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Genis
Learned Scribe
USA
226 Posts |
 Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 01:53:51
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So my friends and I just now decided to for the first time try to play D and D. Any hints tips or comments? We have no idea whats going on and we just bought a starter pack thing and a dungeon thing and...other things.
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 02:06:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Genis
So my friends and I just now decided to for the first time try to play D and D. Any hints tips or comments? We have no idea whats going on and we just bought a starter pack thing and a dungeon thing and...other things.
Well, welcome to the game first off. I think you have a great start, in just checking out the starter kits. the only tip I could give, is have fun and don't get stuck with having to follow the rules to the letter  |
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Genis
Learned Scribe
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 02:13:07
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| So the starter kit doesnt inform me on how to make my own character it only has pre made, any help with making my own characters? |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 02:17:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Genis
So the starter kit doesnt inform me on how to make my own character it only has pre made, any help with making my own characters?
well depends on edition for mechanics. Hjowever, for concept, I would take a few minutes to envision who and what I want the character to be. Background, race, class etc.
if the starter set does not show how to make the character, maybe check out a used book store to pick up a players handbook for the edition you are using.
Additionally, here and the wizards site (mostly the wizards site for mechanics) is a good place to check out various threads on character builds and concepts. |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 02:21:18
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| another thought I just had is if you are playing with 4E rules. I believe the wizards site allows the download of character builder (beta version) without a subscription. this could allow you to level up to 3rd level. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 16:09:18
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If you were playing with 3e, we could reccomend the The Systen Referecne Document. However, that is 3e, like I said, and being that you are new we have to assume you want to start with 4e (which is probably for the best - 3e was a bit... weighty, and perhaps a bit intimidating). Unfortunately, no such reference source exists for 4e, AFAIK.
The best advice I can offer you is to go ask questions over at the Enworld boards - those guys are really helpful and they know the ins and outs of the 4e system like nobody else (even better then the folks at WotC, believe it or not).
This forum is primarily for fans of the Forgotten Realms, which is a setting, not a rules edition, and is techniaclly (as a whole) rules-neutral.
Once you get used to the game (and its great fun!), whichever rules you choose, then whomever is DMing your group will have to eventually decide on a setting. We here at the keep hope most fervently you will choose the Realms - the are glorious.
If you decide to go with the Realms, or your group needs help deciding, please feel free to come here and ask any questions you wish - the scribes of CandleKeep will be more then happy to enlighten you and your friends as to the wonders of the Forgotten Realms. It is a world rich in history and adventure. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 11 Mar 2009 16:10:36 |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3240 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 16:15:09
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And there is a great web resource for the 3E SRD at www.d20SRD.org.
For 4E, D&Di provides a Rules Compendium and Character Builder for a subscription fee (includes the virtual Dungeon and Dragon magazines and other tools). They also have some other things planned for subscribers. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Genis
Learned Scribe
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 19:48:14
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So yeah I tried to get that free thing of wizards and it didn't work. I bought a players guide that only gives stats and poopiedoo for like two races. this is starting to become extremely inconvenient. Anyone have any direct way to help other then sending me to websites that disapoint me like wizards? it didnt even download right and ugh. I just wanna make a character and play damnit. is that too much to ask? lol
Mod edit: Watch the language, please.  |
Edited by - Wooly Rupert on 11 Mar 2009 20:43:35 |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3240 Posts |
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Genis
Learned Scribe
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 20:09:15
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| Oh we JUST got the Forgotten Realm's Player's Guide...not the actually handbook.....f(#*$& me... |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3240 Posts |
Posted - 11 Mar 2009 : 20:46:42
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Sorry chap!
On the bright side, check out eBay, you might be able to get the book at a great discount. Or, if you and your friends can scrounge up the money, the best bet is to get the 4E Core Rulebook Gift set from Amazon.com. It includes the PHB, DMG and Monster Manual and used copies start around $50-$60 dollars. You'd be able to do everything 4E from these three books. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 00:37:35
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quote:
Originally posted by Genis
So my friends and I just now decided to for the first time try to play D and D. Any hints tips or comments?
Don't call it "D and D."
I could probably help you more if your questions were a bit more clear and specific... |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
Edited by - Rinonalyrna Fathomlin on 12 Mar 2009 00:38:34 |
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Genis
Learned Scribe
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 12 Mar 2009 : 14:46:18
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| lol i'll call it whatever I want, and that's just it, we are/were so confused thats how the questions are so not specific...you know...it's crazy...but we more or less got it now, we just need to actually sit down and read the handbook front to back, which we havent, we got lazy and just tried to do stuff with only reading bits and pieces of it...didnt work. |
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scererar
Master of Realmslore
USA
1618 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2009 : 01:04:06
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quote:
Originally posted by Genis
lol i'll call it whatever I want, and that's just it, we are/were so confused thats how the questions are so not specific...you know...it's crazy...but we more or less got it now, we just need to actually sit down and read the handbook front to back, which we havent, we got lazy and just tried to do stuff with only reading bits and pieces of it...didnt work.
that is exactly it. You can get bogged down with the rules. I would try just the basics and start small and then work in to the more advanced/ convoluted stuff. regardless, just have fun with it |
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Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Great Reader
USA
7106 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2009 : 01:12:16
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| Have you thought up some good adventure ideas? |
"Instead of asking why we sleep, it might make sense to ask why we wake. Perchance we live to dream. From that perspective, the sea of troubles we navigate in the workaday world might be the price we pay for admission to another night in the world of dreams."
--Richard Greene (letter to Time) |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 13 Mar 2009 : 01:52:37
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quote:
Originally posted by Rinonalyrna Fathomlin
Have you thought up some good adventure ideas?
If you haven't, Kuje and I have come up with more than a few, in the Candlekeep Compendiums. Just check the link in my sig. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen!  |
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Mr_Miscellany
Senior Scribe
545 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2009 : 06:30:16
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quote:
Originally posted by Genis
So my friends and I just now decided to for the first time try to play D and D. Any hints tips or comments? We have no idea whats going on and we just bought a starter pack thing and a dungeon thing and...other things.
Was your starter pack by any chance the H1: Keep on the Shadowfell adventure?
That's the route I went when I started 4E.
If you have any questions relating to the adventure or the mini rules booklet inside it I might be able to help you.
The only general advice I can give is: Jump Right In! H1 gets a lot more fun once get going with it. |
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Aerik DeVallo
Seeker
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 19 Mar 2009 : 15:14:25
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I envy the starting D&D player.
*takes a trip in the way back machine* My friend and I first discovered D&D from a Diablo II box (anyone else remember that?). It had premade characters for all the DII player classes. That's how I first fell in love with the game.
My advice is stick with 3.5. More complicated and convoluted, yes, but MUCH more rewarding in the long run. Try just reading about all the races, classes, and combat chapters in the PHB, then adventuring and campaigns in the DMG. Just take it one step at a time. If you don't, you'll end up getting frustrated and giving up on the game completely, robbing yourselves of some of the best times you'll ever have.
If you need more in depth detail or just quick answers in general, my AIM and MSN are on my profile and you can also access them from this post, at the top with the little icon thingy's. I've been playing for about 10 years and would be more than happy to place my two cents in whatever, whenever I can. |
Edited by - Aerik DeVallo on 19 Mar 2009 15:17:39 |
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Genis
Learned Scribe
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 25 Mar 2009 : 17:08:05
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| Yes Mr. Miscellany it was the keep of the shadowfell! thank you both and I'll keep it in mind next time I get stuck :D |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2009 : 03:23:01
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Actually, I would have to respectfully disagree Arch-Brandon - the 4e rules are simpler and less convoluted, and therefore far easier to master. He can always graduate on up to the 'Big Boy Rules' later on. 
Let him get some play-time under his belt - the hardest thing to learn is what, exactly, its all about. I think the 4e rules allows someone to pick that up much faster. When he grows bored with it in a year or so, we'll be here... waiting.
I'm actually considering running a 4e game for a 7 and 10 year old - I would NEVER have attempted that with 3rd edition - HELL, I'm still try learn 3e. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 26 Mar 2009 03:23:44 |
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Aerik DeVallo
Seeker
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2009 : 03:27:09
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| lol, I agree with you, Markustay, that 4e rules are FAR easier to learn. I wasn't trying to imply that they weren't. I just figured that starting from there would give him a broader perspective of abilities and optimizations, as well as interesting character developement. I don't know. I guess showing favoritism I can't help it. lol |
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Mr_Miscellany
Senior Scribe
545 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2009 : 06:48:08
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Starting out (as in character building and basic play mechanics), 3E is in my opinion a much simpler system to learn than 4E.
The plethora of rules for actually running a character (healing surges, the various types of powers, etc...) are -IMO- the hard part of 4E. |
Edited by - Mr_Miscellany on 26 Mar 2009 06:50:16 |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3240 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2009 : 13:09:00
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quote:
Originally posted by Mr_Miscellany
Starting out (as in character building and basic play mechanics), 3E is in my opinion a much simpler system to learn than 4E.
The plethora of rules for actually running a character (healing surges, the various types of powers, etc...) are -IMO- the hard part of 4E.
True, that's the hard part. But if you get all the power cards (gotta collect 'em all!), it's much easier as you tap them to show you used them. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Aerik DeVallo
Seeker
USA
87 Posts |
Posted - 26 Mar 2009 : 18:24:41
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Tap them, as in like, Magic The Gathering tapping? lol
Wow, didn't know that.
That's what I'm saying, Miscellany. I found that making a first level character and just leveling up as I went to be interesting, if not easy. I just took my time with it. Which was good, because we all had to take our time to make sure we were doing it right. Now I can have a first lvl character made in about 3 1/2 minutes, if I need to. lol |
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Genis
Learned Scribe
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2009 : 19:19:30
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| Tapping?....annnnnnd you guys are losing me lol |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3240 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2009 : 21:08:38
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Magic the Gathering is correct. Where Wizards of the Coast made the bulk of their money (pre-Pokemon) so they could buy TSR and save D&D from itself.
Note, I do believe Wizards saved D&D. It's not their fault that Hasbro waved a massive amount of money to buy them out without understanding the hobby. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36779 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2009 : 22:40:23
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quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Magic the Gathering is correct. Where Wizards of the Coast made the bulk of their money (pre-Pokemon) so they could buy TSR and save D&D from itself.
D&D didn't need to be saved from itself. D&D was doing quite well back then; it was a lot of poor business decisions that killed TSR. |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
I am the Giant Space Hamster of Ill Omen! |
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Ashe Ravenheart
Great Reader
USA
3240 Posts |
Posted - 27 Mar 2009 : 23:51:25
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
quote:
Originally posted by Ashe Ravenheart
Magic the Gathering is correct. Where Wizards of the Coast made the bulk of their money (pre-Pokemon) so they could buy TSR and save D&D from itself.
D&D didn't need to be saved from itself. D&D was doing quite well back then; it was a lot of poor business decisions that killed TSR.
Sorry 'bout that. I didn't mean that the game needed to be saved, but that TSR's business practices did. |
I actually DO know everything. I just have a very poor index of my knowledge.
Ashe's Character Sheet
Alphabetized Index of Realms NPCs |
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Mr_Miscellany
Senior Scribe
545 Posts |
Posted - 28 Mar 2009 : 20:52:40
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quote:
Originally posted by Wooly Rupert
D&D didn't need to be saved from itself. D&D was doing quite well back then; it was a lot of poor business decisions that killed TSR.
To the extent that the rules needed to be overhauled, I'd say the game itself did need to be saved to a large degree. |
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Markustay
Realms Explorer extraordinaire
USA
15724 Posts |
Posted - 29 Mar 2009 : 02:37:24
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Yup... I'd have to agree (I still have nightmares about giant-killer THACOS chasing me!).
3e was a godsend............... still is. |
"I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me" --- Dudley Field Malone
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Edited by - Markustay on 29 Mar 2009 02:37:50 |
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Jorkens
Great Reader
Norway
2950 Posts |
Posted - 29 Mar 2009 : 11:23:15
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I don't know which God then,I still have nightmares about even looking at the 3ed. rules and character statistics. Even opening the books comes with an element of irritation. I would have preferred that they saved D&D as a game system instead of a trademark.
But at least there's plenty of old TSR products to choose from. |
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New to D&D
