New To RPGs and D20s [Archive] - Wizards Community

New To RPGs and D20s [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Enter_the_Void
09-12-07, 05:15 PM I always liked the idea of pen and paper RPG's, but the closet thing I've come to an RPG was Star Wars mini's which BTW is very leet. I have no idea where to start, but I'd love to write a classic pen and paper RPG. I'm sorry for any inconvenience if this is the wrong spot.

I'm an old Magic hack and over the years I've accumulated various dice because I thought they looked cool (bought 'em at the counter every now and then as I bought boosters). I have a "d12" a few "d10"s and about 7-8 "d20's" (I actually used the "d20"s in Magic).

Thanks "d20" posters!!
Thakowsaizmu
09-12-07, 05:25 PM I'd suggest playing in a few before trying to write one. Also, I'd suggest using pencils, they erase so much easier. You may want to try some of the other forums, like the general one as well. But most of all, find a group and play!
Enter_the_Void
09-12-07, 05:41 PM I'd suggest playing in a few before trying to write one. Also, I'd suggest using pencils, they erase so much easier. You may want to try some of the other forums, like the general one as well. But most of all, find a group and play!

My mistake I meant pencils and I'm planning to deem some of my friends my new playgroup. I'm also going to start researching RPG's.

Oh and what is the D20 system? Does it have a set of basic rules ?
Ranger REG
09-12-07, 10:47 PM Oh and what is the D20 system? Does it have a set of basic rules ?
To the average gamer ... the d20 System is an in-house rulesystem created by WotC for their RPG products. The system is derived from the old Dungeons & Dragons rules created by TSR (WotC bought TSR back in the mid-90's). Other companies have their own in-house propietary rulesystem to publish and sell their RPG products (examples: White Wolf have Storyteller, Hero Games have Hero System, Palladium have Megaversal, etc.).

Unlike the others, d20 System can be used by anyone who want to publish and sell/distribute their own product, thanks to the Open Gaming License and d20 System Trademark License.
Thakowsaizmu
09-13-07, 01:37 AM My mistake I meant pencils and I'm planning to deem some of my friends my new playgroup. I'm also going to start researching RPG's.

Oh and what is the D20 system? Does it have a set of basic rules ?
I was being half-sarcastic about the pencil thing, I know it is usually implied. Anywho, yeah, the basic rules are from D&D. If you like MtG then you may want to look into the Core Books (Players Handbook, Dungeon Masters Guide and Monster Manual). Those form the basic rules (although the Unearthed Arcana book is my groups official fourth Core Book). There are many things that are different, but for the most part the basic D&D stuff has the same flavour as Magic. Also, buy more dice, you'll need them for yourself and your friends (if you are being nice, if not make them buy their own), it helps to have atleast a few full sets if you are going to DM. The usual set includes 1d4, 1d6, 1d8, 1d10, 1d12, 1d20 and 1d%. Take some time to familiarize yourself with things, but don't try and swollow all of the rules at once all you'll do is get a headache and forget most of them. And other than that, you should have fun! OR ELSE!
Whiskydrunk
09-18-07, 12:08 AM It might be a little tough running a game that you have never played before with a completely inexperienced group, but do it anyway. Breaking in a completely new gaming group can be very exciting, because no one knows what to expect. Also, it can be even harder running a game if you are less experienced then the players. The core DnD books have more than rules, they have very good advice on getting started. Before you try to play, I highly recommend you read almost all of the Players Handbook and browse through most of the Dungeon Master's Guide. If you want get a basic idea of the game mechanics, you can go check out the SRD (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35). However, since you've never roleplayed before, I would highly suggest you start with the official DnD core rulebooks(version 3.5)
j0lt
09-20-07, 12:55 AM Oh and what is the D20 system? Does it have a set of basic rules ?

Hey Void, welcome to the forums.
You've chosen a particularly exciting time to come in to this hobby. The d20 system, which is a set of universal roleplaying rules used by games such as D&D, d20 Modern and Star Wars is in the process of being updated.
A few months ago, the new Star Wars Saga Edition RPG book was released. Next spring, the new 4th Edition D&D books are scheduled to come out, and there have been hints that a 2nd edition d20 Modern will follow that.

The d20 system isn't really that complicated. Roll a d20, add modifiers, and compare to a target number. If you meet or beat the target, your action succeeds.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Enter_the_Void 09-12-07, 05:15 PM	I always liked the idea of pen and paper RPG's, but the closet thing I've come to an RPG was Star Wars mini's which BTW is very leet. I have no idea where to start, but I'd love to write a classic pen and paper RPG. I'm sorry for any inconvenience if this is the wrong spot. I'm an old Magic hack and over the years I've accumulated various dice because I thought they looked cool (bought 'em at the counter every now and then as I bought boosters). I have a "d12" a few "d10"s and about 7-8 "d20's" (I actually used the "d20"s in Magic). Thanks "d20" posters!!
Thakowsaizmu 09-12-07, 05:25 PM	I'd suggest playing in a few before trying to write one. Also, I'd suggest using pencils, they erase so much easier. You may want to try some of the other forums, like the general one as well. But most of all, find a group and play!
Enter_the_Void 09-12-07, 05:41 PM	I'd suggest playing in a few before trying to write one. Also, I'd suggest using pencils, they erase so much easier. You may want to try some of the other forums, like the general one as well. But most of all, find a group and play! My mistake I meant pencils and I'm planning to deem some of my friends my new playgroup. I'm also going to start researching RPG's. Oh and what is the D20 system? Does it have a set of basic rules ?
Ranger REG 09-12-07, 10:47 PM	Oh and what is the D20 system? Does it have a set of basic rules ? To the average gamer ... the d20 System is an in-house rulesystem created by WotC for their RPG products. The system is derived from the old Dungeons & Dragons rules created by TSR (WotC bought TSR back in the mid-90's). Other companies have their own in-house propietary rulesystem to publish and sell their RPG products (examples: White Wolf have Storyteller, Hero Games have Hero System, Palladium have Megaversal, etc.). Unlike the others, d20 System can be used by anyone who want to publish and sell/distribute their own product, thanks to the Open Gaming License and d20 System Trademark License.
Thakowsaizmu 09-13-07, 01:37 AM	My mistake I meant pencils and I'm planning to deem some of my friends my new playgroup. I'm also going to start researching RPG's. Oh and what is the D20 system? Does it have a set of basic rules ? I was being half-sarcastic about the pencil thing, I know it is usually implied. Anywho, yeah, the basic rules are from D&D. If you like MtG then you may want to look into the Core Books (Players Handbook, Dungeon Masters Guide and Monster Manual). Those form the basic rules (although the Unearthed Arcana book is my groups official fourth Core Book). There are many things that are different, but for the most part the basic D&D stuff has the same flavour as Magic. Also, buy more dice, you'll need them for yourself and your friends (if you are being nice, if not make them buy their own), it helps to have atleast a few full sets if you are going to DM. The usual set includes 1d4, 1d6, 1d8, 1d10, 1d12, 1d20 and 1d%. Take some time to familiarize yourself with things, but don't try and swollow all of the rules at once all you'll do is get a headache and forget most of them. And other than that, you should have fun! OR ELSE!
Whiskydrunk 09-18-07, 12:08 AM	It might be a little tough running a game that you have never played before with a completely inexperienced group, but do it anyway. Breaking in a completely new gaming group can be very exciting, because no one knows what to expect. Also, it can be even harder running a game if you are less experienced then the players. The core DnD books have more than rules, they have very good advice on getting started. Before you try to play, I highly recommend you read almost all of the Players Handbook and browse through most of the Dungeon Master's Guide. If you want get a basic idea of the game mechanics, you can go check out the SRD (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35). However, since you've never roleplayed before, I would highly suggest you start with the official DnD core rulebooks(version 3.5)
j0lt 09-20-07, 12:55 AM	Oh and what is the D20 system? Does it have a set of basic rules ? Hey Void, welcome to the forums. You've chosen a particularly exciting time to come in to this hobby. The d20 system, which is a set of universal roleplaying rules used by games such as D&D, d20 Modern and Star Wars is in the process of being updated. A few months ago, the new Star Wars Saga Edition RPG book was released. Next spring, the new 4th Edition D&D books are scheduled to come out, and there have been hints that a 2nd edition d20 Modern will follow that. The d20 system isn't really that complicated. Roll a d20, add modifiers, and compare to a target number. If you meet or beat the target, your action succeeds.