I'm brand new to D&D. I have zero experience, but I want to play. I joined D&D Beyond for the PbP feature--I'm an almost-40 father of 3 neurodiverse kids and I don't have the time to sit down and play a game for an hour or so. I don't want to join a game (party? Is that the proper term?) before having at least a basic understanding of what I should be bringing to the table. I'm trying not to be that guy. If someone could help by answering a few questions, that would be amazing.
1. I don't own any D&D books. I understand the PbP games are 5th edition. Is it absolutely necessary to buy a book? If so, is it something I should sit down and read before playing, or is it used more as a reference?
2. I'm assuming PbP games can go on for a long time, but how long do in-person games usually last?
3. Is there anyone who runs a PbP game for newbies like myself?
4. I don't know what I don't know, so it's difficult to come up with other good questions. Any advice on getting started and how not to be that guy is appreciated.
I'm brand new to D&D. I have zero experience, but I want to play. I joined D&D Beyond for the PbP feature--I'm an almost-40 father of 3 neurodiverse kids and I don't have the time to sit down and play a game for an hour or so. I don't want to join a game (party? Is that the proper term?) before having at least a basic understanding of what I should be bringing to the table. I'm trying not to be that guy. If someone could help by answering a few questions, that would be amazing.
1. I don't own any D&D books. I understand the PbP games are 5th edition. Is it absolutely necessary to buy a book? If so, is it something I should sit down and read before playing, or is it used more as a reference?
2. I'm assuming PbP games can go on for a long time, but how long do in-person games usually last?
3. Is there anyone who runs a PbP game for newbies like myself?
4. I don't know what I don't know, so it's difficult to come up with other good questions. Any advice on getting started and how not to be that guy is appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
You don't absolutely need to buy a book - you can use the basic rules here and learn the rest as you go. However, you'll need to find a group willing to teach you.
Depends on the group you find - if you find a group willing to teach you from scratch, it's less important that you skim the rules before playing. That said, I highly recommend giving the rules at least a skim before asking anyone to let you join.
An in-person game lasts time entirely depending on the group in question, but usually it's measured in hours. That's per session, not per campaign.
I don't know. You should probably ask on the Play-By-Post forum, not the tips and tactics forum.
My best advice for getting started is to find a group willing to teach a total newbie and asking them to teach you.
I understand that time is very precious to you, but if there is a local game shop that runs tables in house, it could be worth it for you to at least sit by and watch a game in person. Ask the DM if that is okay, and then take notes, ask questions when/if appropriate. That will go a long way to providing you with a feel of how things flow and the basic knowledge you will need for character creation and to start a campaign.
If you get into the character creator on this site you can see that you have everything you need to create a playable character. You might not necessarily have all the bells and whistles and you won't get to use all the subclasses and races that have come out over the years, but honestly when you're just starting it's probably better to have a more limited pool of options... there's just so much stuff in D&D these days that it can be overwhelming. Thankfully if you join a game the DM can share content with you, so joining a PBP game on the forums might actually give you access to even more content.
I'm brand new to D&D. I have zero experience, but I want to play. I joined D&D Beyond for the PbP feature--I'm an almost-40 father of 3 neurodiverse kids and I don't have the time to sit down and play a game for an hour or so. I don't want to join a game (party? Is that the proper term?) before having at least a basic understanding of what I should be bringing to the table. I'm trying not to be that guy. If someone could help by answering a few questions, that would be amazing.
1. I don't own any D&D books. I understand the PbP games are 5th edition. Is it absolutely necessary to buy a book? If so, is it something I should sit down and read before playing, or is it used more as a reference?
2. I'm assuming PbP games can go on for a long time, but how long do in-person games usually last?
3. Is there anyone who runs a PbP game for newbies like myself?
4. I don't know what I don't know, so it's difficult to come up with other good questions. Any advice on getting started and how not to be that guy is appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
As has been stated above, just to get into the game you need nothing but the free Basic Rules & SRD. If you end up enjoying the game enough, you’ll likely want the PHB. If you really really like the game you might want to add more books like Xanathar’s Guide, Tasha’s Cauldron, or Mordenkainen’s Monsters (in that order), but that’s down the line. For now just stick to the free rules, that’s plenty to get started.
That depends on what exactly you mean by “PbP.” If you mean a true “play by post” game then you only need a few minutes at a time once or twice per day. If you mean an “online game,” then it can run the same as any in-person game, up to a few hours at a time.
I think the best way to get a feel for the game is to listen to podcasts (google "best actual play D&D" podcasts/youtube channels). If you're busy, you can listen to those during your commute. Just know that in a real game there tends to be less lengthy descriptions/monologues by the game master and more player participation.
As far as being "that guy," create a character who has motivations, desires, and flaws. Avoid arguing with the DM (though you can ask questions), hoarding loot, attacking other player characters, acting like a jerk, etc. Just be a fun guy and be willing to learn, mostly. There are tons of guys who know all the rules and optimize but they are HORRIBLE company.
In most games I have learned in which I am a new player generally a experienced player is asked to help out the new player.
The play by post games I have played in (way back in the 90's) were custom designed and or used streamlined rules of the system not the full rules. Now a days you can do so much more with software then back then when the GM had to code everything themselves.
In general:
1) Do not be afraid to ask for help: before, during and or after the game.
2) Write down questions during the game and ask them later.
3) Play by post games I have played in generally had 5-20 min of reading and then typing your turn and actions, but there a lots of ways to play PbP.
I'm brand new to D&D. I have zero experience, but I want to play. I joined D&D Beyond for the PbP feature--I'm an almost-40 father of 3 neurodiverse kids and I don't have the time to sit down and play a game for an hour or so. I don't want to join a game (party? Is that the proper term?) before having at least a basic understanding of what I should be bringing to the table. I'm trying not to be that guy. If someone could help by answering a few questions, that would be amazing.
1. I don't own any D&D books. I understand the PbP games are 5th edition. Is it absolutely necessary to buy a book? If so, is it something I should sit down and read before playing, or is it used more as a reference?
2. I'm assuming PbP games can go on for a long time, but how long do in-person games usually last?
3. Is there anyone who runs a PbP game for newbies like myself?
4. I don't know what I don't know, so it's difficult to come up with other good questions. Any advice on getting started and how not to be that guy is appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
First, it's never too late to play D&D. And 5th Edition is by far the best version to start, because it's very easy.
1. Buying the Player's Handbook - not required, if you join a game where someone has it. However, if you want to learn the core basics of your character (their race and class, how magic works), it's generally a good idea to purchase it. You may even be able to go to a gaming shop and pick one up used, or on Amazon (or if you're OK with digital - you can get it here, but requires an internet connection as it's completely hosted on the site and not something you can download).
2. As for how long games can go for - that widely varies. Three of the games I am running have gone on for about 5 to 6 years so far - with no end in sight. All of mine is homebrew (meaning I make up the adventures/stories, rather than run existing modules). Those that play existing modules can last as long as it takes to get through a module (which would then depend on the frequency of play).
3. Finding a newbie game - check out your local gaming shop. A lot of time they run games, such as Adventurer's League (https://dnd.wizards.com/ddal_general) and that's a great place to start - lots of new people. Also check online - join an online game (usually played on a virtual table top like Roll20.net with Discord for voice).
4. Ideas - think of a character concept you want to play. Do you want to play a stout dwarf warrior? Or perhaps a gentle halfling cleric? Or a human wizard seeking more power? Or an elf druid seeking balance in the world? Think of those concepts - and then dive deeper. Creating a character here on D&D Beyond is a great start to start tinkering with that because it asks for Flaws, Traits, etc., that help define your character.
EDIT - Just realized, this appears to be for Play By Post? :) I was too hasty to think you'd meant Play In Person. :D
1. Buying the Player's Handbook - not required, if you join a game where someone has it. However, if you want to learn the core basics of your character (their race and class, how magic works), it's generally a good idea to purchase it. You may even be able to go to a gaming shop and pick one up used, or on Amazon (or if you're OK with digital - you can get it here, but requires an internet connection as it's completely hosted on the site and not something you can download).
You can download any books you purchase access to from DDB to the app, it is meant for offline use.
I'm brand new to D&D. I have zero experience, but I want to play. I joined D&D Beyond for the PbP feature--I'm an almost-40 father of 3 neurodiverse kids and I don't have the time to sit down and play a game for an hour or so.
I don't want to join a game (party? Is that the proper term?) before having at least a basic understanding of what I should be bringing to the table. I'm trying not to be that guy.
If someone could help by answering a few questions, that would be amazing.
1. I don't own any D&D books. I understand the PbP games are 5th edition. Is it absolutely necessary to buy a book? If so, is it something I should sit down and read before playing, or is it used more as a reference?
2. I'm assuming PbP games can go on for a long time, but how long do in-person games usually last?
3. Is there anyone who runs a PbP game for newbies like myself?
4. I don't know what I don't know, so it's difficult to come up with other good questions. Any advice on getting started and how not to be that guy is appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
Thank you!
I understand that time is very precious to you, but if there is a local game shop that runs tables in house, it could be worth it for you to at least sit by and watch a game in person. Ask the DM if that is okay, and then take notes, ask questions when/if appropriate. That will go a long way to providing you with a feel of how things flow and the basic knowledge you will need for character creation and to start a campaign.
If you get into the character creator on this site you can see that you have everything you need to create a playable character. You might not necessarily have all the bells and whistles and you won't get to use all the subclasses and races that have come out over the years, but honestly when you're just starting it's probably better to have a more limited pool of options... there's just so much stuff in D&D these days that it can be overwhelming. Thankfully if you join a game the DM can share content with you, so joining a PBP game on the forums might actually give you access to even more content.
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I think the best way to get a feel for the game is to listen to podcasts (google "best actual play D&D" podcasts/youtube channels). If you're busy, you can listen to those during your commute. Just know that in a real game there tends to be less lengthy descriptions/monologues by the game master and more player participation.
As far as being "that guy," create a character who has motivations, desires, and flaws. Avoid arguing with the DM (though you can ask questions), hoarding loot, attacking other player characters, acting like a jerk, etc. Just be a fun guy and be willing to learn, mostly. There are tons of guys who know all the rules and optimize but they are HORRIBLE company.
Thank you everyone!!!
In most games I have learned in which I am a new player generally a experienced player is asked to help out the new player.
The play by post games I have played in (way back in the 90's) were custom designed and or used streamlined rules of the system not the full rules. Now a days you can do so much more with software then back then when the GM had to code everything themselves.
In general:
1) Do not be afraid to ask for help: before, during and or after the game.
2) Write down questions during the game and ask them later.
3) Play by post games I have played in generally had 5-20 min of reading and then typing your turn and actions, but there a lots of ways to play PbP.
Have Fun
First, it's never too late to play D&D. And 5th Edition is by far the best version to start, because it's very easy.
1. Buying the Player's Handbook - not required, if you join a game where someone has it. However, if you want to learn the core basics of your character (their race and class, how magic works), it's generally a good idea to purchase it. You may even be able to go to a gaming shop and pick one up used, or on Amazon (or if you're OK with digital - you can get it here, but requires an internet connection as it's completely hosted on the site and not something you can download).
2. As for how long games can go for - that widely varies. Three of the games I am running have gone on for about 5 to 6 years so far - with no end in sight. All of mine is homebrew (meaning I make up the adventures/stories, rather than run existing modules). Those that play existing modules can last as long as it takes to get through a module (which would then depend on the frequency of play).
3. Finding a newbie game - check out your local gaming shop. A lot of time they run games, such as Adventurer's League (https://dnd.wizards.com/ddal_general) and that's a great place to start - lots of new people. Also check online - join an online game (usually played on a virtual table top like Roll20.net with Discord for voice).
4. Ideas - think of a character concept you want to play. Do you want to play a stout dwarf warrior? Or perhaps a gentle halfling cleric? Or a human wizard seeking more power? Or an elf druid seeking balance in the world? Think of those concepts - and then dive deeper. Creating a character here on D&D Beyond is a great start to start tinkering with that because it asks for Flaws, Traits, etc., that help define your character.
EDIT - Just realized, this appears to be for Play By Post? :) I was too hasty to think you'd meant Play In Person. :D
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You can download any books you purchase access to from DDB to the app, it is meant for offline use.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting