I (f34) have a teen (f14) that wants to learn to play. The thing is I don't know anything about D&d. I'm not sure where to start or even where to guide her. Is there anything I need buy for her to be able to play, or any thing I should know? I'm excited that she's showing interest in a new hobbie, so I'm trying to be as supportive as possible. I feel like a fish out of water, I would appreciate any or all the help. https://routerlogin.uno/
She lays it out very basic. And she makes some great side snark remarks.
Now, Ms Ginny also has a TON of YouTube videos on all kinds of things as you dig deeper. How to be a GM. Story concepts. She also does costumes/cosplay and much much more.
D&D is not as complicated as it may seem. It has gotten polished and streamlined from those early days of crunching numbers and computing all kinds of statistics, etc. Yes, there is SOME numbers work... rolling dice to create your first character. BUT... if you don't want to do that to start, there are bunches of pre-rolled characters to choose from all over the Internet. The other time the numbers/dice are used is when the character attempts something -- pick a lock. Steal a gem. Shoot an arrow or toss a fireball. And on and on. The person rolls and depending on 'the number'... the attempt either passed or failed. AND, as the Game Master/Dungeon Master (GM/DM)... you can embellish the results.
Your high roll means your arrow flew straight and true and embedded deeply into the monster's chest. Wounded and bleeding, it is still moving to attack!
Or.. your very low roll means your aim wasn't the best and you may have hit a companion.. or the broadside of a nearby barn.
D&D started as the baby of old tabletop wargames. It has grown to be as much 'role playing' as moving pieces on a map. Some players love being murder hobos. Some love the 'acting' aspect -- lots of introverted kids (and adults) enjoy being flamboyent and expansive as a dwarf or fairy or hobbit... a chance to put the stresses of 'real life' aside and enjoy some fantastical fantasy.
Check out those videos.
And, enjoy! I have been playing since the late 70s... and it is still fun to be a wonky character. Wise or clueless. Wizard or Cleric. Mighty paladin or robin hood. :D
The biggest suggestion.... HAVE FUN.... as a GM and a Player.
Oh... and.... while Critical Role hit at the PERFECT TIME to become an amazing powerhouse....
it IS a table filled with actors and voice actors. They can make crazy, fun voices at the drop of a dagger.
THIS IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO PLAY. It is like reading a story to your young child. The first time, you probably just read the story. By the sixth time, you started adding 'voices' for some characters. It is up to you ... as a character OR as a GM... to decide if you want to make a fancy voice when you speak 'as the character' or the monsters.
Again.. if it fun for you.... go for it. If you aren't sure.... try it sometime but if it feels icky.... you do NOT have to do it.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
I (f34) have a teen (f14) that wants to learn to play. The thing is I don't know anything about D&d. I'm not sure where to start or even where to guide her. Is there anything I need buy for her to be able to play, or any thing I should know? I'm excited that she's showing interest in a new hobbie, so I'm trying to be as supportive as possible. I feel like a fish out of water, I would appreciate any or all the help. https://routerlogin.uno/
@granelbo1
First, are you looking at diving into the deep end of the gaming pool or just wanting to get a big toe wet?
Deep end is going to a gaming shop and joining a table / game and let panic guide your steps. :D
Seriously, there are some great YouTube series on 'how to play D&D'....
HOW TO PLAY DUNGEONS & DRAGONS - A beginners guide to D&D by Sherlock Hulmes (from about 5 yrs ago) https://youtu.be/0TsicWGho7c?feature=shared
IF you purchased the 'beginners' D&D box set'... they give you a 'short' adventure along with the rules book and dice.
Now, Ginny Di is a good, solid watch.
How to play D&D — Absolute beginner's guide by Ginny Di https://youtu.be/hNNBjVmNbQI?feature=shared
She lays it out very basic. And she makes some great side snark remarks.
Now, Ms Ginny also has a TON of YouTube videos on all kinds of things as you dig deeper. How to be a GM. Story concepts. She also does costumes/cosplay and much much more.
What do you ACTUALLY want from a D&D game? https://youtu.be/VoGVEUU8PRo?feature=shared
D&D is not as complicated as it may seem. It has gotten polished and streamlined from those early days of crunching numbers and computing all kinds of statistics, etc. Yes, there is SOME numbers work... rolling dice to create your first character. BUT... if you don't want to do that to start, there are bunches of pre-rolled characters to choose from all over the Internet. The other time the numbers/dice are used is when the character attempts something -- pick a lock. Steal a gem. Shoot an arrow or toss a fireball. And on and on. The person rolls and depending on 'the number'... the attempt either passed or failed. AND, as the Game Master/Dungeon Master (GM/DM)... you can embellish the results.
Your high roll means your arrow flew straight and true and embedded deeply into the monster's chest. Wounded and bleeding, it is still moving to attack!
Or.. your very low roll means your aim wasn't the best and you may have hit a companion.. or the broadside of a nearby barn.
D&D started as the baby of old tabletop wargames.
It has grown to be as much 'role playing' as moving pieces on a map. Some players love being murder hobos. Some love the 'acting' aspect -- lots of introverted kids (and adults) enjoy being flamboyent and expansive as a dwarf or fairy or hobbit... a chance to put the stresses of 'real life' aside and enjoy some fantastical fantasy.
Check out those videos.
And, enjoy! I have been playing since the late 70s... and it is still fun to be a wonky character. Wise or clueless. Wizard or Cleric. Mighty paladin or robin hood. :D
The biggest suggestion.... HAVE FUN.... as a GM and a Player.
Oh... and.... while Critical Role hit at the PERFECT TIME to become an amazing powerhouse....
it IS a table filled with actors and voice actors. They can make crazy, fun voices at the drop of a dagger.
THIS IS NOT A REQUIREMENT TO PLAY. It is like reading a story to your young child. The first time, you probably just read the story. By the sixth time, you started adding 'voices' for some characters. It is up to you ... as a character OR as a GM... to decide if you want to make a fancy voice when you speak 'as the character' or the monsters.
Again.. if it fun for you.... go for it. If you aren't sure.... try it sometime but if it feels icky.... you do NOT have to do it.