Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Ernest083620 08-31-04, 07:08 PM	Before I start, I would like to say that I am sorry if this is the wrong place to put this. The reason that it is here is that I don't know where else to place it (This is the first time I have posted on the D&D boards, I am usualy in Magic). Anyway, as the title says, I am new to the game. I have never played, but would like to learn how. What I want to know is, do I have to spend $30 on the book that tells you how to play or is there anywhere that I can learn how to play for free? Thank you for taking the time to read this and hopefully the time to reply.
Grevious Windcruiser 08-31-04, 09:15 PM	You should check out the SRD: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=d20/article/srd35 Hope it helps!!!
Ernest083620 08-31-04, 09:46 PM	Thank you, that looks realy helpfull. Please take these cookies as a token of thanks. :cookie: :cookie: :cookie: :cookie: :cookie: I just have one more question...What should I download? My guess is the one called "Basic Rules and Legal". Can someone please tell me. :confused: Also will that teach me how to play, or will it give me rules and assume that I already know how to play? Yet again, thank you for your time and help.
Egres 08-31-04, 10:31 PM	Download the Player's Handbook part.
Fixxxer 08-31-04, 10:35 PM	Also will that teach me how to play, or will it give me rules and assume that I already know how to play? The SRD doesn't assume you know anything about the rules. Basically, it's the a cut-down version of the core rulebooks with all of the flavor text and pictures taken out. I would suggest, though, that if you come across the money, you pick up a copy of the Player's Handbook. It helps to have it at the gaming table with you.
c_garthe 08-31-04, 11:22 PM	Im just branching out on my own, as far as DnD goes (I always mooched off friends etc), and getting the books for myself is great. In my oppinion, completely worth the money. If you're up for playing, I highly recommend you just spend the 30 bucks for the PHB (Player's Handbook) and get right into it. From there you can decide if you want the other books, but getting that PHB is well worth it.
memberZ 09-01-04, 12:51 AM	PHB : amazon is your friend To really get the feel try to find an experienced group that will let you watch and/or sit in. It helps alot to see it all in action. If you get the chance take along a notebook and jot down questions. Then ask the players and the DM your questions during the breaks or at the end. Good Luck Z
Omarfr 09-01-04, 01:07 AM	You can By the books on Amazon for $15 if you buy used I think
Elemmakil 09-01-04, 01:26 AM	If you want a slightly more navigable SRD (and online) you can find one here (http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/home.html). However, while you don't have to get the books, I would recommend it. So, it seems, would almost everyone else. If you do play alot, $30 plus small costs in the way of paper and such is really a very cheap hobby, but I still did try the game for more than a month before I bought anything. Have fun gaming.
Fixxxer 09-01-04, 01:33 AM	If you're up for playing, I highly recommend you just spend the 30 bucks for the PHB (Player's Handbook) and get right into it. Paying full price for books is bad. www.frpgames.com
ThoughtfulOwl 09-01-04, 06:06 AM	The best way to learn is still to find a group of experienced players who let you join the game; failing that, buying the PHB is a good start. The SRD is good, but not so much reader-friendly.
ThoughtfulOwl 09-01-04, 06:11 AM	Another very useful link: The Absolute Beginner's Guide to D&D and the D&D Boards.
Ernest083620 09-01-04, 03:44 PM	Thank you all very much for your posts. They have been very helpfull.