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New player [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Liandriel
08-20-06, 11:41 AM First off, I've been playing d20 D&D since it came out, and have been playing in a couple of non-RPGA games. Our gaming group is considering starting playing RPGA (specifically Living Greyhawk) for a change of pace.

We've got a core of 4 players, a DM and a couple others that come and go and I was wondering what all do we need to get started (other than books, dice, paper, pencils, and RPGA numbers)?

I've also got a few other questions -
Can our DM just get adventures and we start?
I noticed that LG doesnt have an RPGA character tracker, does that mean we've got large notebooks for everything in our character?
From what I understand, start out at level 1 - why the difference in RPGA campaigns?
kenobi65
08-20-06, 01:15 PM Can our DM just get adventures and we start?

Your DM will need to pass the RPGA's Herald-level Test, in order to set up the "events" and order modules. And, to do that, he'll first need an RPGA number. (The rest of you will need RPGA numbers, too, but you won't need that until the first time you play, and your DM can order membership applications for the rest of you.)

I noticed that LG doesnt have an RPGA character tracker, does that mean we've got large notebooks for everything in our character?

That's exactly right. The Living-style campaigns handle everything via actual paperwork...and it's very important to keep your paperwork straight, and make sure you don't lose anything.

From what I understand, start out at level 1 - why the difference in RPGA campaigns?

Yes, you are correct -- you need to start a LG character at level 1.

Each RPGA campaign has its own rules for character generation and advancement, but, by and large, the big (and consistent) difference is this:

All the PCs in a "D&D Campaign" (like Mark of Heroes) are at about the same level; if you start playing in the campaign after it's been running for a while, you automatically start at a higher level. Since a limited number of adventures for a D&D Campaign are available at any particular time, and the adventures are only written for a particular character level, a new PC has to be at the right level.

Living-style Campaigns, like Living Greyhawk, have a different structure. Most Living Greyhawk adventures are available for play for at least a year, and often close to two years. They're usually written for a variety of different character levels (within a single adventure, there are usually different "versions" for different character levels). You advance your character in level through game play. Many LG players have a number of PCs, at a variety of levels, so that, if they go to a convention, they'll always have a PC they can play at any particular table.

Hope this helps.
Liandriel
08-20-06, 09:09 PM So, other than an audit, how are characters tracked? Just assuming something goes horribly wrong and the neighbor's weevil-farm escapes and eats my notebook, what happens?

Can you play a given adventure multiple times with different (or same) characters? Is it possible for people to play multiple characters in a given game? Is there a proper order to the adventures to prevent spoilers, or is it pretty much like Dungeon Magazine, where you just do tie-ins?
kenobi65
08-20-06, 09:31 PM So, other than an audit, how are characters tracked?

If your question is, does the RPGA somehow track your character, no, they don't. It's entirely the responsibility of the player.

Just assuming something goes horribly wrong and the neighbor's weevil-farm escapes and eats my notebook, what happens?

Make a back-up copy of everything. Scan all your Adventure Records. Store them someplace safe. Really.

IIRC, in a worst-case scenario, in which you lose all your records, I think there's a rule that lets you rebuild your character, to a certain extent...however, I believe that you don't get back any of the access that you might have gotten (to limited items or feats) via your lost ARs...so it's not a great idea.

In short...if you're the kind of person who just can't keep track of things, can't file things to save your life...then maybe you shouldn't play LG.

Can you play a given adventure multiple times with different (or same) characters?

No; once you play a module, you cannot play it again, even with a different character.

Is it possible for people to play multiple characters in a given game?

At the same time? No, unless your character has a cohort, via the Leadership feat (and, note that LG has some very specific rules about using cohorts).

Is there a proper order to the adventures to prevent spoilers, or is it pretty much like Dungeon Magazine, where you just do tie-ins?

Depends. Most modules don't have spoilers for other ones. However, there are certain modules that comprise "series" of adventures, and it's always adviseable to try to play those in order, to avoid spoilers (though there is usually not a rule that prohibits you from playing them out of order). The "blurbs" for those modules (short descriptions that appear in the event ordering system, and on the front page of the module) usually are helpful in this regard -- e.g., "Part 3 of the XXX series", or "It is strongly recommended that you play XXX before playing this module."
Necrochaos
08-20-06, 09:34 PM You can only play each adventure once. Also, if you run "DM" the adventure, you can't play it afterwards. Just makes since, that you don't want to spoil the fun of knowing the ending.

You characters are tracked seperately, so in time as you get more characters, you will have to decide which character to play for which adventure. Sometimes, it will depend on the level of the table, other times the role you will need to play. It's not uncommon to have more than 4 characters in your portfolio at once.

You only have 52 TU's (Time Units) to play mods with each character. Core modules cost 2 and regional mods cost 1 (unless you are not from that region, which cost 2).

It's impossible to play all of the adventures with just one characters. You won't have enough time units to play them all.

But don't fear about being behind in levels. It's pretty easy to find a table for your levels. Even those who have played since the beginning have a 1st or second character. And you can level quickly.

I've been playing for about a year and have 2 characters at 6 (would be 7 but I had a death) a 4, 3, 2 and 1. You will catch on quickly. Just work on building the group and see if there are any conventions in your area. They are a great way to pick up mods to play and then your DM doesn't lose the ability to play the mod. You can pick up 7 mods in a weekend from a good Fri-Sun convention.

As well, if you ever have any questions, the people on this board are very friendly. They have made me feel right at home. They have helped me with character builds, questions on AR's and such. Just drop a line and someone will help you with the question. Welcome to the community.
Paul H
08-30-06, 06:52 PM Hi

Welcome to the boards.

One thing I think we missed was that Adventure Records (AR's ) are downloaded with the adventures.These are signed by the GM with your RPGA numbers, and are kept by players. There is alo some other paperwork for magical items as well.

You can keep a record of your character online on various forums, though some don't have a full list of adventures available.

Don't worry about the Herald Test - you get to retry it if you fail. There's 20 questions from the PHB, DMG & Monster Manual - but you can use the books for the test. (No time limit). Only bummer is if you fail question 20 and start all over again with new set questions - happened to me!

See if you can find any other clubs in your area who might be able to help, Conventions are fun too. :)

Cheers
Paul H
Cynric
08-30-06, 07:48 PM As someone who has ost their characters, make sure you keep those backups safe. It really sucks when you lose 2 years worth of playing records and related favours from AR's.
UMiskatonic
09-20-06, 06:07 PM There isn't much of an audit function, but a DM is within his rights to tell you that without your paperwork, you don't have any Xp/gold. This usually isn't asked for unless you are making some pretty broad claims. If it's a level two table, people will trust that you own a masterwork weapon. If you pull out a staff of power, you'll be asked for paperwork.

If you spend 2 dollars on a 3-ring binder, your problems are pretty much solved.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Liandriel 08-20-06, 11:41 AM	First off, I've been playing d20 D&D since it came out, and have been playing in a couple of non-RPGA games. Our gaming group is considering starting playing RPGA (specifically Living Greyhawk) for a change of pace. We've got a core of 4 players, a DM and a couple others that come and go and I was wondering what all do we need to get started (other than books, dice, paper, pencils, and RPGA numbers)? I've also got a few other questions - Can our DM just get adventures and we start? I noticed that LG doesnt have an RPGA character tracker, does that mean we've got large notebooks for everything in our character? From what I understand, start out at level 1 - why the difference in RPGA campaigns?
kenobi65 08-20-06, 01:15 PM	Can our DM just get adventures and we start? Your DM will need to pass the RPGA's Herald-level Test, in order to set up the "events" and order modules. And, to do that, he'll first need an RPGA number. (The rest of you will need RPGA numbers, too, but you won't need that until the first time you play, and your DM can order membership applications for the rest of you.) I noticed that LG doesnt have an RPGA character tracker, does that mean we've got large notebooks for everything in our character? That's exactly right. The Living-style campaigns handle everything via actual paperwork...and it's very important to keep your paperwork straight, and make sure you don't lose anything. From what I understand, start out at level 1 - why the difference in RPGA campaigns? Yes, you are correct -- you need to start a LG character at level 1. Each RPGA campaign has its own rules for character generation and advancement, but, by and large, the big (and consistent) difference is this: All the PCs in a "D&D Campaign" (like Mark of Heroes) are at about the same level; if you start playing in the campaign after it's been running for a while, you automatically start at a higher level. Since a limited number of adventures for a D&D Campaign are available at any particular time, and the adventures are only written for a particular character level, a new PC has to be at the right level. Living-style Campaigns, like Living Greyhawk, have a different structure. Most Living Greyhawk adventures are available for play for at least a year, and often close to two years. They're usually written for a variety of different character levels (within a single adventure, there are usually different "versions" for different character levels). You advance your character in level through game play. Many LG players have a number of PCs, at a variety of levels, so that, if they go to a convention, they'll always have a PC they can play at any particular table. Hope this helps.
Liandriel 08-20-06, 09:09 PM	So, other than an audit, how are characters tracked? Just assuming something goes horribly wrong and the neighbor's weevil-farm escapes and eats my notebook, what happens? Can you play a given adventure multiple times with different (or same) characters? Is it possible for people to play multiple characters in a given game? Is there a proper order to the adventures to prevent spoilers, or is it pretty much like Dungeon Magazine, where you just do tie-ins?
kenobi65 08-20-06, 09:31 PM	So, other than an audit, how are characters tracked? If your question is, does the RPGA somehow track your character, no, they don't. It's entirely the responsibility of the player. Just assuming something goes horribly wrong and the neighbor's weevil-farm escapes and eats my notebook, what happens? Make a back-up copy of everything. Scan all your Adventure Records. Store them someplace safe. Really. IIRC, in a worst-case scenario, in which you lose all your records, I think there's a rule that lets you rebuild your character, to a certain extent...however, I believe that you don't get back any of the access that you might have gotten (to limited items or feats) via your lost ARs...so it's not a great idea. In short...if you're the kind of person who just can't keep track of things, can't file things to save your life...then maybe you shouldn't play LG. Can you play a given adventure multiple times with different (or same) characters? No; once you play a module, you cannot play it again, even with a different character. Is it possible for people to play multiple characters in a given game? At the same time? No, unless your character has a cohort, via the Leadership feat (and, note that LG has some very specific rules about using cohorts). Is there a proper order to the adventures to prevent spoilers, or is it pretty much like Dungeon Magazine, where you just do tie-ins? Depends. Most modules don't have spoilers for other ones. However, there are certain modules that comprise "series" of adventures, and it's always adviseable to try to play those in order, to avoid spoilers (though there is usually not a rule that prohibits you from playing them out of order). The "blurbs" for those modules (short descriptions that appear in the event ordering system, and on the front page of the module) usually are helpful in this regard -- e.g., "Part 3 of the XXX series", or "It is strongly recommended that you play XXX before playing this module."
Necrochaos 08-20-06, 09:34 PM	You can only play each adventure once. Also, if you run "DM" the adventure, you can't play it afterwards. Just makes since, that you don't want to spoil the fun of knowing the ending. You characters are tracked seperately, so in time as you get more characters, you will have to decide which character to play for which adventure. Sometimes, it will depend on the level of the table, other times the role you will need to play. It's not uncommon to have more than 4 characters in your portfolio at once. You only have 52 TU's (Time Units) to play mods with each character. Core modules cost 2 and regional mods cost 1 (unless you are not from that region, which cost 2). It's impossible to play all of the adventures with just one characters. You won't have enough time units to play them all. But don't fear about being behind in levels. It's pretty easy to find a table for your levels. Even those who have played since the beginning have a 1st or second character. And you can level quickly. I've been playing for about a year and have 2 characters at 6 (would be 7 but I had a death) a 4, 3, 2 and 1. You will catch on quickly. Just work on building the group and see if there are any conventions in your area. They are a great way to pick up mods to play and then your DM doesn't lose the ability to play the mod. You can pick up 7 mods in a weekend from a good Fri-Sun convention. As well, if you ever have any questions, the people on this board are very friendly. They have made me feel right at home. They have helped me with character builds, questions on AR's and such. Just drop a line and someone will help you with the question. Welcome to the community.
Paul H 08-30-06, 06:52 PM	Hi Welcome to the boards. One thing I think we missed was that Adventure Records (AR's ) are downloaded with the adventures.These are signed by the GM with your RPGA numbers, and are kept by players. There is alo some other paperwork for magical items as well. You can keep a record of your character online on various forums, though some don't have a full list of adventures available. Don't worry about the Herald Test - you get to retry it if you fail. There's 20 questions from the PHB, DMG & Monster Manual - but you can use the books for the test. (No time limit). Only bummer is if you fail question 20 and start all over again with new set questions - happened to me! See if you can find any other clubs in your area who might be able to help, Conventions are fun too. :) Cheers Paul H
Cynric 08-30-06, 07:48 PM	As someone who has ost their characters, make sure you keep those backups safe. It really sucks when you lose 2 years worth of playing records and related favours from AR's.
UMiskatonic 09-20-06, 06:07 PM	There isn't much of an audit function, but a DM is within his rights to tell you that without your paperwork, you don't have any Xp/gold. This usually isn't asked for unless you are making some pretty broad claims. If it's a level two table, people will trust that you own a masterwork weapon. If you pull out a staff of power, you'll be asked for paperwork. If you spend 2 dollars on a 3-ring binder, your problems are pretty much solved.