I just moved and I’m thinking about doing AL at the local TTRPG store but I’m nervous because I’ve only ever played with my friends. Can someone explain what AL is in depth. I also am wondering if people who have done it enjoyed it(I know people’s experiences will vary but I want to know what to expect). Also what is some etiquette of AL, I like to play a little on the wild side and do crazy stuff sometimes and I’m not great at role playing(I started playing mid 2019 and took a break when quarantine started and then did it over zoom until around last summer and then continued on zoom in the winter). My group doesn’t rp as much so I don’t have too much experience in that aspect. I also have a very hard time paying attention at sessions(adhd)and I’m worried that will get people mad at me. Are any of these fears valid?
What AL is in depth: D&D with a few extra rules on progression so players can move characters between groups or even campaigns easily. You can find the players guide on WotC's website.
As far as etiquette is concerned just be polite. Don't talk over others, etc.
yes - I'd say your 'crazy stuff' (whatever that is) is definitely a concern. My experience with AL is that they've all been in public venues with multiple tables...most venues are family friendly and while screaming and yelling might not bother anyone at your table - it will upset the guy right behind you trying to play a separate game at a separate table. A venue that allows one player to spout off streams of profanity will get complaints and lose players. Ambient noise at those venues can be a problem - 6 tables full of talking people and a fan in the corner leaves no room for someone screaming on top of all of that. Its not a private setting in a private house (at least none that i've been too - and if it were, AL rules wouldn't really be needed). I'd recommend acting accordingly.
I don’t scream or any of that but I do use profanity a bit and crack a lot of jokes but I mean more like crazy stuff in game like I’ve accidentally established communism twice and that kinda thing, and by wild I mean doing more unexpected things, but I was wondering if doing crazy stuff in game is acceptable if it isn’t detrimental to the game overall and doesn’t prevent people from having fun.
I don’t scream or any of that but I do use profanity a bit and crack a lot of jokes but I mean more like crazy stuff in game like I’ve accidentally established communism twice and that kinda thing, and by wild I mean doing more unexpected things, but I was wondering if doing crazy stuff in game is acceptable if it isn’t detrimental to the game overall and doesn’t prevent people from having fun.
ah...i'd skip the profanity - especially if there's kids in the room (should be a no-brainer but unfortunately its not for some people).
as far as establishing communism (and other side-tracks of that level) - keep in mind AL modules are mostly one-shot in nature, primarily designed for one sit-down session spanning 2-4 hours (even ones that can span several modules). People come and go...those at your table this week may not be at your table next week...and your DM might not even be the same. The AL rules are designed for that whole dynamic. The DM has that one session to complete the adventure and award gold and magic items. There isn't much room to go off on a tangent because the adventure is on a clock. In most cases, there isn't real continuity in story week to week other than most of the CCC AL adventures take place in the same region (unless you're lucky enough to find a table running a hardcover book).
Unless you're at a table with the same people week after week for a long period (again, in which case AL rules aren't needed and now you're talking regular ol D&D), I don't see you having time to change the local government.
edit: having said that though, at least in my experience...AL is a great way to meet new players and what starts as an AL table of strangers can easily become a table of regulars (that see the AL rules go out the window one at at time - leaving a table full of people using the rules they want - playing modules over as many sessions as they want). IMO, that's the real benefit of trying AL....so maybe 6 months down the road you can start organizing soviets.
Yeah, reign in the profanity and any innuendo etc.
As for crazy in game: the general premise of organized play is that your character has agreed to be there and/or do a mission. You can more or less take any path to your goal that you want, but if you derail the adventure, you will fail the mission and get fewer rewards, so that should be avoided. The DM will also try to keep things on track.
I see, thanks! So no profanity and try to follow the adventure. I do have a few more questions like even if role playing isn’t required will people get annoyed if I don’t or do a miserable job at it? Also when making a character does it have to be level one or can I make it a higher level or are the characters made for the player by the dm? Lastly what kind of people will there be(again I know people’s experiences vary)like are rules lawyers really as bad as people say and how common are they and are there a lot of dbags who play and do people make fun of you for fun or to make you feel bad? Also what ages usually play with each other?
I see, thanks! So no profanity and try to follow the adventure. I do have a few more questions like even if role playing isn’t required will people get annoyed if I don’t or do a miserable job at it? Also when making a character does it have to be level one or can I make it a higher level or are the characters made for the player by the dm? Lastly what kind of people will there be(again I know people’s experiences vary)like are rules lawyers really as bad as people say and how common are they and are there a lot of dbags who play and do people make fun of you for fun or to make you feel bad? Also what ages usually play with each other?
Most people are cool. You should play how you like.
Each character does have to start at level 1 and work your way up. On the rare occasion when there are premade characters of higher level, you don't get to keep those characters for other adventures.
There will be all kinds of players, most are cool. Being problematic can get you banned (cheating, being argumentative, insulting, etc). Talk to DMs and organizers if you spot such behaviour.
It is mostly adults of all ages, but there are a few kids/teens.
Like dx said but also it just depends on the venue too….if all the tier 1 tables are full and there’s an open chair at a tier 2 table, they’re not going to tell you to go away/boom, you now have a level 5 character.
store I go to WAS 3/4 adults- but it’s summer. The population shifts in the summer/ at least on my limited experience.
Language acceptable level with depend on the group and game store. We are asked at the store to keep it PG or PG13. Roleplay varies with group you fall it. It can be some thing crazy as lone wolf trying to talk to active combatants, to crazy stuff which may work. Don't be a table hog.
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I just moved and I’m thinking about doing AL at the local TTRPG store but I’m nervous because I’ve only ever played with my friends. Can someone explain what AL is in depth. I also am wondering if people who have done it enjoyed it(I know people’s experiences will vary but I want to know what to expect). Also what is some etiquette of AL, I like to play a little on the wild side and do crazy stuff sometimes and I’m not great at role playing(I started playing mid 2019 and took a break when quarantine started and then did it over zoom until around last summer and then continued on zoom in the winter). My group doesn’t rp as much so I don’t have too much experience in that aspect. I also have a very hard time paying attention at sessions(adhd)and I’m worried that will get people mad at me. Are any of these fears valid?
insert original witty signature here:
What AL is in depth: D&D with a few extra rules on progression so players can move characters between groups or even campaigns easily. You can find the players guide on WotC's website.
As far as etiquette is concerned just be polite. Don't talk over others, etc.
RP is not required.
yes - I'd say your 'crazy stuff' (whatever that is) is definitely a concern. My experience with AL is that they've all been in public venues with multiple tables...most venues are family friendly and while screaming and yelling might not bother anyone at your table - it will upset the guy right behind you trying to play a separate game at a separate table. A venue that allows one player to spout off streams of profanity will get complaints and lose players. Ambient noise at those venues can be a problem - 6 tables full of talking people and a fan in the corner leaves no room for someone screaming on top of all of that. Its not a private setting in a private house (at least none that i've been too - and if it were, AL rules wouldn't really be needed). I'd recommend acting accordingly.
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
A rather comprehensive list of free WotC D&D resources
Deck of Decks
I don’t scream or any of that but I do use profanity a bit and crack a lot of jokes but I mean more like crazy stuff in game like I’ve accidentally established communism twice and that kinda thing, and by wild I mean doing more unexpected things, but I was wondering if doing crazy stuff in game is acceptable if it isn’t detrimental to the game overall and doesn’t prevent people from having fun.
insert original witty signature here:
ah...i'd skip the profanity - especially if there's kids in the room (should be a no-brainer but unfortunately its not for some people).
as far as establishing communism (and other side-tracks of that level) - keep in mind AL modules are mostly one-shot in nature, primarily designed for one sit-down session spanning 2-4 hours (even ones that can span several modules). People come and go...those at your table this week may not be at your table next week...and your DM might not even be the same. The AL rules are designed for that whole dynamic. The DM has that one session to complete the adventure and award gold and magic items. There isn't much room to go off on a tangent because the adventure is on a clock. In most cases, there isn't real continuity in story week to week other than most of the CCC AL adventures take place in the same region (unless you're lucky enough to find a table running a hardcover book).
Unless you're at a table with the same people week after week for a long period (again, in which case AL rules aren't needed and now you're talking regular ol D&D), I don't see you having time to change the local government.
edit: having said that though, at least in my experience...AL is a great way to meet new players and what starts as an AL table of strangers can easily become a table of regulars (that see the AL rules go out the window one at at time - leaving a table full of people using the rules they want - playing modules over as many sessions as they want). IMO, that's the real benefit of trying AL....so maybe 6 months down the road you can start organizing soviets.
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
A rather comprehensive list of free WotC D&D resources
Deck of Decks
Yeah, reign in the profanity and any innuendo etc.
As for crazy in game: the general premise of organized play is that your character has agreed to be there and/or do a mission. You can more or less take any path to your goal that you want, but if you derail the adventure, you will fail the mission and get fewer rewards, so that should be avoided. The DM will also try to keep things on track.
I see, thanks! So no profanity and try to follow the adventure. I do have a few more questions like even if role playing isn’t required will people get annoyed if I don’t or do a miserable job at it? Also when making a character does it have to be level one or can I make it a higher level or are the characters made for the player by the dm? Lastly what kind of people will there be(again I know people’s experiences vary)like are rules lawyers really as bad as people say and how common are they and are there a lot of dbags who play and do people make fun of you for fun or to make you feel bad? Also what ages usually play with each other?
insert original witty signature here:
Most people are cool. You should play how you like.
Each character does have to start at level 1 and work your way up. On the rare occasion when there are premade characters of higher level, you don't get to keep those characters for other adventures.
There will be all kinds of players, most are cool. Being problematic can get you banned (cheating, being argumentative, insulting, etc). Talk to DMs and organizers if you spot such behaviour.
It is mostly adults of all ages, but there are a few kids/teens.
Like dx said but also it just depends on the venue too….if all the tier 1 tables are full and there’s an open chair at a tier 2 table, they’re not going to tell you to go away/boom, you now have a level 5 character.
store I go to WAS 3/4 adults- but it’s summer. The population shifts in the summer/ at least on my limited experience.
Guide to the Five Factions (PWYW)
A rather comprehensive list of free WotC D&D resources
Deck of Decks
Language acceptable level with depend on the group and game store. We are asked at the store to keep it PG or PG13. Roleplay varies with group you fall it. It can be some thing crazy as lone wolf trying to talk to active combatants, to crazy stuff which may work. Don't be a table hog.
No Gaming is Better than Bad Gaming.