New gamer has problems with combat system

[gamer_guy]

Hello. Im a new gamer and I have picked up both the D&D 2nd ed and D&D 3rd ed player's handbook (actually my local library had the 2nd ed). But anyway, me and a couple of friends just found out about D&D. So I got the stuff and dug right in. I understand the character creation, etc (well for now...until i run into a problem) but I just don't get the combat system. What's AoA? What's BAB? Alls I know is each player gets one turn (determined by roll) to use a skill or spell that either aids the characters in further rounds or damages the enemy. That's simple for me. But when it gets down to the specifics, I just don't get it. Would someone please explain??

 

[gamer_guy]

oh and whats all this about flanking and stuff like reactions, free actions, partial actions, move actions, and full round actions?

 

[Crothian]

Okay, you need to read through Chapter 8 of the PHB. All of this is explained for you there. Also, this is from the 3rd edition book, ignore the 2nd edition book as they are different systems.

 

[Dr. Zoom]

Check out the glossary in the back of the Player's Handbook. It gives short, concise definitions for these terms. Then read the combat chapter 4 or 5 times. Oh, and don't read the AD&D 2nd edition PH for now, it will just confuse you.

 

[KarinsDad]

Go check things out you do not understand in the glossary. That will give you a basic understanding.

Then, go to the index for things that are still confusing, go to those pages and read it. There are a lot of examples in the book for various combat elements.

Also, you could re-read the combat chapter a few times until it starts sinking in.

Once you have a basic understanding of combat, then come back and ask specific questions. All of combat is too broad a topic to cover easily here on the boards.

Good luck.

 

[Corlon]

one answer

READ IT, and READ IT some more, then READ IT again, and READ IT again, and READ IT again, and after about 20 times, if you still don't get it and you have been actively trying to get it, then 3rd addition DND is not for you

I still could be, but if by twenty times...

 

[Thanee]

Yep, explaining all this is far too complex for a message board. Just read the 3rd Edition Player's Handbook, as the others have suggested. Best from the beginning. Reread sections you do not understand. Once you are through the whole thing, come back and as specific questions (i.e. how do attacks of opportunity work, I'm pretty sure, those will still confuse you after reading).

Don't try to rush it! Take your time! It might take a few days or even weeks to read all that carefully, as it's quite a complex game for starters, but once you got it figured out it's 100% pure fun!

Bye
Thanee

 

[Rodrigo Istalindir]

The later printings of the Player's Handbook had a bonus supplement that included a good tutorial on combat in general and Attacks of Opportunity in paricular.

If your copy doesn't have the supplement, you can download it here:

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/RoleModels.pdf

 

[ConcreteBuddha]

Would someone please explain??

Find a local hobby store and have them show you using miniatures. That's probably the simplest way.

 

[gamer_guy]

Thanks guys. Actually I didn't know there was a glossary and that helped quite a bit. And after i threw out all the confusing 2nd ed stuff (it clashed with the 3rd ed), i slowly started into it bit by bit.

after that I still have two questions

1. I may have just read over it but DC was mentioned several places. What is it? I know AC is armor class.

2. I think i have AoA figured out but somebody check this: It is more of a defense round, if someone tries moving near you or attacking you get a partial round to strike back or defend?? right??