New to D&D

[Belzbet]

Personally, and I think this isnt the case for everyone (if your someone who doesnt like getting told by someone else, also if you really enjoy the character development aspect of D&D above many other aspects, then what I am saying may apply to you), I wouldnt ask for help with character builds and feats, skills, etc. Once you know the basics (once youve read the players hand book) then it is much more fulfilling to figure out effective class combos yourself. Albeit, there are many additional books that one couldnt possibly find out all the best combos oneself without years of reading. But, when you begin to look around you see many uber combos and techniques (and feat, skills, ability suggestions) and you say to yourself: hey I could have figured that out. It may just be me but it is not very fulfilling finding a great combo online then using it. Getting advice on rules is sometimes a must (when the rules as written are sometimes ambiguous or even apparently contradictory). But, in terms of your own character, it will be more fulfilling to figure out effective builds on your own (I spoiled many builds for myself by simply finding them online; this piece of advice is something I wish I adhered to when I first started playing, which wasnt that long ago).

 

[Greenfield]

The thread, in general, made me think of this.

The Land of Make Believe YesterYear Once More

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

My 2 cents:

-Read the Player's Handbook. Learn the basic mechanics of the rules and how they work.

-Talk to your DM about what the world will be like. Have a conversation about what races, what kind of magic, what kind of monsters, etc. Maybe ask if there is a book or series that the DM can advise you to read that gives you the feel for the creative world you'll be playing in.

-Start off simple. Make a Character that is uncomplicated at first. There are a bazillion supplemental books, especially if you're playing 3rd edition. Make a character that is basic and easy to play at first, assuming this is your practice character. The options you learn about from the other players, from your DM and from the things we talk about here (Because we do some nitty gritty optimizing occasionally here, referencing a dozen books or so to pull off a particular concept) are all things you can try later, once you get the hang of playing.

-Think really creatively. When the DM tells you the scenario, consider out of the box options, and take what you know about the game mechanics to make it happen. You can't say "My level 2 Fighter is going to fly up into the air" because without a spell or magic item or racial build, that's not mechanically possible. But you can say "I'm considering taking the door hinges off this door that is locked".

-Teamwork, Teamwork, and more Teamwork. D&D is a game designed to be played ideally with 1 DM and 4 players. (almost) No character can be good at all things or powerful enough to take on all enemies*. Work together with your players and your DM to make the game happen and have fun.

-Be open to discuss calmly and rationally any disagreements between you, the other players and the DM.

-Make your goal for as many people to have fun as possible!

* some people here, like [MENTION=85158]Dandu[/MENTION], can suggest builds that really could solo in D&D. This is likely not going to be as fun for your fellow players as it might be for you.

 

[Dandu]

-Teamwork, Teamwork, and more Teamwork. D&D is a game designed to be played ideally with 1 DM and 4 players. (almost) No character can be good at all things or powerful enough to take on all enemies*. Work together with your players and your DM to make the game happen and have fun.

Addendum: You owe it to your party to not be the load while playing your fun and flavorful character.

 

[Grogg of the North]

So I have never played D&D before and have recently joined a group. So all I want to ask is: What do i need to know? , What I should expect? , and Will this hurt my chances with ladies? (joke question)

No worries. I met my wife through D&D. She was my first DM.

 

[The beginner]

Odds are, you're group will be a mixture of these types, however and throughout the night you'll experience all these things and more!

After reading some of your responses I thought this group would be pretty cool and laid back, that was not the case here. It would seem I have been recruited into the strangest group of people. They refer to each other by nicknames, not one of them (besides the girl whom is an elder sister of another player) seems to be socially normal. Let me give you an example.

The guy who is DM is referred to as Troll Beard, is 6 ft and 350 pounds with a huge unkempt beard with little sense for hygiene.

Player 1 is referred to as The Narcissist, he is 5'6 and clearly has a napoleon complex.

Player 2 is referred to as Noobcake, he laughs at everything, has no social shame, no sense of fashion (wears plain white tshirts year round from what i hear), and has the reading skill of a 8th grader.

Player 3 is referred to as Manders (shortened from her name), is sister to Player 2, Like her brother laughs at everything, is the only one who is socially normal, HUGE comic fan, very attractive (my opinion), and has a strange tension with player 1 (heard from other people they are former lovers).

So all in all I have been recruited (abducted) into this strange group of people to play D&D. All I can say is I AM SOOO EXCITED TO START!!

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Good luck & good gaming!

A final caveat, though: if it turns out you don't have fun with this group, keep trying. Every group is different.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

After reading some of your responses I thought this group would be pretty cool and laid back, that was not the case here. It would seem I have been recruited into the strangest group of people.
...So all in all I have been recruited (abducted) into this strange group of people to play D&D. All I can say is I AM SOOO EXCITED TO START!!

Blog Please!

Be glad Noobcake is already taken. I look forward to learning your nickname.

 

[Dandu]

Player 1 is referred to as The Narcissist, he is 5'6 and clearly has a napoleon complex.
...
Player 3 is referred to as Manders (shortened from her name), is sister to Player 2, Like her brother laughs at everything, is the only one who is socially normal, HUGE comic fan, very attractive (my opinion), and has a strange tension with player 1 (heard from other people they are former lovers).

I will help you crush him.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

I will help you crush him.

Heck, why not. I see where Dandu is coming from. Someone with the nickname "The Narcissist" is just waiting to get taken down quite a few pegs. Let us know how broken of a character your DM will permit, and if we can help you design and effectively play something godly.