dnd-newcomers

[ivory forum]

d6

[viral pelican]

You are meant to roll 4d6 and drop the lowest 1. Not 5

[ivory forum]

5e btw

[ivory forum]

ohhh

my bad

[viral pelican]

No problem! That's why I asked

[ivory forum]

lemme do it again

here are te new stats 11 , 16 , 7 , 8 , 15 6 (assasin btw)

*the

[viral pelican]

You see why davyd said that an 18 is the highest you can roll!

I personally think that an array or point buy is better for a new player. It means you will have a balanced character. It prevents the risk of getting too low, or too high. Too high can be as much a problem, because of the imbalance between your HP and damage output at low levels. The DM needs to make the enemies either boringly easy, or aggressively lethal.

That's a good spread

Did you want advice on how to assign them, or try it for yourself and get feedback @ivory forum

[ivory forum]

yes please

[viral pelican]

Well as a rogue, Dex will be your main stat.

For second tier stats, con is your next most important, for health. For the next, it depends on your focus...if you are lying, disguising and intimidating, charisma. If you are more worried about traps, detecting lies, and so forth...wisdom.

Int is a bit less important. Str can be your lowest, since your attacks will be Dex based.

So the top 2 and bottom 2 are quite easy, and the middle 2...that's up to you to decide for what you want the character to be, and what your DM has told you about the kind of game you are playing.

[ivory forum]

do i get any bounesses?

[granite glen]

hey y'all. Ok, so when reading stat blocks, in the actions section it says Hit : 4 (1d6+1) What does the 4 mean?

[viral pelican]

You'll get some from the race you pick

[dire slate]

So.

Hit: 4 (1d6 +1)

4 would be your medium damage points

[viral pelican]

4 is the average output of that roll

[viral pelican]

4 is the average output of 1d6+1

[dire slate]

So you can either choose an average output

Or roll 1d6+1

[viral pelican]

Sorry phone went weird, said it hadn't send the message then sent both.

[granite glen]

Ah, I read the starter rule book (and asked my wife to read over as well), that is mentioned nowhere :S

[dire slate]

Same goes with stat blocks for creatures

You can either roll the hit point dice to see how much HP they have, or take the average sum listed

[viral pelican]

hah yeah, it can catch you!

[granite glen]

Also, to be sure when it says +3 to hit that means that the creature needs to roll 3 higher to hit?

[dire slate]

No

[viral pelican]

No, that means it gets a +3 bonus to its roll

[dire slate]

+3 to hit, means you get +3 bonus to your attack roll

[granite glen]

ah, thanks!

As a newcomer, i find the lack of example combat rolls (and proper explanations of stats and +damage mods) very frustrating.

[ivory forum]

ok he also has a curse with lines of his eyes i want it to help and have downsides too can yall help me with the curse

[viral pelican]

That's from the Starter Set rulebook? I haven't read it myself, I read the Player Handbook first. They are reworking a lot of that content now anyway, with new player experience in mind in particular.

[viral pelican]

What do you mean "with lines of his eyes"? If you want your character to have a personal flaw that goes beyond roleplay, then you'll need to discuss that with your DM - we can't really be helpful.

[dire slate]

And I think this is more towards #optimization

[dire slate]

In response to your question.

[granite glen]

yeah, starter book. A single page of "typical simple combat rolls for X character and Y character" would go a LONG way to remember what damage modifiers are, what the attack roll takes in stats etc

[ivory forum]

like this

https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1028770507065131068/1117400442998104094/tumblr_p4ufkoVsxG1suz9bqo1_1280.jpg

not my art

btw this is a char im helping my friend make

[dire slate]

And that is exactly why I said either #character-discussion or #optimization chats would work better

[viral pelican]

Oh he has like a face tattoo. Well, you might find something in the character "Background" that would suit them. Maybe look up the Haunted One background - it has a feature where the person is a little unsettling because of having some mark of a trauma

[dire slate]

Wrong chat for that specific question.

[ivory forum]

ooooo ok thx

[viral pelican]

This individual is still learning about the different aspects of character creation that will contribute to it, it's still appropriate newcomer questions until they are comfortable with Race, Background and so forth as mechanical elements.

But yes once secure in those thoughts, the character channels will probably be best.

[viral pelican]

Is it the Starter Set with the Lost Mines of Phandelver adventure, or the Dragons of Stormwreck Isle?

[granite glen]

Dragons

[dire slate]

I think Dragons

Phandelver was given away for free at some point

[viral pelican]

It was, but some stores will have the older "Starter Set" which contains it, rather than the newer one. And some people mix it up with the "Essentials Kit", which I dislike as an entry-level product.

[dire slate]

True

[open shard]

hey guys whats up im new

[lyric fjord]

New here, actively play other TRPGs & have played various D&D adventures but have never been a part of an actual 5e session. Hope to meet a group in need of a player here eventually.

[solemn light]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[solemn light]

For both- some helpful links up there, including the free basic rules, and also how to look for games on thise server

[open shard]

new to D&D entirely well newish i was envolved in 2 total adventures with my rouge/ranger dragonbourne and one with my high elf

[glacial sage]

Hey guys👋

[red lily]

welcome to D&D my man

[glacial sage]

I’m new to DnD entirely, so looking for a group

[solemn light]

Well feel free to look for more games in the looking for channels. There's also the AL (Adventure League) channels if you're interested in organised play (If not familiar with AL, basically if you play a legal character (follow AL rules) you should be able to join most AL games).

If you have any questions, you can ask in #dnd-rules if it's about mechanics, or just join in what ever craziness is happening in #dnd-discussion .

If you want to spitball character ideas #character-discussion is a good place, and if you want really detailed and maximised mechanics #optimization will crunch numbers with you.

[open shard]

Adventure league channels I'm interested how do I join

[solemn light]

#adventurers-league but might need to go to Channels & Roles and grab the AL role

[open shard]

Sweet thanks

[paper zodiac]

Brand new player here, looking for a crash course and campaign would any one be willing to teach a complete noob from scratch? I can pay also have a friend that would be joining, both of us are 21+

[harsh fjord]

?new - here’s a place to get started.

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[smoky adder]

If you’re willing to pay, then #paid-looking-for-game probably has a whole bunch of people who’d be happy to walk you through everything.

[paper zodiac]

I did see this and will start their. But hoping there is a DM that would take us on

Ok thanks

[harsh fjord]

Maybe post in #750812887697588356.

[viral pelican]

You might also get a lot out of playing just as a two, which is possible. One player acts as the DM, the other as the player, and you also make some sidekick characters. One of the beginner adventures, The Dragon of Icespire Peak, has specific advice on running a game like that. It might be a good way for you to get to know the rules, and make the mistakes (that we all make!) in your own time.

DoIP isn't a very good adventure because it's really just a sidequest sandbox, but if you go in understanding that, it could be a lot of fun for you.

[versed thistle]

Very new to dnd (have watched just a small amount of sessions and know just a few basic rules) how do i find and join a group? :,)

[harsh fjord]

?looking

[exotic remnant]

Ready to play some Dungeons & Dragons?

#find-a-game has everything you need to start your search, including:

• Instructions for finding a game here on the server (including how to post in our #looking-for channels).
• Suggestions for finding a game outside of this server.
• Basic advice to help you in your hunt.

[hazy girder]

what does community games and other services mean in #750812887697588356

[harsh fjord]

Community games are westmarch-style games.

Westmarch is a style of play that commonly is run on a separate Discord server (or similar service). These types of games are run in the same universe and the events of one group of adventurers can impact those of another. Groups and DMs may change regularly. They're ideal for pick-up games or if you want to be part of a bigger, more interwoven narrative. Think of them a little bit like an "MMO" for tabletop games.

[viral pelican]

Why have you asked the same question four times in the last day?

[hazy girder]

i didnt see an answer, im probably blind

[viral pelican]

If you check back, there's several responses that answer that.

[hazy girder]

cant find anything bout other services...?

[harsh fjord]

That was answered: #dnd-newcomers message

#dnd-newcomers message

[hazy girder]

alr...

homebrew rules "Suggestions" go to #homebrew right?

[smoky adder]

Yep!

[hazy girder]

ty

[pseudo musk]

What the Arcane Focus mean?

[cobalt frigate]

Arcane focus is a wand, rod, staff, crystal, or orb.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/equipment#ArcaneFocus

[pseudo musk]

Ah alright ^^

[viral pelican]

Spells will sometimes need Material (M), Verbal (V) or Somatic (gestural) (S) components .

If a spell has material components, then you need to have either a component pouch, or an arcane focus. Either works the same.

If the spell has a cost associated with the materials (like diamonds worth 500gp) then you also need to have that material.

[pseudo musk]

Alrighty

[opal forum]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[plush solstice]

o hi feel like i should have came here first

lool

[random wren]

Can the arcane focus staff be used as a quarterstaff?

[smoky adder]

That’s where the rules get a little fuzzy. 😅

Any magic item staff can be used as one, but it’s never explicitly stated for the arcane focus staff.

Probably worth a discussion with your DM, though. (I’d allow it.)

[lyric fjord]

My name speeds for itself lol 😅

[analog yarrow]

does anyone have any tips for finding a online party? i’m kind of new and don’t know how to find people to play with

[smoky adder]

#find-a-game has some advice, plus instructions for how to join a game here on the server.

[analog yarrow]

omg sorry!! i’m so bad at navigating channel mb

[grand haven]

love the spiderpunk pfp,

I'm also looking to find an online party, if you want to join up together that'd be great

Just need to find a DM

[smoky thorn]

i am brand new as well looking to learn to play

[grand haven]

If you're starting any campaigns, I'd love to join

[solemn light]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[solemn light]

Some links for new players, learning to play- the basic rules above are free to read, and have all the stuff on creating a character and combat that you might need to know.

[smoky thorn]

i honestly do not know how lol

[lyric fjord]

Not being rude but we would have to get to know each other first

[solemn light]

Don't worry about reading all the rules, no one does, you're not supposed to. You get a vague idea of how to make a character, and make one with your group (it all clicks into place when you actually make it) and a vague idea of how combat works (and again, it will click into place as you play)

If looking for a group, check out the #750812887697588356 channels

?looking

[exotic remnant]

Ready to play some Dungeons & Dragons?

#find-a-game has everything you need to start your search, including:

• Instructions for finding a game here on the server (including how to post in our #looking-for channels).
• Suggestions for finding a game outside of this server.
• Basic advice to help you in your hunt.

[lyric fjord]

See I’m an old school dm I like doing in person so that could be a plroblen

[signal fog]

There are some posts in the #750812887697588356 for new players

[raw berry]

Heyo

[lyric fjord]

Hi

[balmy island]

How do I make a “looking for a DM”?

[lyric fjord]

Wdym

[balmy island]

I swear it won’t let me

[glass summit]

you'll want to read the pinned posts in #find-a-game

[solemn light]

Online games can sadly be a bit flakey, but don't give up. Look for newbie friendly games- oneshots are great because you don't have to commit to a full game, before knowing if you all get along. Similarily AL (Adventure League, official play) and Westmarches can be a pretty good way of playing casually in games to meet people you get along with.

Kinda like speed dating- you go on dates (join a short game), see if you get along, stay in contact with players you do, and then try and invite each other along to new games you find, and eventually you've made a new group of friends.

[balmy island]

Omg, thank you

[raw berry]

Sadly, online games are the only option for me because irl D&D does not exist in my area

[grand haven]

oh yeah for sure dawg

[lyric fjord]

I’m so sorry about that

[smoky thorn]

yeah id love to do an in person campaign but idk where to begin honestly

[grand haven]

@lyric fjord I wish that more people from the place I live at liked D&D, so I just go around looking for online games

[signal fog]

Im old school too but Im really enjoying the online gaming

[raw berry]

There hasn't been an actual campaign in my area for years

People just fell out of it around here

[lyric fjord]

I know same with me I went to a local community center to see if I could host a dnd club there lol

[grand haven]

Well I'm able to commit to a schedule or times to get on for events

[lyric fjord]

Can’t say the same about my friends

[grand haven]

what would you recommend me to do if I wanted to like

be a dungeon master

[signal fog]

With the Covid and the New DnD movie it should be coming back to being popular

[raw berry]

See, I never wanna become a DM. I already know I'd suck at it, plus I prefer being a player

Roll20 is also an unreliable way of joining games because people never get back to you. Or their games look amateurish.

[lyric fjord]

I’d say just get creative look for inspiration maybe if the people your playing with have cool characters there backstorys could be involved in the plot

[signal fog]

Play for about a year @grand haven and gain experience as a player before being a DM

[lyric fjord]

For me I love doing the details like I love drawing maps and making history religions and gods and world building it’s just so therapeutic so idk I just love it

[patent jolt]

As a player character, not a DM, do I need the monster manual?

[grand haven]

im good at thinking ahead + being a DM always appealed to me, but even though i've been around the D&D culture for a while im still kinda new

[grand haven]

exactlyyyy man its so cool

[grand haven]

will do!

[glass summit]

nah you'll be right, just use the free basic rules until you're sure you want to make investments into the hobby like buying new books

[raw berry]

I consider myself an averagely-experienced player

[smoky adder]

A lot of DMs would probably prefer if you didn’t have it. 😅

[lyric fjord]

But if you want to dm I’d say just try your best find people that are actually interested and have fun

[raw berry]

I've been playing since middle school but I don't know everything about it

[lyric fjord]

I know right 🤣

[raw berry]

Look, I'll pretty much join any game at this point, I'm so desperate to actually play at this point

[lyric fjord]

Are you in college or finished your education

[raw berry]

I finished high school but I opted not to go to college.

[signal fog]

I can say that most of these new DMs dont have enough knowledge about the game

[grand haven]

Majoring in Dungeons and Dragons 💀

"So I hear you've been wanting to date my daughter, what do you do for a living?"

[lyric fjord]

Ah okay to each is there own you do what you think is the best for yourself

[lyric fjord]

I play boards with people older and younger sir

[raw berry]

Well my family is poor as hell and I've heard enough horror stories about student loans to know that going through those is not a good idea

[lyric fjord]

Dnd boards

[grand haven]

nononon bro you gotta sell it to em

I am the leader of a group of individuals in which we perform tasks for a goal related to teambuilding and literature.

[lyric fjord]

So I don’t live in America but I heard college is very expensive

[grand haven]

oh man it is

[raw berry]

IT VERY MUCH IS.

And if you're poor, too bad, so sad

[grand haven]

I'm a rising senior in highschool and I'm straightup terrified of scholarships even though my GPA is 4.8

[lyric fjord]

Well what job would you like to get in the future

If you do

[raw berry]

I like writing stories, so probably something involved with that.

[lyric fjord]

My first job will be at the Troy shop

[lyric fjord]

Author name?

Or just normal name

[signal fog]

John Wayne

[raw berry]

I'm sorry, what?

[signal fog]

John Wayne Bobbitt

[lyric fjord]

I mean like will you use your real name or a kind of stage name

[grand haven]

I like writing too, just not good at stretching a story across pages

[lyric fjord]

Same

[raw berry]

Probably just my real name.

Assuming I can ever focus long enough to actually write a story

[lyric fjord]

Lol

[grand haven]

Ask your parents what they were considering naming you, and use that as a "stage" name if you like it

The name I ended up getting is great but

I almost got named Zephyr and for that I will always be a little bit miffed

[raw berry]

Apparently my name means "fire" in Irish dialect, and my mother got it from some actor around the time

[lyric fjord]

I’m Irish

[raw berry]

Oh neato

[grand haven]

thats wayy too cool man, if you like your name already just go w that then!

[lyric fjord]

Tine

[raw berry]

My last name is also impossible to pronounce.

Even the principal mispronounced it at my own high school graduation

And I was just like

[grand haven]

thats foul oml

[lyric fjord]

Did he say sorry

[grand haven]

My last name is from my spanish side of the family and i love it

[raw berry]

It's one of those names where there's a j in there but it's not pronounced how you think it would

[grand haven]

yea did he apologize for it ^^^

[lyric fjord]

Ooh half Spanish nice

[raw berry]

You think I was going to correct him in front of my entire class? xD

[grand haven]

I will always cherish my spanish roots

Nicaragua and El Salvadorian

[lyric fjord]

You should have threatened him with vicious mockery

Lol

[grand haven]

oh yeah for sure

[lyric fjord]

Just like your stupid

And he just dies

Haha

Too far

Sorry

I like the name tine

Its nice

[analog yarrow]

i’m down

[lyric fjord]

@grand haven Already 1 player

[grand haven]

Already coming together 💪

[lyric fjord]

Woohoo

What’s your campaign gonna be about

[raw berry]

I'm looking to join a campaign at some point ^^

[analog yarrow]

uh could i ask what kinda like environment it would be
cause i’m a minor [so sorry if this counts as disclosing age]

[lyric fjord]

Make a group

[grand haven]

I think I'm going to stick to being a DND player for the first few times, but if I were to make a campaign

I think it'd be one that takes place as a heist on a castle on an island, and the group would have to sail their way to said island

[lyric fjord]

Oh cool

[grand haven]

Here I can DM you my idea, but just like writing stories its hard to put into pages or

events

[lyric fjord]

You don’t have to have it all in a book

[grand haven]

i was saying pages as an analogy to events sorry if it was misinterpereted

[lyric fjord]

Like in my real dm book I have it cut into notes and side quests

[grand haven]

oooooooh

thats so cool wait I should make a DM book and all

[lyric fjord]

Even if you keep notes on a device

And then make the stry around the notes

[grand haven]

i gotcha

[lyric fjord]

Just an idea

[grand haven]

Would you like to hear the gist of it + some side "quests" i have in mind

[lyric fjord]

Definitely

[grand haven]

Its all pretty much off the top of my head so bear with me a little, I'll put it into a paragraphish type chat

[lyric fjord]

I could storify them if you want

[grand haven]

Yes please

[lyric fjord]

Okay

[grand haven]

One of the party members, the crew

Hit enter too quick mb

[lyric fjord]

Wait if I storyfy them I’ll message them to you in like a few days

[north sapphire]

Hi

[raw berry]

Hello!

[grand haven]

One of the party members, the crew leader, has had his sights set on the princess or prince of the king of this island after meeting them by chance at a ball in the ballroom (said crew leader was running a heist, and was caught by the guards and just barely escaped the island), but their heart was set on meeting the princess one more time. So, he brings people of different capabilities and expertise together to make a crew, as well as finding a sailor bold enough to take them across uncharted waters in an effort to find a hidden route to the castle. The crew leader lies to the crew by revealing the goal of the adventure to be a heist of the island kingdoms treasury, when in reality it is a heist of romantic means, a means to steal the princesses heart and take her with him. After 2 weeks of sailing, they encounter a storm that blows them off path into a group of islands that are not on any maps.

[lyric fjord]

This looks

[grand haven]

one of the group members may die on the islands due to there being a tribe of territorial giants there,

[lyric fjord]

Great

[smoky thorn]

what did i miss?

[grand haven]

but they make it through each island and find their way out, relatively safe and sound

[lyric fjord]

I think if you put a riny bit more descriptive words this would be perfect

[grand haven]

explain what you mean, I'm just on a roll kinda

[grand haven]

one of the older giants has knowledge of a map that charts the waters that they are on, and depending on if they are able to convince the giant into telling the crew that knowledge, it will determine which way the story unfolds

[lyric fjord]

Like the way you say the crew leader lies to the crew it could be more like the theiving crew leader lied to his own crew. You know just little things

[lyric fjord]

Cool

[lyric fjord]

We were just talking about death maybe giving dming a shot

[grand haven]

ooooooh i gotcha

thing is, i'd need to give that crew leader a heavier role and i dont know if thats allowed when youre a dm

as in, are you allowed to give your players their backstory?

[rose merlin]

So, with Levitate, when the spell ends, "the target floats gently to the ground if it is still aloft".
How long can this "gentle float" go on for? Is it for a set distance, a set amount of time, or is it absolutely until the target reaches the ground?

[lyric fjord]

Sometimes you can if you ask if you can but I’d say just ask first

[rose merlin]

Cuz if the range is only 60 ft., does that mean when the target is out of that range, they just
plummet?

[glass summit]

one might assume it is either instantaneous safe descent to the ground, or you could make a comparison to the featherfall spell that uses similar wording and gives a value of 60-feet per round

Ultimately it'll be up to the DM as the spell is not specific

[grand haven]

i gotcha

[rose merlin]

Fair enough. I just think it'd be interesting for something that could help a group of adventurers climb down an exceedingly deep pit or cavern or something.

[lyric fjord]

I think the range only effect the casting not the effects so I doubt it I would say that they would still float gently down

[glass summit]

featherfall is certainly what you want, it can target more creatures and is only a 1st level spell

so long as you use a 10-foot pole to push yourself away from touching the ground, Featherfall can last up to a minute (3600ft of falling)

[deft sigil]

max distance it could levitate is 60ft according to the spell..(because the target has to be in your range when you move it) and at the end the target would float down 60ft.

[lyric fjord]

Cause the spell will work the Same from 60ft as it would From 10ft

[rose merlin]

Another thing I'm wondering is if, like, someone were to use Levitate on an enemy and hold them aloft from the aforementioned pit/cavern.

Either as an intimidation tactic or as a "finishing move".

[glass summit]

you only need to be within 60ft for the initial casting, after that you can keep sending the creature up or down even if it travels further than 60ft from you

[lyric fjord]

If someone else cast dispell magic then it would work

[deft sigil]

not sure that is correct - the spells states: Otherwise, you can use your action to move the target, which must remain within the spell's range.

[rose merlin]

I'm imagining that it's deliberately a gentle float to avoid either friendly fire fall damage or easy enemy kills fall damage.

[deft sigil]

the spell only goes up and down.. you'd have to get the enemy over the pit somehow before dropping?

[rose merlin]

oh, tru

lol

[glass summit]

my appologies! you're right

[terse jungle]

So how is the best way to play dnd?

I have never played it and see it as insanely overwhelming but I'm curious

[glass summit]

You can either get together with people in-person, play **online **using a virtual tablestop, or do play by post in a text only forum

[rose merlin]

Oh, shoot, play by post is a thing? Neat.

I have a hard time paying attention to information audially, so that's actually a massive help. lmao

[smoky adder]

Yeah, play-by-post can be a lot of fun.

[gritty valve]

Can confirm it's good

[patent jolt]

Would a neutral good character attack an NPC that’s making threats to the party?

[harsh fjord]

Alignment doesn't dictate behavior; it describes it.

Which is to say, that's up to the player (and whether such behavior is acceptable at the table).

[glass summit]

Building off what Razor is saying, I'm probably NG irl, but I wouldn't kill someone for threatening me

[timber frost]

how would the text only thing work? i mean, i am currently in a text only campaign right now, but it seems as if the way we're doing it is a bit chaotic and i wanted to like get a bit of advice on that. (the members of my campaign are still fairly new aswell)

[patent jolt]

I’m starting to think my Gnome Wizard ain’t Neutral Good, maybe he’s chaotic good

[frozen sun]

imho alignment doesn’t matter all that much as long as you stay true to your character’s morals that you have in your head

[glass summit]

I'm afraid I I have very little experience with PbP

My only advice for that specific problem would be the same as it is for when it happens in online games, and that is to ask everyone to be respectful of the other players, so that everyone gets their moment in the spotlight

If anyone has more experience with PbP please let Kalopsia know

[terse jungle]

So how much do I have to know before it gets fun?

[gritty valve]

So you kinda need a good GM to make sure the game is being pushed along at a good pace. To keep reminding people to post at whatever interval you agreed to, and keep things on track. Some advice is to keep one channel specifically to in character talk, to have an out of character channel to ask questions about, the distinction helps keep people on track

[glass summit]

I'd say the bare minimum to know, is knowing your character, how they act and interact socially

You can start playing at a table without any mechanical knowledge of the system so long as you are open to learning the mechanics as they are presented to you by the DM and other players

This process would be aided greatly by you having an understanding of what all the numbers on your character sheet do, so when the DM asks for what your modifier to History checks is, for example, you can easily give it to them

So in answer to your question, the bare minimum imo is an understanding your character's traits and everything on your character sheet

[sharp ibex]

can you play with just a 1-20 dice or do you need a whole set (as in 1-4, 1-6, 1-10 and so on)

if you can just dm me cuz i have to go to bed in a bit sorry

[glass summit]

the d20 is the most important one and is used for determining your chances of success in challenging situations

The other ones are most commonly used for calculating the damage of your attacks and spells. So, you do need them

[timber frost]

if you don't have a real set, you can just search it up on the internet. i know that's not what you were asking but ykyk

[sharp ibex]

makes sense. thx bro :)

[slate ravine]

hello

[gritty valve]

[slate ravine]

what are your fav RPGs?

[timber frost]

your pfp is rad asf

[slate ravine]

thanks

[gritty valve]

Thats a tough one. We'll I'm here, so obviously 5e dnd, I love Pathfinder 1e a bunch too, Exalted 3e is fun even if I haven't played it nearly as much as I want, FATE is wonderful, most of the 40k rpgs like Dark Heresy are cool, I love Changeling the Lost, and my white whale of a system is Legend of the Five Rings 4e which I'd love to run for people again if my group ever had the time. There's dozens more I have good thoughts about,

[slate ravine]

i want to play D&D some day the RPGs i played are video games my fav are world of warcraft, neverwinter, shining force, golden sun, final fantasy, star ocean, sword of mana, legend of zelda, dragon age inquisition, elder scrolls, dark cloud 2, grandia 2, rogue galaxy, kingdom hearts, phantasy star, star ocean, tactics ogre, jean darc, war hammer chaos bane, diablo, dungeon defenders 2, monster hunter stories, pokemon, dragon quest monsters and monster kingdom jewel summoner and more

[gritty valve]

Nice!

Well you can certainly get a lot of good inspiration for dnd from that selection

[robust rain]

Hi 👋

[sand pebble]

Are there any campaigns currently open I’ve never played and I want to learn

[coral fox]

?looking

[exotic remnant]

Ready to play some Dungeons & Dragons?

#find-a-game has everything you need to start your search, including:

• Instructions for finding a game here on the server (including how to post in our #looking-for channels).
• Suggestions for finding a game outside of this server.
• Basic advice to help you in your hunt.

[robust rain]

Same here

[slate ravine]

do i need to buy a source book and map with character sheets?

[gritty valve]

Nope! You can of you want, but there's free sheets to print out I the basic rules

You can make your own map, or use various wikis to play in an established map

[fleet field]

I would recommend reading the basic rules before joining a campaign, most DMs would highly appreciate that

[terse jungle]

Maybe I'm not made for this.
I don't know what I want anyone.
It's not like I know anyone outside of One friend who wants to play it.
Maybe I just need to be alone

[fleet field]

Have a look for online groups

[cobalt frigate]

Check out #find-a-game

[slow hawk]

There’s basically no upper limit to how much you can spend on maps and such; premade terrain from various companies can be hundreds; painted modular terrain can be thousands; and if you want to mortgage your house, you can buy custom stuff

None of that is necessary.
Graphing paper and a pencil works just fine

The back of wrapping paper also has 1x1 inch grid which is cheap (maybe free, if u find a shop getting rid of stuff

There are also scrolls and foldable maps available for 15-30 bucks

Character sheet is free, print it off the DND beyond site

The basic rules are free

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[terse jungle]

Real quick question but how much patience do you have to have to really get into DND

[harsh fjord]

Not sure how to measure that, but it does require some, for sure.

[slow hawk]

There’s no way around reading a bunch

And at the table, the patience to sit and wait for your turn in combat, and for your DM to tell the story at their own pace

[hazy girder]

what happened to r/DnD?

[fleet field]

Is it privated?

[hazy girder]

mhm

[fleet field]

Probability participating in the protest

[hazy girder]

What is that tho

it does say smth similar

[fleet field]

A bunch of subs are going dark from now until the 14th in protest against the api pricing changes

That kill third party apps

Probably not the right channel for this tho

[hazy girder]

what channel then lol

[fleet field]

#non-dnd-topics I’m guessing

[hazy girder]

Can a PC benefit from long rest while traveling on a cargo where it is all shaky and stuff. A check whether he can fall asleep?

[viral pelican]

DM Fiat. The character should sleep unless they are exempt from sleep requirements - whether or not the situation is preventing sleep is up to the DM.

[hazy girder]

Alr thx

[spare escarp]

Hi as a complete newbie where do I start with anything? Thankyou

[ivory latch]

Also a total newbie but very interested in giving it a try 😁

[viral pelican]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[viral pelican]

And @ivory latch , have a look at those, feel free to ask any questions you have, and welcome!

[ivory latch]

If I've already made a character and have a little knowledge of how the game works, is that all I'll need to play? Just a matter of finding a group?

[hazy girder]

More or less

[viral pelican]

Correct! Though your DM will probably also want a discussion about your character, to make sure it fits the setting, and is using content that they are happy to play with.

[spare escarp]

Thankyou!

[ivory latch]

If a post is talking about role-playing, is that requiring voice acting and essentially being your character?

[open shard]

That would be pretty cool would make for a good YouTube channel

Sorry content creator brain lol

[ivory latch]

Well I've seen a few videos where they do that, so that's why I ask lol. Nothing against it, I'd just be kinda nervous. Would kinda prefer not to at first

[edgy onyx]

Yeah generally, and especially if the post is emphasizing the roleplay, then its pretty much to be expected

And it is like, basically half the idea of DnD, you playing as your character

Of course full on voice acting isnt expected

Though depending on the DM, they might allow stuff like letting you just describe in general what your character says rather than full on roleplay it

But either way, people are in it for the fun, so no need to stress about it! Nobody's gonna judge you 😎

[spare escarp]

Yeah I think I’ll be nervous either way but full on acting seems hard for a beginner so hopefully people understand haha

[ivory latch]

This is kinda what I was getting at, yeah lol

[edgy onyx]

Yeah it can definitely feel like that when starting off, but with a nice group you'll get over it pretty quickly 👍

[viral pelican]

Voice acting - not necessarily! Unless your DM is being kinda an ass, its perfectly fine to assert that your character's voice matches your own. But an RP game would tend to expect people to speak in-character, improvise their reactions to things. So it's not just "I use intimidate to see if the tell me the information" and then "the thief tells you the information"....it's "look here, if you don't tell us, I'm gonna box your ears!" roll dice "Cor blimey mister, don't hurt me! I'll tell you! The hideout is in the old barn!"

Nobody will expect you to give a full performance, but would perhaps expect you to think about what your character wants/needs a bit deeper, beyond the mechanical game.

[crude musk]

At it's core, what 'roleplaying' means is "making the decisions my character would make as a real person in the game world rather than making the decisions I would make as person controlling a character in a game"
It doesn't mean voices or dressing up or anything like that, just playing your character in a way that makes sense from the perspective of the game world

[ivory latch]

Okay, that all clarifies it a bunch, thanks! I appreciate all the quick responses

[pseudo musk]

What "Channel Divinity" mean?

[echo kelp]

A cleric or paladin unlocks divine power (or let's say power from outside of themselves as not all clerics/paladins follow a deity) that allows them to do special features.

[fresh fable]

https://youtu.be/8zdZ-KiYbHw handy little paladin guide for you

[echo kelp]

Also see https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/classes#ChannelDivinity

[pseudo musk]

Like they ask god to do something for them??

[echo kelp]

Not necessarily - here's what i reads from the basic rules for clerics:

At 2nd level, you gain the ability to channel divine energy directly from your deity, using that energy to fuel magical effects. You start with two such effects: Turn Undead and an effect determined by your domain. Some domains grant you additional effects as you advance in levels, as noted in the domain description.

Divine Intervention, another Cleric feature which comes at the 10th level, is more of calling on a deity for help.

[crude musk]

Channel in this context means "to draw upon" or "tap into" and Divinity doesn't just mean gods, but spiritual power. So it means to call upon spiritual power. This could be the power of a god, or nature spirits, or a oath

[pseudo musk]

Can Paladin earn new spell by spellscroll?

like Wizard?

[fresh fable]

No

[echo kelp]

They don't necessarily "learn it" like a wizard who can add it to their spell book, but they can use it if they meet the requirements to cast it.

[mint cosmos]

why are some people player and others dm

like... does that mean some people only do dm and others onlye player and some both, or

and how does it work if i wanna play a game of this

[echo kelp]

A Dungeon Master helps lead the game along, decides what rules are in effect, makes rulings, decides what dice rolls are needed. But thay are, IMO, still playing.

[mint cosmos]

hmmm, i see

[echo kelp]

Players play characters within the game. Together players and DM help tell a story that they enjoy and have fun playing together.

[mint cosmos]

what if i wanted to play a game, but im really new to this gameboard, tabletop version? ive been playing online for ages but i dont rlly know how to play tabletop, and i wanna learn by playing, but how would i go abt playing with other people

[echo kelp]

Have you ever played a board or card game with some friends?

[mint cosmos]

and i mean people on here, bc idk anyone irl who plays

oh yes

[echo kelp]

It's a lot like that. You get a group of people together that want to play. You can do that in-person or online.

Usually the DM self-selects (they want to DM) because they have a story or adventure they want to run/play.

They ask folks if they want to play, figure out who will be playing what character, identify the boundaries and expectations (what's allowed, not allowed, how to handle player conflicts, etc.) then figure out a schedule.

[mint cosmos]

ahhhh

[echo kelp]

Then they may work together to build out the characters for the game - some do this collaboratively all together, others may just say "here's what's allowed/not allowed for characters" and let individual players put together a character on their own.

And then they start playing.

So as to how to find a group online - D&D is not like a online video game/computer game with like a central hub to drop into games.

?looking

[exotic remnant]

Ready to play some Dungeons & Dragons?

#find-a-game has everything you need to start your search, including:

• Instructions for finding a game here on the server (including how to post in our #looking-for channels).
• Suggestions for finding a game outside of this server.
• Basic advice to help you in your hunt.

[pseudo musk]

So that mean

They can add ALL PALADIN SPELLS from the lists to their book?!

and they can cast EVERYTHING related to Paladin spell listss as long as they reach requirement?

[echo kelp]

Paladins know all their spells of their paladin level (but can only prepare a number of them per day as described by the class). They can not add more.

They can use a spell scroll to cast a spell if they meet the requirements to cast said spell.

So a paladin can't pick up wizard spell scrolls and start tossing around fireballs.

[mint cosmos]

okay slay, thank you very much

[echo kelp]

But they could pick up a "Find Steed" spell scroll and use that to summon a steed without using a spell slot if they meet all the other requirements to cast it.

[fresh fable]

Paladins don’t have a spell book

[pseudo musk]

What?

Then how are they gonna use spells if they don't have spellbook???????

[viral pelican]

Only wizards have spellbooks.

[fresh fable]

They just know all their spells but can only prepare a few a day

[fresh geyser]

Well, I think I've finally manage to create a character that can be playable 😄 and want to dive in that game for the first time 🙂

how can I do that?

[fresh fable]

#find-a-game

[high valve]

Is anyone able to dm me and explain a few things I have questions on? I do better in dm cuz no back chatter also I feel like the questions are dumb 😎

[warm igloo]

looking for somone to be my dnd partner

[fresh geyser]

What should I wrote to empty places? can you write me an example?

[fresh fable]

#looking-for-players and respond in the thread under the ad

[fresh fable]

Just post them here

[fresh geyser]

Oke, I did it 😄

Thx

Oh, I look other game invites and... I think I may be fill that in a wrong way 😄

I didn't wrote anything spessific.... 😅

[fresh geyser]

Experienced or a newcomer is good too? XD

[warm igloo]

im okay with anyone really at any skill level

how to post in looking for players?

[simple goblet]

Read the instructions in #find-a-game

[pseudo musk]

"you restore the target to its original alignment." - Ceremony

What does it mean?

[crude musk]

It means that if the targets alignment has been changed in the past, you change it back to what it was

[thorny fable]

Like uh the targets alignment changed to what it was previously?

[crude musk]

So if a creature who is normally chaotic good was cursed to be lawful evil, that spell would change it back to chaotic good

[pseudo musk]

What about their Hit Points?

[crude musk]

It doesn't say anything about hit points, so it doesn't do anything to hit points

[pseudo musk]

Ah I see

[random wren]

I mean... i can try... might take a while, and some things have no rulebook answer...

[high valve]

Oh I've got it figured out how, thanks tho!

[harsh fjord]

If you specify what the problem is, folks can give more targeted advice.

[dire slate]

No questions are dumb within DnD

[random wren]

In the rules, is a clear distinction made between magic staffs, and quarterstaffs?

[solemn light]

Magic staffs can be used as quarterstaffs but quarterstaffs cannot replace magic staffs for arcane focus

DMG p140: Unless a staff's description says otherwise, a staff can be used as a quarterstaff.

[smoky adder]

It’s also never explicitly stated whether the arcane and druidic focus staves can be used as quarterstaves.

[solemn light]

Well they are staffs.

[smoky adder]

Right, but the quote above is from the section on Magic Items, so it presumably doesn’t apply to non-Magic Items.

[solemn light]

In which case, just go with improvised weapons rules: "Often, an improvised weapon is similar to an actual weapon and can be treated as such."
but might be getting a bit too RAW for the New Player channel.

[smoky adder]

Yeah

Only point was: you might want to check with your DM for those two specifically.

[random wren]

Sorry. I posted in the wrong spot.

[patent jolt]

You think 4 level 4 characters could take on something that is CR 8?

[pseudo musk]

What's the highest AC ever?

for player character

[harsh fjord]

That’s rated as a deadly encounter, but if they haven’t had other encounters that day, it’s certainly within the realm of possibility they could win.

[patent jolt]

Well funny you mention that……

[patent jolt]

Me and my party killed a plesiosaur a few hours before this encounter, but the CR 8 encounter was with a Goliath Werebear

Which I was surprised that this thing was more difficult to kill than a Young Green Dragon

Goliath Werebears have full immunity to non-Magical or non-Silver weapons/ attacks

[frosty belfry]

Hello, I'm completely new to the D&D world and honestly I hardly know how the game is played but as far as my knowledge goes I think it's fun stuff

So I wanted to ask if anyone would be interested in helping me get the hang of the whole thing and maybe getting me in one of their games these days?

[smoky adder]

Welcome! There's a few handy links here to get you started:

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[smoky adder]

But if you've got any specific questions, feel free to ask!

[fallen surge]

Well, the purpose of this channel is to "help you get the hang of the whole thing" so everyone here is more than happy to help. If you have any questions, ask away! If you just want a more general overview, you can check the pins or the info in the bot post Spam just sent for you.

Once you feel ready to play and want to join a game, the #find-a-game channel will direct you through the process

[frosty belfry]

I'm going to check out these links and read the basics

thank you for the quick answers also

hope i can find someone to play with soon

[golden tinsel]

To be honest keeping action economy in mind it is not the craziest thought

[patent jolt]

And with the immunities?

[fallen surge]

The main issue you are going to run into is the CR 8 monster's damage output. I picked a random CR 8 monster as an example: Frost Giant
https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters/16867-frost-giant

[sudden otter]

One shooting all them PCs

[fallen surge]

The frost giant gets 2 attacks per turn, and each one averages 25 damage per attack. A level 4 character with a d8 hit die and +1 con has 27 hitpoints

[golden tinsel]

I guess i thought very party specific with insinuation and silvery barbs flying in the air

[fallen surge]

Technically speaking, the players could win, but its not exactly a fair or fun fight.

[cobalt frigate]

Remember that CR doesn't take into consideration party class composition, magic items, or spells.

[patent jolt]

Oh believe me I know, the DM targeted my character with the Werebear. My Gnome Wizard was used like a chew toy. Luckily enough the other party members had ways to make their AC really high or disengage after attacking

Not only did I get mauled but I lived and got infected with Curse of Lycanthropy

I felt like Leonardo DiCaprio in the Revenant only now I can turn into a bear

Oh it also helped that the DM forgot Werebears had immunities

[fallen surge]

The highest static AC possible (meaning no temporary effects), with no DM granted magic items is 28, which takes 14 levels in Artificer Armorer and 6 levels in Forge Domain Cleric. Though, those last 6 levels in forge domain only give you +1 AC, and the level 20 capstone for artificer is WAY stronger than +1 AC, so in a practical game, 27 would be your cap.

To get this, you would do the following:
-Plate Armor: 18 base
-Enhanced Defense Infusion: +2
-A Shield: +2
-Repulsion Shield Infusion: +1
-Replicate Magic Item Infusion- Cloak of Protection: +1
-Replicate Magic Item Infusion- Ring of Protection: +1
-Feat- Fighting Initiate- Defense Style: +1
-Race- Warforged: +1

And then after 6 levels of Forge Domain Cleric, you would gain Soul of the Forge, which is another +1

[lyric sapphire]

What do i go As half orc ranger

[cobalt frigate]

What do you mean?

[fallen surge]

can you please clarify your question. This doesn't make sense

[lyric sapphire]

like what stats what options

armor weapons etc

[fallen surge]

Ah, if you want help making a character, #character-discussion would be the better channel to ask for help in

[plucky folio]

How do I play

[ornate basin]

same here

[fallen surge]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[cobalt frigate]

Read the free Basic Rules (at least the first four chapters on character creation).

I highly recommend you check out Critical Role's "Handbook Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube.

Both are linked above.

[polar tusk]

Hey i want to make a pirate character is that an option?

P.s. i am very very new to this

[fallen surge]

Yep, making a pirate character is pretty easy. There is a "pirate" background you can take, which will help you with some of the flavor and roleplaying aspects of being a pirate. Mechanically, you'd probably want to play a Rogue, using the Swashbuckler subclass. This subclass is found in the supplement book "Xanathar's Guide to Everything"

[solemn light]

Yep! It's actually a background option if you want.

You can make your PC have any backstory you like, but should chat with the DM to make sure it makes sense for the game (Maybe a pirate wouldn't be the best choice for that story, and you need to keep the backstory reasonable for a low level character- no slaying dragons 😛 )

Backgrounds are choices like race or class that give you some bonuses to certain things (two skills, two languages/ tools (like professions), and a little feature that makes sense for a background).

[polar tusk]

Okay thanks 🙏

I am first building a few so i can fit in somewhere XD i watched a few vids so hope I’ll be okay 👌

[terse valve]

are there any newbie groups or players willing to join accept or join other newbie gropus to play 5e?

[polar tusk]

Ig me sometime soon

[cobalt frigate]

Check #find-a-game

[fallen surge]

If you want to join a game, you can read through the posts in #looking-for-players and try to find one that notes itself as "beginners welcome" or something like that, or go to #find-a-game to use the bot to make a post in #750812887697588356 so DMs can come to you

[terse valve]

thank you so much i really appreciate it

[mellow marsh]

Hello yall! Wassup!

[grave temple]

Only on my 3rd session of my first campaign and I've already become a dice goblin 😂

[vestal lichen]

What’s a dice goblin

[smoky adder]

A collector of dice

[high jewel]

I prefer dice dragon

[vestal lichen]

Oooo

I eat my dice

[smoky adder]

Well that makes you a dice gobblin’. Totally different thing.

[vestal lichen]

Yummy

Where would I go to find like a dnd campaign going on near me?

Just a tabletop games store?

Cause I’m trying to join a campaign in person, I’ve never done a campaign befor

[smoky adder]

You could try checking a local game store.
https://locator.wizards.com/

[vestal lichen]

Thank you

[smoky adder]

Or schools and libraries.

[vestal lichen]

I appreciate it banjo kazzoie person

[cobalt frigate]

Check out Facebook D&D groups and Meetup website

[vestal lichen]

Oh my bad. It was a gif

Old man yells at clouds

[cobalt frigate]

gifs aren't allowed here.

[vestal lichen]

Thank you for the information though my friends

It was the simpsons thing

[smoky adder]

You correctly guessed the reference, though.

[vestal lichen]

Loll

[half sonnet]

I finally started dnd made my character . Any tips?

[grave temple]

Well one set I ordered is in the shape on cheese, so this totally fits 🤣 but would be awkward for the chonky d20 with babies inside 😅

[smoky adder]

#character-discussion can help if you want advice specific to your character.

We've got dedicated channels for finding players. Head on over to #find-a-game to get started.

[lusty cloud]

Oh!

[harsh fjord]

Tips on what exactly?

[junior dagger]

How do spells work? Do you pick 5 cantrips during character creation? How do you go about learning new spells? Someone help me please 😔

[smoky adder]

Which class did you pick?

The answer varies.

[junior dagger]

Sorcerer tiefling

[slow hawk]

Sorcerers start with a set number of cantrips and spells known (refer to the table in the class section of the PHB). Thereafter they can learn additional spells as they level up. These spells are chosen from the list of sorcerer spells

Each level they gain they can also go back and replace a spell known for a different one from their list

You can cast any spell you have learned, provided you have a spell slot of the appropriate level

Please refer to the sorcerer section, where is describes spellcasting and spells learned for more detailed info

[smoky adder]

This table shows how many spells you know at each level.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/sorcerer#TheSorcererTable

[junior dagger]

am I allowed to pick whatever spells and cantrips I want during character creation?

[echo kelp]

Within the rules of what a sorcerer can pick for their level, generally yes.
The DM may have other requirements for their table but generally you can pick the spells for your character.

[fallen surge]

Your class comes with a list of what you are allowed to pick from

[junior dagger]

I see, thanks

[smoky adder]

You can view the full list of sorcerer spells here:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/class/sorcerer

And these are specifically just the ones in the free Basic Rules:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/class/sorcerer?filter-source=1

[lyric fjord]

@vestal lichen

Wait sorry, wrong button

[vestal lichen]

What

[subtle monolith]

Ok so how do infusions for an artificer work? So at say level 7 you know 6 infusions, but where I'm having trouble understanding is the wording in the below quote. So does the "infused items" on the progression table refer to how many items you can infuse per long rest or is it referring to the maximum you can have infused full stop?

"*You can infuse more than one nonmagical object at the end of a long rest; the maximum number of objects appears in the Infused Items column of the Artificer table. You must touch each of the objects, and each of your infusions can be in only one object at a time. Moreover, no object can bear more than one of your infusions at a time. If you try to exceed your maximum number of infusions, the oldest infusion immediately ends, and then the new infusion applies.

If an infusion ends on an item that contains other things, like a bag of holding, its contents harmlessly appear in and around its space.*"

[prime lichen]

Infused Items is the maximum you can infuse full stop. You have knowledge of more infusions than you can create.

So, at 7th level, if you have 3 items infused and you try to infuse a 4th, the 1st infusion you made will end.

[subtle monolith]

Ok thanks

[prime lichen]

This gives you some flexibility though. You're not necessarily stuck to one configuration.

[white parrot]

I’m very very new to dnd but wanna try to play so bad does anyone have any tips on being a DM?

[smoky adder]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1452-how-to-be-a-dungeon-master

https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/159-starting-strong-at-your-first-dungeons-dragons

[iron topaz]

Hello

I am new to dnd

I want to learn how to play it

[prime lichen]

Check the pins.

[iron topaz]

Thanks

Also after that then what

[turbid ridge]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[glass summit]

After getting your feet wet with some explanatory videos and the basic rules, you'll probably want to find a group in your local area to join, or some friends to rope into a table of your own

[warm flint]

Hello!

I'm new and trying to start d&d

[cobalt frigate]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[cobalt frigate]

Read the free Basic Rules (at least the first four chapters on character creation).

I highly recommend you check out Critical Role's "Handbook Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube.

Both are linked above.

[warm flint]

Oki I already made a character

[cobalt frigate]

If you want to find a group then check out #find-a-game

[warm flint]

Ok

[terse jungle]

So I was thinking about this for a few days just frustrated and angry right but I couldn't figure out why.
Like no matter what I could not exactly get why I was thinking like this when I looked at DND but it hit me.
It was because of abuse and long term fears built up due to an activity hostile environment I lived around.
It effected me so much that things like this just feel to me at least impossible because of how I see people.
I'm scared of you guys I'm not gonna lie it's all intimating and I don't want to look like an idiot but it's bound to happen.
Just me saying this is probably not exactly the best thing but I wonder at least now if anyone else has had that problem.

[cobalt frigate]

Perhaps you should talk to a therapist.

[terse jungle]

Yeah I definitely think so at this point

[gritty valve]

We all look like idiots when we first start in a hobby, but know that by asking questions you learn and start to get better and we all were there at one point

[fresh fable]

Some of us still look like idiots and we’ve been playing for years,

[gritty valve]

Can confirm

[maiden bobcat]

hello

I was wanting to play dnd

[cobalt frigate]

Have you read the (free) Basic Rules yet?

[maiden bobcat]

no

[fleet field]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[floral geyser]

Hello

[mild bronze]

greetings

[echo kelp]

Welcome!

[warm flint]

How did you get the pride flair

[crude musk]

Go to #server-announcements

[warm flint]

Thanks!!

[mild bronze]

nice feature

[rose merlin]

Y'know, I see a lot of D&D stuff about heroic adventurers and the like.
How often are villainous adventures done?

A band of misfits or degenerates, encountering and slaying heroes, and just generally making things worse for everyone but themselves.

[crude musk]

They do happen, but they're not common

If you want to discuss how you might run such an adventure, #dm-discussion would be the place to do so

[median nest]

i've created a character

what comes next ?

[crude musk]

Usually you make a character after joining a campaign, so what would typically come next is the campaign starts

[restive wyvern]

I did an evil campaign.

One of the best things to remember is if you run a group of Villians is giving them something that makes them want to stick and work together.

[agile valley]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[pseudo musk]

If I cast Legend Lore

Cast I cast it while walking around inside a city that I don't know what it is?

[solemn light]

Check with your DM.

N⁠ame or describe a person, place, or object. The spell brings to your mind a brief summary of the significant lore about the thing you named. The lore might consist of current tales, forgotten stories, or even secret lore that has never been widely known. If the thing you named isn’t of legendary importance, you gain no information. The more information you already have about the thing, the more precise and detailed the information you receive is.

The information you get depends on the DM, how well you already know the thing, and if it's of 'Legendary importance' (so, need the DM to decide)

But if the city was of legendary importance, describing it would work.

[polar tusk]

hi would anyone be available to help me build some characters? I tried but got dizzy of aal the little thingies

[solemn light]

Sure, I'm free at the moment.

[polar tusk]

thats great wanna call?

[wide pendant]

how does the grappling hook item work?

[main fulcrum]

I don't believe it has specific mechanics beyond whatever is written in the PHB. So tie it to a rope and hook it onto things?

[tidal magnet]

The grappling hook has rules to determine the DC to make the throw. Once the hook is attached it just makes the climb check as if it was being made with rope

[iron topaz]

I have no one in my local area I can play with and I my friends don’t even know about dnd

[harsh fjord]

If you don't have any local libraries or game stores and no one among your friends is willing to learn, you can play D&D online. https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/750-new-players-guide-how-to-play-d-d-online

[iron topaz]

Yeah dnd beyond right

[main raven]

Quick question, are paladins proficient in all martial weapons at lvl 1 ?

[harsh fjord]

You don't have to use DDB to play online; it's just one of the available tools.

[harsh fjord]

Proficiencies
Armor: All armor, shields
Weapons: Simple weapons, martial weapons
Tools: None
Saving Throws: Wisdom, Charisma
Skills: Choose two from Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Persuasion, and Religion

https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/paladin#ClassFeatures

[main raven]

Yes but does that include all?

[silent turret]

Yes

[main raven]

Ok, thanks

[pseudo musk]

Watery Sphere

The water is still water or not?

[viral pelican]

Yes.

I presume you mean "it remains water" not "is it sparkling water"

[pseudo musk]

Nice

Then that's perfect for Mirror Mage homebrew subclass

[chilly quiver]

Ok so quick question do you add your con modifierer to every roll for your hit points

[timid locust]

When you level up? Yes.

[chilly quiver]

Like if you level up... And let's say your a wizard (con +2) you have a 6 + 2 for level1 and level 2

[viral pelican]

Every time you level up, you roll a die equivalent to the classes' hit die, add the con modifier, and any other bonuses you might get from other features.

[chilly quiver]

So every time you level up you roll the (dice + con mod)

[viral pelican]

Yes

[chilly quiver]

Huh ok because I was shook when I saw my level 3 sorcerer have 19 hit points

[timid locust]

With a high enough Con and good rolls, it's certainly possible!

[viral pelican]

Are they a draconic sorcerer? They get a bonus 1 point per level

[chilly quiver]

Nope wild magic

I'm pretty sure it was 9(6+3) level one

9+6(3+3(con))

15+4(1+3)

So 19

[viral pelican]

If you have a +3 con, then the average at level 3 would be 19.5, so you are fine.

[chilly quiver]

Ok

Oh what about resistance

Like totem barbarians (bear)

He get like resistance what does it do

[viral pelican]

Resistance means you halve damage of that type.

[chilly quiver]

That's... Broken...

[viral pelican]

So if you have resistance to fire, 10 pints of damage becomes 5. If you have immunity, it becomes 0

[chilly quiver]

Also It feels like I'm missing something in terms of magical focuses and component bags

[viral pelican]

Do you mean rage? It's not so broken. Rages are quite limited, and barbarians also don't get great AC.

[chilly quiver]

@viral pelican ok

[chilly quiver]

Because you can peak either

[viral pelican]

It can get very very very complex depending on how DMs are ruling for the pocketing/drawing.

[chilly quiver]

As you starter equipment

[main fulcrum]

Being hard to kill is pretty much barbarians whole schtick

[chilly quiver]

True

[fallen surge]

They are more or less the same thing. The sever the same function

[viral pelican]

One thing to bear in mind is that a component pouch works for any class of magic, so if you are multiclassed it works for all your types of magic. Focuses are specifically arcane, druidic, or holy, and are locked to those classes magic.

[chilly quiver]

Oh I didn't know that

Because I thought that you can just get a magic Focus for any caster

[fallen surge]

That only comes up if you multi class though

[chilly quiver]

Oh

[viral pelican]

I got screamed at for this recently, but I don't believe that a standalone focus (like a crystal) which isn't also another object (like a quarterstaff) should be treated as totally equivalent to a component pouch for the purpose of actions.

[chilly quiver]

So if you don't multi class just pick magic focus

[viral pelican]

Yes, exactly

Or discuss with your dm

[chilly quiver]

I am the dm...

I'm just getting my brain ready for my first game

[viral pelican]

Well, decide for yourself if you want to care about that specific rule!

[pseudo musk]

Btw what "Still Water" mean in the subclass's feature I have?

[south salmon]

You could also outright ask your players to not multi class

[chilly quiver]

I guess

[viral pelican]

The main mechanical thing that is being emphasised is that you need hands to cast spells. It's making the S and M of VSM matter, and limiting what other equipment you can hold.

[viral pelican]

I don't know what subclass you mean, but I assume it means motionless, i.e. not running or falling water.

[chilly quiver]

What about gloves as magic components

Does that work?

[viral pelican]

That's where you as DM should draw the line. Its cool to reflavour - like, one of my players uses a tarot deck as a focus, which isn't in the book. But if you are trying to remove limitations, you are granting power

[chilly quiver]

Ok ... But don't bards use for example instruments to cast spells

[viral pelican]

Yes, they do.

[chilly quiver]

I know it's art in general

[viral pelican]

Or more...they can.

[chilly quiver]

So the instrument doesn't limit your casting

Because I always thought they were magic focuses

[viral pelican]

Correct. The instrument is an arcane focus to them, which means it can be used as the material component of any spell that doesn't use a material of a stated price (and/or consume it), and the hand holding the focus can also perform any somatic components

[chilly quiver]

Hm ok and one last thing

Wizard colleges

Or schools

Do they affect your spells

[viral pelican]

Each comes with some bonuses related to spells of those schools, and makes it half price to learn a spell you find in the world (i.e. spell scrolls)

[chilly quiver]

For example a school of illusion wizard has a bonus to illusion spells

Because I know you get special sub class abilities but does it mean anything to spells

[viral pelican]

It's not a flat bonus, just some specific subclass abilities that naturally will be themed around that spell type

Check em out, you'll see!

[chilly quiver]

Ok that's all thanks

[viral pelican]

Best of luck with your first game! My main advice is to not totally sweat the nitty gritty. Make a quick sane ruling, keep the game moving, and be consistent with it. If you find out later it was against the rules and you want to change it, be upfront with your players at the start of the next session.

[cyan pulsar]

Hello everyone! I am new to the game

What information would you all think is essential for me to know before joining a game?

I do not know anything about it.. just know that it is a imagiantive RPG

[smoky adder]

Welcome! There’s some good links here to get you started:

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[smoky adder]

But if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask!

[cyan pulsar]

I've played a game, but didn't finish lol

Life got me and I got kicked lolol

I was leaving to text while everyone else was solving a puzzle or doing their thing with npcs

😌😅

I already solved it so I was like 🤔

Looking back, maybe I should have role played and gave hints ? Or discussed my answer with everyone

Probably the latter lol

[cyan pulsar]

Thank you!

Tbh I would like to DM, so i appreciate any resources to help me learn the lore and aspects of the game (:

Personally am more of a homebrewer

I'm actually trying to start a post modern "apocalyptic" campaign for me and my roommates

They are not so into this

But it is within the same style

[hazy tusk]

Hey question for DM's and players alike, what are some rules in dnd 5e do you tend to not follow in order to make your campaign more fun and friendly?

[viral pelican]

I don't get hung up on weapon drawing/holstering action costs, so I don't mind the ranger getting a quick shot off with a bow after a sword attack. This predominantly favours martials, and encourages more dynamic play, so I think it's preferable to fretting over a rule that just slows stuff down.

[dire slate]

Same

[alpine pulsar]

I let players give their inspiration to eachother, especially when the recipient fails a roll. I call it "flashback", where the recipient remembers something that then motivates them to push on harder

[dire slate]

I don't want action economy in my games to extend that far.

So, drawing/sheathing a weapon takes no action.

Inspiration for more than just acting like a character, but also cracking a good joke or two at right time and place

[smoky adder]

#dnd-lore can help with that side of things. 👍🏻

[harsh fjord]

I'm not ruthless about tracking things like food, ammo, and spell materials, but I do expect folks to restock when they hit a town; it's like a tithe to the economy.

[pseudo musk]

piercing, and slashing damage.

What kind of weapon can do these damage?

[timid locust]

Are you looking for a single weapon that can do both?

[cobalt frigate]

Look at the weapons chart:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/equipment#Weapons

[pseudo musk]

No, I am interested by Stoneskin spell

It could be useful for a fighter in my team

[pseudo musk]

Guns deal piercing damage am I right?

[cobalt frigate]

No, their bullets do.

[rough summit]

there are a lot of rules, how should one remember them all? or do you guys just look it up when needed

[cobalt frigate]

You don't need to memorize all the rules. The books are there to be referenced. However, you should understand the fundamentals of how the game is played.

[delicate nacelle]

Ok im here in Newcomers, looking to find a virtual D&D game, where do I go from here

[crude musk]

Please be helpful to newcomers

[cobalt frigate]

Did you read the free Basic Rules yet?

[delicate nacelle]

Ok

[cobalt frigate]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[cobalt frigate]

Read the free Basic Rules (at least the first four chapters on character creation).

I highly recommend you check out Critical Role's "Handbook Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube.

Both are linked above.

Learn to create a character. Don't be attached to it because the DM may require you to crate a new one from scratch.

Don't hesitate to ask questions here in this channel.

[thorny oracle]

New to DnD so happy to find a new community

[crude gust]

Are there other options of getting familiars (or pets) for wizards other than the find familiar spell?

I've used it to get a bat before but it's been accidently killed and our party has a penchant for accidently hurting friendlies. (It really is accidental its kinda funny)

[cobalt frigate]

Find Familiar is your best bet to replace a familiar (remember that it costs 10 gp of material for each casting).

[crude gust]

Yeah I do know about the casting cost. I haven't been able to redo it since then cause we've been outside of civilization for a while.

Is there any way to befriend other creatures or is find familiar just it?

[rough summit]

about the leveling is it rather faster or slow, like do i have to kinda get a plan before hand or can i just do it on the go cause there is enough time in between

[cobalt frigate]

A tamed animal is not a familiar.

[viral pelican]

Spellcasters usually take the longest, because they will have to consider new spells (or which of their classes list to prepare). Most classes it's very quick and easy to level up.

[polar tusk]

its so difficult to find a game. I didnt knew that

[timid locust]

Leveling is usually pretty slow, so you'll have lots of time to plan ahead 🙂

[viral pelican]

I like my players to come to the game ready with their next spell picks, if we are levelling up.

[cobalt frigate]

That's because there are more players than DMs.

[viral pelican]

Oh sorry I misunderstood the question and thought it was about whether the process of performing a level up was quick or slow

[polar tusk]

fair fair

[crude gust]

Oh my bad, guess I was confused about that

[cobalt frigate]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/find-familiar

You gain the service of a familiar, a spirit that takes an animal form you choose

When the familiar drops to 0 hit points, it disappears, leaving behind no physical form. It reappears after you cast this spell again

[rough summit]

thanks everyone every answer was of value i will read the basic rules now and creat my first character and see how it goes from there

[timid locust]

Don't forget to give the demo a try! It's a big help to new players

[crude gust]

So does this mean that if I cast it again I get the previous familiar back or do I get to choose another one?

[cobalt frigate]

Your choice.

[timid locust]

It's up to you! It'll cost 10g, but you could do it as many times as you have the materials for it

[crude gust]

Thank you! I think I'm going to change it then, either a hawk or raven. I know owls are good but I really don't want an owl. Idk why just don't.

[timid locust]

Staying true to your character their vibes is always a top-tier decision

[rough summit]

the first character i creat probably wont be used since i dont know which rules apply in the game i will join rigth? like which sources are allowed all that will be diffrent from game to game

[harsh fjord]

I think it's a good idea to not get attached to an exact iteration of a character because, yeah, you don't know what options are allowed and whether or not it fits the setting/vibe/etc. of a given game. Better (in my view) to have loose character concepts that can be adjusted as needed to fit with the table you play at.

[timid locust]

Instead of: my first character is a Wood Elf Paladin who grew up in Neverwinter as a knight of the temple of Bahamut...

Try something like: My character is an Elf Paladin. He's a city boy with strong ties to a local temple.

Then, work out the details with your DM when you get into a game!

[crude gust]

I was looking online and it said something about a psuedodragon, though it did say only warlocks can get them. Is it possible to find one or summon one? Or is that a pipedream?

[cobalt frigate]

As familiar? Pipe dream as a non-warlock.

Befriend one? Ask your DM.

[crude gust]

Thank you

[rugged tree]

Hello there

[fresh geyser]

Hmmm I made my character sheet with a programs help, but I don't know if its playable or not because of my 0 experience. I want to be sure before my first ride so, can you guys check it for me?

Hmm I can't add its pdf

[simple goblet]

Can you share a link to it instead?

[fresh geyser]

Can I send it directly to your dm?

Oh, ok. I didn't realize that there is a chanel for it 😄

[lyric fjord]

Hi! so first time ever getting into DnD and I was going to use the site to build my first character. Any tips?

[slow hawk]

Read the pins

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[ivory oriole]

What are some good cannon fodder enemies for high level players?

[hoary carbon]

Ghouls

Goblins

Slimes

Anything that you can easily 1 shot

[lyric fjord]

Just finished my first character

[smoky adder]

What’d you pick?

[lyric fjord]

Half Elf

Fighter

[chilly quiver]

Ok so... Idk if I'm dumb but a sorcerer that's the devil race from the ph (+2cha) at level 3 can cast burning hands as a second level spell dealing 4d6 fire dmg but now you can empower your spells with meta magic soooo this sorcerer had 19 in cha (+4) so you deal 8D6 FIRE DMG AT LEVEL 3

[smoky adder]

Seems valid

[onyx valley]

so I’m making a character sheet and this is what I have so far

Or nvm

[smoky adder]

Actually, no…

[onyx valley]

Guess I can’t send a pic

[smoky adder]

Empowered Spell lets you reroll up to two dice in that scenario, not double the number of dice.

[chilly quiver]

It said that you add as many dice as your casting mod

So +4cha

[smoky adder]

Well… are we going with the +2 CHA or +4? You changed it halfway through.

[chilly quiver]

+4dice

[smoky adder]

When you roll damage for a spell, you can spend 1 sorcery point to reroll a number of the damage dice up to your Charisma modifier (minimum of one). You must use the new rolls.

[chilly quiver]

Huh interesting

[smoky adder]

So if you roll a one, you can roll it again to try and get a better number instead.

[chilly quiver]

Ok and when you cast spells do you roll if it hit

[smoky adder]

It’s still 4d6 no matter how many you reroll.

[chilly quiver]

Ok

[smoky adder]

That depends on the spell.

If it says to make an attack, then yes.

Burning Hands does not.

[chilly quiver]

Hmm Draconic sorcerer's and dragon born race

Can you mix the colors

[smoky adder]

Yep

[chilly quiver]

Oooh nice

[smoky adder]

It’s arguably better to.

[chilly quiver]

Yeah but how does it work for draconic sorcerer's

You add elemental dmg for spells?

[smoky adder]

At level 6, spells that correspond to your subclass’s color deal extra damage.

[chilly quiver]

So red means you deal more fire dmg

[smoky adder]

It won’t do anything for your race’s color.

Yeah, if you choose a red dragon for your subclass, then you’d add your charisma modifier to the damage of any fire spell.

[chilly quiver]

Oh that's nice

Ok then thanks

[smoky adder]

For a spell like Scorching Ray, where it has three separate damage rolls, you’d add the bonus to just one of them.

[chilly quiver]

I suppose

[smoky adder]

But for Burning Hands, since it’s a single damage roll applied to all the targets, it would add to all of them.

[chilly quiver]

What about a spell that targets multiple targets

Do I add it to all of them

[smoky adder]

Again, it depends on the spell.

Both of those I just mentioned can affect multiple targets.

[chilly quiver]

And are there like charges is it always on or once per long rest

[smoky adder]

But the rule is this:

If a spell or other effect deals damage to more than one target at the same time, roll the damage once for all of them.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/combat#DamageRolls

[smoky adder]

Charges for what?

[chilly quiver]

Like the draconic extra dmg

[smoky adder]

The damage bonus?

[chilly quiver]

Yeah

[smoky adder]

The only limit is the number of fire spells you can cast. 🔥

[chilly quiver]

Ok thanks that's all

Cya

[onyx valley]

Hey spam?

Can you help me make my character sheet

[foggy saffron]

that's a lot of labor to ask of a random stranger on the internet

[onyx valley]

Well like not completely

But like I’m slow so I need to kinda be walked through it

I’m reading the link

And making the basis but I’m still confused

[foggy saffron]

might i reccomend the Handbooker Helper series on youtube? they break down the parts of making a character sheet and playing the game pretty well

[onyx valley]

sorry if I seem needy 😖

[foggy saffron]

nah, we all need a hand sometimes. hopefully those videos help!

and yeah, in the future, try asking specific questions about what you're confused about. that's more likely to get you more traction than "can i have some help?"

[onyx valley]

Started watching rn lol

[onyx valley]

Got it 👍🏾

[sturdy canopy]

i've been researching 3.5e sounds like fun. can anyone give some first hand accounts of some of the things they liked and didnt about it?

[fresh fable]

If you using the app you can turn on the beginner hints when making a character https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/1089904541140521003/1118414108799291452/IMG_3530.png

[onyx valley]

Oh that’s what I just did lols

It’s now complete

Gifs are a no 😅

[lyric fjord]

Its not 3.5 but pathfinder is a spiritual 3.75e and I love everything involved with that game. @sturdy canopy

[cobalt frigate]

You can ask about 3.5E in #dnd-elder-editions

[agile valley]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[cobalt frigate]

?new @lyric fjord

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[smoky adder]

I went to bed. Sorry. 😅

[swift shard]

Hey there! I’m new to DND, having done only 2 sessions as a guest character in my brother’s ongoing campaign. Hoping I can become a good player ^_^

[smoky adder]

Welcome!

[quick viper]

I'm new to casters, especially ritual casters. I have a utility wizard and lots of ritual spells available. Can I perform more than one ritual to have more than one spell ready to cast from the ritual? After I use the ritual spell (like Detect Magic), do I need to do another ritual for that spell to use it again (as from a ritual)? I don't fully understand how ritual casting works.

[viral pelican]

Welcome! Hows your campaign going? Reckon you will join permanently, or start afresh somewhere else?

[viral pelican]

Were you the person asking about rituals earlier today, or was that someone else? Happy to help.

[smoky adder]

Casting a spell as a ritual is simply a way to avoid spending a spell slot. Instead, it takes ten minutes longer to cast the spell.

[viral pelican]

If you are a wizard, Ritual casting means you can cast those ritual-tagged spells with no spell slot cost. The only downside, is that they take 10 minutes further.

You don't need to have the spell prepared, it just needs to be any spell in your spellbook - that feature is unique to wizards.

[quick viper]

That was someone else. I asked about having super high stats at level 1 a few days ago.

[smoky adder]

A spell needs to be tagged as a ritual spell, and you need a feature that lets you cast spells as a ritual.

[timid locust]

Ritual casting is simple to understand if you frame it the right way: it's no different than normal spell casting ultimately. The only thing you need to know about a ritual is that you can cast it without using a spell slot of you have 10 minutes free to cast it

[smoky adder]

That feature may have other conditions, like requiring the spell to be prepared.

[quick viper]

Can I ritual cast Find Familiar and Detect Magic at different times, and then use them once when I want?

[smoky adder]

The spell takes effect once the ritual is complete.

[timid locust]

If you're a wizard, even better! You don't need to prepare your ritual spells if you don't want. Normally, most classes must have a spell prepared (or known) to cast it at all, but as long as you've got a ritual spell in your spellbook, you can cast it as a ritual any time

[viral pelican]

You can ritual cast either of those spells whenever you like, but the spell will immediately take effect.

[smoky adder]

If you ritual cast Find Familiar, the familiar appears one hour and ten minutes after you start -- i.e. as soon as you finish.

[timid locust]

You're not charging up a spell to use later

You're taking extra time to cast it for free

[quick viper]

I think this is the part I wasn't fully understanding. I suppose if I take a while to cast Find Familiar, the familiar will still be with me until hit points drop, and I'll still have a spell slot available. Casting spells as rituals takes longer, and the spell happens immediately, though the spell effects might last for a long time after casting.

[viral pelican]

Correct. Ritual Casting is a handy way to perform basically non-combat and non-time-pressured spellcasting, for a select group of mostly utility-focussed spells.

[smoky adder]

Especially with a spell that takes an hour to cast already, adding an extra ten minutes to save your spell slot is a no-brainer. 😅

[quick viper]

Thanks, guys! I like how helpful this chat channel is for new players.

[swift shard]

The window where my guest character could be involved has passed. My partner is trying to figure a way said character could become a permanent part of the group, but so far I haven’t gotten a yes

[late pagoda]

Hello world

[fallen surge]

[viral pelican]

Ahoy

[honest stump]

How does one actually go about starting dnd

[ornate kiln]

you first find a group to play.

?looking

[exotic remnant]

Ready to play some Dungeons & Dragons?

#find-a-game has everything you need to start your search, including:

• Instructions for finding a game here on the server (including how to post in our #looking-for channels).
• Suggestions for finding a game outside of this server.
• Basic advice to help you in your hunt.

[honest stump]

I've played a season of about two hours of a homebrew and that's it

Like do you use the app or do you do it over a video chat

[viral pelican]

How did you find it? Is the group still together?

[honest stump]

It was with irl friends when we all met up

[timid locust]

All my games have been over voice chat since 2021

[honest stump]

To my knowledge its not continuing

[viral pelican]

A lot of people prefer in-person play, but for online play a Virtual Table Top is the most common. Popular VTTs are Roll20 and Fountry VTT. Wizards of the Coast are developing their own in-house VTT, which is still in development.

If you are playing theatre of the mind, realy all you need is voice chat. Personally, I'm a battle map sorta guy.

[honest stump]

Honestly I've no clue what any of that is

I'm about 98% blind when it comes to dnd

[timid locust]

Put simply: there's programs to visualize what's going on if you're group wants to use them, or you could just use the power of imagination. It all depends on what works best for the group when it comes to online play

[viral pelican]

Theatre of the Mind - no or few visual aids, all takes place in the player imagination. Can be in-person or virtual.
In-Person play - meeting up and throwing dice around the same table. If battlemaps are used, usually drawn out on a dry-erase, and sometimes people use miniature figures of their characters.
Virtual Table Top (VTT) - a program that tries to replicate the game world on a computer

Wizards of the Coast - the makers/publishers of D&D who are making their own VTT.
Roll20 - a popular VTT thats hosted on their own website, and has free or low cost subscription tiers
Foundry VTT - another popular VTT with a one-time purchase, that can be hosted on a local PC, or hosted on a server (which may take additional cost)

[smoky adder]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/750-new-players-guide-how-to-play-d-d-online

[honest stump]

Fair enough so thanks for the info lads

[young violet]

I have literally never touched DnD just thought it sounded interesting would anyone want to start a campaign and maybe teach me a little

[viral pelican]

Welcome!

[young violet]

with Dnd do i HAVE to rp or can I just play it

[viral pelican]

A properly-run D&D campaign will start with a session zero where the group will discuss things including approach to RP.

There's definitely groups that will do zero RP.
There's definitely groups where not wanting to do RP will mean you aren't going to mesh with the group.
You shouldn't feel forced into anything, it's just a matter of finding a table that gels with your playstyle.

[young violet]

Thank you

[fallen surge]

I don't understand your question. D&D is a Tabletop roleplaying game. Roleplaying is the game

[obtuse gazelle]

hello

[young violet]

I mean heavy

Im fine with acting like im the character but i dont want to become my character ya know

[crude musk]

That's not what roleplaying means

[fallen surge]

I don't understand what you mean, no.

[crude musk]

Roleplaying, at it's core, is making decisions on how to proceed through game that your character would make based on the world around them, rather than you making the decisions based on it being a game

[young violet]

Im not gonna act like im in the world

[crude musk]

You don't have to

But your character should

[young violet]

like im not gonna say "wow this huge cave is beautiful" if iI cant see it🤣

[crude musk]

How you roleplay can vary from just going "Well my character is a stuborn fighter who never backs down from a fight, so he's going to refuse to run" all the way to voices and talking in the first person

[young violet]

yeh

[crude musk]

That's not what roleplaying is, don't worry

Roleplaying is just playing the game as if you were in the role of your character

[young violet]

I always thought it was weirder than that

[crude musk]

Let's leave the judgemental language at the door, shall we?

[young violet]

to me

thats just how my region is where I live the stuff like larping arent common

[crude musk]

Still, let's leave those kind of bad vibes behind

Don't worry about having to do voices or act or anything

[young violet]

It actually sounds really fun

[viral pelican]

Roleplaying as a word is very commonly is also used to mean "acting", which is a better word for what the question was about. Acting is not a requirement of the game, and because of popular real-play shows like Critical Role, there's perhaps a perception that it's more important than it is.

At my table, I as DM do act out most of the NPCs, and expect the players to respond in the role of their characters, but not necessarily act out emotions, voices and so forth. If a player said "I don't ever want to have a conversation in the persona of my character" then that's not going to be right for my table - but some games definitely will go ahead like that.

[crude musk]

The main thing is to think "What would my character do in this situation?"

[young violet]

I think I could get behind that

Thank you for explaining all this

[fallen surge]

You'll need to very clear about your expectations before joining a new group though. A lot of groups now are defined by the influence of Critical Role, and treat the game as collective storytelling, like actors in a play. If that doesn't interest you, you absolutely CAN find groups that feel the same way, but you can't just hope into the first game you find and expect it to mesh

[crude musk]

Groups do vary a lot; some will expect everyone to talk in the first person all the time, while other groups will be put off by it

[young violet]

I understand, maybe ill try doing "Critical Role" i've never done it so I cant say i dont like it

[crude musk]

Probably should be clarified; Critical Role is a liveplay - a show where you watch other people play D&D

It just so happens those people are professional voice actors, so they're good at doing voices and the like

[young violet]

oh ok

I thought it meant FULL rp🤣

I told you I know nothing🤣

[crude musk]

No, it's just a popular show where the players lean very heavily into the roleplaying

It's not representative of D&D, but does represent how some people like to play

[viral pelican]

Personally I'd advise against watching just critical role or dimension 20, because not only are those people professional actors, they also have whole teams behind them to help with preparing their shows. It's not realistic to what a home game can achieve.

There's lots of other liveplays that are more akin to an achievable "good" game.

[young violet]

is there a way to describe my type of player like do they have a name?

[fallen surge]

It might not be 100% accurate, but I think the closest equivalent would be "war gamer"

[young violet]

I'll keep that in mind

[crude musk]

Newcomer?
Not confident with roleplaying (yet)

Roleplay lite?

[young violet]

k

[lyric fjord]

Where can you find online beginner friendly games?

[crude musk]

Check out #find-a-game to try and find games

[young violet]

if your able to find one could yu tell me?

[lyric fjord]

#looking-for-players

[young violet]

I just cant find one that would be good for new people

[lyric fjord]

as a beginner is it possible to find a new player friendly group that doesn't have a dedicated schedule? Im struggling to find one because my own work schedule can be a bit wonky

[young violet]

same

[crude musk]

For the first part of your question:

as a beginner is it possible to find a new player friendly group
Yes, totally. Lots of DMs run newcomer friendly games
But with regards to the second part
that doesn't have a dedicated schedule?
Not so much
D&D requires scheduling and planning given that you have to get on average 5 people together for 3-4 hours on a regular basis

[young violet]

None of them say newcomer friendly do you kinda just gotta worm your way in?

[lyric fjord]

Thanks for the info!

[crude musk]

That's not true? I just searched for 'newcomer' in #looking-for-players and got 38 results. Admittedly some were people asking if a game is newcomer friendly, but not all of them

[fallen surge]

Do you know how to use discord's search feature?

[young violet]

thanks ill try that

[fallen surge]

You get a lot more results for "beginner" than you do for "newcomer" btw. I just tried it

[fallen surge]

To answer the slightly rude question that was just deleted, this server primarily focuses on D&D 5th edition, which was released in 2014, and has received consistent content updates since then.

[slow hawk]

Fwiw there are more combat oriented tabletop games out there beyond DnD.
By its nature, role play is part of this game

If you want to war game, feel free to explore those options.

[late pagoda]

Oh never heard of it

[fallen surge]

You can kinda think of D&D like a video game, with sequels and DLC. Most of us at least are playing the 5th version of it. Just because the original came out in the 80s doesn't mean the game is dated any more so than something like Mario.

[late pagoda]

I get it, i know some osr fans, and I just finished a story about an older game, DH from 2009

[fallen surge]

I'm not familiar with what "OSR" is

[simple goblet]

Old school renaissance, I think. It's emulation of first and second edition dnd style games

[fallen surge]

Ah I do think I've heard of that actually. Well, 5e is very, very different from the first and second editions, so this server isn't about OSR, unless you are in the #dnd-elder-editions channel

[hardy plinth]

hey im looking to play dnd for the first time and was looking for a dm so i could posibly join their game

[agile valley]

?new

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

• Learn the basics and enjoy a short adventure with our quick introductory demo.

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video walkthroughs, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.

Where do I start?

• Create a character digitally on D&D Beyond or print a character sheet to fill out by hand.
• Check out #find-a-game to find a group to join.

[late pagoda]

Just trying to relate, im more of a investigation, roleplay kind of guy, been making waves in my Saturday game as an adept

And made some waves as a scum, posted that story in the story chat

[hardy plinth]

https://discord.com/channels/516367331358801950/1070720656917938227 just add me

[smoky adder]

I think you've misunderstood.

#find-a-game is a separate channel. That channel contains instructions on how to find a game.

[hardy plinth]

but it dosent show me players who want to play

[smoky adder]

Right, because the players aren't in that channel itself.

But that channel describes the ones in which they can be found, like #looking-for-players.

I'd still suggest reading through #find-a-game, though.

[hardy plinth]

can i hit you up on a call so you can help me

[smoky adder]

We don't have a voice chat here, I'm afraid.

But #find-a-game should explain it all.

[hardy plinth]

it wont work

[dire slate]

You're looking for a game?

[hardy plinth]

yess

[smoky adder]

What won't work?

[hardy plinth]

me finding a dm