Surviving the Crazy Times: Beginning Again

So we're finally getting boxes unpacked, stuff put away and generally settling into life in Colorado.  I've been working on setting up the smallest bedroom as an office/library, which has lead me to the realization that I have a lot of books.  The disappointing thing is that after unpacking the obvious boxes, I still have gaps on the bookcases where I various books are missing.  Ah, well, they'll turn it eventually.

Beginning Again

Dante is coordinating with some of his new co-workers on getting a group together.  It's been a long time since I've sat down at the gaming table with my books and my dice spread out before me, so I'm pretty excited to get the new group together and see how well we all play together.

Of course, this is the "beginning again": finding a group, getting to know new people and figuring out how to play in a the group.  Prior to this, I have always been part of a group where I knew at least one person (other than Dante).  This will be the first time I'll be in a group composed of people I've only met once or twice at after-work get-togethers where spouses were invited.

Hello, My Name Is

So, how do you integrate a bunch of individuals into a group?  I figure we will need to start out getting to know each other a little bit before we try to get a game going.  To me, roleplaying seems to be a more natural process when you're not facing a bunch of strangers.  Of course, that may be partly due to the fact that I'm a little shy.  Just like your characters need to meet each other before setting out to save the world, you need to know your fellow players before you begin playing those characters.