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Edfelony
Skirmisher
10 Posts
    
 | | 07/26/2007 4:55 PM |
| My friends and I are avid dreamblade players, and since the game is being killed basically, we have decided to give D & D a try. Not the miniatures game. We are gonna try the one with the books and stuff. What I would like is someone to give me some pointers as to where to start what types of stuff we need etc. I appreciate all your help with this. Also if anyone has stuff to sell, not trade that we will need please email me at eds98stang@yahoo.com
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GuJiaXian
Sergeant
640 Posts
Roswell, GA
| | 07/26/2007 5:55 PM |
| If you and your friends have never played before and are unfamiliar with the rules, start by purchasing the Dungeons & Dragons Basic Game (http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Basic-Game/dp/0786939443/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-9270346-5006431?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1185497654&sr=8-1). It comes with everything four or five people need to begin playing, and it's pretty cheap at about $25.
Once you're familiar with that, look into purchasing the Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual (each about $30, perhaps cheaper if you shop around). | |
"Clearly a case of too many hunchbacks and not enough mad scientists..." | |
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Oryan77
Sergeant
951 Posts
| | 07/26/2007 6:01 PM |
| Cool, the D&D RPG is better than any card games or miniatures games. Plus you can use your minis to represent your characters anyway!
Basically, start off light. Don't go out and buy a whole bunch of books right away. All you guys need is the Player's Handbook 3.5, Dungeon Master's Guide 3.5, and the Monster Manual 3.5. It would also be a good idea if each of your players had his own copy of the Player's Handbook. Then you'll need a set of dice for each player. The DMG comes with a foldout battle mat that you can use your minis on. Or you can get a wet erase battlemat so you can draw on it with a wet erase marker.
Each player will need a character sheet to write his stats on. There's a generic copy in the PHB that you can photocopy. Or you can search the web and download a version that someone made themselves. Here is my version that I made that is color coded:
http://www.stanford.edu/~rchilton/DnD/dndcharactersheet.pdf
Here's also a rules reference sheet that I created that really comes in handy at our table:
http://www.stanford.edu/~rchilton/DnD/dndrules.pdf
I would also suggest buying the first level published adventure called Sunless Citadel if you can find a copy of it. It's a fun & simple adventure for a DM to run and it would be a good way for a new DM to start a campaign.
That's all you need. If none of your players are familiar with playing D&D at all, it might be easier for you guys to look online for someone in your area that would be willing to DM for you. It might be really hard for an entirely new group to learn D&D together. It would be a shame if everyone got frustrated & discouraged because they didn't understand how the game can be played.
One bit of advice, don't worry so much about if you guys are using the rules correctly. Just make some characters, learn the basics on how to attack and damage people, learn how to use spells, familiarize yourself with a move action, a standard action, & a full round action, and then just wing it as you go. If you guys spend most of your game session worrying about rules & if you're using them correctly, you won't get a good sense of how fun it is to adventure with your character!
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Miniatures for sale *more added 07/17/08*: Click here
I will buy your unwanted D&D WotC minis collection (DDM only). Email me your asking price! | |
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gss_000
Commander
3204 Posts
Baltimore, MD
| | 07/26/2007 9:13 PM |
| The basic game is a great start. After that, seriously think about getting the Players Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual. They are the core rules and are what everything else is built off of.
I'd also recommend borrowing or getting your hands on the D&D for Dummies. They are well written and good for explaining things to people who have never played.
If money is an issue, or you are unsure how much you want to invest, check your local library. Sometimes these books are there for you to borrow.
In a way, I'm so jealous that you are discovering D&D. I've been playing for over 20 years and I still treasure those first memories of gaming. I really hope you enjoy it. | |
Completed trades: blackthorne, Drakkengi,Thorgrin, Ironfist Boulderbender x2, ckissee, nasamonkey, Username, Star, Ace13 x3, emontedodger x2, Drconveyor, church, Joeyb, Sir Bozak The Damned, Xeromod, the other guy x2, Qucalion of Celene, Dagaron x2, berus316, qillan_dvra, AshloreDarkShadow
For further info go to My Reference Thread and Trade Interface
Champion of Radiant Sevant | |
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Skyscraper
Sergeant
659 Posts
Montreal
| | 07/27/2007 7:35 AM |
| All the advice above appears good to me. I'll add a few things.
Two options were given above, here's a short description of each to help you choose:
1) buy the detailed rulebooks: Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual. These are extensive books that have a few hundred pages each. You won't need to read all of them to start playing, but you'll need to read a good part of the Player's Handbook (say, one third) and the dungeon master of your group will have to read some parts of the other two books too. If/when you get into liking the game, this will actually be a very fun read. Some people however might feel daunted by such an extensive read, thus option #2.
OR:
2) buy the D&D basic game: I haven't actually seen the booklets included in the basic game, but my understanding is that the reading time is much shorter, i.e. you'll have simplified rules that are fully functional, and they give you only what you need to know. You'll be able to get your game up and going more quickly. In the long run, you'll want all the options that the detailed rulebooks in #1 provide, but at the outset if all players in the group are not dedicated to reading significant portions of the rulebook, this is the way to go.
In any event, i would also suggest buying a wet erase battle mat and a wet erase marker. Those are pretty handy, but you can start without them if you want.
Your group will have to decide who the Dungeon Master (DM) will be. All the others will be the players. There is no better role among the two, they are equally fun, if different.
Choosing the DM can be a bit tricky. Some people have fabulous stories in their head, but have a hard time incarnating those stories in balanced gameplay and good storytelling. The DM has to understand that the players will be the heroes of the game, not the different creatures that he'll be setting up as opponents or allies. The DM should be a person who, in no particular order:
a) understands the rules well. He'll need to adjusdicate when disagreement arises, to allow the game to flow.
b) has a just way of thinking. He must decide on a lot of stuff during the game and he has to be consistent for the players to appreciate the experience.
c) is a fair storyteller. He'll be describing imaginary rooms, creatures, opponents, monsters, items, weather, castles, dungeons, treasures, ...
d) is ready to put in more time than the others in the game. He'll be working in-between gaming sessions to prepare the gaming sessions.
The suggestion of having an experienced DM is best, but i'm sure that one of you can manage as DM if you prefer playing among yourselves.
Also, i'll chime in with what Oryan had to say: once you start playing, don't stress out on the rules too much. The DM needs to be the one to help the game move forward in that respect, and here's a good trick on how to do that: rule on the fly. That means that during the game, you'll meet situations when you're not sure how it should be adjudicated. Let the DM decide according to his best judgement in a few seconds time, jot down a note on that particular ruling you're unsure about, and then in-between games check it out for future game sessions. That way, the game won't suffer because of your lack of experience.
Lastly, there are many ways to play table top D&D, and no one way is better than the others. Some people put a lot of emphasis on the battle tactics, and you can have a lot of fun with that. You'll see that where playing minis games (D&D or dreamblade miniatures games) offers some versatility, D&D offers almost infinite possibilities! Some people put a lot of emphasis on the role-play part of the game (with or without a lot of emphasis on the battle tactics), i.e. acting out characters. If that floats your boat, you'll see that you can get some really intense sessions of improvised role-play in there. Dive into the role and it'll be that much better! Some DMs put a lot of effort into developping a deep storyline to their campaign, and both the players and the DM are then immersed into the game much more. In short, there are different ways of appreciating this game.
Have fun, as i'm sure you will,
Sky | |
The wise man doubts often. The ignorant, sometimes. The fool, never. | |
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Edfelony
Skirmisher
10 Posts
| | 07/27/2007 8:16 AM |
| We really appreciate all the excellent feedback. I must say I was extremely surprised at the amout of information you guys put into each. We are going to purchase the starter kit and probably the wet erase map as well as extra dice. Once we get a feel based on the starter we intend on adding more money into our stuff. I can't wait to get started and my friends are equally as psyched. Thanks again.
Ed | | | |
| Master of the
Awesome Sauce
Teflon Jeff
Warlord
6438 Posts
Idaho. Yes, we have Gamers in Idaho.
| | 07/27/2007 12:58 PM |
| I highly recommend the players kit. It has some useful info, but if you get the paperback PH sppiral vound ($3-4 at my local kinko's) it is very useful and handy. One of the best D&D investments I've ever made.
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Official Delegate, Wizards of the Coast
Against The Giants Called Shot: Huge Green Dragon
Icons Called Shot: Gargantuan Prismatic Dragon
"Rejoice, for bad things are about to happen." | |
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gss_000
Commander
3204 Posts
Baltimore, MD
| | 07/28/2007 6:59 PM |
| | Having played the Basic game I can give a better description. It's made for people who may find the PHB intimidating to just jump into. The premade character sheets are easy to read and understand what to do, but there sure aren't the most ideally designed characters, but it doesn't have instruction on making characters as well. The module itself is pretty good for starting DMs as well, with encounters and room that are easy to run with little to no experience. It definitely a good product to learn basic mechanics on all sides and gain familiarity if you want it before using the full set of rules. | |
Completed trades: blackthorne, Drakkengi,Thorgrin, Ironfist Boulderbender x2, ckissee, nasamonkey, Username, Star, Ace13 x3, emontedodger x2, Drconveyor, church, Joeyb, Sir Bozak The Damned, Xeromod, the other guy x2, Qucalion of Celene, Dagaron x2, berus316, qillan_dvra, AshloreDarkShadow
For further info go to My Reference Thread and Trade Interface
Champion of Radiant Sevant | |
| Knight of Argenis
Corim Danex
Warlord
6562 Posts
West Valley City, Utah
| | 07/30/2007 11:40 AM |
| I really don't like the basic game stuff. It's a big jump from the basic game to "real" D&D. I have bought both basic games, but I think that there is a lot of learning jumping between the basic game and the regular game.
I agree with Teflon Jeff that the Player's Kit is a good thing to get.
I disagree with using the Sunless Citadel, since it is designed with 3.0 rules and there are lots of conversions needed, which create confusion for new DMs.
I agree that it is a great idea getting a first level prepublished adventure and going from there.
It is important to realize that it's a good idea for the new players and new DM to take some time to read through the basics in the rule books before starting, and then read sections over and over as needed as you continue playing. The index is very useful in both the DM Guide and the Players Handbook.
I have been playing a long time and I still look things up constantly.
I don't recommend buying a bunch of books outside the Dungeon Masters Guide, Monster Manual I, and Player's Handbook until you have been playing a while. Then expand as you desire. There is a lot of information to digest in the main books before spreading out. | |
"Look to God and live." Alma 37:47
Ha 80/80---De 60/60---Ar 60/60---GoL 72/72---Ab 60/60---Dk 60/60---Af 60/60---Ud 60/60---WD 60/60---WDQ 60/60---BW 60/60---UH 60/60---NB 60/60---DDe 60/60---SSB 59/60 (Does anyone want to buy my SSB collection?)
Champion of Something, I imagine I will think of something
Vindicated Champ of Hippogriff (Arcadian Hippogriff) and Uncommon Horse | |
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gss_000
Commander
3204 Posts
Baltimore, MD
| | 07/30/2007 12:51 PM |
| I don't recommend buying a bunch of books outside the Dungeon Masters Guide, Monster Manual I, and Player's Handbook until you have been playing a while. Then expand as you desire. There is a lot of information to digest in the main books before spreading out.
Very good piece of advice. The extras are neat, but can really complicate and overwhelm if you are not ready to deal with them. | |
Completed trades: blackthorne, Drakkengi,Thorgrin, Ironfist Boulderbender x2, ckissee, nasamonkey, Username, Star, Ace13 x3, emontedodger x2, Drconveyor, church, Joeyb, Sir Bozak The Damned, Xeromod, the other guy x2, Qucalion of Celene, Dagaron x2, berus316, qillan_dvra, AshloreDarkShadow
For further info go to My Reference Thread and Trade Interface
Champion of Radiant Sevant | |
| Master of the
Awesome Sauce
Teflon Jeff
Warlord
6438 Posts
Idaho. Yes, we have Gamers in Idaho.
| | 07/30/2007 9:08 PM |
| Posted By gss_000 on 07/30/2007 12:51 PM I don't recommend buying a bunch of books outside the Dungeon Masters Guide, Monster Manual I, and Player's Handbook until you have been playing a while. Then expand as you desire. There is a lot of information to digest in the main books before spreading out. Very good piece of advice. The extras are neat, but can really complicate and overwhelm if you are not ready to deal with them.
I third the motion to keep it simple...
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Official Delegate, Wizards of the Coast
Against The Giants Called Shot: Huge Green Dragon
Icons Called Shot: Gargantuan Prismatic Dragon
"Rejoice, for bad things are about to happen." | |
| 
Vrecknidj
Warlord
10069 Posts
United States
| | 08/03/2007 6:42 AM |
| Go to the Hypertext D20 SRD and start reading.
Most of the game's rules are free and online.
Then, if you need copies of those rules printed, you can go to the WotC SRD site and get them from there.
I still recommend getting the PHB, DMG and first MM. But, almost all that information is already available for free. And if you're just starting out, and want to just get a taste for the rules, free isn't a bad way to go.
Dave | |
Knowledge Arcana editor issues 5-9, Phoenix Lore Magazine editor, assistant editor for Rite Publishing;
My Trade Thread and My Reference Thread; Winner of WBC IV, IX and XIII; Rule #0: bshugg is always right! | |
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gss_000
Commander
3204 Posts
Baltimore, MD
| | 08/03/2007 9:07 AM |
| | Definitely not. Especially to make sure you want to invest. I completely forgot about this reference, I need to remember to pass it on. | |
Completed trades: blackthorne, Drakkengi,Thorgrin, Ironfist Boulderbender x2, ckissee, nasamonkey, Username, Star, Ace13 x3, emontedodger x2, Drconveyor, church, Joeyb, Sir Bozak The Damned, Xeromod, the other guy x2, Qucalion of Celene, Dagaron x2, berus316, qillan_dvra, AshloreDarkShadow
For further info go to My Reference Thread and Trade Interface
Champion of Radiant Sevant | |
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