Starting to play D&D, any advice?

[MetalCat]

Contrary to some people's opinions, I think that weird templates (half-dragon, vampire, were-whatever) aren't half bad... as long as you have the source books for them handy, and the rest of the party is mostly versed in the way your character works. I very much prefer 3.5e (Pathfinder too), but AD&D 2.0 is nice too - just depends on your style. I play casters mostly (druids, sorcerers, occasionally wizards) but fighters are just fun. Great Cleave is about the most awesome thing ever for dispatching large numbers of small pests. If I play a class for mostly combat (fighter, barbarian, etc.) I like to play humans or dwarves, otherwise I almost always stick to half-elves. And I always refer to my character as "I" when performing an action. Hope this helps, and I hope you have fun with your first session.

 

[Surili]

I played 2, 3.5 and 4, and i prefered 3.5, but i switched to ars magica too fast so i didnt play much of 4. I loved 3.5, and i agree with whoever said stick to basic characters, keeps everyone fair and happy. And don't forget, you can always cite rule 7 whenever someone tries to get away with fudging the rules: "Don't take the piss."

 

[gamer_parent]

roleplaying tips

1. don't be afraid to do something simple. While having a backstory and all that can help you flesh out your character, it's not always necessary. After all, your character's story should be what happens DURING play, not what happens before you play. (Otherwise, you should just go write a book) If you really need a quick way to build up, here's what you do: pick two emotions. The first one is what you're trying to invoke from the rest of the party members (and will more or less define how the character interacts with them), and then one emotion/thing that truly drives your character. Share it with your GM so he can craft the game around your character. This way, your character will have some pre-baked characterization within without requiring you to write a 20 page backstory.

2. templates are fine. but remember do try to make each template you have count. when you start adding 4 different templates to someone who is basically a human in different skin, it starts looking a little ridiculous. Granted, if your group is all like this, than it won't matter.

3. roleplay and power are not negatively correlated with each other. The only time it does is if being GOOD at what you do actually runs counter to your core concept. So, you can have a powerful character without sacrificing depth.

4. make sure your character can mesh with the party, unless you guys are playing a game that encourages interparty conflict. (Indeed, certain systems THRIVE on interparty conflict since players can play on different sides of the line) It helps to talk it all out with everyone at the table.

Game system stuff
1. 4E is the easiest to learn of the D&D games, and probably has the widest audience right now. It's not my favorite, but it does the job.

2. if you're playing 3.5E, full casters with utility spells will trump all other characters any day. If you're at all concerned with how well your character performs mechanically, don't touch monks. Making those guys work requires quite a bit of a crunching.

3. be careful of splat books. while they certainly have their uses, it's introduction can often be divisive among the party.

 

[peterwolfe]

To specify: this upcoming Wednesday there is a D&D Encounters session going on at a nearby hobby store and I am planning on going and trying this out. This is mostly for fun but also I am in desperate need of something to get me out of my dorm room.

So I was wondering If the Escapist had any general advice on D&D.

For extra Discussion: In your opinion what is the best version of D&D, What classes / races do you enjoy playing as, and do you normally refer to your character as I or he/she/it

If you're using 3.5, use a human, if 4e, roll a dwarf.

 

[gamer_parent]

To specify: this upcoming Wednesday there is a D&D Encounters session going on at a nearby hobby store and I am planning on going and trying this out. This is mostly for fun but also I am in desperate need of something to get me out of my dorm room.

So I was wondering If the Escapist had any general advice on D&D.

For extra Discussion: In your opinion what is the best version of D&D, What classes / races do you enjoy playing as, and do you normally refer to your character as I or he/she/it

If you're using 3.5, use a human, if 4e, roll a dwarf.

the reason why in 3.5 you want to use a human, btw, is because humans get a free feat at level 1 and more skill points. It makes them one of the more versatile races out there. but you gotta learn how to make those feats count. Feats can be incredibly powerful if you know which ones to pick. Otherwise, they're about as powerful as any other option out there.

 

[Amnestic]

To specify: this upcoming Wednesday there is a D&D Encounters session going on at a nearby hobby store and I am planning on going and trying this out. This is mostly for fun but also I am in desperate need of something to get me out of my dorm room.

So I was wondering If the Escapist had any general advice on D&D.

For extra Discussion: In your opinion what is the best version of D&D, What classes / races do you enjoy playing as, and do you normally refer to your character as I or he/she/it

If you're using 3.5, use a human, if 4e, roll a dwarf.

the reason why in 3.5 you want to use a human, btw, is because humans get a free feat at level 1 and more skill points. It makes them one of the more versatile races out there. but you gotta learn how to make those feats count. Feats can be incredibly powerful if you know which ones to pick. Otherwise, they're about as powerful as any other option out there.

I shouldn't think Min/Maxing is high on the list of priorities for someone just starting out on D&D.

 

[peterwolfe]

^^^That's a good point, but the extra feat and skill points help to make the first-time experience more fun and relaxed.
If I wanted to help him min/max I'd be asking about the ecl of the campaign.

To specify: this upcoming Wednesday there is a D&D Encounters session going on at a nearby hobby store and I am planning on going and trying this out. This is mostly for fun but also I am in desperate need of something to get me out of my dorm room.

So I was wondering If the Escapist had any general advice on D&D.

For extra Discussion: In your opinion what is the best version of D&D, What classes / races do you enjoy playing as, and do you normally refer to your character as I or he/she/it

If you're using 3.5, use a human, if 4e, roll a dwarf.

the reason why in 3.5 you want to use a human, btw, is because humans get a free feat at level 1 and more skill points. It makes them one of the more versatile races out there. but you gotta learn how to make those feats count. Feats can be incredibly powerful if you know which ones to pick. Otherwise, they're about as powerful as any other option out there.

This.
Feats basically build your character away from just a race/class combination, and allow you to have a lot more fun with your characters as a result.

I put dwarf for 4e because they have a ton of useful bonuses and WoTC has done nothing to them since launching 4e that hasn't made them even better in the process. Also they make good clerics and everyone loves a good cleric.

 

[migo]

Ignore 4.0, stick with 3.5 and 3.75, aka pathfinder. In fact, just go with Pathfinder. Although if you boost the enemies by one to two levels you can pretty much use all the adventures material from 3.5. Also a lot of the extra feats, items, and spells.

Worst advice ever. Pathfinder fixes nothing of consequence, and even amplifies problems 3.5 had.

 

[magwaaf]

best advice ever is

DON'T PLAY 4TH EDITION!!!

 

[peterwolfe]

best advice ever is

DON'T PLAY 4TH EDITION!!!

That's right! If you don't play it they'll totally start making things for 3.5 again!
/sarcasm

I mean really, come on.

 

[gamer_parent]

To specify: this upcoming Wednesday there is a D&D Encounters session going on at a nearby hobby store and I am planning on going and trying this out. This is mostly for fun but also I am in desperate need of something to get me out of my dorm room.

So I was wondering If the Escapist had any general advice on D&D.

For extra Discussion: In your opinion what is the best version of D&D, What classes / races do you enjoy playing as, and do you normally refer to your character as I or he/she/it

If you're using 3.5, use a human, if 4e, roll a dwarf.

the reason why in 3.5 you want to use a human, btw, is because humans get a free feat at level 1 and more skill points. It makes them one of the more versatile races out there. but you gotta learn how to make those feats count. Feats can be incredibly powerful if you know which ones to pick. Otherwise, they're about as powerful as any other option out there.

I shouldn't think Min/Maxing is high on the list of priorities for someone just starting out on D&D.

normally, I'd agree.
But D&D is, to be brutally frank, not a game that really promotes or supports uneven power level play very well. I'm not saying you CAN'T enjoy the game with a weak character, but for starter experiences, you generally want to have a character that can, you know, perform.

Now, this is something that depends highly the GM. I've played with GMs whose idea of optimizing is multiclassing between monk/fighter/rogue to use sneak attack damage with semi-competent to hit, and then I've played with GMs who puts tucker's kobolds to shame.

 

[magwaaf]

best advice ever is

DON'T PLAY 4TH EDITION!!!

That's right! If you don't play it they'll totally start making things for 3.5 again!
/sarcasm

I mean really, come on.

nope what i'm saying is hunt down 3.5 stuff or use the internet. 4.0 is a horrible system. it was a genius way to sell their minis game but the game itself is crap. hope whoever came up with the idea dies in a fire

 

[Paksenarrion]

I've always wanted to play a Sith character...so, evil druid, or evil monk?

 

[gamer_parent]

I've always wanted to play a Sith character...so, evil druid, or evil monk?

If 3.5E, neither.

Evil druid while can be awesome, is not very sith-like. Monks just suck.

Try a psion or psionic warrior for sith-like properties.

 

[magwaaf]

I've always wanted to play a Sith character...so, evil druid, or evil monk?

If 3.5E, neither.

Evil druid while can be awesome, is not very sith-like. Monks just suck.

Try a psion or psionic warrior for sith-like properties.

]

have you ever seen a high level monk in 3.5? they are 1 man walking armies and ridiculous.

the one recommendation i make for any 3.5 monk is to ditch flurry of blows at level 1 and take decisive strike instead

its a -2 to attack at level 1 but when it hits it does double damage for every hit so later on as you add more attacks you can really mess someone up

 

[magwaaf]

also here.

http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Monk

 

[Savagezion]

Golden Rule: Learn your GM. Pay attention to how the GM runs the show.

I personally like to see what I can get away with but I am not suggesting that. For your role I would pick something you will find fun to play consistantly. I personally tend to play the "troublemaker" of the group as that is what keeps me entertained. I will try to enforce my will upon the party or use the party as a weapon at my disposal for anything the GM "dares" to throw at me. This will always bring some flack though and you must know how the party runs so it is not a good idea to do this walking into an unknown group or you could easily be kicked from the game. Most of the guys I have gamed with expect this of me anymore so they are prepared. If you do go down this road it is a good idea to always clarify a rule with the GM before trying to enact it. Or if you try to "pull a fast one" on the GM be ready to accept defeat by the words "I won't allow it, because I can do that". Accept that and move on. It can be fun to try and stump the GM though as it happens on few occassions but it can be done to every GM.


After the golden rule is taken care of:

- Try to figure out what your alignment means to you and your charactor and always keep that at the forefront of your mind while playing. (Not what YOU would do)
- As already stated don't worry about "uber stats". They can make the game boring.
- Learn your party much like learning your GM.
- Contribute, contribute, contribute - to the STORY. This really goes into the alignment thing once you get that down. You get out of it what you put into it.

I have played every alignment except for True Nuetral and Lawful Good.

- Chaotic Evil is a blast and makes it easy to have chaos follow you and the party around. (Although warrants a LOT of backlash from the party usually.)
- Nuetral good or evil is pretty easy as they usually cover the normal persons average behavior. (I.E. What you would do in the situation.)
- Chaotic Good is fun as well and usually result in less backlash from the party while still offering the a slight ability to mix things up occassionally.
- Lawful Evil is usually the most fun when running with some good aligned party members. If the entire party is evil I personally would rather run chaotic or neutral myself.

I personally enjoy seeing inner-strife in the party. Conflict is good for keeping the story engaging and fresh. It also hands a buttload of material to the GM to work with...as well as the party.

 

[Sampsa]

Don't roll a wizard on your first game. And don't pick too complex personalities. Character that focuses on the physical arts is usually the most beginner friendly.

 

[kingcom]

Honestly most of the stuff in this thread is not useful for you. If your going for a 1 off session. Do what you want. You want to pick something that looks or sounds cool? Pick it up. Thing about tabletop roleplaying games in general is that your choosing your adventure. The GM (if they're any good) will direct their game based upon the characters, not assuming you min/max. If you have experienced gamers at the table, they'll help you, roll whatever character you want to try out.

Always remember that DnD is simply ONE game. Not necessarily the best either. Try it out(im assuming you picked DnD because you wanted to play a fantasy setting game as opposed to a modern or sci-fi) and if you like it try to find a running campaign somewhere. Thats really how DnD should be played.

 

[Wolvaroo]

Considering you're going to a 1-off don't worry about anything too much. I believe the D&D encounters use pre-made characters anyway so just pick whatever seems most interesting!

Just don't assume D&D is the only decent system around.

Edit: Oh snap, Ninja'd while I was using the lavātōrium mid-post!