Getting People to Play D&D

[deadguynotyetburied]

As to the part about you needing to DM, it's true. If you're going to start the group going, you will need to have the campaign ready to go. But don't worry, you'd have to be incredibly unlucky to assemble a group that didn't include one or two people doodling notes for their own game world by the end of the first couple of sessions.

 

[Addendum_Forthcoming]

ewwwwwww 4th ed ..... ewwwwwww

I downloaded the PDF to see if I'd ever want to buy it (yes I believe if you enjoy a product you should buy it >:[ )and one flick through it .... "I think I'll stick to 3rd ed/AD&D" is about all I could think.

Say what you like about 'D&D nerds' but the large majority of D&Ders (as in people who dn't just pick up the game to see if they'd like it) are pretty open, interesting individuals.

D&D is like the ultimate co-op adventure, which (unlike a videogame) changes everytime you play. What's not to like? It's like a computer game with awesome enemy AI and endless replay value alone (not including the RP involved) ... what gamer doesn't want that?

 

[Melancholy_Ocelot]

Turn it into a drinking game.
As the game goes on and they get drunker there is a much higher chance they'll get intensely into it.

THIS. We often play DD&D. We often feel kinda foolish in the actual roll playing aspect, so we focus on combat mostly...as a 1st time DM I was able to weave some storyline into the combat, but keeping them focused on the action is the key.

*EDIT*

I recommend acquiring a copy of "The Sunless Citadel". It is an easy pre-made adventure. It was my first introduction to D&D, and that's what got me hooked.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sunless_Citadel



*Second EDIT*

As we are poor and don't have the gumption to get maps and whatnot, we use graph paper and our "imaginations". It involves a lot of erasing, but it makes life easier. I have a D&D 3 ring binder that I use for everything. Also, here are a few sites I use.

3.5 character generator http://www.pathguy.com/cg35.htm
3.5 dungeon generator http://www.myth-weavers.com/generate_dungeon.php
D&D wiki http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Main_Page

 

[Johnny Cain]

Your best bet is to balls up and find a local gaming group. Maybe the store where you got the handbook (assuming you got it from a store) runs events, if it's the sort of store that specialises in games like D&D.

 

[SlowShootinPete]

Dungeons, Snips, and Dragons.

True, but I never got into it. It's intimidating to the newbie.

It's not for everyone. If you have any interest, though, there's a Dummies book for D&D that you might be able to find at a library, or take a peek at in a book store.