To explain my questions, I guess I should introduce myself a little. I understand this may be odd but bear with me. I have loved the mystery and world of DND for as long as I can remember. I admire the worlds of fantasy I read in books, both english, and foriegn translations. I've played games just to enjoy the lore such as Everquest, the FF series, and more. I used to be a very social person for a time. However, a long time ago things happened, people around me were toxic, and I got away from that. And though I (thankfully) left that toxic life and found someone better, I am now in a situation where going out is impossible due to physical disabilities (can barely walk) and my mental health has twofold problems in fears of interacting face to face with people due to traumatic events in my recent past, and issues with memory due to all the meds I am on to control pain mixed with the pain it can't cover. I say this not for sympathy, but for context in my questions.
I found this site, partly by accident. Fiddled with the character creator. Then found myself reading more and more. I, mistakenly, assumed it was an interactive site that somehow allowed people to play online, instead of going out, through the use of apps and such. It seems though maybe a bit more complex. My questions are thus.
1) For a newbie to this world/site/methodology of DnD playing is there a good path that could lead to fun without buying tons of books? (I am rather poor, disability pays crap)
2) Is there something I should read specifically to get a better idea, before getting started? Or jump right in?
3) Is there a good way to do this online without knowing the people? (yes I'm a guy with no friends with this intrest) Or is this kind of a thing where have to know friends to do this?
4) IF this is a thing doable, generally how much time would a session take? I am worried on ettiquite and having to at times take breaks for meds and other issues. Without going into details, it's not often but when I have to drop what doing and go, I maybe have 5 min I can delay.
5) Any thoughts, suggestions, hell tell me I'm at the wrong place and too late I'll take all feedback good, bad, ugly, mean let it loose.
Regardless, thank you for the time spent reading even if do not reply. And thank you for your time spent replying as well if you do.
So, DDB is a handy resource for people playing online or in person, but for playing you are going to need some other tools. I myself like to use Discord to talk with my players, and I usually use Roll20 as a virtual tabletop for when I want to run encounters.
1) if you join a campaign where someone has a subscription, the content they have should be available. If you have any physical books, you could also use the homebrew tools to enter a lot of that information yourself, though said tools are pretty fiddly.
2) The Basic Rules are a good place to start and see if this game is up your alley. After that if you're willing to spend money, the Player's Handbook, Monster Manual, and Dungeon Master's Guide are the first books you'll want to pick up (though you should also be aware that in 2024 a revision of sorts looks to be on the horizon)
3) There are places to find people to play with such as the Looking for Players & Groups forum here. It is a lot simpler if you have friends who also have an interest in the game, but strictly speaking it isn't necessary.
4) It depends on the group. My own sessions range from 2-4 hours, but others can go longer or shorter (there's also play by post campaigns were my understanding is you can jump in and out whenever you want, but I'll leave it to others to say how that works). Breaks are absolutely allowed in the game, and I would be wary of a group that doesn't allow them, especially when there's medical considerations; I usually call for one break during my sessions, but it varies by group and the best thing to do is talk about your needs and what that entails.
5) The only wrong place for you to be is a table being run by dickheads (pardon my French).
There'll probably be other people with good advice to give, but don't hesitate to ask any questions. Welcome to D&D!
1) For a newbie to this world/site/methodology of DnD playing is there a good path that could lead to fun without buying tons of books? (I am rather poor, disability pays crap)
Sure. As Mezzurah mentioned, if you get into a group with the Master Tier sub, you wil automatically get to share their books. Otherwise, the rules and basics are available for free. You won't get all the frills and laces, but it's enough to have a decent game. If you want more than the basics but can't get into a group with the books, then I'm happy to suggest a few that will really help, just let me know. The PHB is the main one to get.
2) Is there something I should read specifically to get a better idea, before getting started? Or jump right in?
As Mezzurah said, the Basic Rules.isna good start. If you get the PHB, that will have pretty much everything you would normally use rules-wise and you can always ask for other things.
3) Is there a good way to do this online without knowing the people? (yes I'm a guy with no friends with this intrest) Or is this kind of a thing where have to know friends to do this?
There's a LFG (looking for games) section for this forum, I suggest you try there. Note that DMs are in short supply, so finding a game as a player may not be quick.
4) IF this is a thing doable, generally how much time would a session take? I am worried on ettiquite and having to at times take breaks for meds and other issues. Without going into details, it's not often but when I have to drop what doing and go, I maybe have 5 min I can delay.
It really depends on the table. My wife and I generally do about 2 hours. When I go to the FLGS, it's about 3 hours. Usually, I think it's somewhere between 3-5 hours - it varies by the table.
5) Any thoughts, suggestions, hell tell me I'm at the wrong place and too late I'll take all feedback good, bad, ugly, mean let it loose.
Just good luck. I'd recommend getting the PHB (once youve played a few times and you've decided that you definitely like the hobby), and the great thing is that you can buy races and classes etc individually pretty cheap on here, so just buy what you need. Let us know if you have more questions.
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If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
As for #3 I would try Roll20.net or fantasy grounds. Either site has excellent tools for finding groups and there is no need to leave home. My group on there is from Australia, Japan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York. We've been playing together for 3 years. Excellent way to avoid leaving your house.
Just to add on to the info here, the other online tools you will need to play may vary depending on the group you connect with. So I wouldn't bother signing up for any tabletops until you know which one your game will use. I can't speak for all of them, but I know roll20's free tier is fine for players. D&D in general can be a very low-cost hobby (until you get obsessed with dice and minis and other totally extraneous accessories).
From my experience the basic session is expected to last 3-4 hours, maybe the final session of the campaign or boss fight gets extended.
I find that from my experience though your group may set different expectations, you could all very strictly set a time limit and stick with it, or wish for a half day session marathon of a game.
Maybe someone here can direct you specifically, but there are also 'play by post' games that are played in forums or on Discord where you play by text chat. It's basically text based. Discord is good because there's a plug in that imports the DDB character stats, handles rolls, etc. I only know about it in other systems so not much use to you for specifics, but might be an option if you can find something.
Edit: I'm an idiot. There's a PbP on these forums!
But .. without intending any slight or insult to the proud name of DNDBeyond - there are better pbp forums to be found at mythweavers.com and giantitp.com. I my humble opinion. And pbp games of course have the weakness/strength of being a-synchronous: Players don't have to be online at the same time, it's more like the ancient art of correspondance chess.
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
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Greetings all.
To explain my questions, I guess I should introduce myself a little. I understand this may be odd but bear with me. I have loved the mystery and world of DND for as long as I can remember. I admire the worlds of fantasy I read in books, both english, and foriegn translations. I've played games just to enjoy the lore such as Everquest, the FF series, and more. I used to be a very social person for a time. However, a long time ago things happened, people around me were toxic, and I got away from that. And though I (thankfully) left that toxic life and found someone better, I am now in a situation where going out is impossible due to physical disabilities (can barely walk) and my mental health has twofold problems in fears of interacting face to face with people due to traumatic events in my recent past, and issues with memory due to all the meds I am on to control pain mixed with the pain it can't cover. I say this not for sympathy, but for context in my questions.
I found this site, partly by accident. Fiddled with the character creator. Then found myself reading more and more. I, mistakenly, assumed it was an interactive site that somehow allowed people to play online, instead of going out, through the use of apps and such. It seems though maybe a bit more complex. My questions are thus.
1) For a newbie to this world/site/methodology of DnD playing is there a good path that could lead to fun without buying tons of books? (I am rather poor, disability pays crap)
2) Is there something I should read specifically to get a better idea, before getting started? Or jump right in?
3) Is there a good way to do this online without knowing the people? (yes I'm a guy with no friends with this intrest) Or is this kind of a thing where have to know friends to do this?
4) IF this is a thing doable, generally how much time would a session take? I am worried on ettiquite and having to at times take breaks for meds and other issues. Without going into details, it's not often but when I have to drop what doing and go, I maybe have 5 min I can delay.
5) Any thoughts, suggestions, hell tell me I'm at the wrong place and too late I'll take all feedback good, bad, ugly, mean let it loose.
Regardless, thank you for the time spent reading even if do not reply. And thank you for your time spent replying as well if you do.
Welcome to the hobby!
So, DDB is a handy resource for people playing online or in person, but for playing you are going to need some other tools. I myself like to use Discord to talk with my players, and I usually use Roll20 as a virtual tabletop for when I want to run encounters.
1) if you join a campaign where someone has a subscription, the content they have should be available. If you have any physical books, you could also use the homebrew tools to enter a lot of that information yourself, though said tools are pretty fiddly.
2) The Basic Rules are a good place to start and see if this game is up your alley. After that if you're willing to spend money, the Player's Handbook, Monster Manual, and Dungeon Master's Guide are the first books you'll want to pick up (though you should also be aware that in 2024 a revision of sorts looks to be on the horizon)
3) There are places to find people to play with such as the Looking for Players & Groups forum here. It is a lot simpler if you have friends who also have an interest in the game, but strictly speaking it isn't necessary.
4) It depends on the group. My own sessions range from 2-4 hours, but others can go longer or shorter (there's also play by post campaigns were my understanding is you can jump in and out whenever you want, but I'll leave it to others to say how that works). Breaks are absolutely allowed in the game, and I would be wary of a group that doesn't allow them, especially when there's medical considerations; I usually call for one break during my sessions, but it varies by group and the best thing to do is talk about your needs and what that entails.
5) The only wrong place for you to be is a table being run by dickheads (pardon my French).
There'll probably be other people with good advice to give, but don't hesitate to ask any questions. Welcome to D&D!
Sure. As Mezzurah mentioned, if you get into a group with the Master Tier sub, you wil automatically get to share their books. Otherwise, the rules and basics are available for free. You won't get all the frills and laces, but it's enough to have a decent game. If you want more than the basics but can't get into a group with the books, then I'm happy to suggest a few that will really help, just let me know. The PHB is the main one to get.
As Mezzurah said, the Basic Rules.isna good start. If you get the PHB, that will have pretty much everything you would normally use rules-wise and you can always ask for other things.
There's a LFG (looking for games) section for this forum, I suggest you try there. Note that DMs are in short supply, so finding a game as a player may not be quick.
It really depends on the table. My wife and I generally do about 2 hours. When I go to the FLGS, it's about 3 hours. Usually, I think it's somewhere between 3-5 hours - it varies by the table.
Just good luck. I'd recommend getting the PHB (once youve played a few times and you've decided that you definitely like the hobby), and the great thing is that you can buy races and classes etc individually pretty cheap on here, so just buy what you need. Let us know if you have more questions.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
As for #3 I would try Roll20.net or fantasy grounds. Either site has excellent tools for finding groups and there is no need to leave home. My group on there is from Australia, Japan, Arizona, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York. We've been playing together for 3 years. Excellent way to avoid leaving your house.
Just to add on to the info here, the other online tools you will need to play may vary depending on the group you connect with. So I wouldn't bother signing up for any tabletops until you know which one your game will use. I can't speak for all of them, but I know roll20's free tier is fine for players. D&D in general can be a very low-cost hobby (until you get obsessed with dice and minis and other totally extraneous accessories).
My homebrew subclasses (full list here)
(Artificer) Swordmage | Glasswright | (Barbarian) Path of the Savage Embrace
(Bard) College of Dance | (Fighter) Warlord | Cannoneer
(Monk) Way of the Elements | (Ranger) Blade Dancer
(Rogue) DaggerMaster | Inquisitor | (Sorcerer) Riftwalker | Spellfist
(Warlock) The Swarm
From my experience the basic session is expected to last 3-4 hours, maybe the final session of the campaign or boss fight gets extended.
I find that from my experience though your group may set different expectations, you could all very strictly set a time limit and stick with it, or wish for a half day session marathon of a game.
Maybe someone here can direct you specifically, but there are also 'play by post' games that are played in forums or on Discord where you play by text chat. It's basically text based. Discord is good because there's a plug in that imports the DDB character stats, handles rolls, etc. I only know about it in other systems so not much use to you for specifics, but might be an option if you can find something.
Edit: I'm an idiot. There's a PbP on these forums!
In my experience, groups may either agree on a firm time limit and adhere to it, or they might desire for a marathon session lasting half a day.
fireboy and watergirl
But .. without intending any slight or insult to the proud name of DNDBeyond - there are better pbp forums to be found at mythweavers.com and giantitp.com. I my humble opinion. And pbp games of course have the weakness/strength of being a-synchronous: Players don't have to be online at the same time, it's more like the ancient art of correspondance chess.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.