Where to begin? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Where to begin?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
setzer9999
Mar 12, 2010 17:49:51 This post really isn't a question of "how do I find a game". Its more a question of if I can't do this for the first time with established friends, should I abandon my plans to start playing all-together, or is starting as a complete newbie with strangers at my age viable? What do you think?

So, I've always liked fantasy books, movies, and video games, and played some Magic before, but for some reason, never played D&D. Recently I got curious, and suddenly wondered why I never sought it out before, because I really like what I've read and very much would like to play.

But I'm in my mid 20s and none of my friends are into it. I tried to get one guy at work that was moderately willing to play, and even my gf... but that's about it for anyone I knew who even remotely showed interest. 2 half-wiling newbie players and 1 newbie DM... We never got past character creation for KotS instead of using the stock characters. But I still really like the idea of playing a lot.
#2
DevoDog
Mar 12, 2010 18:34:21 It IS possible to run/play 4e with 2 players and a DM. I'd suggest, though, that the players each run 2 characters. If you feel that would be too difficult, have one player run a Striker and the other play a Leader (this is considered the best option for 2 PCs). You'll really have to work at scaling back the encounters....check the DMG for suggestions when the party has no Defender and no Controller.

It can take awhile to find a group for any game. I think it was about 6 months before our northside (Chicago) group got assembled (we've been playing for 15 months now).

If you have a gaming shop in your area, make sure you visit that (to try to find a group). If you have a college (even community college) in your area, check if they have a SciFi club.
#3
nikitadarkstar
Mar 12, 2010 18:40:50 I would suggest looking into your local game or bookstores (whichever sells DnD manuals really.. here some gameshops and one bookstore do so meh) and see if they either arrange games or have a noticeboard thingie where people have put up notes about running games or looking for players.

As for your age, I honestly don't think it's an issue, honestly it might even be a good thing since people tend to want more mature players and you're far more likely to see the value in a blanaced character than a teen wanting to play the most awesome thing since sliced bread.

There's also onlien campaigns over IM's or voice chats (skype) with maptools, gametable or similar software to look into if you can't find anything in your area. But it will most likely be abit harder for a newbie since you won't have anyone litterary sitting next to you as you have irl, obviously not impossible, but takes a little more work.

But I really don't think beeing in your mid 20's and not having any people you know who wants to play is a problem at all, just means you'll get to meet new people to, and well most people seem to be quite happy to teach a newbie the game. (Just don't buy any books until you know what version they play.. 4e books will do you no good if they're playing 3.5)
#4
setzer9999
Mar 12, 2010 19:52:40 Wow, thank you for the replies. I half-expected to be flamed to some degree.

Thanks for the tip about not buying the wrong version Nikita! That would have been unfortunate. I'll hold off on the heavy documentation for now. Thanks!

6 months to get a game going? I believe it, DevoDog. I'm not sure why more people don't like this as much as others, I think it has an artificial stigma of being "super nerdy" when I'm not so sure its any nerdier than playing a lot of video games or board games that are out there.

The follow-up question is, if I'm not 100% sure the one interested friend and my gf are going to be long-term players, should I ruin my potential experience as a player of KotS by continuing to try to DM it? I've only read as far as the second encounter to prepare so far.

In the meantime, I suppose I should bite the bullet and seek out strangers to play with at the game store. Most of my friends have been naturally developed, seeking out people intentionally is alien to me but I suppose I must if I want to play.
#5
navar100
Mar 12, 2010 22:25:37 Go to conventions in your local area - gaming conventions and/or science fiction conventions that have gaming. Play in games, not necessarily RPGA. Volunteer to DM to get free admission to the convention and possibly free food. While you're having fun playing in those games you can talk to people and hopefully find a group to join or get a new one set up.

#6
sobchak
Mar 13, 2010 12:17:34 There is a web site called pen and paper games that has a good player and campaign search engine.
Like others, I say give it a try. I'm older than you and returned to D&D after a 20 year hiatus. I was lucky to find a group of like minded peers. If it doesn't work out, you can always walk away.

You just may need to be patient to put a good group together. Besides, start playing, and I bet your friends will at least come by to check out.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 setzer9999 Mar 12, 2010 17:49:51	This post really isn't a question of "how do I find a game". Its more a question of if I can't do this for the first time with established friends, should I abandon my plans to start playing all-together, or is starting as a complete newbie with strangers at my age viable? What do you think? So, I've always liked fantasy books, movies, and video games, and played some Magic before, but for some reason, never played D&D. Recently I got curious, and suddenly wondered why I never sought it out before, because I really like what I've read and very much would like to play. But I'm in my mid 20s and none of my friends are into it. I tried to get one guy at work that was moderately willing to play, and even my gf... but that's about it for anyone I knew who even remotely showed interest. 2 half-wiling newbie players and 1 newbie DM... We never got past character creation for KotS instead of using the stock characters. But I still really like the idea of playing a lot.
#2 DevoDog Mar 12, 2010 18:34:21	It IS possible to run/play 4e with 2 players and a DM. I'd suggest, though, that the players each run 2 characters. If you feel that would be too difficult, have one player run a Striker and the other play a Leader (this is considered the best option for 2 PCs). You'll really have to work at scaling back the encounters....check the DMG for suggestions when the party has no Defender and no Controller. It can take awhile to find a group for any game. I think it was about 6 months before our northside (Chicago) group got assembled (we've been playing for 15 months now). If you have a gaming shop in your area, make sure you visit that (to try to find a group). If you have a college (even community college) in your area, check if they have a SciFi club.
#3 nikitadarkstar Mar 12, 2010 18:40:50	I would suggest looking into your local game or bookstores (whichever sells DnD manuals really.. here some gameshops and one bookstore do so meh) and see if they either arrange games or have a noticeboard thingie where people have put up notes about running games or looking for players. As for your age, I honestly don't think it's an issue, honestly it might even be a good thing since people tend to want more mature players and you're far more likely to see the value in a blanaced character than a teen wanting to play the most awesome thing since sliced bread. There's also onlien campaigns over IM's or voice chats (skype) with maptools, gametable or similar software to look into if you can't find anything in your area. But it will most likely be abit harder for a newbie since you won't have anyone litterary sitting next to you as you have irl, obviously not impossible, but takes a little more work. But I really don't think beeing in your mid 20's and not having any people you know who wants to play is a problem at all, just means you'll get to meet new people to, and well most people seem to be quite happy to teach a newbie the game. (Just don't buy any books until you know what version they play.. 4e books will do you no good if they're playing 3.5)
#4 setzer9999 Mar 12, 2010 19:52:40	Wow, thank you for the replies. I half-expected to be flamed to some degree. Thanks for the tip about not buying the wrong version Nikita! That would have been unfortunate. I'll hold off on the heavy documentation for now. Thanks! 6 months to get a game going? I believe it, DevoDog. I'm not sure why more people don't like this as much as others, I think it has an artificial stigma of being "super nerdy" when I'm not so sure its any nerdier than playing a lot of video games or board games that are out there. The follow-up question is, if I'm not 100% sure the one interested friend and my gf are going to be long-term players, should I ruin my potential experience as a player of KotS by continuing to try to DM it? I've only read as far as the second encounter to prepare so far. In the meantime, I suppose I should bite the bullet and seek out strangers to play with at the game store. Most of my friends have been naturally developed, seeking out people intentionally is alien to me but I suppose I must if I want to play.
#5 navar100 Mar 12, 2010 22:25:37	Go to conventions in your local area - gaming conventions and/or science fiction conventions that have gaming. Play in games, not necessarily RPGA. Volunteer to DM to get free admission to the convention and possibly free food. While you're having fun playing in those games you can talk to people and hopefully find a group to join or get a new one set up.
#6 sobchak Mar 13, 2010 12:17:34	There is a web site called pen and paper games that has a good player and campaign search engine. Like others, I say give it a try. I'm older than you and returned to D&D after a 20 year hiatus. I was lucky to find a group of like minded peers. If it doesn't work out, you can always walk away. You just may need to be patient to put a good group together. Besides, start playing, and I bet your friends will at least come by to check out.