So, I've sort of run out of options, and figured this might be a good place to take a stab in the dark.
I've never played d&d before in any capacity but have always been interested. I've lately listened to a number of podcasts and read various things online about playing 4th edition, and my interest has been newly rekindled. Only problem is, here in baltimore, I've found it pretty difficult to find somewhere that people play. I'm sure there are people out there, but I haven't found anything inviting new people, or asking for players. Even the local comic shop turned up nothing! I've piqued the interest of a few of my friends, but mostly as a "sure I'll try it" passing interest, with very little follow through...
Does anyone on this board have any resources? Is there an off chance that someone on this board is in the baltmore/dc area and has some inside knowledge? I'd like to get into the game, but it's proving rather tough, maybe this is some kind of initiation? hah.
What are you looking for exactly when it comes to resources.
First off I would say make sure that you get the errata from the WOTC site that way you know all of the current ruleings and such.
Second, I think if you have any questions here would be the place to ask. Seems like a nice group here.
Third, what podcasts have you been listening to. I highly recommend the D&D Official Podcast (and definetly check out the Acquisition's Inc shows if you aren't already. Funny Stuff! But NSFW!)
I also recommend Radio Free Hommlet. The cast is pure 4E and and really good. Going over the books as they come out and lots of good stuff there and they are funny as well.
Just trying to help
Finding a group can be difficult at times. Worst comes to worst, your welcome to join us in the PbP Haven group.
So, I've sort of run out of options, and figured this might be a good place to take a stab in the dark.
I've never played d&d before in any capacity but have always been interested. I've lately listened to a number of podcasts and read various things online about playing 4th edition, and my interest has been newly rekindled. Only problem is, here in baltimore, I've found it pretty difficult to find somewhere that people play. I'm sure there are people out there, but I haven't found anything inviting new people, or asking for players. Even the local comic shop turned up nothing! I've piqued the interest of a few of my friends, but mostly as a "sure I'll try it" passing interest, with very little follow through...
Does anyone on this board have any resources? Is there an off chance that someone on this board is in the baltmore/dc area and has some inside knowledge? I'd like to get into the game, but it's proving rather tough, maybe this is some kind of initiation? hah.
personally? when i first moved into town... what... 4 years ago? i had no group, no friends. so what did i do?
i brought my books to the local gaming store, sat down at one of the tables in the play area, opened up my notebook and started working on a campaign. i chatted up the owner a little bit as went about doing the inventory (he's always doing the inventory. always. the man retrained his "sit still for a gorram minute" skill). i did this pretty much every weekend and a few nights after work when i was bored.
eventually, i met a few people, got into a few games and we now boast a regular group of 5-6 players, 8 on a great day, with 2 weekly games (one 3rd, one 4th) running, the third ed one having been run by the same core group for almost 2 years now.
give it time, make your presence known and you'll find a group.
personally? when i first moved into town... what... 4 years ago? i had no group, no friends. so what did i do?
i brought my books to the local gaming store, sat down at one of the tables in the play area, opened up my notebook and started working on a campaign. i chatted up the owner a little bit as went about doing the inventory (he's always doing the inventory. always. the man retrained his "sit still for a gorram minute" skill). i did this pretty much every weekend and a few nights after work when i was bored.
eventually, i met a few people, got into a few games and we now boast a regular group of 5-6 players, 8 on a great day, with 2 weekly games (one 3rd, one 4th) running, the third ed one having been run by the same core group for almost 2 years now.
give it time, make your presence known and you'll find a group.
That's the problem, though. I can't find anywhere in the area that has any atmosphere like that. The comic shops are strictly comics, even asked the owner(s) about d&d gaming, but they didn't know anybody that played, although they sold books and dice there. I've done what you've said, and poked around, made it known I was looking, and I'm coming up short... Hence posting on here with the off-chance that someone was in this area with the same problem, or had a group or something. I'll definitely keep looking, I'm not giving up, just trying this as an option.
Finding a group can be difficult at times. Worst comes to worst, your welcome to join us in the PbP Haven group.
Yea, I'm thinking more and more I might have to resort to playing online through forums and such.
What are you looking for exactly when it comes to resources.
First off I would say make sure that you get the errata from the WOTC site that way you know all of the current ruleings and such.
Second, I think if you have any questions here would be the place to ask. Seems like a nice group here.
Third, what podcasts have you been listening to. I highly recommend the D&D Official Podcast (and definetly check out the Acquisition's Inc shows if you aren't already. Funny Stuff! But NSFW!)
I also recommend Radio Free Hommlet. The cast is pure 4E and and really good. Going over the books as they come out and lots of good stuff there and they are funny as well.
Just trying to help
In terms of resources, I'm really just looking for a group at this point. I'm doing my due dilligence and making sure I'm all read up on the subject. I'm buying books and whatnot, just doing what I can with limited knowledge, and trying to educate myself on the game.
In terms of podcasts, yea I've listend to the Acquisitions/Penny Arcade podcast, flipping hilarious. Also some on this site here. Thanks for the recommendation, too, I'll have to check it out.
As I said, I'm not giving up, I'll find something sooner or later, just wondering if anybody had any tips. I'm new to this whole thing and didn't know if there was a way to find a group that I haven't tried yet. Thanks all for your replies!
Well, as someone who moves around on an almost tri-annual basis (I don't like to sit still for too long, always wanting to see what's around the next bend), I've found a few tricks to get started playing and finding a group.
First off, the Internet. I know it sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people overlook the simplicity of it. Start a blog, or a homepage and start talking about D&D and your passing interest in the game. Post ideas, characters, campaigns. Post dates for when you go to local libraries, FLGS, or conventions. Get the word out that you're interested, excited and viable for a game of D&D.
We'll rule out the local FLGS, since you already went to the closest thing, but there are other methods too. Taking out an add in the local paper/web paper is a great way to get your name out there. While not as popular an option, lots of people still read the paper/e-paper, you're likely to find three or four people in your area who'd be interested in playing, have played, or want to try just like you. Sometimes the best way is to get people who've never played (such as yourself), interested in the game. Dropping off ads at the library and local schools is excellent as well, and you'll find a lot of interest in the younger generations, in my experience.
As for resources, as long as you have the Core Three (PHB, DMG, MM), some dice and lots of pencils and erasers, then you don't need anything else. Grid paper, miniatures, everything else is just icing on the cake. It'll help your game go smoother, but not neccessary to enjoy or learn. Try investing in the 4e Starter Kit. A decent mini-session with pre-built characters, several tokens and a mini-DMG.
Good Luck!
Seaniusmaximu,
My fault on misunderstanding you looking for a group. I thought you were looking for beginner info on the game. 
Another option for game finding perhaps would be a flyer at the comic shop. It worked for me and I discovered the DM was a long lost friend of mine. But be warned also that you might get those unsavory gamers that might be a negative to the group.