Dungeons and Dragons, what to get? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Dungeons and Dragons, what to get? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
filmn
04-26-06, 07:39 AM Hi, I was wondering what I should buy to start playing Dungeons and Dragons, I have never played before and only know a small amount of the rules, I believe you have to buy the players guide, dungeon masters guide and the monsters guide, I also will need a board :D but dont know which one to get, I persume I should get a small one to start off with.

While im hear, does anyone live in Penrith, Cumbria? if so email me at williamtildesley@hotmail.com, maybe we could meet up.

Thanks,

william.
geekling
04-26-06, 07:48 AM As a player, you don't really need the DMG or MM or anything else really. Just the PHB and a set of dice.

It's only if you're planning to DM you need them.

A board? Totally optional - the DMG comes with a board of sorts, a fold out dungeon insert to use as a visual representation, if you wish. But really - you don't *need* one and an paper with a few penciled lines to help describe the layout could be used.
Smigg_the_Miserable
04-26-06, 10:13 AM I agree with geekling. While the rules may apear require a board and minis, It works just as well (if not better) without. I have tried both methods, and found that boards and minis to be restrictive, cumbersome and messy.

On the subject of what to buy, all you really need is the core rulebooks (I believe that amazon sells these as a set for a fairly all right price). If you're DMing then a campaign setting (like Forgotten Realms or Eberron) may be useful. Once you've got into it a little more then books like Unearthed Arcana and the Expanded Psionics Handbook can also be useful. Of course if you're just starting out then you could try getting the D&D Basic Game. This boxed set contains the basic rules, some adventures, some minis and a board. I started off playing the previous version of this before getting the core rulebooks.

I hope this helps.
Morka
04-26-06, 12:04 PM As a player, you even don't need to buy the Player Handbook. You just have to download the System Reference Document. You will miss a few charts and some details though.
Kakerate
04-26-06, 01:52 PM Hi, I was wondering what I should buy to start playing Dungeons and Dragons, I have never played before and only know a small amount of the rules, I believe you have to buy the players guide, dungeon masters guide and the monsters guide, I also will need a board :D but dont know which one to get, I persume I should get a small one to start off with.

While im hear, does anyone live in Penrith, Cumbria? if so email me at williamtildesley@hotmail.com, maybe we could meet up.

Thanks,

william.

Buy Orc minitures! Lots and Lots of them!

...What about orcs...the orc double axe

Orcy orc orc.. he gonna choppa choppa you.
Orcy orc orc.. chop you in two
Orcy orc orc.. Then when he is through
Orcy orc orc.. get busy wit' you
Orcy orc orc.. this is orc style Haiku!

Just gotta love orcs! :D
Gavinfoxx
04-26-06, 01:58 PM Here's what I would suggest, if you have enough money:

Players Handbook
Monster Manual
Dungeon Master's Guide
Expanded Psionics Handbook
Spell Compendium
infideli
04-26-06, 02:00 PM You can't fairly adjudecate combat without a hex mat or grid square to keep track of distances, position and areas of effect. You can't easily have 5 people using a little sheet of graph paper to define where they are.

I have played both ways and without tokens to represent your characters then you are just doing a storytelling session and the numbers on the sheet don't really matter... tactics don't matter, being in a room or a narrow hallway won't really matter.

G
Whitewolfe
04-26-06, 02:29 PM Hi, I was wondering what I should buy to start playing Dungeons and Dragons, I have never played before and only know a small amount of the rules, I believe you have to buy the players guide, dungeon masters guide and the monsters guide, I also will need a board :D but dont know which one to get, I persume I should get a small one to start off with.

While im hear, does anyone live in Penrith, Cumbria? if so email me at williamtildesley@hotmail.com, maybe we could meet up.

Thanks,

william.

Get a PHB and two sets of dice (you will be glad you have two) ;)
hmmmm
04-26-06, 02:53 PM You don't really need a board if you want to play, although it does help for beginners it is totally optional. Any way depending on what you are (DM or player) you will only need PHB (Players Hand Book) if you are only a player otherwise you will need that plus the DMG (Dungeon Masters Guide) and the MM (Monster Manual). There are also alot of expantion books out there but I adivse that you not buy them until you are comfortable with the core rules (DM, MM, PHB). You will also need a set of dice or two (Buying two is always a good idea) and paper. I think that is about all you will need to get started.

I hope this was helpful.
infideli
04-26-06, 03:13 PM Get a PHB and two sets of dice (you will be glad you have two) ;)
And once you have two sets of dice, you'll be cursing yourself for rolling one die and not the other!

[I knew I should have used the black and red death dice and not the cool crystal blue!]

G
hmmmm
04-26-06, 03:20 PM And once you have two sets of dice, you'll be cursing yourself for rolling one die and not the other!

[I knew I should have used the black and red death dice and not the cool crystal blue!]

G

Lol. :)
HermitIX
04-26-06, 03:46 PM I DMed for years with out a mat. I have one now and it is nice to have, but don’t think its required. You can use ripped up bits of paper with the player’s names on them, and then just estimate distance.

As for books, a DM needs a players handbook, a monster manual and a dungeon masters guide. The players need at minimum 1PHB per 2 players. But if every one has there own it makes the world a better place.

Dice! I lufs me some Dice!

You only need one set, but its always best for the DM to have his own set.

I have many sets of dice. I have a player who has “fire ball dice” die that are only used to deal fire damage to things. Another friend of mine has a set of dice for each character she has. Long time players can go a little weird for dice. I myself dream of one day ordering “Pound of Dice” from this web site I know of that sells dice. My boy friend has dice made out of bone. he likes them.

Pound of Dice….hmmmmmmm…..
Lincoln Hills
04-26-06, 06:52 PM A player will need: A Player's Handbook, dice (you can struggle on with just one set, if you must know: I think the most dice you will ever honestly have use for are five each of d4s, d6s, and d8s: three each of d10s and d12s: and two d20s) - a good pencil (probably mechanical), a "can I borrow a pencil" pencil (probably not mechanical), a good eraser, a fair supply of ordinary lined paper, a few sheets of graph paper, a straightedge, something to drink (I don't recommend alcohol - but opinions are divided on that!), a small folder for each PC you intend to run, and a bookbag/backpack/whatever to hold all this junk. Golf is probably the only hobby that involves more luggage than ours.

A DM will require in addition: A Dungeon Master's Guide, a Monster Manual,, a campaign reference book (if using a campaign setting such as Forgotten Realms) or a big folder full of half-scribbled, half-typed notes (if using a home-brewed world), a wet-erase grid map (I recommend hex maps although they involve a tiny bit of conversion from the official "square grid" rules) ideally at least 3 feet on a side, two water-erasable markers in different colors, a roll of paper towels (for erasing same), a pencil sharpener (for the one guy who didn't bring an automatic pencil), a blank sheet with Official House Rules written at the top (trust me, you'll fill it up soon enough!), an empty garbage can (see previous note), two or three other blank sheets to keep track of campaign notes and PC stats, a notepad or tiny erasable board complete with pen (to note initiatives, hp totals and other per-combat information), small easily-distinguished markers to indicate where characters are on the board, and a good solid chair. Most DMs also prefer to have an idea of what, exactly, tonight's adventure will involve.

P.S. I don't even know where 'Cumbria' is. Isn't that a hoot?!
filmn
04-27-06, 10:21 AM Thanks for all your posts, its... how do you say, 'been revealing'

:P

Thanks for all your help. It sounds like i'll be getting out the plastic sooner or later.

Oh and Cumbria, well its a backwards little county, full of farmers ;)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
filmn 04-26-06, 07:39 AM	Hi, I was wondering what I should buy to start playing Dungeons and Dragons, I have never played before and only know a small amount of the rules, I believe you have to buy the players guide, dungeon masters guide and the monsters guide, I also will need a board :D but dont know which one to get, I persume I should get a small one to start off with. While im hear, does anyone live in Penrith, Cumbria? if so email me at williamtildesley@hotmail.com, maybe we could meet up. Thanks, william.
geekling 04-26-06, 07:48 AM	As a player, you don't really need the DMG or MM or anything else really. Just the PHB and a set of dice. It's only if you're planning to DM you need them. A board? Totally optional - the DMG comes with a board of sorts, a fold out dungeon insert to use as a visual representation, if you wish. But really - you don't need one and an paper with a few penciled lines to help describe the layout could be used.
Smigg_the_Miserable 04-26-06, 10:13 AM	I agree with geekling. While the rules may apear require a board and minis, It works just as well (if not better) without. I have tried both methods, and found that boards and minis to be restrictive, cumbersome and messy. On the subject of what to buy, all you really need is the core rulebooks (I believe that amazon sells these as a set for a fairly all right price). If you're DMing then a campaign setting (like Forgotten Realms or Eberron) may be useful. Once you've got into it a little more then books like Unearthed Arcana and the Expanded Psionics Handbook can also be useful. Of course if you're just starting out then you could try getting the D&D Basic Game. This boxed set contains the basic rules, some adventures, some minis and a board. I started off playing the previous version of this before getting the core rulebooks. I hope this helps.
Morka 04-26-06, 12:04 PM	As a player, you even don't need to buy the Player Handbook. You just have to download the System Reference Document. You will miss a few charts and some details though.
Kakerate 04-26-06, 01:52 PM	Hi, I was wondering what I should buy to start playing Dungeons and Dragons, I have never played before and only know a small amount of the rules, I believe you have to buy the players guide, dungeon masters guide and the monsters guide, I also will need a board :D but dont know which one to get, I persume I should get a small one to start off with. While im hear, does anyone live in Penrith, Cumbria? if so email me at williamtildesley@hotmail.com, maybe we could meet up. Thanks, william. Buy Orc minitures! Lots and Lots of them! ...What about orcs...the orc double axe Orcy orc orc.. he gonna choppa choppa you. Orcy orc orc.. chop you in two Orcy orc orc.. Then when he is through Orcy orc orc.. get busy wit' you Orcy orc orc.. this is orc style Haiku! Just gotta love orcs! :D
Gavinfoxx 04-26-06, 01:58 PM	Here's what I would suggest, if you have enough money: Players Handbook Monster Manual Dungeon Master's Guide Expanded Psionics Handbook Spell Compendium
infideli 04-26-06, 02:00 PM	You can't fairly adjudecate combat without a hex mat or grid square to keep track of distances, position and areas of effect. You can't easily have 5 people using a little sheet of graph paper to define where they are. I have played both ways and without tokens to represent your characters then you are just doing a storytelling session and the numbers on the sheet don't really matter... tactics don't matter, being in a room or a narrow hallway won't really matter. G
Whitewolfe 04-26-06, 02:29 PM	Hi, I was wondering what I should buy to start playing Dungeons and Dragons, I have never played before and only know a small amount of the rules, I believe you have to buy the players guide, dungeon masters guide and the monsters guide, I also will need a board :D but dont know which one to get, I persume I should get a small one to start off with. While im hear, does anyone live in Penrith, Cumbria? if so email me at williamtildesley@hotmail.com, maybe we could meet up. Thanks, william. Get a PHB and two sets of dice (you will be glad you have two) ;)
hmmmm 04-26-06, 02:53 PM	You don't really need a board if you want to play, although it does help for beginners it is totally optional. Any way depending on what you are (DM or player) you will only need PHB (Players Hand Book) if you are only a player otherwise you will need that plus the DMG (Dungeon Masters Guide) and the MM (Monster Manual). There are also alot of expantion books out there but I adivse that you not buy them until you are comfortable with the core rules (DM, MM, PHB). You will also need a set of dice or two (Buying two is always a good idea) and paper. I think that is about all you will need to get started. I hope this was helpful.
infideli 04-26-06, 03:13 PM	Get a PHB and two sets of dice (you will be glad you have two) ;) And once you have two sets of dice, you'll be cursing yourself for rolling one die and not the other! [I knew I should have used the black and red death dice and not the cool crystal blue!] G
hmmmm 04-26-06, 03:20 PM	And once you have two sets of dice, you'll be cursing yourself for rolling one die and not the other! [I knew I should have used the black and red death dice and not the cool crystal blue!] G Lol. :)
HermitIX 04-26-06, 03:46 PM	I DMed for years with out a mat. I have one now and it is nice to have, but don’t think its required. You can use ripped up bits of paper with the player’s names on them, and then just estimate distance. As for books, a DM needs a players handbook, a monster manual and a dungeon masters guide. The players need at minimum 1PHB per 2 players. But if every one has there own it makes the world a better place. Dice! I lufs me some Dice! You only need one set, but its always best for the DM to have his own set. I have many sets of dice. I have a player who has “fire ball dice” die that are only used to deal fire damage to things. Another friend of mine has a set of dice for each character she has. Long time players can go a little weird for dice. I myself dream of one day ordering “Pound of Dice” from this web site I know of that sells dice. My boy friend has dice made out of bone. he likes them. Pound of Dice….hmmmmmmm…..
Lincoln Hills 04-26-06, 06:52 PM	A player will need: A Player's Handbook, dice (you can struggle on with just one set, if you must know: I think the most dice you will ever honestly have use for are five each of d4s, d6s, and d8s: three each of d10s and d12s: and two d20s) - a good pencil (probably mechanical), a "can I borrow a pencil" pencil (probably not mechanical), a good eraser, a fair supply of ordinary lined paper, a few sheets of graph paper, a straightedge, something to drink (I don't recommend alcohol - but opinions are divided on that!), a small folder for each PC you intend to run, and a bookbag/backpack/whatever to hold all this junk. Golf is probably the only hobby that involves more luggage than ours. A DM will require in addition: A Dungeon Master's Guide, a Monster Manual,, a campaign reference book (if using a campaign setting such as Forgotten Realms) or a big folder full of half-scribbled, half-typed notes (if using a home-brewed world), a wet-erase grid map (I recommend hex maps although they involve a tiny bit of conversion from the official "square grid" rules) ideally at least 3 feet on a side, two water-erasable markers in different colors, a roll of paper towels (for erasing same), a pencil sharpener (for the one guy who didn't bring an automatic pencil), a blank sheet with Official House Rules written at the top (trust me, you'll fill it up soon enough!), an empty garbage can (see previous note), two or three other blank sheets to keep track of campaign notes and PC stats, a notepad or tiny erasable board complete with pen (to note initiatives, hp totals and other per-combat information), small easily-distinguished markers to indicate where characters are on the board, and a good solid chair. Most DMs also prefer to have an idea of what, exactly, tonight's adventure will involve. P.S. I don't even know where 'Cumbria' is. Isn't that a hoot?!
filmn 04-27-06, 10:21 AM	Thanks for all your posts, its... how do you say, 'been revealing' :P Thanks for all your help. It sounds like i'll be getting out the plastic sooner or later. Oh and Cumbria, well its a backwards little county, full of farmers ;)