Dungeons and Dragons.
- Thread starter NnyTheV
- Start date
Recommended Videos
Many people wrote here, but...
1- you don't need to know any books to play tabletop rpg. Dm handles everything for you. So, leave all the books and go find a group. Local warhammer stores, local con's can help you to meet with people, or people who knows other people.
2- if you insist to read the books or to become a dm, play in a game first. Then stay away from d&d 4e, its evil. I suggest you to read pathfinder if you want to play d&d stuff. Ad&d 2e was also good, but i wasn't liking thaco system that much.
3- world of darkness system is my favorite. You don't have to play wod worlds like vampire, hunter, werewolf etc, but it can ble flexible if you want (similar to special system of fallout pnp).
4- if you like sci-fi and fantasy, at least try warhammer 40k, planescape, cyberpunk and dark sun.
1- you don't need to know any books to play tabletop rpg. Dm handles everything for you. So, leave all the books and go find a group. Local warhammer stores, local con's can help you to meet with people, or people who knows other people.
2- if you insist to read the books or to become a dm, play in a game first. Then stay away from d&d 4e, its evil. I suggest you to read pathfinder if you want to play d&d stuff. Ad&d 2e was also good, but i wasn't liking thaco system that much.
3- world of darkness system is my favorite. You don't have to play wod worlds like vampire, hunter, werewolf etc, but it can ble flexible if you want (similar to special system of fallout pnp).
4- if you like sci-fi and fantasy, at least try warhammer 40k, planescape, cyberpunk and dark sun.
You might consider getting a D&D Insider subscription, if you're going to be a player.NnyTheV said:
If you're going to DM you'll need the Players Handbook, the DMs Handbook and the Monster Manual.
I'd recommend 4th edition, mostly because thats the one supported.
Alternately, I would suggest you forget about D&D entirely as its a clunky and rules-heavy system even in its new, streamlined 4th edition and get a hold of Savage Worlds and its fantasy variant instead as SW is easy, intuitive and very easy to use for modelling your own worlds, races, powers and such.
Get pathfinder (by Paizo). Easy to learn, fun, better then D&D4.0NnyTheV said:
(unless you want a tabletop mmorpg, that is. In that case: 4th all the way)
Pathfinder uses its ruleset to make the mechanics more atmospheric.
The core rulebook (goes for arouund 50? around here, for a 575p hardcover) has pretty much all you'll need; interesting races (each with their own strengths and weaknesses); revamped classes(comparad to 3.5 ed) which are massively more flavorfull; rebalanced feats and a simplified skill system (but not to the point of being insulting (CURSE YOU 4TH EDITION!1!!))
Have fun! regardless of the system. Try not to let the rules get in the way of a good time.
NnyTheV, to be honest - system isn't THAT important. There are many, many alternatives, deratives, variations and so on. For example : http://www.d20threshold.com/
More important than rules or supplements are scenarios/adventures.
Take Dark Heresy. System is nice, setting (world, universe) - quite unique. However there are only a few official adventures and most of fan made are "go there, kill that, return to learn you were betrayed, chase and burn traitorous heretic".
Many won't agree with me, but many modern tabletop rpgs are exactly like this. From fight to fight, from battle to battle. Even latest installment of D&D isn't free of that flaw. That's practically "hack and slash" not rpg. Think "Enhanced Diablo".
For a new player Pathfinder is really good choice. Why ?
- Good, matured mechanic.
- Easy to learn (for both players and Game Master).
- Many sourcebooks covering aspects of both gameplay and world.
- Professional, free guides (pdf files downloadable from official PF site).
- Very, very good scenarios, some of them are true masterpiecies.
There's a campaign called "Council of thieves" for Pathfinder. I don't know each and every adventure/campaign there is but i consider "Council" ultimate choice for newcomers. It contains almost everything what rpg's have to offer.
Whatever you pick, i wish you luck and good fun. RPG's are good fun.
More important than rules or supplements are scenarios/adventures.
Take Dark Heresy. System is nice, setting (world, universe) - quite unique. However there are only a few official adventures and most of fan made are "go there, kill that, return to learn you were betrayed, chase and burn traitorous heretic".
Many won't agree with me, but many modern tabletop rpgs are exactly like this. From fight to fight, from battle to battle. Even latest installment of D&D isn't free of that flaw. That's practically "hack and slash" not rpg. Think "Enhanced Diablo".
For a new player Pathfinder is really good choice. Why ?
- Good, matured mechanic.
- Easy to learn (for both players and Game Master).
- Many sourcebooks covering aspects of both gameplay and world.
- Professional, free guides (pdf files downloadable from official PF site).
- Very, very good scenarios, some of them are true masterpiecies.
There's a campaign called "Council of thieves" for Pathfinder. I don't know each and every adventure/campaign there is but i consider "Council" ultimate choice for newcomers. It contains almost everything what rpg's have to offer.
Whatever you pick, i wish you luck and good fun. RPG's are good fun.
I prefer tristat system myself, as it's really easy to play since you only need 2d6 (that's 2 six sides dice for those who don't know) and you roll+skill+spec if you have it+relevent stat.
There's only three stats, mind, body, and soul, and the system is broad enough that it lends itself well to just about any setting, and while the rules in the book I use (I'll get to that in a minute) are a little too meh for me, I've made a lot of my own house rules for ease of gameplay for myself and my player(s) since one of the guys I run for is horrible at math and I end up doing a lot of simple conversions/formulas to help make it easier for both him and myself.
The book is BESM, which stands for Big Eyes, Small Mouth. It's technically an anime roleplaying game, but the system itself is so broad that you can use it in any setting, and the book actually has recommended skill point costs for different settings of games.
I started in 1st ed D&D, and I absolutely loved the thing. I didn't play another version until 3.5 and then 4, but prefered the 3.5 to the 4 as a lot of people seem to agree. Mostly because I didn't want an rpg that focused so much on simply killing things that I felt looked at me funny.
As time wore on, I got tired of the D20 system. Don't get me wrong, I like it and think it's good for what it tries to do, but for less hardcore gamers, or people trying to get into it for the first time, I recommend any tristat system game, I believe it's Palladium (sp?) that makes games based on %s, and is also fairly easy to pick up as well, although my experience with that is a lot less that either D20 or tristat, so I might not be remembering exactly.
There's only three stats, mind, body, and soul, and the system is broad enough that it lends itself well to just about any setting, and while the rules in the book I use (I'll get to that in a minute) are a little too meh for me, I've made a lot of my own house rules for ease of gameplay for myself and my player(s) since one of the guys I run for is horrible at math and I end up doing a lot of simple conversions/formulas to help make it easier for both him and myself.
The book is BESM, which stands for Big Eyes, Small Mouth. It's technically an anime roleplaying game, but the system itself is so broad that you can use it in any setting, and the book actually has recommended skill point costs for different settings of games.
I started in 1st ed D&D, and I absolutely loved the thing. I didn't play another version until 3.5 and then 4, but prefered the 3.5 to the 4 as a lot of people seem to agree. Mostly because I didn't want an rpg that focused so much on simply killing things that I felt looked at me funny.
As time wore on, I got tired of the D20 system. Don't get me wrong, I like it and think it's good for what it tries to do, but for less hardcore gamers, or people trying to get into it for the first time, I recommend any tristat system game, I believe it's Palladium (sp?) that makes games based on %s, and is also fairly easy to pick up as well, although my experience with that is a lot less that either D20 or tristat, so I might not be remembering exactly.
I would recommend World of Darkness. Modern horror may not be your first choice but a few games and you'll be hooked.
That is in fact the book that you will need.
I actually JUST finished my first Dark Heresy game this last Saturday and I really enjoyed it a whole lot. I will admit the only problem that I kept running into, and one that you'll need to keep in mind about Warhammer 40k, is that if your players are not familiar with the setting there is "some 'splaining to do." My players are all Dungeons and Dragons veterans and knew nothing about the 40K universe so I had to spend one whole session bringing them up to speed and even then there was difficulty in them understanding the lore.
Dungeons and Dragons is a great starting point because by now, thanks to movies like the Lord of the Rings trilogy and others, we all have a better grasp on general fantasy.
If you and your players are all video game players and have extremely low experience with tabletop gaming in general, which I will assume you do, I would say download and try out Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition.
Now, I still play 3rd and 3.5 because I personally like those rules and mechanics. DnD 4E seems to either hit and people love it or it sinks and people hate it. I personally like the 4th Edition BUT I like 3rd and 3.5 more.
Dungeons and Dragons is a great place to start just because, in my opinion, it is very easy to understand the rules and is quick to get into. If you go to the Wizards of the Coast Website you can download an adventure with pre-generated characters so you and your friends can try it out and if that works well then, PLAY IT!
Just because someone else dislikes something doesn't mean that you will also dislike it. Best thing to do is shop around for games and see what you and your group like.
I actually JUST finished my first Dark Heresy game this last Saturday and I really enjoyed it a whole lot. I will admit the only problem that I kept running into, and one that you'll need to keep in mind about Warhammer 40k, is that if your players are not familiar with the setting there is "some 'splaining to do." My players are all Dungeons and Dragons veterans and knew nothing about the 40K universe so I had to spend one whole session bringing them up to speed and even then there was difficulty in them understanding the lore.
Dungeons and Dragons is a great starting point because by now, thanks to movies like the Lord of the Rings trilogy and others, we all have a better grasp on general fantasy.
If you and your players are all video game players and have extremely low experience with tabletop gaming in general, which I will assume you do, I would say download and try out Dungeons and Dragons 4th Edition.
Now, I still play 3rd and 3.5 because I personally like those rules and mechanics. DnD 4E seems to either hit and people love it or it sinks and people hate it. I personally like the 4th Edition BUT I like 3rd and 3.5 more.
Dungeons and Dragons is a great place to start just because, in my opinion, it is very easy to understand the rules and is quick to get into. If you go to the Wizards of the Coast Website you can download an adventure with pre-generated characters so you and your friends can try it out and if that works well then, PLAY IT!
Just because someone else dislikes something doesn't mean that you will also dislike it. Best thing to do is shop around for games and see what you and your group like.
That is indeed the Core Rulebook that one needs to run Dark Heresy. I just finished running my first DH game and the players seemed to enjoy it although they said, "If I knew more about the lore I would have had an easier time picturing and understanding things." Which is one thing to consider when picking a game. Pick something that everyone in the group knows a little bit about or is easy to picture.
Fantasy is usually the best place to start. We all know what an orc is, we all know what an elf is, and we all know what a dragon looks like (even all of the different variations of them by now). Which is why I like Dungeons and Dragons. The rules are simple and quick to pick up.
Now, if you're just starting out and have little to no experience with table top games then I would say start with DnD 4E. The reason why is because it is very good to players that are new to the whole thing. It actually runs JUST like a video game which some people like and some people dislike. I liked it because it was quick to pick up and since its a medieval fantasy world the imagery is easier to imagine. As a bonus, you can head to the Wizards of the Coast website an download pre-made adventures with pre-made characters and just give the game a whirl. No real preparation aside from the person being the DM (dungeon master) reading it before hand to know what's going to happen.
Fantasy is usually the best place to start. We all know what an orc is, we all know what an elf is, and we all know what a dragon looks like (even all of the different variations of them by now). Which is why I like Dungeons and Dragons. The rules are simple and quick to pick up.
Now, if you're just starting out and have little to no experience with table top games then I would say start with DnD 4E. The reason why is because it is very good to players that are new to the whole thing. It actually runs JUST like a video game which some people like and some people dislike. I liked it because it was quick to pick up and since its a medieval fantasy world the imagery is easier to imagine. As a bonus, you can head to the Wizards of the Coast website an download pre-made adventures with pre-made characters and just give the game a whirl. No real preparation aside from the person being the DM (dungeon master) reading it before hand to know what's going to happen.
I've got the same problem with Call of Cthulhu...Takuanuva said:I have bought all of the core DnD 3.5 edition books I could find. And quite a lot of 3.0 supplements.
...I've never found anyone to play with.
Incidentally, would RPG-experienced people recommend it as for a total starter group?
If you want to play 4th edition D&D just join a WoW guild on a RP server. You'll get pretty much the same experience. There's a suprising number of people quietly running games. You might even know a group, especially if you attend a college or something equally awesome.
I genuinely think that videogames are a good way to teach you the basic mechanics of these systems. I'm pretty sure Icewindale and Neverwinter Nights 2 both run on the 3.5 rules and once you create a few characters in those games you'll have a good feel for how everything works. The best way to dive in though really is to just dive in with some experienced players.
I genuinely think that videogames are a good way to teach you the basic mechanics of these systems. I'm pretty sure Icewindale and Neverwinter Nights 2 both run on the 3.5 rules and once you create a few characters in those games you'll have a good feel for how everything works. The best way to dive in though really is to just dive in with some experienced players.
I would disagree with that Jester. Scenarios and adventures are not that important, I cant stand running premades and just frankly prefer running my own stuff. Its easy to have a story or change an existing one to suit your needs, its harder to work with rules that just aren't fun.JesterRaiin said:
I cant comment on all systems but Dark Heresy certainly isnt a go here, kill that type of game. Combat is very very dangerous, with regular humans being are capable of gutting your party without too much effort. Its all about the investigation, finding clues, talking to people, running around the 41st Millenium.
Pegghead said:I started myself off with a 4th edition (Yeah yeah yeah, sue me) starters pack that I purchased from a board-games store so that's a good start. It came with dice, tokens, a small book of monsters and character archetypes, DM manual, gameboards and all for around thirty bucks.
But most of all you NEED a good crew. I tried to get my friends into it but they weren't really interested, I resapect their taste but I just wish that I had ppeople to play with
I don't know about where you guys are but a lot of local game shops have nights to gather and play. You can probably just hang up a sign in there about starting or joining a campaign and you'll find a group.Takuanuva said:
OT: I play a lot of different systems. I'm currently running a 3.5 campaign and will soon be running a 4th edition campaign with another group all while working on a World of Darkness. There are a lot of systems out there.
D&D itself gives you a good fantasy system. 3.5 let's you do a lot more with your character but 4th edition is easier to learn and a bit more balanced (at least in my opinion. Crucify me if you must).
If you're a Star Wars fan, the Star Wars RPG is a lot of fun as long as you nerf the Jedi a bit (I separated them into three different categories like in KOTOR to do this).
If you are a fan of survival horror, I recommend World of Darkness. It's a modern world setting with supernatural elements and has several offshoot games (Werewolves, Vampires, etc).
So choose your poison. Tabletop RPGs are addictive and once you've played one, you'll probably want to branch out. I started playing 3.5 in high school and now I am 7 years later playing 4 to 5 different systems.
If your new 4e is good place to start, head down your local gaming store and ask about clubs. Most clubs near me still mainly play 3.5 but are willing to play 4 if you ask nicely and they always love people who are willing to learn. Once you found a club go along one night and see what its like. From there if you like it pick up the books!
Pretty simple. Don't waste your money on miniatures or anything just yet. We the two groups near me have different nights, ones they call 'classic' so no miniatures or layouts, its all in your head. Then on another night they play with the miniatures. Personally I prefer the miniatures one but then I love miniatures from playing Warhammer 40k and the miniatures add something to the game in my opinion.
While learning its always more fun to start with the 'classic' D&D because it gives you a bit more freedom and its also a great way to stretch your imagination before you start restricting it with dungeon maps and miniatures, which while adding something to the game play it does take away the fun for most people.
Also look into other table top games. I originally played D&D but now I'm older and working I have less time to invest in a full blown campaign, so I play more skermish style table tops now such as 40K, Flames of War, Warmachine and just starting with Malifaux and Dystopian Wars. Another really good alternative to D&D is Star Wars Miniatures, the rule books are out of print (as far as I am aware) but there is still a fairly large community built up around it.
If its D&D you really want to play but you want a more miniature focused game there is actually D&D miniatures as well. Again slightly older and I don't think they make the game anymore but there are masses of figures available from online shops and trading forums as well as ebay. That is a skirmish style game set with the D&D character rules.
It takes a time investment to play D&D and you cannot just drop in and out as you please. Our current groups campaign has been running for nearly 5 months now and we meet once a week and really its only just starting to get into this thick of things. People do play shorter games but there is generally less character development and story. You can learn to play D&D in a night easily but the rules are just the guidelines, which is what makes it so great! Anything can happen while questing, its really exciting and a great way to spend time with people and meet new friends.
Pretty simple. Don't waste your money on miniatures or anything just yet. We the two groups near me have different nights, ones they call 'classic' so no miniatures or layouts, its all in your head. Then on another night they play with the miniatures. Personally I prefer the miniatures one but then I love miniatures from playing Warhammer 40k and the miniatures add something to the game in my opinion.
While learning its always more fun to start with the 'classic' D&D because it gives you a bit more freedom and its also a great way to stretch your imagination before you start restricting it with dungeon maps and miniatures, which while adding something to the game play it does take away the fun for most people.
Also look into other table top games. I originally played D&D but now I'm older and working I have less time to invest in a full blown campaign, so I play more skermish style table tops now such as 40K, Flames of War, Warmachine and just starting with Malifaux and Dystopian Wars. Another really good alternative to D&D is Star Wars Miniatures, the rule books are out of print (as far as I am aware) but there is still a fairly large community built up around it.
If its D&D you really want to play but you want a more miniature focused game there is actually D&D miniatures as well. Again slightly older and I don't think they make the game anymore but there are masses of figures available from online shops and trading forums as well as ebay. That is a skirmish style game set with the D&D character rules.
It takes a time investment to play D&D and you cannot just drop in and out as you please. Our current groups campaign has been running for nearly 5 months now and we meet once a week and really its only just starting to get into this thick of things. People do play shorter games but there is generally less character development and story. You can learn to play D&D in a night easily but the rules are just the guidelines, which is what makes it so great! Anything can happen while questing, its really exciting and a great way to spend time with people and meet new friends.
Just to point out, if money is a concern Paizo releases all their rules for their Pathfinder system for free online. However, with more companies releasing more PDFs you can probably get what you need for cheap.