A large part of the challenge with advertising is onboarding. Once you get someone interested, they have many reasons to give up and do something else instead. The challenges I see are below.
No Printed Rulebook
There is no player-facing printed rulebook for people to obtain. I am personally not eager to bootleg a bunch of copies given how litigious Joe V. is, but if he gives permission, printing rulebooks would not be difficult.
- Goal: Supply each new player with a printed version of the rulebook.
No Collected Policies
The policies the game uses are mostly known through word of mouth. Things like cancellation policies and whether a campsite will allow birdseed or airsoft pellets in spell packets are major questions that may be known but are not written in any easy-to-find place.
No Loaner Costumes or Props
New players are expected to come to an event with their own costuming and props rather than the game providing items to assist new players. In my experience, this causes many people to put off attending an event. “The first game is free” is little comfort if you need to spend $50 on costuming and boffers instead.
- Objective: Provide incoming players with the material and social support they need to understand and enjoy the game and to encourage continued patronage.
- Goal: Supply each new player with simple costuming, weapons, and/or spell packets. These materials will remain in POLAR’s possession and be available on a loan basis.
- Goal: Offer veteran players bonus Goblin Stamps to provide “on-the-job” training by accompanying the new player throughout the event. This should continue for a minimum of five events.