New player.

[Mardy]

G'day. I'm a fairly new player looking for a somewhat beginner friendly game, I don't really know the rules or such things but I have a vague idea.
It'd be great if someone could help me create a character, though I've been fiddling with the character creation for some time now. I live in 0 GMT and I'd pretty much be able to play most of the time.
I've played some RPG's in video games, but I assume it's not really the same though.

[VenomousFiligree]

Hi Mardy

What sort of game are you interested in: Fantasy, SciFi, ... ?

I mostly play using the Savage Worlds rules (https://www.peginc.com/Downloads/SWEX/TD06.pdf), which is a different set of rules than those that come with FG as standard (which is what I assume you've been playing about with)

I mostly run one shots which you'd be more than welcome to join.

[Mardy]

Well anything would suit me, as long as it's fun really.

[Andrepartthree]

If you've played RPG video games then you'll already have a good handle on D&D ;) .. here's what I'd recommend:

look for a used copy of the dungeons and dragons player's handbook (version 3.0, practically identical to 3.5 and it will get your feet "wet" ), which is the cheapest way to do it ... I suppose you could download the rules online too but I find it's better to have a book to carry around with you and read.... check amazon or ebay . Or you can order the version 4.0 dungeons and dragons book , more expensive but simpler rules, easier to master and much more like those video game RPG's you're playing ;)....

Once the book arrives read it - you don't have to read the whole thing just the parts that interest you (race and character class you want to play, rules involved, combat, magic if you're going to be a spellcaster, et cet)... don't worry about mastering all the rules you don't have to right now.

Write up a first level character with a brief background history and personality... search the forums here, send PM's directly to DM's who are looking for a player with your character write up ... you'll find just about all the players and DM's here are more than happy to help out both D&D and FG "newbies" .... have fun, FG is a blast and I'm sure you'll enjoy it ! :)

[Mardy]

So I got the players handbook, but one thing I don't really get is how you create characters. I get the thing with rolling dice et all but I just don't plain understand the rest.

[Andrepartthree]

This thread should walk you through it, assuming you bought the version 3.0 player's handbook:

https://dndnerd.com/beginners-guide-to-creating-a-dd-character

Now here's the thing .. a lot (but not all) DM's use the "point buy" system outlined in the dungeon master's guide... this websitesgive more info on it

https://www.enworld.org/forum/d-d-3rd-edition-rules/169520-how-does-point-buy-work.html

(check hypersmurf's post on there)

Or you can buy the dungeon master's guide used (I'd go with version 3.0 ) and check the "creating characters above first level" section in there ...

Did you buy the player's handbook version 3.0 or player's handbook version 4.0 ?

[Mardy]

Did you buy the player's handbook version 3.0 or player's handbook version 4.0 ?

I'm fairly sure it's 3.5, and I can't really figure out what measurements I need to use for weight, size et all.

[DemonEyes]

Character creation is one of my favorite parts of D&D. Heres a few tips..

1. Have a good idea of what you want your character to be like, try and create a back story that may give clues on how they will react to things.

2. Get a name and race, Human is very good for beginners, at least stick to basics.

3. Choose a class, what does your character 'want' to be. Fighter is basic enough for new players, but try to choose something in line with your character. Trying to play an 'out of character' class is very difficult. A hotheaded, risk taking character does not fit well with a Wizard class.

You could however choose the class first and base your character on it, but i feel this takes away from the fun of generating the character id.

4. Roll your stats, I prefer to roll seven numbers and discard the middle :P, don't cheat and roll until you get 18 in all stats as that makes a boring 'super' character that most players seriously dislike. Using the point based system is good but you tend to be limited in specialist stats.

Assign your numbers according to your class and back story.. a beggar child gnome will never have 18 strength!. Charisma is a useful dump stat for your lowest score (unless you are a paladin, sorcerer or bard or any other class that uses charisma modifiers.)

Add your race modifiers.

5. Assign your ever so useful skills points, remember to keep your back story in mind for these or again put them where you want your character to excel in, and create your back story around them. REMEMER your class, you dont need sleight of hand as a barbarian, but a Rouge without disable device will be hated by the group :P.

6. Now you have the major boxes filled in on your sheet, get your HP (roll your hit die and add the con modifier), and move onto inventory (yes i know most do Feats first but i will explain why later). Think of your back story, think what you may 'already have' take the value of these off the 50gold that you start with and buy the rest.. buy and adventurers kit (useful package) and any equipment you think you may need. Before spending all your gold on everlasting torch's, silken rope and lamp oil, make sure you buy decent armour (very important for lvl1 chars) and a good weapon based on your class/race.. DM's can be annoying here and deny an Elf wizard the use of a longsword and longbow, but if you havent brought enough snacks you got no chance to change his/her mind :P. With you inventory crammed with goodies head onto the feats section.

7. Depending on the armour and weapons you have you can decide the feats that will improve your AC/Attack bonus, two weapon fighting is good if you have the feats to utilise it without cutting your own ears off. DM's may give hints, or you may know that a certain DM uses lots of will saves etc, so tending you feats towards the DM is encouraged. Feats are pretty varied, so it may take you several characters to find a balance that you like.

8. Fill in the blanks on your initiative, AC, Attack boxes (I usually make one for unarmed), will saves, languages etc. and compile all your notes together to create a 'Character Pack'. In this pack you will keep notes from all your adventures, developments in back story and notes on future progression. Soem DM's gave out 'Character Development' notes that stated how they thought your character behaved throughout a session/campaign, which assists you in maintaining character in game and polishing your knowledge of the rules/actions and faiths in the game. I.e. I advised one player to change deity due to incompatible behaviour (A cleric of Tempus, staying out of battle!

9. It is always worth discussing your character with your DM before starting. they may give you hints on what is needed or give you extra's (such as languages or equipment, i.e. after a couple of TPK's I had to give my party fur clothes)

10. Then play games, get experience, have fun and above all.. bring snacks!

I hope this helps. Like i said i focus on Characteristics rather than Class restrictions, which has had some very strange outcomes including a Half Orc sorcerer that wields a double axe. This is not the only way to do it, when you get into it a bit more you will soon pick it up :)

[bobthebuilder]

Mardy,

I run classic D&D games in a timezone that will be suitable to you, and would welcome a new player such as yourself. Send me a private message any time.

-bobthebuilder.



G'day. I'm a fairly new player looking for a somewhat beginner friendly game, I don't really know the rules or such things but I have a vague idea.
It'd be great if someone could help me create a character, though I've been fiddling with the character creation for some time now. I live in 0 GMT and I'd pretty much be able to play most of the time.
I've played some RPG's in video games, but I assume it's not really the same though.

[Mardy]

Well that suddenly got easy, thanks for the help.