difficult to play properly when starting out even if you know the rules.

The way I got into 40k was a guy had 2 armys and let me control one side the other guy controlling the other. That was back when Eldar weren't so difficult to run.

Eldar aren't that bad.

Dark reapers quickly level the playing field against most MEQ players.

And Fire Dragons are pretty nifty against those nasty mechs.

Emperors Faithful wrote:I have gaming friends and non-gaming friends.

There is no way in hell that I would try to casually introduce my 'dark secret' to my mates who play volleyball and surf. As far as I know, most surfies don't take after tabletop gaming.

However, if I had an artsy friend, or knew someone who liked to paint and/or model, I might talk to them about that aspect of 40k and maybe show them a few models. (Then utilise thier painting skills, enslave them and have them paint my whole army! Muwahahahahahaaaa!)

...Geez. That was a bit of a 'Morgrim Moment'.

I'm flattered, and so glad to see that said corruption is working... but I don't enslave people to paint and model, I have too much fun doing that myself. No, I manage to convince them to give me bits, or buy me models I've been eyeing off by telling them exactly how I'm going to use this bit in that conversion and sketching out roughly what it will look like and getting them all hyped up to play it... but I can't field it yet because I haven't been able to make it.

I also swipe their Army Builder to do lists.

My biggest suggestion is not to get hung up in the whole 'you must play 1500 point games' sort of thing. I don't think I even have 1500 points yet and I've been playing this army some 18 months. Start off with smaller, less complex games with fewer models to keep track of, and build slowly so as not to strain finances. And to actually get them into the habit of painting models as they go. If you have unpainted stuff, paint with them, it'll help you both. My friends got me into the hobby itself by swinging by the store for 15 minutes or so when we were having our weekly coffee and hanging out outings; I'd painted a bit on commission in highschool so they had me looking about curiously. Then by trying to match armies to personalities of people we knew. Both of them instantly pegged me as a dark eldar. I've chosen to take that as a compliment. I started curiously looking into their fluff, saw the lines of their vehicles with the whole swept back sleek yet spiky and utterly dangerous vibe, and I've been hooked ever since.

Morgrim wrote: I'm flattered, and so glad to see that said corruption is working... but I don't enslave people to paint and model, I have too much fun doing that myself. No, I manage to convince them to give me bits, Good God! What are you doing to these people?!? or buy me models I've been eyeing off by telling them exactly how I'm going to use this bit in that conversion and sketching out roughly what it will look like and getting them all hyped up to play it... but I can't field it yet because I haven't been able to make it.

I also swipe their Army Builder to do lists. Theif! Scoundrel!

My biggest suggestion is not to get hung up in the whole 'you must play 1500 point games' sort of thing. I don't think I even have 1500 points yet and I've been playing this army some 18 months. Start off with smaller, less complex games with fewer models to keep track of, and build slowly so as not to strain finances. And to actually get them into the habit of painting models as they go. If you have unpainted stuff, paint with them, it'll help you both. My friends got me into the hobby itself by swinging by the store for 15 minutes or so when we were having our weekly coffee and hanging out outings; I'd painted a bit on commission in highschool so they had me looking about curiously. Then by trying to match armies to personalities of people we knew. Both of them instantly pegged me as a dark eldar. I've chosen to take that as a compliment. I started curiously looking into their fluff, saw the lines of their vehicles with the whole swept back sleek yet spiky and utterly dangerous vibe, and I've been hooked ever since.

No! Lies! Go big! Go strong!

Get 1000pts in the first swoop! Do it!

Sometimes that does work for people. I had a guy that wanted a baneblade really bad. I told him he couldn't use it in a normal game and only in apocalypse. He said he wanted a huge game. We played one game and I never heard from him since.

Yes, starting small. A friend of a friend that I met quit playing Eldar because he couldn't win with them. He kept playing 2,000 point games and such. You have to play 1,000 point games until you know what your army can do. Then move up to bigger ones.

.... Or accept that winning might not be your thing and enjoy the games for the small moments.... (Like wiping out 72.5% of their force, or watching playmates get a Talos to eat Mephiston.)

...and then eventually winning. C'mon, you gotta get your shot at the gold some time once in a while.

Practice makes perfect. Gaming. Modelling. Painting. List Building. Life in general?

If she likes Necrons, buy em' for the sake of painting, but I would say hold off on them until they're closer to their update. Go with something else in the meantime. Maybe a small Tau army. Some of their units are a little over priced for their stats (I'm looking at you, Devilfish) but they aren't impossible to win with. Plus, at least their Codex is relevant

Well I wouldn't say Tau are any easier to use. Tau are a close second to eldar in terms of skill. Necrons at least have the +3 save and WWB. The monolith doesn't hurt things either ;D They are out of date, yes. But she isn't going to be playing in any tournaments anytime soon. I'll ask her about it but if she says that she doesn't care then I can't stop her.

If the Necrons are so out of date, why is it that I keep getting PUMMELED by them?

Oh, well then I think in the right hands necrons can be very powerful.

Joan of Arcs G-String could be very powerful in the 'right hands'.

I draw sketches of marines,eldar,weapons and people are amazed by them,then I tell that they are from Warhammer 40.

Back on topic, does any one think dakka would be a good way to introduce people to 40k?

Not initially no. They'd have to understand most of the Grimdark aspects of the fluff before they could really joke about it here.

Emperors Faithful wrote:Not initially no. They'd have to understand most of the Grimdark aspects of the fluff before they could really joke about it here.

By the EMPRAH I agree.

binky wrote:
And finally I keep all my 40k models at my boyfriends house. So I guess I could start up a conversation by saying "Hey guys, want to go hang out in a basement and play with little plastic toys?" * pause * "Muwhahahah" sinister laugh while twiddling French moustache. Because you know to most people, it sounds like you're being invited to chill with a serial killer.

A girl asking guys if they want to go into her basement and play with her plastic toys doesnt sound ANYTHING like a serial killer binky

The guys would just think they pulled

I meant more to the rules than to the dorks.

Oh, AND they'd have to swear fealty to Emperor of course.

Emperors Faithful wrote:Oh, AND they'd have to swear fealty to Emperor of course.

And master the use of cannon fodder,er I mean the Guardsmen.

I take some offense to Eldar being scoffed at as a starting race!

Sure the new eldar won't win much, but they'll develop good habits and be a better gamer in the long run because of it.

and when it really comes down to it, our toy spaceships are cooler than the metal boxes most races call "tanks" *zoom*

I actually once preached Chaos to a bunch of new gamers.

The end result was me being asked to stop corrupting the youth.

Personally the only problems I've seen with Necrons is their limited amount of unit types and the ensuing lack of flexibility that more established armys have.

The painting and modelling forums of dakkadakka might be good.

Keep them out of You Make Da Call or they will run for the hills. (Hell, I'm still scared of that place!) And I mean this in the nicest ways, but unless they're already deeply fascinated by it I'd keep them out of any major fluff debate Manchu is in. Too much back and forth with many (what are we up to, about 8 texts?) sources getting sited. They might think we're all like those Trekkies that attempt to build functioning photon blasters or prove how a shield generator would actually work in real life despite it breaking at least two laws of physics.


*cackles at EF* You doubted my skills? *pets her talos*

You just have to give them a helmet. Or take off their helmet if they try anything Gears of War style.

Sorry guys for taking so long to reply - I guess if I was faster, Metallifan wouldn't be answering all my questions. Shut up and let the woman talk!

The best way to get your gf into something - is let her take it at her own pace. And don't push your gaming on her if she's uninterested. However, if you're really into it - she'll pick it up than if you hide your hobby shamefully in a dusty closet

I wish I could weigh in on the Necron argument but I lack the experience. I remember I used them in my first game, and anihilated Metalli's tanks. But in a real match, I have heard they are very difficult - and that's what I found out about Chaos - AFTER I got the units. I would've appreciated a more advanced warning even though I am happy with the army.

Morgrim wrote:(Hell, I'm still scared of that place!)

Yeah, that's a no fly zone for me, too. You think my fluff arguments are bad. (Here is the one time I got sucked into it.) Speaking of which . . .

Morgrim wrote:And I mean this in the nicest ways, but unless they're already deeply fascinated by it I'd keep them out of any major fluff debate Manchu is in. Too much back and forth with many (what are we up to, about 8 texts?) sources getting sited. They might think we're all like those Trekkies that attempt to build functioning photon blasters or prove how a shield generator would actually work in real life despite it breaking at least two laws of physics.

TBH I think the only two reliably worthwhile threads in 40k Background for months have been Cheese's DE one and my BT/Magnus one. Apart from them, 40k Background might as well be subsumed into Off Topic. (I hereby apologize for insulting Off Topic like that.) And the only reason sources got dragged into it was because I was accused of contradicting GW's published background. I'm not interested in building a bolter.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

binky wrote:The best way to get your gf into something - is let her take it at her own pace. And don't push your gaming on her if she's uninterested. However, if you're really into it - she'll pick it up than if you hide your hobby shamefully in a dusty closet

LOL. Sounds like something a sex columnist would write regarding fetishes.

binky wrote:The best way to get your gf into something - is let her take it at her own pace. And don't push your gaming on her if she's uninterested. However, if you're really into it - she'll pick it up than if you hide your hobby shamefully in a dusty closet

LOL. Sounds like something a sex columnist would write regarding fetishes.

binky wrote:It's the same idea - and I still stand by it

Ah, metallifan, you sly dog.

Manchu just a tad off-topic but I stepped into that one
Don't you realize dakka is a respectable forum who prides itself on its proper conduct? lol.

Pardon me, madame! I shall adjust my monocle, collect my umbrella, and be upon my way.

Cue curtsey: Good day to you sir! I humbly accept your apology.

And you would offer me the umbrella as such is right and proper thing for a gentleman to do

Then I'd probably whack you over the head with it!

Causing my monocle to fall into my champagne flute! Good heavens!

Hey uh, do you guys wanna play in my basement? I got really expensive action figures!

Its hard to get people interesting in the hobby without actually showing them a game in progress... I geta lot of gak about 40k at work, people liken it to WoW and D&D... even though all three things are nothing alike in many ways (other than the basis and some content). Honestly the way I've found best to get peoples interest perked is to discuss the background and the armies with people, show them the artwork in the rules book and codices, and answer ALL questions your friends ask. Also, showing them bad ass models that are painted is a good way too. I showed one around work and got a lot of praise... and the next day got the same gak as always :( lifes brutal

Emperors Faithful wrote:Joan of Arcs G-String could be very powerful in the 'right hands'.

Morgrim wrote:

*cackles at EF* You doubted my skills? *pets her talos*

More meaning the interaction with friends, but on your implied topic...

*just smirks*

I keep hearing people talk about games posted on YouTube. Could find a good one and show it to them. Good visual demonstration that doesn't require them to move from their computer.

@OP: lol, first your a girl most 40k players that I've meet at the store play 40k cuz they cant talk to girls .

Joking a side treat it like anything else you are trying to get someone involved. Show them the game. When I worked at comic/gaming store in south florida (horrible area to game) demo games where standard. But what sold them the game was the hobby and story behind it. If you try and sell the game as just a wargame people will be well.. i dont like risk or ill just play risk so why play this. keep in mind it can be an expensive hobby too so dont ask your college buddy with 2 part time jobs.. he will just feel bad that he cant afford plastic figurines or action figures (thats what normal people that i know call my collection). OH, and let them win at first. Always let them win until they know the game.

To recruit new players you have to find a pool of people who might be interested. Look for gamers any type of gamer, artists (drawers painters etc) and hobbiers. Id say start at a gaming store but ... im hoping you already tried that. Call all the gaming stores in your city and ask. At your school look for any gaming clubs hobby clubs or w/e. Post flyers that interested in starting one or just post 40k player new to the area looking for fun. etc.

You will find players but it depends on the effort you put in, TBH. Start at stores then your school. If all else fails try greigs list. lol.

Let them win? I'd be a triffle offended if someone introduced me to a game, sat me down, explained the rules and then 'let me win'. Where does my skill/luck come into it then? Were they cheating when I rolled that beautiful slaying move? No, don't bring an WAAC list, but don't 'let them win'.

Introduce them to Dawn of War, that is how I got into it...

the_ferrett wrote:Let them win? I'd be a triffle offended if someone introduced me to a game, sat me down, explained the rules and then 'let me win'. Where does my skill/luck come into it then? Were they cheating when I rolled that beautiful slaying move? No, don't bring an WAAC list, but don't 'let them win'.

I completly agree! Lots of people say let the noob win, but it doesn't feel good if you know that you didn't win fairly, bruises the ego abit. Also it can make the person wonder why they lose the next fifty or so games

Just cause they're new doesn't mean they're dumb, just don't mercilessly annihilate every model off the board - that helps.

As to your OP, check Meetup.com, as there may already be a group meeting nearby. On my most recent return to 40k last month, I found a gaming group and got in a few games that way.

I would also second those who suggested putting a note up at a comic store and having more than one army on hand to demo with. Lastly, don't talk their head off about it. Answer questions as sucinctly as possible and don't try to verbally wow them with the hobby.

As to the newbie... Don't just let them win, but it might be a good chance to bring a really fluffy or weak list and challenge yourself to do well with less.

Heh having a Girlfriend into the hobby is good......but once a break up looms the models get split like kids in a divorce court....

I no longer have access to my Beserker army :( not even supervised.....

Eilif - thanks, that's helpful

Pimpalotz - I dunno what to say. that sucks.
But what does that have to do with the OP?

Only introduce your GF to the game if you're ready to go to court?

Guess so, damn women - they're so expensive

To answer the thread question:

Invite them around for a game on a scenery riddled table, give them a couple of squads of various armies and then play a game based on the most basic of rules:
move, shoot, assault, saves (no invulnerable saves, master crafted weapons etc)

Tis how I got my friends into it back in the day..
Now most of them still collect the minis but are hard pressed for time to play, same as meself really.

I think thats the biggest affliction to all of us really - having the time to play.

binky wrote:I think thats the biggest affliction to all of us really - having the time to play.

You have lots of time to paint/play. You just never actually do it.

Hey not fair. I only get a weekend to paint/hang out with my other friends. And I do want to play but you let me win or your buddies me. There is no good word to describe gaming against them. Hence the looking for other gamers

But a big part of it is laziness

I'm a life long gamer, and my friends played 40K for more than 10 years before I got started. I just was not interested in the models/fluff at all. I had seen games of 40K at gaming conventions and to me it looked boring and lacked importance of tactical decisions in my view at that time. That, and I like a classic fantasy setting more.
One of the things that convinced me to get into 40K is seeing those friends play, it was a competitive game in a very relaxed atmosphere; beers in hand and lots of laughing.

If you're going to show 40K to someone, make sure there's monster type models as well as tanks and marines. Guns and tanks didn't do it for me at all, while daemons and tyranids caught my fancy. Right now I play Eldar :-D.

I told my friends that it was about power armored guys shooting the gak out of aliens, with the help of a gun line of fleshy humans. they were all for shooting the foul xenos.

Good answer but how would you explain xenos?

I basically told them that they are different alien races, Tau are young but high tech, Eldar are old, dieing out, and high tech, Necron are a species that traded their souls for immortality, Orks are fungi that decided that it wanted to be on tope of the food chain, and live for war, and Tyrnids, I'd tell them to imagine starship trooper bugs, only they eat worlds and come with out any countable number.

Hmm that sounds better than its like a big war where shooty marines kill aliens. lol. I think I may have oversimplified it.

The way you explained it actually makes it sound interesting.

I need a faster connection - I hate double posts.

Though I tend to purposely leave out chaos, I am a loyalist after all, but I like to tell them a little fluff about each of the races to see if they like them, if they choose an alien race, then good for them.

Out corpse worshipping scum! lols. My army is chaos, so I guess you'd want to stomp it flat.

I really don't care - I like to see people field different armies, I still consider another army an opponent at the end of the day. But I need to read more fluff, I know next to nothing about Orks, or Eldar.

I had my friends watch me play a couple battles and they got straight into it... just make it sound pretty cool and youll reel them in.

Cambak wrote:Though I tend to purposely leave out chaos, I am a loyalist after all,...

Good man.

Don't encourage him EF, loyalists are not good.

Personally I was converted by reading the BL books. Gaunts Ghost to be precise. It might not work for everyone but it got me hooked.

I was able to bring two freinds into the game with me by letting them borrow my Dawn of War games. Later comparing them to other archtypes (sp?) they were hooked.

One of them loved the Zerg from starcraft so he was easy to send over to Tyranids (hey look zerg models you can play with)

The other's dad fought in Vietnam so it was easy to send him to Catachan IG. He basixcally tries to convert it the U.S. army there.

This was how I did it anyways. It might not work for others though.

Showing them selected pictures from the dakkdakka gallery didn't hurt either I might add.

I read through the codex Imperiallis from a few editions back. That is what really sold me on it. It covers the basic history of every race that was available at that time. Which is marines of both sides, eldar, squats, tyranids, orks. That kind of thing. Didn't have dark eldar, necrons back then. But it gives a good basic history of everything. We have a few copies at the used book store here. Not sure if they would have any there, but they might. Used book stores are great for old codexes. The fluff doesn't go out of date, they just add more stuff to it, and it's cheaper than buying the new codexes.

Ringarin wrote:I read through the codex Imperiallis from a few editions back. That is what really sold me on it. It covers the basic history of every race that was available at that time. Which is marines of both sides, eldar, squats, tyranids, orks. That kind of thing. Didn't have dark eldar, necrons back then. But it gives a good basic history of everything. We have a few copies at the used book store here. Not sure if they would have any there, but they might. Used book stores are great for old codexes. The fluff doesn't go out of date, they just add more stuff to it, and it's cheaper than buying the new codexes.

A couple editions?? Try the start of 2nd

My FLGS still has a copy of Codex Imperialis that I flip through just for poops & giggles.

binky wrote:Don't encourage him EF, loyalists are not good.

Quiet, you.

You know how I got into 40K? My brother read me the Ork Codex.

If that doesn't rope them in than get better friends.

I don't think liking Warhammer qualifies you as a better friend. I think you meant different friends. Alot of my friends and I have completely different interests and yet we still get along. Its a weird concept I know

I was not referring to disliking warhammer, but rather to disliking the orks.

I never really was an Ork fan...

SideEffect46 wrote:Introduce them to Dawn of War, that is how I got into it...

Good idea.Video games are good choice for that.

Ringarin wrote:I read through the codex Imperiallis from a few editions back. That is what really sold me on it. It covers the basic history of every race that was available at that time. Which is marines of both sides, eldar, squats, tyranids, orks. That kind of thing. Didn't have dark eldar, necrons back then. But it gives a good basic history of everything. We have a few copies at the used book store here. Not sure if they would have any there, but they might. Used book stores are great for old codexes. The fluff doesn't go out of date, they just add more stuff to it, and it's cheaper than buying the new codexes.

They actually Did have necrons back then, they just weren't in the main Codex Imperials in the starter set, nor in the Dark Millenium expansion set, they were a White Dwarf based army I think. I definately remember seeing a guy with a couple sets of necrons at my FLGS back in 96' or so.

When it comes down to introducing new people to the game, I try to give a quick overveiw of all the races, and see what they are most interested in. Then I have no problem buying a box of basic troops from said army, showing that person how to build/paint/play, and giving them those troops after the first game. Worst case scenario they enjoy the gift, and have some models to put on a shelf in their home, best case they get just as addicted to it as we all are and become kings of nerd-dom.

When it comes to trying to find new players, this is a tough one, but the best bet is to google search for some local dork-stores in your area, drive out to them, and see if they have gaming tables. Worst case is they dont, and you go somewhere else, best case they have tons of 40k/fantasy players right there already gaming.

binky wrote: I never really was an Ork fan...

Heresy!!!!!

I've gotten a few people into 40K that I know of, including my wife, and probably a few people I talked to at FLGS's at times who seemed on the verge of picking it up.

I just tell stories. I've been told I'm a good storyteller, and I'm big into r/l military history, and am working on being a history teacher someday soon. I find that when I just start telling my "war stories" from 40K about the various awesome/funny things that happen, fairly often I can set a spark of inspiration that can later be fanned into a full-blown conflagration of geekyness.

The trick for me is to focus on the things that will sound cool to someone who knows nothing about the 40K world. I've heard redshirts get deep into story and setting and army details with folks for half an hour, fully 25 minutes after the person has glazed over, tuned out, and is obviously just listening to be polite. You just can't push something like 40K on a person.

If I get someone sparked, I'll step up to the hook. Find out if they game, and if so, are they a video gamer or a traditional (PnP) gamer? If video, I send them directly to Dawn of War. There's no better way to see and hear and experience the setting of 40K. If they're traditional, I'll also hand them the BRB, flip to the big color pages over each army (with some fluff and the model samples) and just let them flip through until something makes them go "OOOOhhh!". Once that happens, start filling them in on the details of the army, letting them know a little bit about the fluff side, and a bit about the gaming side (metagame, builds, tactics, etc), depending on what caught their attention in the first place.

Everyone games for different reasons. If you're looking to make converts, what you need to do is figure out why THEY game in the first place. Then, try to apply that to 40K. Don't a) assume they game for the same reason you do, or b) tell them all about why YOU game. They don't care, and it's completely beside the point. Focus on what THEY may find in the hobby, and facilitate them getting there and getting excited to try it.

Much like a fisherman, once you've got the hook swallowed, you need to give the line some slack. Let your new fish test the water, and spend some time poking around the books, games, listening to stories, watching games, playing demo games, etc. If the person is going to get into 40K for real, it's at this point that the hook sets itself. All you have to do is offer a place and time to game - reel that catch in slowly. If you can get a person to set up their first game and show up completely of their own will, you've officially reeled in your first new recruit. Cut the line and let that bad boy swim.

General Retreat although long winded lol I think you made the best point - You cannot force someone to like something you can only show them the way and they'll decide for themselves. So what if you can't lure someone into something? Do you trick them with chocolate or sexual favors?

The easiest way (for guys) is to point out why 40K is awesome and quite possibly the manliest universe ever created. Explain to them how it is a universe where it is not only acceptible, it is ENCOURAGED for people to drive their tanks closer so they can hit aliens with their swords. If they laugh at this, give basic descriptions of all the races:

Space Marines: Master Chiefs with chainsaw swords who are so manly they eat war and crap awesome
Chaos Marines: see above, only EVIL and FILLED WITH RAGE (and hatred for METAL BAWKSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Orks: Soccer Hooligans who are MADE FOR FIGHTAN and are also made of 100% TESTOSTERONE
Tyranids: What the Zerg wish they could be
Necrons: Zombie terminator robots
Imperial Guard: the Soviet Red Army, only futuristic. Also, they are hands down the ballsiest mother ers in the galaxy
Eldar: Space Elves
Tau: communist aliens who drive Gundam-style armored suits FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Dark Eldar: Evil rapist space elves who are heavily into S&M
Inquistion: no one expects them

Then if they are still interested, show them your army(ies) and play a simple game or two with them.

Corvus wrote:The easiest way (for guys) is to point out why 40K is awesome and quite possibly the manliest universe ever created. Explain to them how it is a universe where it is not only acceptible, it is ENCOURAGED for people to drive their tanks closer so they can hit aliens with their swords. If they laugh at this, give basic descriptions of all the races:

Space Marines: Master Chiefs with chainsaw swords who are so manly they eat war and crap awesome
Chaos Marines: see above, only EVIL and FILLED WITH RAGE (and hatred for METAL BAWKSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Orks: Soccer Hooligans who are MADE FOR FIGHTAN and are also made of 100% TESTOSTERONE
Tyranids: What the Zerg wish they could be
Necrons: Zombie terminator robots
Imperial Guard: the Soviet Red Army, only futuristic. Also, they are hands down the ballsiest mother ers in the galaxy
Eldar: Space Elves
Tau: communist aliens who drive Gundam-style armored suits FOR THE GREATER GOOD
Dark Eldar: Evil rapist space elves who are heavily into S&M
Inquistion: no one expects them

If these descriptions don't get them pisssing themselves laughing or extremely intrigued, I don't know what will Pure awesomeness.

lol thanks. I already got one of my friends to the point where he's planning on screaming WAAAAAAAAAAGH!!!!!! or BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!!!! the first time he's in combat

@ binky : I've never had to step it up to chocolates or sexual favors... but the tactic is worth considering! lol

I like that rundown Corvus - very funny stuff - I love the METAL BAWKSES!!!! thing from the Newgrounds vid. I can't help but think that every time I play Chaos now...

I think the key [to getting someone into the game] is the spark in the imagination. Whether it's done through comedy, storytelling, or some other little aspect that just jumps out and grabs a person. It's like music, everyone likes something a little different, but if you get someone with a hook that grabs them from somewhere around the kidneys (as Blues Traveller proved) you keep them coming back for more.

Getting someone into 40K is trying to get someone engaged in a world that they have to find for themselves. Without a good reason to do so, it's a lot of work, and something most people would immediately bog down in, get turned off by, or just not have enough "cover" interest to follow it through to the point where they're buying, painting, and playing.

-- Oh, I think I found the perfect "hybrid" induction program between Corvus' comedy technique, and my story technique.

Ciaphas Cain.

Bam, headshot. It's like peanut butter all up in this chocolate.

I'm am terribly sorry if I offended you Binky, but a man has too have some priorities.
I also tend to go "see that video game where your playing as aliens, humans, and butt ugly things and killing each other? It's like that only with miniatures."

If the brief summary of the races doesn't get them hooked.

Cambak - offended me how? Priorities question mark? I don't remember what you did so it must not be important. Unless your post is entirely sarcastic haha. Which is why I hate typing - I can't understand tone when there is none.

I think there must be a truth to your advice cause everyone else is agreeing - I'll try it.

Two of my friends got into it right away and the third missed us so he eventually started space wolves