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So your party has been adventuring together for some time now, and you've developed a pretty good flow. You know each others abilities, and act cohesively as a group. You have transcended being a group of individual players, and voltron style, have become something greater than the sum of its parts. Inside jokes are flowing, and pc are synergising like young professionals on the eve of an international merger. It's a great feeling.
However, as a new player to a group, that can be daunting to approach, and often times can act as a barrier for entry to someone coming to the table mid campaign. So in an effort to ease that transition, here are five ways that you as players can begin to weave a new player into your Voltron.
ENGAGE WITH THEIR BACKSTORY.
For a lot of us, when we write up a new character sheet, its not just a new character we create, but a whole story. We generate historys, quirks, likes, dislikes, family, and cultures for our new character. We jump into the game and can't wait to tell everyone about how an 11 fingered man commissioned a beautiful sword from our father, then struck him down after refusing to pay.
While that can come naturally at the beginning of a campaign, it can often seem rude to try an interject your characters drive in the middle of an ongoing story. It is your job as players to show an interest, and actively engage in weaving their threads into the party's pattern. Asking them open questions during downtime can go a long way. A simple "Where did you say you came from again?" or "You mentioned an 11 fingered man?" can give a new player a great opportunity to deliver some exposition without feeling like they are intruding in something personal.
BACK THEM UP IN ROLEPLAY
A huge part of the party dynamic is having each others back in combat and in roleplay. In my experience, a fantastic way to make a new character feel like an important part of the game is letting them take the lead in roleplay. Be it in the tavern, or in the bad guys lair allow yourself to step back and take a support role in the roleplay around the table. A well timed "Exactly" can do great work in creating a welcoming environment.
PASSING THE KILL
Similarly, allowing them a chance to shine in combat can be a great team building opportunity. My personal favorite way to bring a new player into the fold is to pass the kill. We've all been there. The enemy is looking rough, you roll to hit, get the big number and your DM looks at you and says "Player, How do you want to do this?" . I know that bloodlust needs slaking, and describing your shadow of mordor style takedown is a great experience, but it's also a great opportunity to let the spotlight roll over onto your new party member. Before you strike the final blow, consider going for the joint takedown. Instead of finishing the monster yourself try something like:
"I bat the sword from their hand, and begin to grapple with them. It's too difficult to bring my own weapon to bear though. I grasp them by the shoulders, and yell "INIGO, I need a hand with this one" Before rolling backward and driving my leg up, tossing them over my shoulder toward Inigo."
This will give (DM allowing) the new player an opportunity to describe their character turning the flying monster into salami without sacrificing any actions, as well as creating an awesome takedown. One fastball special coming right up.
TAKING THE HELP ACTION
Sometimes the best way to support a new player is also the simplest. Sacrificing a turn to give another player the help action not only raises their likelihood of success, but also tells them you as a party have confidence in their actions. It's a great way to build trust between the party and their new player.
LEARNING THEIR ABILITIES
Knowing a players abilities can really help in bringing them into the fold. There will be instances where a new class in the party will open up new avenues for gameplay. Keeping that in mind can really help you bring them to the forefront. There might be previous hurdles that could now be overcome with the help of your new team mate and saying something like "Wait, there was a door in the castle wall that we couldn't get through, do you think you would be able to pick THAT lock?" can give value to their abilities, and highlight how they round out the party!
BONUS POINT: REMEMBER WHEN TO LET THEM SIT AND WATCH
Keep in mind that the above tips are pointers for how to involve another player who may need it. However, it is equally important to let a new player take a back seat sometimes, and watch you guys do your thing for a while. Being thrust into the limelight can be daunting for some, and its important to make sure that they are comfortable before pointing all eyes at them. If you aren't sure, asking an open question like "Does anyone have any abilities that can hide us from the guards" is a good way to give them a chance to speak up, without being forced.
And there you have it! Those are our six top tips for helping a new party member feel welcome at your table! Let us know what tips you have found useful for bringing people onboard in your own games, and as always, have fun and happy adventuring.
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