Post/Author/DateTime	Post
portia 07-23-04, 08:19 PM	I've been playing D&D for maybe three months, maybe twice a month. I've only just begun understanding some of the lesser-used rules of the game... My question: My greatest fear (well, kinda... it IS just a game after all) is of annoying my fellow players or DM, all of whom have been playing much longer than I have. So I'm asking for advice: How do I not make a nuisance of myself? And what pitfalls do new players generally have to worry about avoiding? Thanks...
TheSilentF 07-23-04, 08:32 PM	lol, do w/e you want. Unless you really bad, i know i wouldnt like to play with someone who isnt being themselves. I was playing in a group of much more experience people with three of my friends. They all tried to be good and impress them and i was just myslef. I firgured out a puzzle that the party had been stuck on for a number of days. So just be yourself.... unless your REALLY bad... and DONT argue with the DM, if another player tries to teach you something, let him.
Cymraegmorgan 07-23-04, 10:36 PM	In my time playing DnD, I have never been annoyed by a player courteous enough to care about others feelings. You are off to the best start, and do not be afraid to ask if you are confused by rules. Half of the fun for experienced DMs is to guide new players to understand things better so everyone has a good time. Pitfalls to avoid: Even the most experienced players create characters that die. Don't get put off by a little death, you will learn. Play well with others. Nothing ruins the fun for others more than a character that quibbles with the rest of the party for no other reason than to be the center of attention.
Burky 07-23-04, 10:46 PM	number one rule: DO NOT ARGUE WITH THE DM!!! i can not stress this enough. what he says is what goes, and you just have to accept that. also, dont argue with your fellow comrades. the more you argue, the less that gets done, and the less fun you have. DnD is a game and only a game. so if something happens that annoys you, just try to brush it off and continue. Suggest your ideas to the group. if you have something that you think might help them with a problem, speak up. Usually they will listen to your ideas. But if they dont agree with you, dont let it get to you. Because if the experienced players dont agree with the idea, its probably in the best interest of the party. Always remember that it is a game that is meant to provide enjoyment. Dont let it stand between you and your real life. The day that you blow off a date with your girlfriend to play DnD, is the day that you need some SERIOUS therapy.
Zolgar 07-24-04, 12:35 AM	Read your players handbook.. Done? Read it again.. Done? Read it yet again.. Done? Pick up a DMG and read that.. done? (some will disagree, you can just read the information about verious status effects if you want to avoid too much metagame knowledge) Read that again... done? Read it yet again. Done? Go back to your players handbook and read it again....... you get the idea. There are always little things you'll miss, get to know the rules well, including all the rules pertaining to what your character does mainly. You you're a rogue, pick pocket, use magic device, search, disable device, open lock, etc. As well as read the rules on sneak attacking, flanking, and when an opponent is denied their dex mod. Pick up other books, like Complete Warrior, Sword and Fst, etc, and read those. (but remember, all those books are optional sourcebooks) The more you read the books, the more you know the rules. But at the same time, don't pop up with every rules questions answer. Makes you seem like a rules lawyer. However, untill you take the step and start DMing stay away from monster books, yes the pictures are nice, but, nothing is worse than someone who knows everything about every monster :) Oh, and like many have stated, never argue with the DM: Books says "X" DM says "Y" It's Y, even if you think the DM is a complete idiot for shirking basic game rules ;)
Elrana 07-24-04, 10:03 AM	Role-play your character well, the way you want him to be and make him vaguely consistent (unless he's CN :D !). Make it possible for the other group members to come to understand how he might feel/react in certain situations so that the group dynamic can work. The only way you can do that is by making sure that you know him well. Once you have read the PHB a few times sit down and read your character sheet, class abilities, feats and skills and cross reference to the PHB until you know them all off pat. Secondly, in combat think about what your character is going to do between your turns, not on your turn! There is nothing more annoying then the DM saying, 'Right Fred, your turn' and you say, 'okay, what do I want I do then, let's have a look... Hang on a sec guys, just seeing what spells I've got... I'm sure I had some scrolls left somewhere.... Has anyone tried fire against this thing yet? Oh, well in that case... What else can I do... Hmm... Turn Undead? What does that mean? What are these things? Skeletons... Hmm, what's this Turn Unded thing I can do? Is that useful here do you think?...' Meanwhile it has taken ten minutes to get round to your turn during which time you were sat reading the Book of Exalted Deeds that someone has just bought considering what feat to take when you next level! That advice goes for all players in fairness, not just newbies. It would be just as annoying if it was Gary Gygax's best friend who playtested the original format with him who was doing that! :)