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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Dausuul" data-source="post: 7162141" data-attributes="member: 58197">My expectation for non-newbie players (which is not met by all my players, unfortunately) is simple: In normal circumstances, I don't have to help you play your own character.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If you use an ability which calls for the target to make a saving throw, you can tell me what kind of save it is and give me the DC.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You can make your own attack and damage rolls.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You can keep track of your resources: Hit points, hit dice, ki points, spells prepared, spell slots expended, etc.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If I call for an ability check, skill check, or saving throw, you know how to roll that check or save.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I don't have to constantly remind you about the limits of your spells: Concentration, expensive material components, etc. If you forget once in a while, that's okay, but not on a regular basis.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">If you have a pet (familiar, animal companion, etc.), you can run it in combat unassisted.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">You can level up without help.</li> </ul>What I don't expect:<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I don't expect you to know the "unusual" rules if you don't use them regularly. You don't have to understand grappling (unless you're a dedicated grappler), or suffocation, or stuff like that.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I don't expect you to know what all the conditions do.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I don't expect you to know how other players' characters work.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">I don't expect you to have every detail of every spell or ability memorized. It's okay if you have to look them up in the book from time to time.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Even if you're playing Sneaky McThieferson, I don't expect you to understand the stealth rules.</li> </ul>If I were going to offer advice for the lazy-but-well-intentioned player, these would be the steps I would suggest. In order:<ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Learn die notation (what does 2d8+4 mean?) and how to identify dice at a glance. Also, learn the core mechanic (1d20 + modifier, compared to a DC) and how advantage and disadvantage work.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Learn where to find any given number on your character sheet (e.g., the save DC for your spells, your attack bonus, your Con save modifier).</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">If you're playing a caster, learn how spell slots work, and how to keep track of them. If your class prepares spells, learn how that works too.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Learn where to look up your abilities and spells. If you have pets, learn where to look them up too.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Learn what limited resources you have available (ki points, hit dice, etc.), how to track them, and how you recover each.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Get a rough idea of what each of your spells/abilities does. A 5th-level Life cleric need not know every detail of revivify, but you should know that it resurrects the dead, must be used very shortly after death, and has a costly component.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Learn how the numbers on your sheet are calculated.</li> </ol></blockquote>

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