New to D&D just a few questions

[thedave002]

First off, How do you get a critical hit? Second, I seen that for some ranged weapons it has a range of 20/40, does that mean that the enemy needs to be 20 away in order for you to be able to hit it with the weapon? Next, I'm a Ranger using 2 long swords, is there an penalty for the weapon in my off-hand? Lastly, how much weight are you able to carry around with you, like your inventory? Any help regarding these questions would be great.

[Rechan]

Critical hit = when you roll the d20, and the number by itself that comes up is a 20.

A range of 20/40 means that if the target is within 20 squares, you have no penalty to hit. If it's between 20 and 40, you have a -2.

No penalty for off-hand weapon.

I'm not sure where encumbrance rules are.

[Blizzardb]

Encumbrance rules are in PHB, page 222 - carrying, lifting, and dragging.

[Korstan]

And just to add to Rechan's reply, unless your attack power states it uses both weapons, you don't actually get to use both your main hand and off hand weapons. You can choose which one to use with no penalty .

And I just saw you said you were a ranger, so you are one of the few classes that do get to do that.

[Kordeth]

Originally Posted by Rechan

Critical hit = when you roll the d20, and the number by itself that comes up is a 20.

Don't forget that the total result of your attack roll (i.e. the 20 you rolled + all your modifiers) has to be high enough to actually hit the target. If it's not (e.g., if you roll a 20 and have a +6 attack bonus, but your target has a 27 AC), a natural 20 is an automatic hit, but not a critical.

[N0Man]

If you go to PlayDND.com then you can download the QuickStart Rules, which can get you most of the basics. It's a free download, and a great way to check out the basic rules before investing in a Player's Handbook.