Words of Wisdom for those new to gaming

[Staffan]

Some tips from an old edition of Runequest:
1) Listen to the GM
2) Avoid play domination by a few players
3) Plan ahead
4) Organize first
5) Don't divide the group
6) Don't do something without reason
7) Avoid unnecessary encounters
8) Always watch the rear
9) Provide relief for the front line
10) Take action
11) Ignore loot until the objective is acheived
12) Don't despair when HP and MP are low
13) Maintain Faith
14) When all else fails, Play Dead

 

[Ulrick]

Sorry, double post

 

[Ulrick]

15) Start small (you only need the 3 core books), then accessorize as needed.

16) "Have fun stormin' the castle!" Take risks, even though for your character to live, "it'll take a miracle."

 

[fba827]

* Don't be the person that tells other people who to play or what to do, unless the second person is asking for advice

* It's game, have fun, that should be the only mutually agreed upon goal of everyone at the table. But also remember that everyone will have different ways to play because his/her vision of fun is different. There is no right or wrong answer. But also realize that some ways some players play might directly conflict or impeded upon the fun of others. Find ways to address it in a civilized adult manner that does not involve blood loss or.

* Once in a while (if not more often) when making a new character, make a type you wouldn't normally "default to." You may enjoy the change of style or abilities or at the very least be revilatized when you do go back to your prefered character type

* Never forget that aside from all the options/equipment/powers/spells/abilities on your character sheet, another tactical option is to run -- sometimes a foe will just be more powerful than you can handle at the moment (either it's just simply an enemy you aren't supposed to face right now or you're too beaten down on resources from a previous fight)

* Remember that DMing is much more mentally demanding (more things to think about) and more physically demanding (more books to read and carry) as well as a much larger time commitment (much more to prepare and plan) than players have to invest. So give her/him some slack on things

* Be courteous to the host and to other people's property. You're at someone else's home (or public place), treat it will. If you're using someone else's minis/books, treat them nicely too

* Planned encounters are usually prepared with the expectation of the entire group, so they are either at party level or tougher. If you're party is split up, chances of overcoming a planned encounter drop down exponentially the fewer people there are with you.

 

[knightofround]

1. If at all possible, be a PC for a few campaigns before trying at being a DM, unless you're confident in your improvisational skills.

2. If you're trying out a new gaming system, run a published module first to get a "feel" of the system.

3. If you're with a new group, keep your material PG-13 until you're sure that everyone in the group is okay with upping the maturity level.

4. If you've new to PCing, choose two of your favorite fantasy characters and combine them. This way you don't have to think up a character from scratch, and you don't get suckered into the "I wanna be Drizzt" mindset.

5. If you're DMing, try to find a person outside your gaming group that you can bounce ideas off of. ENWorld is surprisingly good for this, as long as your players aren't aware of its existence

 

[That One Guy]

* If you're the DM, know the rules. If you're not the DM, and you know the rules better than the DM, let him/her do what they want - unless they are trying to learn the system and want help.

* If you're the DM, make a small list of personal tropes. Sounds, words, places, people, motivations, etc. Things that you can call upon easily to make things up when the PCs go away from what you planned.

* The PCs will go away from what you planned. Be okay with it. If you want, talk w/ them in advance to see what they'll be wanting to do next in game.

* Have fun. If you're not, change things up. May be the system, may be the player(s), may be the DM's a jerk. Maybe if you're the one bringing down the game, try and change it. Don't expect the game to adapt to your every need.

* Consider the themes and Mythic themes involved in your game - as both the player and DM. If you're the player, go through your BG w/ the DM. DM, go through each character's BG with them.

*Don't play favorites. And don't play anti-favorites.

 

[Darrin Drader]

I've often found that when going to an expert on a given subject and asking them for advice, they often say something profound, which you completely don't understand because you lack to context.

So for a new player -

1. D&D is a game of "Let's pretend" with a complex set of rules so your pretend self can adjudicate imaginary tasks.
2. Don't let the rules make you think that there is no way to accomplish the task you want to attempt.
3. Heroic fantasy is not the end-all be-all of roleplaying games
4. Wizards of the Coast is not the only company producing roleplaying games
6. If you find the game boring, don't keep showing up. There are probably activities that are better suited for you.
7. Soap is your friend. Use it.
8. Roleplaying games are not a substitute for an active social life.
9. Don't argue too much about the game because at the end of the day, you don't get to take that +5 vorpal sword home with you.
10. If you aren't sure about your character's motivation, don't worry too much, nobody else is either and nobody really cares.

 

[amysrevenge]

3. For all that is sacred and holy, don't argue with the DM until the game is over!

Addition: Don't gloat about an easy victory or a string of hot PC or cold DM dice rolls until after the game is over!

 

[JoeGKushner]

Still a relatively solid book for any edition...

DriveThruRPG.com - Wizards of the Coast - Campaign Sourcebook and Catacomb Guide

as is

DriveThruRPG.com - Wizards of the Coast - The Complete Book of Villains

 

[Mephistopheles]

Still a relatively solid book for any edition...

DriveThruRPG.com - Wizards of the Coast - Campaign Sourcebook and Catacomb Guide

The Catacomb Guide is among my favourite D&D books.

I would give new players only one piece of advice: Kill Bargle!