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Starting an RPG for the first time

PostPosted: Tue Feb 16, 2010 9:57 pm
by Christian271
Hi there!

I have never played an RPG before, but I would like to starting one, probably one in the fantasy genre. Is there a free one good for beginners?

Also what's all the stuff I'm going to need? My under standing so far is that I'll need to get dice (obviously), rulebook, and setting/campaign, am I missing anything?

Re: Starting an RPG for the first time

PostPosted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 6:53 am
by Rob Lang
Christian, welcome! You have come to the right place!

I think fantasy is a good choice for a starting game. Are your players experienced or new to roleplay too? If they are new, then Ithink the best game to start with would be because it explains everything well.

(ps. moving this topic to a better forum!)

Re: Starting an RPG for the first time

PostPosted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 11:43 am
by Christian271
Thanks for you reply! :mrgreen:

Yes, the others I'll be playing with don't have any experience ether. I went to the link, but I'm not sure which docs I need to download? Sorry for been such a noob. :lol:

Re: Starting an RPG for the first time

PostPosted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 1:31 pm
by misterecho
Essentially all you need is the core rulebook.

http://www.dungeonslayers.com/downloads ... yersUS.pdf

However I would strongly recommend finding someone with experience, Try local wargames clubs and local Universities are a good source of RPG clubs. This reduces the steepness of the learning curve.

If you can't find anyone, don't be intimidated. Give it a go.

Re: Starting an RPG for the first time

PostPosted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 1:35 pm
by Thought
I'm not actually familiar with Dungeonslayers, but it looks like you will want:

Dungeonslayers 3.5

And that is it.
A lot of these sorts of games have three basic sections; the stuff for the "players," the stuff for the "Game Master" (the player who runs the game, sort of like the host of the show who keeps things humming along), and a "beastiary" that has a bunch of monsters for the GM to throw at the Players. That one document has all of these sections, as well as a Character Sheet (for easily keeping track of character information), and a sample adventure (so the GM has to do minimal work for the first go around).

Whoever is GMing the game might like the Creature Works document (which gives nice reference cards for the monsters), or the Gamemaster shield (which would be set up to hide the GM's dice rolls and to provide them with quick access to a variety of rules and tables), but neither of those are actually necessary.

There are other sample adventures in the Download section, I noticed, so if you and your friends like it, there is a lovely supply for you to take advantage of.

And, of course, if in looking over things you have questions about the game or gaming in general, please let us know. We live to serve (and game).

EDIT: Oh, and you might find Mr. Dr. The Lang's review of the game to be interesting: http://www.thefreerpgblog.com/2009/03/p ... -kick.html

If so, great. If not, then not.



Re: Starting an RPG for the first time

PostPosted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 1:44 pm
by Chainsaw Aardvark

Re: Starting an RPG for the first time

PostPosted: Wed Feb 17, 2010 2:58 pm
by Christian271