Hello Portland! Seriously, have you ever been intrigued by games like Dungeons and Dragons, but just not have the time to learn how to play, or the people to teach you? Perhaps you've heard of some of the various stereotypes of creepy gamer-people, and that's scared you away? Or maybe you've seen the rules and just found them too daunting to deal with on a for-fun basis?

I've met a great number of people that I am damn sure would have a blast playing RPGs, but for one of the above reasons (or others) just haven't yet. I'd like to solve that problem. I'm putting together a new group of people here in Portland that I'm lovingly calling the RPG Noob Crew. The goal if this group is to introduce new people to gaming, and help them learn how the systems work. I want to help people with little or no RPG experience find out if gaming is right for them, and if so, help them find the games that appeal to them the most.

Currently, I'm planning on putting together bi-weekly or monthly get-togethers at local restaurants and game stores. We would gather together, talk about games and stuff, and then most likely play a prepared one-shot ready-to-go adventure of one system or another. Characters would be created in advance, books and supplies would be provided, and all you would have to do is show up and enjoy a fun and educational experience with others of the same league. I'm even considering monthly drawings for core game systems, maybe some raffles. I would love to be able to use this group to help new gamers meet other new gamers, learn what games they like, and start their own games.

So, whaddaya think? Who's down to join the Noob Crew?