Hey gang, this one here’s a bit of a meandering ramble, but I wanted to put some thoughts down on the page so here’s what you get. I know plenty of people who don’t have a big local scene and have a hard time growing their local community, as for whatever reason card people don’t want to play with minis, and minis people don’t want to play with cards. You might, however, have a captive playmate in a significant other, partner, spouse, etc if only you can get them to play with you (and the gift-giving season is quickly approaching, after all, if you need any ideas…). How might you do that? Let’s chat in this latest installment of the Community Growth Series.

In the context of 40K, Goonhammer wrote up this article back in the day you might want to reference, and I’ll talk about Underworlds specifically based on my own experience and hopefully it will help you get some games going at home down the line.

Find the angle that they’ll appreciate the most – which may not be the same reason you personally are into the game. Might they be interested in the lore, or some novels? Maybe the game doesn’t tickle their fancy but they are interested in the wider AoS story. Ask if they’re interested at all in art/painting – maybe if they get some colors on a warband with you it can be a bonding experience and a shared activity, which might even lead to them wanting to try out the warband they painted on the tabletop.

If you’re lucky, your partner may be engaged with or interested in the gameplay itself. For somebody with a ‘gamer’ partner, here’s my link to the “why play underworlds” article, but the long and short of it is that this game has a way lower commitment than other games like AoS, 40K, etc. You play in 1 hour with 3-7 models, so the barrier to entry is a lot lower and the commitment won’t be all day but maybe just a fun after-dinner activity for you guys to do every week or so.

I’ll also toss in this link to a simplified ‘kidhammer’ ruleset to to slow roll them in if gameplay is a hurdle. Fos this type of partner, sell it as a way to spend more time together in a shared activity, focusing far less on the game itself and more having common time and things to talk about/a bonding experience.

One approach you can take is to try and pitch it to them with ties to other things they like. Do they play other games, computer or otherwise? Create parallels to other properties- say there’s a superhero they like or a fantasy series they read, etc. There’s probably a faction that has some overlap. This game has elves and vampires, after all.

If you do get them to start playing with you, consider playing the same warband for several games while they play the same one so they can both learn a faction they like and have predictability in what you’ll do. There’s tons of variety out there, and I’m sure you want to show them all the cool toys you have and the cool decks you like, but don’t overwhelm them. Let them learn just a few things at a time. They’ll get real good at Jaws and real good playing against your Tunnelpack. Real good at playing BA against your ES, for example. After they get comfortable with that, then you can expand into the other options (or sooner if they ask for it).

If you bring them to a group event, make sure they’re involved, which means you have to involve them. Actively, and with intent and purpose. Don’t just say ‘yeah you can come and play’, but partner with them, make some changes to things so they feel comfortable and welcomed, part of the community, included, etc. They’re your partner – treat them like a partner.

Communication is the most important thing – talk to them about why you want them to play with you, asking authentically what they want to get out of it and how invested they’re willing to be. You’ll need flexibility, and be willing to present it from multiple angles/different parts of the hobby that they might be more likely to be interested in. Be patient, don’t push it, don’t force it, and be willing to accept that they may not be interested. Persistence is nice but don’t overstep.

Whether they play with you or not, make sure to also do something with them that they like – it’s important to show engagement for their interests too!

I hope you’re able to share this hobby with the special someone in your life, and whether it’s a one-time thing or the start of a longtime tradition, I hope you both enjoy Spending Glory in the Spitewood.