How do you sell C&C?

[Portly Fighter]

Hey guys,

I'm planning on running some C&C at my flgs, how do I interest and sell people on C&C? Why play C&C rather than Pathfinder or 5E?

[Captain_K]

If they are old timers like me, meaning ADD and 2nd Ed DnD then its closer to that... its simpler and allows for more fun, but kind of assumes at least someone (the CK) can run a game... Its quicker and less rully..

OR just try "free beer" to get them to try it..

I think after trying it for say 3-5 games it will or will not be the game of choice. You can't force it, its supposed to be fun.

So if the CK (the real time spender) wants to do it and the PCs have fun doing it, well then done...

[Captain_K]

what is flgs

[TheMetal1]

what is flgs

Friendly Local Game Store

[Arduin]

Hey guys,

I'm planning on running some C&C at my flgs, how do I interest and sell people on C&C? Why play C&C rather than Pathfinder or 5E?

Say, "Okay guys we're going to play the game that G. Gygax felt was a better 3rd edition D&D than what WotC produced as a 3rd Edition."

[Rigon]

Talk up the flexibility and elegance of the SIEGE mechanic and the ability to try anything in character. And don't be afraid to say yes when someone asks to try something.

R-

[thenorthman]

Hey guys,

I'm planning on running some C&C at my flgs, how do I interest and sell people on C&C? Why play C&C rather than Pathfinder or 5E?

Say, "Okay guys we're going to play the game that G. Gygax felt was a better 3rd edition D&D than what WotC produced as a 3rd Edition."

Now that is a STRONG selling point! :O) I also just recently found out that Stephen was one of four people to speak at his funeral. Made a strong impression on me....that little fact.

[alcyone]

Do you know the people at the FLGS or are you putting up a bulletin? If you know what they are into it's a lot easier to tailor your argument if you need to. Stores seem to have a prevailing spirit, whether it's Warhammer, "indie games", PF, or whatever. The staff will know what's in demand.

If as you say they are specifically into 5e or Pathfinder, joining their groups and playing until you are close enough with them to suggest taking up some slack in the schedule with your favorite game might work. If it's what they like, and there is plenty to be had, why would they switch?

It's possible there will be an underserved OSR contingent waiting in the wings, so maybe you can find them, hopefully for you they aren't completely devoted to their own flavor. Or just people who are up for anything.


I think the strongest case is "I am running a game, I am prepared, experienced, will show up regularly and can manage N players. I am not a jerk and while I will always listen to someone's point, I won't let jerks play at my table." After people respond to that, then you can tell them it's C&C.

We here all know why we like C&C, and a lot of it goes like:

1. It's like this game that I like (but easier).
2. It's not like this game that I don't like.
3. I like this game because I know it well and it works well.
Or all of the above. It's usually not someone's only game.

The first two reasons, used to persuade, can put people on the defensive, the second obviously more than the first. The first one makes them go "Well, why don't we play THAT game?" and "Nonsense, that game was already easy." You might find that a reasonable comeback and play that other game, which might be fun, but it's not the C&C that you wanted to run, and then we'll hear a question a month later about how to get an existing group to switch.

The second one alienates as many people as resonate with it, though you may find a few allies that way that somehow never heard of C&C.

I like the third one the most from a persuasion angle, because the game stands on its own merits and the important part for a CK is that you know it so well that the game plays like the rules are barely there.

Similarly, if you have a really good adventure hook or some awesome pre-gens to post, that might capture someone's imagination. But ask a few people if they are really good first, or it could be driving people away.

I wish you luck; I have never been brave enough to try to start a public game at a store. I only play with friends from the boards who are obviously C&C fans, or friends of my acquaintance in the real world who I can occasionally bend to my will and get to play the game I want to play. I've been known to buy them C&C books to guilt them out, which only sometimes works.

[Buttmonkey]

I recommend NOT trying to sell people on why they should play C&C INSTEAD of 5E or Pathfinder. It isn't a competition and there's nothing inherently wrong with any of those games. Tell people C&C is a great game and you hope they'll give it a shot. You can explain its benefits without crapping on the 5E or Pathfinder parades: It's a lot like early editions of D&D, but streamlined so it runs faster and easier, it uses ascending armor class, and it's in print and strongly supported by the publisher.

[Captain_K]

I'm with you there man, don't argue or compare, do.

If I had someone willing to spend the time to CK (DM) and the game was close to what I already know and I assume like and I did not need to buy lots of expensive stuff to try it and even then if I liked it just one book would do it and that book and rules won't change on me.. sounds like its worth trying.. but in the end, just stick with "Let's try guys, give it three games and vote to keep going or not"... if they really give you grief about "why should I try".. tell them that "It's like any adventure, if you don't leave the coach you will surely find no treasure. If the adventure/game was not good enough, hey, you did get to kill things!" That should sell it to most ;}

[Captain_K]

Games one loves or hates or even like I fear is like politics and religion, discussions about them are not logical they are purely emotional and largely illogic once they really get heated.. you can see that here on these boards about any heated discussion.. so, knowing that, hit them with the emotions we/they all like about gaming.. to me, its fun with friends or a group of would-be-friends, beverages, roll playing, adventure, risks, critical thinking to save your skin, killing things, etc. etc.

[Portly Fighter]

I am putting up a flier to advertise for the game. My brother will be the only person I know playing. I know the game well and am going to use it to run an open table using Stonehell megadungeon.

I'm not going to be comparing it to Pf or 5e to bash them. I'm just wanted some points that might entice more people. I appreciate everyone's advice. I'm just going to run it fast and fun as its meant to be and let that speak for itself.

[Jyrdan Fairblade]

Wish I knew. I've never been able to sell my current group on C&C! Too many min-maxers, I guess...

Maybe focus on the speed and simplicity, with that old school feel. I do think playing C&C sells itself, but it's getting them to take that first step.

[Arduin]

Wish I knew. I've never been able to sell my current group on C&C! Too many min-maxers, I guess...

Fortunately I'm the GM for my group. No one else wants the mantel so it is a supply & demand issue. They demand a game and I supply what is run.

[Mark Hall]

I like to play up the simple task resolution and the old-school feel... My tagline is "Old-school feel with modern mechanics"

[serleran]

Usually with "and I'll run the game once for you... any creature you encounter will be based on our game, and I'll write it up for you."