So I've no idea what to do...

[Lord of the Enarkae]

...but I'm eager to learn and will be most grateful towards anyone who helps me out here. This whole D&D lark looks like the sort of thing I would be interested in and have a lot of funning learning and doing. I know what the game is but I have very little clue on how to play it, there's lots of information here but no "Hey stupid, read this first" thread to get me started. So basically "all" I want to know is:

- What books do I really need to play?
- How do I create a character and get them into a game?
- Everything else there is to know.

Well maybe that last one is asking a bit much, but if some of you can point me in the right direction then hopefully I'll find my way.

 

[AIM-54]

...but I'm eager to learn and will be most grateful towards anyone who helps me out here. This whole D&D lark looks like the sort of thing I would be interested in and have a lot of funning learning and doing. I know what the game is but I have very little clue on how to play it, there's lots of information here but no "Hey stupid, read this first" thread to get me started. So basically "all" I want to know is:

- What books do I really need to play?
- How do I create a character and get them into a game?
- Everything else there is to know.

Well maybe that last one is asking a bit much, but if some of you can point me in the right direction then hopefully I'll find my way.

The best way to get started is to either have a bunch of friends also interested in the game, so you can learn together or else find an experienced group (perhaps through your local gaming store) that's looking for a new player and willing to teach you what you need to know. I, myself, started out in the former manner, but there are advantages and disadvantages to each. A good, patient group is key to getting started in enjoying the game.

That said, all you really need to get started is a Player's Handbook (PHB in common parlance on these boards). It will guide you through character creation and other aspects of the game. It is possible, with some creativity and a group of new players to play simply from that book. Back when I got started with 2nd Ed. I ran a game for over 6 months with nothing more than the PHB. As you get into it, you will more than likely begin to require the other core books, the Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG) and the Monster Manual. Depending on your finances, you can pick up all three at once, but be prepared to take your time with it. There's a lot of info in those books and it can be intimidating at first.

So, basically, once you have at least the PHB and a group and someone willing to DM there are a couple of ways to go about it. Many here would recommend picking up a pre-generated adventure module from one of the gaming magazines (Dungeon, Dragon etc) that will guide you through the process. Others may have simply dived right in with world creation etc. If you are already familiar with a particular fantasy setting, you might want to start off there as familiarity can make the process somewhat easier (it's what I did at least and seemed to work for me and my group of the time).

On the other hand, falling in with a pre-existing experienced group means you have much less work to do and people who know what they're doing to help you out. Really it depends on your precise situation and what you're willing to do to get started.

Hope that helps!

 

[Three_Haligonians]

...but I'm eager to learn and will be most grateful towards anyone who helps me out here. This whole D&D lark looks like the sort of thing I would be interested in and have a lot of funning learning and doing. I know what the game is but I have very little clue on how to play it, there's lots of information here but no "Hey stupid, read this first" thread to get me started. So basically "all" I want to know is:

- What books do I really need to play?
- How do I create a character and get them into a game?
- Everything else there is to know.

Well maybe that last one is asking a bit much, but if some of you can point me in the right direction then hopefully I'll find my way.

First and formost, welcome to enworld, and D&D for that matter!

Now, to answer your questions. You need a Players Handbook and Dungeon Masters Guide and a Monster Manual to begin with. You can always buy new books, but these are what we call "core" books, because they are really all you need.

Creating a character is outlined in the DMG (dungeon master's guide), or players...I can't remember. Anyway, it should give you all the answers you need. In order to play, you need a group. You can even play with just one other person, if you don't know many people interested.

Kay, beyond that, well I could write for hours. But, tell you what, if you've got Yahoo Messenger, you can pop a line to me. My username is threehaligonians, and if I'm not online, leave an offline message for me, I'd be happy to answer any questions I can while your getting set up.

Hope this helps!

T from Three Haligonians

 

[Nightfall]

Also if you can't find a bunch of people, learning online isn't too bad either. There are Play by Posts, mIRC based chat games, IM games. There are a couple good Dms out there that are willing to help as best they can.

(Yours Truly being one I feel. )

 

[Lord of the Enarkae]

Player's Handbook. Gotcha.

Thanks a lot guys, if I get stuck again (which I will ) then I'll ask more questions.

 

[micromaximum]

I think your best bet is to look for an existing group and join them. That's pretty much how everyone else began playing, although in many cases the group came looking for us instead of the other way around.

Reading all three core books, designing an adventure and gathering a group of players together without any previous experience would be a fairly impressive accomplishment.

You might be able to get by without any books at first. A group that's short on players will probably be willing to let you use an extra copy during the game. Most people learn the game through play, instead of by reading the Player's Handbook. If you find you enjoy the game, then the Player's Handbook would be a worthwhile purchase later on.

 

[Nightfall]

if I get stuck again (which I will ) then I'll ask more questions.

Sure and don't forget to ask which campaign setting is the coolest. Here's a hint, look at my sig.

 

[Lord of the Enarkae]

It's hard to find a group of people when you live in the middle of no where in the middle of Northern Ireland.

I'd be looking to play online but I'll see if I can get my head around the basics first.

 

[Nightfall]

Well that's cool.

 

[Samothdm]

Just curious - how did you hear about ENWorld?

Welcome to the world of role-playing. I've been doing it for, well, longer than I'd like to admit. About 20 years or a little more.

If you have the option, try to buy your Player Handbook at a game store rather than online or at a store like Border's. That way, you can ask the other people at the store about the game and they can help explain it to you.

You said you live in the "middle of nowhere" but hopefully there's a store somewhat close that you can go to.