D&D/RPG's for the homebody. [Archive] - Wizards Community

D&D/RPG's for the homebody. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Raul Windrider
06-10-06, 02:57 PM I've been interested in D&D, the Forgotten Realms, and the D20 system, ever since I bought Neverwinter Nights (and later the expansions as well as the Star Wars game: Knights of the Old Republic) about four years ago. My current situation has me spending virtually all my free time at home and I was wondering if getting into D&D, or Star Wars D20, online of course, would be a good cure for boredom and a good outlet for expressing creative urges?

Ever since I was young I've created little imaginary worlds, characters, and my own stories, so I think I'd be better suited as a GM. I realize it takes more work, but I was thinking that playing online would make it a lot easier. Looking at the rules, particularly the combat rules, I was wondering if there was a way to "streamline" the rules as to downplay the strategy/wargame aspect of it while not losing the fun of combat and advancement? I've pondered playing on a message board or even using something simple like a program called "Gametable" to play live.

Basically I'm interested in getting into the hobby but I don't want to buy every sourcebook and memorize every bit of minutia to have a good experience. I have all the core 3rd Edition books, the 3.5 Players Book, the Star Wars Revised Core Rulebook and Galactic Campaign guide, as well as the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting to list the more notable books I picked up.

Any advice would be appreciated.
Nom
06-10-06, 11:47 PM Well, you currently possess more than enough resources, although it's probably worth completing the 3.5 upgrade with the 3.5 DMG and MM if you plan on running games.

IMO, there are three ways forward from here:

(1) Purchase (or download) pre-written modules and run them with friends.

This gets the setup work done for you, and provides some good guidelines for adventure creation.

(2) Write your own modules and run them with friends.

Much more time consuming and error-prone, but gives your creative instincts more freedom.

(3) Play free-form with friends.

This is surprisingly easy. Don't worry too much about the rules, just have a shared storytelling session and use dice rolls (high=good, low=bad) to help resolve situations.

I'd recommend running a game with real people before trying to DM on-line. It's more intimate and you get better feedback.

If you can, you'd be better to play in a couple of games before you try running one. You could do this either on-line or by finding a local group (see for example the 'player classifieds' forum). Starting as a player gives you a more rounded perspective on what works and what doesn't, what's fun and what isn't, as well as introducing you to the ruleset more gently.
Seeker95
06-11-06, 08:27 AM Nom's on target. You have what you need in the core three. All you need now is a group. Go to your local hobby / gaming store. Ask the person behind the counter when folks play there. Sit in as an abserver for a session or two. If by the end of the second session you have not been invited to play, invite yourself. If they say no (group's too large, etc.) then ask how you could get hooked up in a game. Do this in front of everyone. Someone in the room will know of a game.
Ramza0Tyr
06-11-06, 08:38 AM If you decide to pursue online gaming, I suggest Fantasy Grounds (http://www.fantasygrounds.com)

Review of Fantasy Grounds (http://www.rpgnow.com/product_reviews_info.php?products_id=384 2&SRC=EnWorld&reviews_id=10064&)

Try the FG demo with a friend, mine the FG forums for information, and then hit the forums with follow up questions.

Later.
Ramza
Raul Windrider
06-11-06, 03:32 PM Thanks to all that gave advice.

I like the looks of this Fantasy Grounds. I'm more interested in playing in the comfort of my home than trudging to hobby stores, so the online route is all I'm interested in at the moment. I'm about to upgrade to DSL so I'm sure that will help.

I was also wondering if most you choose a single free day to focus on gaming or do you do it whenever you have the free time?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Raul Windrider 06-10-06, 02:57 PM	I've been interested in D&D, the Forgotten Realms, and the D20 system, ever since I bought Neverwinter Nights (and later the expansions as well as the Star Wars game: Knights of the Old Republic) about four years ago. My current situation has me spending virtually all my free time at home and I was wondering if getting into D&D, or Star Wars D20, online of course, would be a good cure for boredom and a good outlet for expressing creative urges? Ever since I was young I've created little imaginary worlds, characters, and my own stories, so I think I'd be better suited as a GM. I realize it takes more work, but I was thinking that playing online would make it a lot easier. Looking at the rules, particularly the combat rules, I was wondering if there was a way to "streamline" the rules as to downplay the strategy/wargame aspect of it while not losing the fun of combat and advancement? I've pondered playing on a message board or even using something simple like a program called "Gametable" to play live. Basically I'm interested in getting into the hobby but I don't want to buy every sourcebook and memorize every bit of minutia to have a good experience. I have all the core 3rd Edition books, the 3.5 Players Book, the Star Wars Revised Core Rulebook and Galactic Campaign guide, as well as the Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting to list the more notable books I picked up. Any advice would be appreciated.
Nom 06-10-06, 11:47 PM	Well, you currently possess more than enough resources, although it's probably worth completing the 3.5 upgrade with the 3.5 DMG and MM if you plan on running games. IMO, there are three ways forward from here: (1) Purchase (or download) pre-written modules and run them with friends. This gets the setup work done for you, and provides some good guidelines for adventure creation. (2) Write your own modules and run them with friends. Much more time consuming and error-prone, but gives your creative instincts more freedom. (3) Play free-form with friends. This is surprisingly easy. Don't worry too much about the rules, just have a shared storytelling session and use dice rolls (high=good, low=bad) to help resolve situations. I'd recommend running a game with real people before trying to DM on-line. It's more intimate and you get better feedback. If you can, you'd be better to play in a couple of games before you try running one. You could do this either on-line or by finding a local group (see for example the 'player classifieds' forum). Starting as a player gives you a more rounded perspective on what works and what doesn't, what's fun and what isn't, as well as introducing you to the ruleset more gently.
Seeker95 06-11-06, 08:27 AM	Nom's on target. You have what you need in the core three. All you need now is a group. Go to your local hobby / gaming store. Ask the person behind the counter when folks play there. Sit in as an abserver for a session or two. If by the end of the second session you have not been invited to play, invite yourself. If they say no (group's too large, etc.) then ask how you could get hooked up in a game. Do this in front of everyone. Someone in the room will know of a game.
Ramza0Tyr 06-11-06, 08:38 AM	If you decide to pursue online gaming, I suggest Fantasy Grounds (http://www.fantasygrounds.com) Review of Fantasy Grounds (http://www.rpgnow.com/product_reviews_info.php?products_id=384 2&SRC=EnWorld&reviews_id=10064&) Try the FG demo with a friend, mine the FG forums for information, and then hit the forums with follow up questions. Later. Ramza
Raul Windrider 06-11-06, 03:32 PM	Thanks to all that gave advice. I like the looks of this Fantasy Grounds. I'm more interested in playing in the comfort of my home than trudging to hobby stores, so the online route is all I'm interested in at the moment. I'm about to upgrade to DSL so I'm sure that will help. I was also wondering if most you choose a single free day to focus on gaming or do you do it whenever you have the free time?