What to run?
Pendragon
Heroic fantasy in the Arthurian Age. A great game. The system is a bit antiquated and needs some tweaking, but many of the concepts were vital to the design of L5R. I’d run it very differently than suggested, making it a bit more accessable to the “average gamer.” It’s very specific in what it does, and does it better than any other game around. But, like rich chocolate, you have to take it in small doses. Maybe not.
Ars Magica
One of my favorite games of all time. (Or “favourite” as my employers insist.) Fantasy roleplaying in historic Europe. It’s a power gamer’s wet dream, requires a bit of investing from the players; after all, you make three characters to create the Covenant. However, AM does have the BEST MAGIC SYSTEM EVER. A high contender.
7th Sea
Playing this one has reminded me why I like it so much. It’s much more light-hearted than it first appears, which is to my advantage. And who doesn’t like pirates? However, I think the setting might be a bit too heavy for the group I have in mind. A lot to learn.
Cthulhu
Another system I’d have to tweak just a little — it has the same problems as Pendragon. Also, I’d have to run a Delta Green-style adventure… otherwise, everyone dies. Another heavy setting that quickly degenerates into comedy if not handled properly.
Dune
I really don’t know the world at all, and that’s a bad thing because Pop Tart does.
Vampire
My best game, I think, but too heavy for the group.
Okay… I think my best bet so far is Ars Magica. We’ll see.
Any suggestions?