Yet another Noob post - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Yet another Noob post

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
anjasqurl
Jul 25, 2012 21:48:18 I know that there are several "I'm new" threads on the board already but I wanted to get fresh input on my situation.

I have had passing encounters with D&D for a while now and have been increasingly interested in getting into the game. I've had some friends help me roll up a few characters just for the practice and I've skimmed a few books. I've also been following Penny Arcade and PvP Online for quite a while (and they are more responsible for my greater interest than much else). I've spent the last week or so listening to the PA podcasts following the PA guys playing a game.

I unfortunatly live in a more rural area and there arn't a lot of people around to start a game. What I'm looking to do is find a few books to read or sites/blogs that I can learn more about the game make myself a little more prepared for the time I actually get to the table to play.

Here are my questions.
Should I invest in the 4e books? I know there are any number of variables (Such as what edition the game I end up in use for one)
What books might I want to invest in and what would be the best place to find them?
How much can I even learn just reading the information in a book?
#2
LordManshoon
Jul 25, 2012 22:40:23

Should I invest in the 4e books? I know there are any number of variables (Such as what edition the game I end up in use for one)

If you don't know what edition you will end up playing when you finally find a group, then I can't say it's worth your time to buy the 4E books when they might honestly not even be used. If you are interested in 4E, however, I suggest you glance over the quick-start rules available on this website. They don't have all the bells and whistles, obviously, but it's a free way to familiarize yourself with 4E.

www.wizards.com/dnd/files/quickstartrule...

What books might I want to invest in and what would be the best place to find them?

If you do want to purchase the books, the Dungeon Master's Guide, Player's Handbook, and Monster Manual are the top three; I know you expect to be a player, but in the event you wind up as a DM somehow, the DMG and MM will serve you well. Those three have everything you need to run a game, and the PHB has a nice variety of classes to play. The additional two Player's Handbooks offer even more classes, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it to suggest buying them (yet).

You could also invest in DDI, the online compilation of all printed and digital material. The Character Builder and Compendium are very useful. However, with the announcement of 5E, some people are worried that the online tools for 4E might not live to see the future, at least somewhere down the line.

How much can I even learn just reading the information in a book?

A whole lot, but like many things, what you read in the book will be much more useful with actual experience under your belt. Still, the books are full of useful knowledge and interesting fluff.

Oh, one other thing: If you are really eager to get involved in a game and you don't want to wait until you can sit at a physical table with other people, then you could look into play-by-post and online games. On this website, there are two primary groups for pbp - Real Adventures and Play-by-Post Haven. You lose having your fellow players by your side, but it's more convenient than working around a schedule. Alternatively, certain sites offer games via virtual table programs/Skype. You could look into one of them. Again, I'm not sure either of these will be your thing, but just thought I'd throw those options out there.

#3
mellored
Jul 26, 2012 11:32:08 Also consider trying to play online.

Not quite as fun as in person, but alot easier to fine people.
#4
CURBSTOMP
Jul 29, 2012 14:16:09 Also, depending on WHICH rural area there might be a game two farms over for all you know. Might want to check on player matching forums and on some of the gamer link-up sites. Or just leave a note at the nearest game store to you.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 anjasqurl Jul 25, 2012 21:48:18	I know that there are several "I'm new" threads on the board already but I wanted to get fresh input on my situation. I have had passing encounters with D&D for a while now and have been increasingly interested in getting into the game. I've had some friends help me roll up a few characters just for the practice and I've skimmed a few books. I've also been following Penny Arcade and PvP Online for quite a while (and they are more responsible for my greater interest than much else). I've spent the last week or so listening to the PA podcasts following the PA guys playing a game. I unfortunatly live in a more rural area and there arn't a lot of people around to start a game. What I'm looking to do is find a few books to read or sites/blogs that I can learn more about the game make myself a little more prepared for the time I actually get to the table to play. Here are my questions. Should I invest in the 4e books? I know there are any number of variables (Such as what edition the game I end up in use for one) What books might I want to invest in and what would be the best place to find them? How much can I even learn just reading the information in a book?
#2 LordManshoon Jul 25, 2012 22:40:23	Should I invest in the 4e books? I know there are any number of variables (Such as what edition the game I end up in use for one) If you don't know what edition you will end up playing when you finally find a group, then I can't say it's worth your time to buy the 4E books when they might honestly not even be used. If you are interested in 4E, however, I suggest you glance over the quick-start rules available on this website. They don't have all the bells and whistles, obviously, but it's a free way to familiarize yourself with 4E. www.wizards.com/dnd/files/quickstartrule... What books might I want to invest in and what would be the best place to find them? If you do want to purchase the books, the Dungeon Master's Guide, Player's Handbook, and Monster Manual are the top three; I know you expect to be a player, but in the event you wind up as a DM somehow, the DMG and MM will serve you well. Those three have everything you need to run a game, and the PHB has a nice variety of classes to play. The additional two Player's Handbooks offer even more classes, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it to suggest buying them (yet). You could also invest in DDI, the online compilation of all printed and digital material. The Character Builder and Compendium are very useful. However, with the announcement of 5E, some people are worried that the online tools for 4E might not live to see the future, at least somewhere down the line. How much can I even learn just reading the information in a book? A whole lot, but like many things, what you read in the book will be much more useful with actual experience under your belt. Still, the books are full of useful knowledge and interesting fluff. Oh, one other thing: If you are really eager to get involved in a game and you don't want to wait until you can sit at a physical table with other people, then you could look into play-by-post and online games. On this website, there are two primary groups for pbp - Real Adventures and Play-by-Post Haven. You lose having your fellow players by your side, but it's more convenient than working around a schedule. Alternatively, certain sites offer games via virtual table programs/Skype. You could look into one of them. Again, I'm not sure either of these will be your thing, but just thought I'd throw those options out there.
#3 mellored Jul 26, 2012 11:32:08	Also consider trying to play online. Not quite as fun as in person, but alot easier to fine people.
#4 CURBSTOMP Jul 29, 2012 14:16:09	Also, depending on WHICH rural area there might be a game two farms over for all you know. Might want to check on player matching forums and on some of the gamer link-up sites. Or just leave a note at the nearest game store to you.