Post/Author/DateTime	Post
KJF 04-12-04, 10:24 AM	Hey, I'm a new D&D player (and I use that in the loosest way - see below), and I was hoping to get some help and advice from you experts... I live in a very rural area, and so far I've not been able to find a group to play with. I've managed to convince a few friends to give it a try, but they say I have to DM. Given that I've never played before (and neither have they) this is going to be quite hard. I'm determined to do it though, but there are a few things I'm unsure of. I have the three core rule books (Players, DM Guide and Monster Manual, right?) but I'm not entirely sure when I should be getting the characters to role (I'm planning to run The Sunless Citadel pre-written adventure, if it makes a difference). Does anyone have, for example, a transcript of a gaming session that would give me some idea of when I should make the characters roll? Also, does anyone have a sample character sheet for a 1st level player, so I can see if I'm filling ours out correctly? Finally, I'm not making a mistake in getting into RPGs and D&D, am I? My friends (even the ones I've convinced to play) seem to think I'm crazy for getting so excited over trying this out! Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. KJ
Anthor Del Niera 04-12-04, 10:32 AM	First off, welcome! Second, oh, dear. They want you to DM. I was in the same predicament when I started gaming. And my game was absolutely horrible. Had tons of fun though, and stuck with it. That's what counts. Hm. A transcript; don't have anything like that on me. I believe there is something in the DMG that'll help you. Are you playing 3e or 3.5? In my experience, roll as little as possible. Concentrate more on having fun; the rules are there more as guidelines that anything. Try to avoid having PCs play anything too wierd, run a nice, easy game. Sunless Citadel is a good start. There is a sample character sheet in the back of the player's handbook, I believe. There is in mine, anyway. Last point, feel free to come back here with any questions you have. The people are (for the most part) remarkably helpful and polite, and someone will know the answer, no matter how obscure your question is. J
KJF 04-12-04, 10:45 AM	Are you playing 3e or 3.5? v3.5
Larus 04-12-04, 10:59 AM	The toughest part in playing D&D for the first time is roleplaying. It seems to me that most adult persons (except actors, of course) generelly have a hard time "pretending" that they are someone else, and taking imaginary scenarios "serious". They feel uncomfortable in "playing". This is really just too bad, because roleplaying (and acting) is extremely fun, and everybody could use a good reality escape every now and then. Another thing: the rules of D&D is not easy to teach others. My tips to you: learn the rules, ALL the rules, and if you mid game encounter a situation you don't know how to handle: PRETEND YOU KNOW THE RULES. IMPROVISE. The last thing a new player needs is a fumbeling DM. Tell the players what dice to roll when, and let them focus on the game and your description. Do all the paperwork (at least to begin with), and let them PLAY, let them have fun. Let them teach themself that roleplaying is an art, not something childish. An already filled out character sheet is usually in the back of the PLayers HAndbook After that, you can start with all the in- depth rules...
Larus 04-12-04, 11:13 AM	As for when characters are to roll.... *first of all, combat situations. Learn the rules of AC and DC and the three saves, fort, ref and will. You probably know this, but if you have problems, read the PLAYERS HANDBOOK's combat explanation, and Skills explanation. *When a character wishes do do something that requires a check. A "check" is a situation where the player may or may not make it, depending on 1) how good his or her character is at performing such tasks, and 2) how much luck they have with the dices... An example: break a door open. Obviously the fighter is better off than the bard, but they both get to make a strenght check. Another example: seduce the princess. In this situation the bard's soothing music and high charisma is better off than brute force. *When encountering enemies. Spot or listen checks. If they succeed at your given DC, they are aware of the incoming threat, if not, the enemy gets a surprise round. (Most DMs prefere do do this check "behind the screen" - or roll for the players, not telling the players what the outcome of the roll is, ro what kind of roll they are making. *every time the DM feels like it. A con check for hunger, will sace for not passing out due to heat. etc. It's a game, you set the rules and you are the judge. Remember that.
KJF 04-12-04, 01:58 PM	Argh, it would seem to be a moot point now, anyway - my friends backed out on me. They figured it was too "geeky" - I've always been the nerd of the group! I'm still desperate to try D&D though - is it possible to play online (like on message-boards such as this, or by e-mail)? Please help me! KJ
pog 04-12-04, 02:17 PM	I'm sorry to hear that your friends thought it was too geeky - it is an opinion held by a lot of non-gamers though. I'm not really the one to help you with the online side of things - I'm sure you'll get other posts about this. Being that you are a new player I would advise you seek out a group to play with, oh, the joys of socially interactive pastimes..... I know it can be difficult to find a new group, especially if you're a new gamer - but it will be worth it. Ask around stores that sell the books. Hope you find a group.
pog 04-12-04, 02:24 PM	Just noticed you're from the UK. This will ( in my opinion ) make things a little harder ... less of a following in Britain. However, a lot of Universities have game clubs. Depending upon your age ( they probably won't let under 16's play with them ) you might want to check with your local uni - they usually have a website, sort of a xxxxx.ac.uk with links to their student run groups. Apart from that ask at shops that sell D&D books. These are usually independant traders ( not Games Workshop - they haven't sold D&D stuff for years ! ) with a ' gothy ' feel to them - don't be put off if this isn't your thing, it just kind of goes with the territory. Look to see if they have Magic the Gathering cards advertised in the window - usually a good sign. If they hold Magic tournaments they might also do role-playing, or know someone who does. Keep searching.
Sir_Jack_Sparrow 04-12-04, 02:40 PM	http://boards1.wizards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=278 online gaming to your hearts content