D&D 5E D&D 'frequently asked' questions?

[The Green Hermit]

That's less important
Think most people coming into the game will have seen one or two streamed games and have an idea of what is DnD
And those descriptions weren't very useful. You already needed to buy a $50 book to read them

My players and I all started with nothing but the Essentials and the core books. We had seen zero streamed games. A lot of people don't waste all of their time on Youtube, especially those who like to do tabletop games.

 

[Thunder Brother]

... Evasion?

Yes exactly, but tell that to the 5th level Rogue who just got his by a Fireball for 35 fire damage.

"But I was attacked, no?"
"Well yes, but no, you were attacked but not 'Attacked', so Uncanny Dodge doesnt help you."

It's an issue of natural language leading to misunderstandings for a new player.

 

[Disgruntled Hobbit]

My players and I all started with nothing but the Essentials and the core books. We had seen zero streamed games. A lot of people don't waste all of their time on Youtube, especially those who like to do tabletop games.

That's nice
Think most people will google something before dumping $170

Did you and yours know about the game beforehand or walk in completely blind?
How good a job did the books do for ya'll?

 

[The Green Hermit]

I knew a little bit, but not that much. And many board games/video games cost upwards of $80. We buy those too -- without googling them.

The books did an okay job, but there were lots of times when we realized we had misread/misinterpreted the rules and had to clarify them during the next session. There is still a lot of stuff with the fighting that we haven't even attempted.

 

[Zaukrie]

That's less important
Think most people coming into the game will have seen one or two streamed games and have an idea of what is DnD
And those descriptions weren't very useful. You already needed to buy a $50 book to read them

Strong disagree.....I brought 4 new people in, and NONE had any idea how combat worked, and none had seen a stream. And, they were all under 30.

 

[Disgruntled Hobbit]

Strong disagree.....I brought 4 new people in, and NONE had any idea how combat worked, and none had seen a stream. And, they were all under 30.

Which is easier?
Saying "here, read these two pages of solid then pass the book to the person next to you"
Or saying "here's a link. Watch five minutes of this stream"

 

[Zaukrie]

Which is easier?
Saying "here, read these two pages of solid then pass the book to the person next to you"
Or saying "here's a link. Watch five minutes of this stream"

I did both. They still didn't get it right away. A LOT happens in combat. Your experience might be different, doesn't mean others are wrong.

 

[The Green Hermit]

Which is easier?
Saying "here, read these two pages of solid then pass the book to the person next to you"
Or saying "here's a link. Watch five minutes of this stream"

For me, the book. Each and every time -- and not just because my Internet hasn't always been reliable. It is much easier for me to comprehend things that are written down than it is for me to comprehend it by watching somebody else.

 

[Oofta]

How about an FAQ on "What are some of the best streams to introduce someone to how D&D works?" After all, you won't get a good handle on it from watching something like CR, but I know there are a ton that go into step-by-step detail of various topics.

 

[Maxperson]

General questions that have come up several times in the past few months:

• "Why are my attacks at Disadvantage? I have darkvision!"

What page is that rule on?