Initiation Question

[Ben Lehman]

So I played a game last Friday and two of my players wanted to have their initiation conflict (I hope I punched the other guy out) be a player-versus-player affair, where they're using their dice against each other and the GM doesn't have any dice in it at all.  I did it, and it worked out okay, but I was wondering what's the word on doing that sort of thing generally?  Because I'm prone to try it again.

[Glendower]

For new players, I'd keep it between the GM and the player.  Initiation is a tutorial that teaches how the conflict system works, and the GM can answer questions, suggest responses, and help out. 

I can't see any immediate problem with more seasoned players doing what you suggested.  It does speed up character creation, so I suppose there's that. 

[lumpley]

Glendower, great answer. Better than I'd've given. Thank you!

I was one of the two players in Ben's game. I ruled at the time that it was not at all kosher according to the game designer, even though I was the player who wanted it. I also ruled that the game designer's a jerk and who cares what he thinks.

-Vincent

[Ben Lehman]

Jon --

As it happens, there was a new player, and we definitely did it by-the-book with her.  The fistfight was first, though, and I think it was useful in showing her how escalation worked, although I'd have to ask.

Vincent got me.  I was being sneaky.