Would I enjoy D&D?

[Sanji]

It sounds like you want a computer game translated as directly as possible to the pen and paper game table without the "ickiness" of actually having to act anything out. D&D can be played like this but from my experience generally isn't because as it says on the lid, it is a roleplaying game. [A computer "RPG" is usually not an rpg at all].

I think the best example of what I'm looking for is an old board game called Hero Quest. I played it quite a bit as a kid and absolutely loved it, but it is far too simplistic to get much entertainment out of it as an adult. The game was essentially a dungeon crawler where each player controlled a character (Wizard, Barbarian, Dwarf, Elf) and went through the dungeon killing monsters and accomplishing a quest (killing a demon, rescuing a princess, etc.). The DM would either use a pre-existing campaign or create one of his/her own. A D&D lite without the role-playing aspects.

What I want is the D&D combat, the group socializing, the roleplaying aspect of Dragon Warrior "The evil (he doesn't do anything evil, but take my word on it) Dragonlord sits in his castle. Go beat him up, nameless hero.", with the dungeon crawling of Hero Quest (or Diablo I suppose).

Anyway, I doubt I'll drop out before even starting. I was just getting a little frustrated with developing my backstory and creating my character sheet. However, my friends are rather into the story/role-playing aspect, so I am rather doubtful. I suppose the big question is that if I don't enjoy playing with this group, might I enjoy playing with a more combat-oriented group?

 

[Herremann the Wise]

I think the best example of what I'm looking for is an old board game called Hero Quest.

Now Hero Quest is something I can appreciate! Along with Talisman, Fighting Fantasy Gamebooks etc. etc.

I suppose the big question is that if I don't enjoy playing with this group, might I enjoy playing with a more combat-oriented group?

You have not mentioned the edition you are playing with. From what you say though, 4E would be absolutely perfect as its primary focus is combat (just about all abilities and choices determine what the character can do within an encounter) and the tactics used there-in. As such, I'm sure if you look around, you will eventually find a group where your preferred playestyle will fit in well enough - although obviously see what happens with your current group.
If possible, could you give us a follow up as to how it all goes?

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

 

[Cor_Malek]

I often encountered players like that. Just as fans of heavy RP have some downtime in combat, you will have some outside of combat, that's all.

And regardless of system there's a lot of character concepts with which it'd make sense for someone to be withdrawn:
- barbarians string to mind as naturals in it. Ex-slave joined some adventurers because that allows him to kill stuff without being thrown into prison (they get angry around here for killing barman's).
- a wizard, druid or cleric who was asked by superior to stick with given group and watch them closely. He'd rather be furthering his studies, so he farts in general direction of non-live threatening situations
- a rogue who decided that prying chests and doors open for a party of adventurers is much more profitable than nicking purses. Doesn't meen he shed his class hate Adventurers are the guys you're supposed to rip off with 5gp per night in tavern and re-selling something they just sold you by accident for x5 the price.
- a ranger who was always a sole trapper. He now needs very rare pelts, and he cannot obtain them in ways other than sticking with the group.
- a savant sorcerer

I think I got all of them? Each can have a short and known thing they do outside of combat. The ranger would be skinning or otherwise taking care of pelts, the wizard would be finally able to focus on his books, the cleric would be praying, etc.

 

[Hungry Like The Wolf]

You have not mentioned the edition you are playing with. From what you say though, 4E would be absolutely perfect as its primary focus is combat (just about all abilities and choices determine what the character can do within an encounter) and the tactics used there-in. As such, I'm sure if you look around, you will eventually find a group where your preferred playestyle will fit in well enough - although obviously see what happens with your current group.
If possible, could you give us a follow up as to how it all goes?

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

I agree, 4E would be perfect for what you're talking about. Might I suggest also looking into the Ravenloft boardgame as well.

 

[Oryan77]

I was just getting a little frustrated with developing my backstory and creating my character sheet. However, my friends are rather into the story/role-playing aspect, so I am rather doubtful.

If you're looking for some honest advise rather than just a pat on the back followed by the phrase, "It's ok to hate roleplaying.", then here is my advise based on what I quoted from you:

Don't even waste your time. Obviously you know that your friends want to enjoy the roleplaying and story part of the game. If you are telling the honest truth, and you really can't stand that part of the game, then please, whatever you do, don't join that game. You can single-handedly keep that DM or one of those players from coming here to ENworld a few months down the road to complain about some guy in their group ruining the game & being a problem player because he hates when they roleplay or follow a storyline.

If you want to play D&D for the reasons that interest you, then try posting a want ad around the different gaming forums asking people if anyone needs a player for a purely hack-n-slash game. Or ask if anyone wants to start a group of purely hack-n-slash players. You might find a group to play with that will provide you with way more fun than you'd have playing in your friends game.

But if you do play in your friends game, don't be annoying. Don't complain, don't whine, and don't try to be a pest if they are doing something you find boring. Let them have their fun and just tell them after a session that you tried it, it's not your thing, and walk away.

The only reason I say this is because out of your first two posts on ENworld, you're already going into this event with a bad attitude about it rather than being even somewhat optimistic. So it seems like you're already ready to hate on their game. So why bother trying it out?

 

[fuzzlewump]

I can't really answer without knowing more about the game. You would enjoy Dungeons and Dragons, yes, but how the DM runs his game is really what matters. 80% comboat 20% out of combat? 50/50? 20/80? That's what's going to decide if you enjoy the game.

Have you tried roleplaying before? (I assume yes, given that you hate it.) Was it the act itself you disliked? People's reactions to your attempts? General awkwardness? Maybe it will be different this time.

One important note is that there isn't a black and white dichotomy between ROLEPLAYING and ROLL PLAYING. There's a fully shaded grey area between that maybe you and your group can safely fit into. Some people's idea of roleplaying (like my groups) is cracking slightly in-character jokes. It serves to make us all laugh and have a good time; it's not really about telling Song of Ice and Fire at all.

 

[Doug McCrae]

if I don't enjoy playing with this group, might I enjoy playing with a more combat-oriented group?

Yes, it's mostly the group that determines these things, rather than the system. Some groups play D&D with a lot of roleplaying, some with none.

You might also enjoy World of Warcraft, which has many of the gameplay elements of D&D, turned up to 11, but very little roleplaying unless you're on a roleplaying server.

 

[Leatherhead]

The idea of playing a game with a group of friends and working together to advance through a dungeon and putting our heads together to defeat enemies and bosses is what is appealing to me.

This is the main way I play and run DnD. Beer and Pretzels is fun.

The other major way I play is comedy.

Drama comes in some time after that, and I really can't get into horror.

 

[Aurumvorax]

Ask the DM if he's influenced by Gary Gygax or Tracy Hickman/Margaret Weis. If he says the former, you'll probably enjoy yourself.

 

[Neonchameleon]

I agree, 4E would be perfect for what you're talking about. Might I suggest also looking into the Ravenloft boardgame as well.

I'd have honestly said that this looks more like the Old School Rennaisance to me than 4e. Challenge the player not the character. Thinking your way through a dungeon rather than Epic Battles. Still, it looks as if this is probably the wrong group for the player.

And throw Descent onto the boardgame list.