[Suggestion] "Learn the Ropes" Minimalist Pickup RPGs to Introduce the Roll20 System

Hi. I am looking at Roll20 as a VTT for an upcoming campaign with my old gaming group. I'd like to join a pickup game just to get the feel of the system and see what it can/cannot/should not do compared to my old VTT system. However, I'm hesitant to jump in for a number of reasons: 1) I don't play the most popular systems listed in LFG, i.e. DnD 3.5/4/Pathfinder (I play/GM GURPS mostly) and don't want to be "the Load" who wastes a bunch of time with system questions and character generation; 2) I want to become better versed in Roll20 before I get my players on board, but it's difficult to learn the tool without other people (or multiple accounts, I suppose); 3) I'm not sure I can commit to someone's campaign (or several), and don't want to be that guy who jumps into a group and then leaves right away if that wasn't the expectation. My suggestion is for a staff or volunteer-run minimalist sort of "run around the dungeon and hack stuff" game using whatever system requires no preparation and minimal mechanics as a sort of introduction to the tool. And by minimal I mean maybe simpler than FUDGE core. You jump in, ask to play, get assigned a token with the stat "HP" and the skill "Do Stuff" and go to town in the dungeon hallway with all of the other clueless newbies. Maybe no voice chat to keep everyone (especially the GM) sane. Just an opportunity to actually play the system, and maybe do some Q&A (text questions to the GM or a designated answer guy, responses in voice). I think it could be fun, accelerate onboarding, maybe network players, and act as a publicity tool. For me, it would make my decision easier if I saw how the tool works from a player perspective before I start hammering away at a custom framework and overcomplicated scripts. If this has been suggested before, please accept my apologies. I couldn't find a suggestion like this while scanning fora. Thank you.

Howard, if you need any specific help setting things up feel free to post a request for assistance in the General On-Topic or Specific Use Question forums. If you list your needs we can probably see if they will work using the current tools. However, Roll20 is system agnostic so *usually* things can be worked out somehow. - Gauss

Thanks Gauss, I plan to do so. I used a LOT of scripting in my last VTT to speed combat and track conditions; I know Roll20 isn't specifically built for automation, but I know I won't be able to help myself. Does this mean a rolling newbie pickup game is unlikely?

I am not a Developer and so I do not (usually) comment on suggestions. However, it seems to me that if people want a rolling newbie pickup game it would be up to the people to create it. :) Regarding scripting, we do have some scripting capabilities in the API. However, that requires a Mentor membership. My suggestion would be to post what kind of things you would like to do. Then people can let you know if Roll20 can accommodate it, the API can accommodate it, or it is not possible using current tools. - Gauss

I shall do so in an appropriate forum. Thanks!

All I have to is yes...we (GM Trainers) are working towards that and more info will be coming :)

Someone has posted a LFG thread that is suggesting the potential game board similar to what you are suggesting. It is going to be a pathfinder game but take a look in the LFG forums. I know there are other game boards that people put together and listed them in the LFG so what Gauss mentioned is happening already.

Metroknight can you elaberate on what you are talking about or provide a link?