D&D 5E D&D starting online

[Shu-sama]

Hello,
I want to start playing D&D (just casual) and have a fun time with my friends living in different cities. I watched a few D&D streams but have no knowledge aside that still i need to make it a fun experience for my friends. The 3 problems are that i first need to be the Dungeon Master and have no idea how so far, second they just want to try it and don't pay so do I is there something like an easy free start you can play? Third and last problem we need an online solution so can you play via skype with just the sheets in front of you and a dice (again we just want to have some casual fun and don't need the 100% D&D experience right from the start)
Thanks in advance.

 

[iserith]

Roll20.net is a free virtual table top with a lot of functionality. I use it even for in-person games.

"How to DM" is a very broad question. Have you read the Basic Rules at least?

 

[Plaguescarred]

You can download the Basic rules for free here http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

And find some free D&D 5E adventure at the DM's Guild http://www.dmsguild.com/

As for online interface there is a free virtual table called Roll20 you can use https://roll20.net/

As for how to DM i suggest some tutorial on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tutorial+DM+5e+D&D

EDIT You can also find some D&D Pregenerated characters here http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/character_sheets

 

[Flexor the Mighty!]

Hello,
I want to start playing D&D (just casual) and have a fun time with my friends living in different cities. I watched a few D&D streams but have no knowledge aside that still i need to make it a fun experience for my friends. The 3 problems are that i first need to be the Dungeon Master and have no idea how so far, second they just want to try it and don't pay so do I is there something like an easy free start you can play? Third and last problem we need an online solution so can you play via skype with just the sheets in front of you and a dice (again we just want to have some casual fun and don't need the 100% D&D experience right from the start)
Thanks in advance.

You can have a 100% D&D experience with just the free basic rules on WOTC website, an online dice roller, and skype. All you need is the rules, a way to talk to each other, some dice, and imagination. Have fun!

 

[Leatherhead]

Right now you can pick up the introduction to Storm King's Thunder for free. That and the Basic Rules should be enough to get you and your friends to level 5 and see if they like it.

As for looking at character sheets, you can set up a Dropbox Folder for your group, and download a character sheet PDF. There is a section on this website, and the DM's Guild, where you can get a fancy one that will help you fill it out. Or you can get the manual entry ones (and a few pre-made characters) here.

 

[Baumi]

All the essential stuff has allready been said (Roll20, DnD Basic,..), but I would also recommend to buy the Starter Set.

While it is not for free, it cost only 20 bucks (often less) and not only does it include a GREAT Adventure (the best one so far IMHO) that should lasts for several Session, it also includes most of the Basic Rules in Print Form and includes a Dice Set (good if you ever want to play in person with someone).

 

[Baumi]

By the way, you can also just join another group on Roll20, to learn the ropes with some experienced players.

 

[Al2O3]

My group is three sessions in playing Storm King's Thunder via Roll20. We started with the level 1-5 part, and so far it seems great! I also ran the entire starter set adventure (then I was DM, now I'm a player) and would say that A great upheaval seems better.

If you do feel that you can afford an adventure I would suggest picking up Lost Mines of Phandelver or Storm King's Thunder on Roll20. They are both great and having everything prepared in Roll20 saves a lot of prep time. Lost Mines of Phandelver has the advantage of being written as an introduction for both new players and new DMs. What I prefer thus far into Storm King's Thunder is that the NPCs seem to have more developed personalities.

 

[Shiroiken]

I will second (or third or whatever) Roll20. It's free and there are some good tutorials on how to use it. I'd also suggest Skype or some other communication method.

 

[Shu-sama]

Thank you all for your help. After reading into the mass amount of text i will be fine now I think. ^^