mst3k
2012-04-29, 01:37 PM
Hi. I'm new to D&D. I've played a ton of rpg video games in my life tough, and I've always known that my favorite games might have never been if it weren't for dungeons & dragons and LOTR. So I decided to give it a shot. Every few months a buddy of mine comes and stays in town and about 4 of us get together to play Magic (easily my favorite game in general) but they finally talked me into trying out d&d.
It seems like it could be fun and entertaining. But... The two (switching each session/campaign) people who usually DM are... how do I put it... High School drop outs. I've been reading since I was 3, I first picked up the Hobbit around 7. They really don't have the capability to keep my attention, or tell an intriguing story, or create an engaging environment. Don't get me wrong they're great guys. Funny as hell and good to the core, but not everyone is into book learnin'. The one other person in our group who could do this, has no interest. He just wants to play.
So right about now you're probably thinking, "shut up and play with other people." Well, no. We've all decided that I should take a shot at DMing. Which is fine with me, I'm not going to play with other people or turn this into a lifelong thing, so if I am going to enjoy this game, this is how I will be able to. One of two things is happening, though, that are really hampering my understanding of what's what in this game. Either I'm having trouble understanding the mechanics of the game, or they're really bad at teaching someone how to DM. I'm leaning more towards the latter, but I'm positive it's a combination.
Every question I have is usually met with "do what you want, you're the Dm!" And while I understand that ultimately, yes, I am god, I've known that for longer than I've even known about this game; I also understand that this game has rules and more books than the Hardy Boys collection for a reason.
I downloaded a ton of the books the other day, a bunch of third edition stuff, which match the core books my friends have, but I also seem to have downloaded a massive amount of game material for editions and expansions I'll probably never even use. But I don't know where to begin. All the books reference each other and everything is very poorly organized as far as books go. The comprehensive M:tG rule book is easier to read for me than all these volumes.
What would you guys recommend for someone new to and interested in DMing? Where would you guys have an absolute beginner start reading? Any tips that would help newbies? Is there a sort of "rules for dummies" article you found handy, etc and so forth. Thanks.
It seems like it could be fun and entertaining. But... The two (switching each session/campaign) people who usually DM are... how do I put it... High School drop outs. I've been reading since I was 3, I first picked up the Hobbit around 7. They really don't have the capability to keep my attention, or tell an intriguing story, or create an engaging environment. Don't get me wrong they're great guys. Funny as hell and good to the core, but not everyone is into book learnin'. The one other person in our group who could do this, has no interest. He just wants to play.
So right about now you're probably thinking, "shut up and play with other people." Well, no. We've all decided that I should take a shot at DMing. Which is fine with me, I'm not going to play with other people or turn this into a lifelong thing, so if I am going to enjoy this game, this is how I will be able to. One of two things is happening, though, that are really hampering my understanding of what's what in this game. Either I'm having trouble understanding the mechanics of the game, or they're really bad at teaching someone how to DM. I'm leaning more towards the latter, but I'm positive it's a combination.
Every question I have is usually met with "do what you want, you're the Dm!" And while I understand that ultimately, yes, I am god, I've known that for longer than I've even known about this game; I also understand that this game has rules and more books than the Hardy Boys collection for a reason.
I downloaded a ton of the books the other day, a bunch of third edition stuff, which match the core books my friends have, but I also seem to have downloaded a massive amount of game material for editions and expansions I'll probably never even use. But I don't know where to begin. All the books reference each other and everything is very poorly organized as far as books go. The comprehensive M:tG rule book is easier to read for me than all these volumes.
What would you guys recommend for someone new to and interested in DMing? Where would you guys have an absolute beginner start reading? Any tips that would help newbies? Is there a sort of "rules for dummies" article you found handy, etc and so forth. Thanks.