#dnd-newcomers

1 messages · Page 75 of 1

sacred holly
#

but what if im already proficient with bows?

#

does it stack?

echo kelp
#

No you do not gain double proficiency unless something says you do.

sacred holly
echo kelp
#

Minor use maybe - I mean it still adds minor bonus damage to longbow/shortbow attacks.

sacred holly
#

i see, well any other useful items that i should try to get as a low level rogue?

crude musk
thorn kraken
#

hello?

echo kelp
#

welcome

thorn kraken
#

thank you um how do i do this

crude musk
#

?new

thorn kraken
#

how do i even start

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
thorn kraken
#

ues i, mew

crude musk
#

That was a command

#

To pull up the information for newcomers

crude musk
thorn kraken
#

so i just do this

echo kelp
#

We recommend giving those resources a look, yes!

#

Then if you have specific questions, you can ask here.

#

Or in an appropriate channel (we have lots of channels here - see id:browse to see all of them).
Some channels are more approrpiate for certain discussions than others.

#

As with most games I'd recommend giving the free basic rules a skim - focus on character creation and combat and skill check information.
Then maybe try your hand at building a character, watch some D&D livestreams on YouTube/Twitch to see the game in play, then go find a group to play with!

zealous linden
#

Are there any pre-existing items/gear in the game that are made out of crocodile/alligator/lizard skin?

viral pelican
zealous linden
mint citrus
next estuary
#

Hi, what saving throw am I supossed to make on faerie fire? It says I need to do a dex saving throw, but I don't know what value to roll

mint citrus
#

Sorta like a Flayed One from 40k

fresh fable
viral pelican
#

For enemies, this is usually in the stat block. For instance the Mage enemy has a DC of 14, so unless the spell says otherwise, and save would be DC 14

next estuary
zealous linden
# mint citrus Given lizardfolk lore, it would be on-brand to try to take human's skin

Yeah that's what I've been reading, so everything seems to fit together so far. The last major thing I'm gonna try to work in my character is their Druid Transformations... they specifically only transform into reptiles (lizard, crocodile, technically dragons too, etc) primarily for flavor and if I were to put in an explanation it would be cause they think reptiles are the ultimate species

next estuary
viral pelican
mint citrus
viral pelican
fresh fable
#

Warlocks casting through their familiar are touch spells only iirc

zealous linden
# fresh fable All my wild shapes have a slight rat feature to their looks, flavour is free

Yeah I'll talk to the DM, the main purpose of this is literally changing to a different sized reptileto fit the occasion; trying to hide/escape from the enemy? Turn into a small lizard (primarily to be a bit silly), once I get to I think like level 9 or 10 I can access giant crocodile, etc and there's plenty of other pre existing reptiles to pull from in the wild shape list

viral pelican
#

Ah yes that gets a bit complicated...

If you have a touch spell that forces a save (and most are attack rolls), then you would have to calculate the DC as if the familiar had cast it.

Tasha's adds an invocation to replace it with your own spell save DC.

#

To calculate your familiar's spell save DC it would therefore be 8+2(the proficiency for I think all possible familiars)+their chr mod. I think. But if anyone can correct me, I will concede!

fresh fable
#

Yes unless you have investment of the chain master then it’s your spell DC

sick terrace
#

I´m new to D&D, any suggestion on where I could learn more about it? I want to start playing soon but it´s probobly best to do some research first

#

probably*

humble abyss
#

Might sound like a mad question, but do people on here D&D over text or is it mostly voice chat?

fresh fable
exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
sick terrace
fresh fable
#

Get a dndbeyond account and the app get the free rules watch video guides, ask many questions here. We were all new at one point

sick terrace
#

Thanks! I’ll do that and ask questions if I have any. It’s very nice to feel this welcomed and all!

novel maple
#

Can I get advantage on damage rolls and if I can, how

timid locust
#

Not exactly, but the feat Savage Attacker allows you to do something pretty similar!

tacit elk
#

So can anyone here pretend to be a DM so when I do DND I know what to do

If not then nvm

crude musk
#

What do you mean 'pretend to be a DM'?

tacit elk
#

May I friend you?

crude musk
#

No, I'm good

tacit elk
#

Ok

tacit elk
#

I got most of the basic rules memorized

crude musk
#

I was asking what you meant, not offering

#

I'm still not sure what "pretending" to be a player or DM means, are you asking for someone to run a one on one session?

#

If so, you should use our game finding channels, not ask here

#

?looking

exotic remnantBOT
#
Ready to play Dungeons & Dragons?

Visit #find-a-game for 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.
tacit elk
#

Ok then

sterile bone
#

Yo @karmic jewel what’s up

karmic jewel
#

Not much. Yourself?

sterile bone
#

Not much here either, just woke up lol

So how much do u know about dnd already

karmic jewel
#

Just that it is a game with different classes, and dice.

sterile bone
#

You’d be surprised how good of a starting point that is lol 💀

karmic jewel
#

I live in a place where the closest DND game is 79 miles away, and the dm specifically wants experienced players.

lyric fjord
#

Wow

sterile bone
#

Well that’s fine, online games are a thing too. In fact I’m setting one up rn with a group of relative newbies

#

I can help you through character creation then dm you for a bit so you can get a feel for how the game plays

karmic jewel
#

Does joining the game cost money ?

sterile bone
karmic jewel
sterile bone
# karmic jewel Ok, So are there any requirements?

Not really. Most of us won’t be using mics and we’re all quite new. Tbh mic usually is a requirement for a lot of games but it doesn’t really work for us cuz of kids and families. A lot of us are playing at night so we can’t wake them up 😅

karmic jewel
#

That is Totally fine with me. However I'd like to know what kind of dice I will need.

sterile bone
#

All you’ll need is maybe a pen and paper to keep track of things like status effects and bonuses and stuff

karmic jewel
#

Thank you very much, but I have just two more questions, when is the game?, And when would be a comfortable time for you to help me make my first character?

ionic marlin
#

Hi

sterile bone
#

We don’t have much of a schedule honestly, we just get together when we’re all free. For now all games will be after 10pm gmt -8, but the exact day is harder to pin down.

And I can help you make a character right now if that works 🙃

karmic jewel
sterile bone
#

Nice 😊

I’ll send you an invite to the server we use and we’ll talk there if that’s ok

karmic jewel
sterile bone
heady dagger
#

🦦

#

So....

simple hedge
#

Alright, so my best explanation for dnd is that it's a table top role playing game, these kind of games are run by a dungeon master which helps create a world for you to explore and preform a campaign in

sacred holly
#

is it a bad idea to do homebrew when im still not very experienced in D&D?

simple hedge
#

As players your job is to create the story of your character using the mechanics as is the dungeon master's job to create a world base for your characters to explore in

heady dagger
simple hedge
#

Yes but it's very hard

heady dagger
#

Hard?

#

It looks simple enough tho

simple hedge
#

Creating your own campagin is hard

sacred holly
#

yeah you need alot more than just a story

simple hedge
#

Dnd is like group story telling, players play their characters and the dungeon master creates challenges, world, lore, and npcs for your players to interact with, the players and dungeon master work together to create the story of these characters

heady dagger
simple hedge
#

You may have to create a new character for a new world unless your dungeon master wants to use existing characters or you're in adventurer's league

heady dagger
simple hedge
#

But campaigns can last anywhere from one session to months

simple hedge
# heady dagger 🤯 dungeon master can make any kind of difficulty?

Yes but it's their job to give you challenges you can actually overcome, it's not the job of the dungeon master to kill all the players unless the players want it to get the chance to create new characters, some dungeon masters avoid killing players all together while some introduce the risk of death to avoid

heady dagger
#

What's adventurer league

#

And how to create a Character!!

simple hedge
#

First you need to find a dungeon master to help, as some dm's worlds disallow or add in certain features

heady dagger
#

Hmmm

simple hedge
#

The dm can also help your character's backstory and motivations be intwined within the setting

heady dagger
#

How much player is required to play this

simple hedge
#

Depends on the dungeon master in question, but ideally it's 4-6

#

And at least 3

heady dagger
#

So...how do people play this game?

#

I mean this is discord

#

How to play it

molten mesa
#

I’d recommend checking out some DnD streams and watching a couple episodes of any campaign
A lot of people use Discord’s video chat feature to connect and play together, while the DM shares their screen, showing the map/game board

heady dagger
#

I see

viral pelican
#

It's also very common to use a discord as the community space while using a Virtual Tabletop, which is usually a browser-based play app.

The traditional way however is in person, around a table, with lots of dice and pieces of paper.

#

There's lots of in-between modes as well, of course.

timid locust
#

?new

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
timid locust
#

Check out the above links for some helpful starter information!

chrome rapids
#

Hi guys, new player here. I would like playing paper-mode firstly. I have seen videos reccomending Manual handbook and Starter kit. Should I take both?

Instead, if I wanted to play online, I was suggested Roll20 website, what do you think?
I still need to learn from zero the rules and everything is this game about

harsh fjord
#

You don't need to buy anything to try the game out; the Basic Rules are free.

#

If you're set on buying something, any of the Starter Sets has all the info you need to play.

Roll20 is a popular online option, but it does have a bit of a learning curve. I use Owlbear Rodeo myself. Its 1.0 version used to be really easy, but they recently upgraded to 2.0, and it's a little more complex.

chrome rapids
#

Yeah in fact I didn't understand nothing when I signed in on Roll20

harsh fjord
#

I'd definitely recommend watching some tutorial videos if you decide to use the platform.

chrome rapids
cobalt frigate
#

Don't bother with Roll20 right now since you're not playing an online game yet. Learn the rules first.

harsh fjord
#

That's fair. If English isn't your first language, there are other editions of the Player's Handbook. I don't think they've translated the Basic Rules yet.

chrome rapids
cobalt frigate
#

The Basic Rules is free. The Starter Set is fine if you plan on DMing. You don't need to buy any books if you're just starting out.

chrome rapids
cobalt frigate
#

D&D Beyond is a website for character sheets and digital books.

chrome rapids
#

Anyway, I'm here just because I got charmed by BG3 game, even if I still haven't played it yet

#

Maybe it's time to learn this game after 23 years

cobalt frigate
#

If you're playing BG3, take note that it is not a true representation of the 5th Edition rules (the developer, Larian Studios, changed a bunch of rules (aka "homebrew")).

sacred holly
lyric fjord
#

😊👋

echo kelp
# sacred holly is it?

I suggest learning the core rules and mechanics first and play the game that way for a bit before trying out or making homebrew.

dull hemlock
#

Does anyone have recommendations for the dnd books for starting out and also on a budget?

echo kelp
#

Start with the free basic rules first and then if you really like the game the Players Handbook is a good buy

dull hemlock
#

How many books are there in total to get?

echo kelp
#

Uh… not sure the total number of official D&D 5th edition books actually

#

But if you need 3 core books - Players Handbook, Monster Manual, and Dungeon Master’s Guidebook are, IMO, a good set to have.

dull hemlock
#

Okay, yeah I was wondering that because I wanted to be able to join a local DND session and I didn't know if I would not be able to be if I didn't have said book that they are using for their campaign.

sacred holly
echo kelp
echo kelp
cobalt frigate
sacred holly
#

i see, well how much experience is good before getting into homebrew then?

cobalt frigate
#

I keep my homebrew rules to a minimum because 1) I have to remember that they exist and 2) my players have to remember they exist. The base rules are there for a reason as it's something accepted and known by everyone.

#

Level 5 😉

sacred holly
cobalt frigate
#

It was a joke about "experience"...

#

There's no fixed value of "experience" before you can homebrew like you would with a player character.

sacred holly
#

well, then how many campaigns before being ready for homebrew?

cobalt frigate
#

That's a question you have to ask yourself. It's not something that's codified.

#

At what point are you confident to create your own story, painting, poem, or music as a student? Are willing to have the work critiqued to see if it's balanced?

#

I've been playing/DMing for over 40 years and have played all editions (except for OD&D) so I'm rather confident my homebrew rules, monsters, and magic items aren't OP.

sacred holly
#

i have DMed a few campaigns, but just that

#

more played

cerulean nest
#

Does anyone have any good ways of finding people to play dnd with online? I'm new to dnd but would really like to find a group online i can get together with and learn to play with. The country I live in doesn't really have anything DND and none of my friends are interested in it. I don't have any money at the moment so I haven't been able to pay to join any campaigns either

cobalt frigate
sacred holly
cobalt frigate
#

There's no certification.

sacred holly
#

well most of my homebrew is simple and nothing major, so im sure it'll be fine

cobalt frigate
#

If you have homebrew stuff you can post in #homebrew for others to criique.

sacred holly
#

worst case scenario i'll remove them

cobalt frigate
#

There are plenty of D&D Youtubers who have videos mentioning their homebrew rules for their own D&D tables.

west perch
#

Just wanted to say hi! I'm super new to dnd and looking for a game to start, but I am very excited to be part of the community 😁👋

sacred holly
west perch
sacred holly
#

?new

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
sacred holly
#

these should guide you on the way

west perch
#

Perfect, thank you!

sacred holly
#

np!

harsh fjord
frosty cosmos
#

Question about the character sheet. May be a #character-discussion question. I just created a l1 Wizard on the website. It says I can have 3 cantrips and 5 prepared spells. I went through and selected 5 spells to learn, but I'm not sure how to prepare them. I see two "slots" that if I click on them they fill in with a red box. How do I prepare the spells, and what are the two slots all about?

mossy walrus
#

What is your Intelligence score?

#

Wait...nevermind. The two red boxes, if under the Spells section on the character sheet, are the number of spell slots you have available

mossy walrus
frosty cosmos
#

Ok, I figured out how to prepare them. So of the 5 prepared spells I have, I can only cast 2 before I have to have a long rest?

mossy walrus
#

correct. Unless you have spells with the ritual spell tag with which to ritually cast, any other spell will consume a spell slot for use (except your cantrips)

frosty cosmos
#

I see. Are there any limitations on the ritual spells?

#

In terms of casting limits? I see the required materials and spell limitations in the spell description. I just dont see any limit to how often I can cast them

cobalt frigate
#

Takes an additional ten minutes to cast.

mossy walrus
#

Ritual spells, in essence, can be cast ritually as many times as you desire as long as you have any required material components required

#

Ritual casting saves you a spell slot, though as pointed out, it does require an additional 10 minutes of cast time on top of the original casting time to do so

#

so as an example, Detect magic has a cast time of 1 action; ritually this becomes 10 minutes. Identify, however, has a casting time of 1 minute, so to ritual cast it you will need 11 minutes to do so

frosty cosmos
#

awesome info, thanks.

#

one more question. Could someone explain the Arcane Recovery feature?

harsh fjord
#

What about it do you find confusing?

frosty cosmos
#

how to use it, do I check the box and click short rest?

mossy walrus
# frosty cosmos one more question. Could someone explain the Arcane Recovery feature?

so once after a Short Rest, you may use Arcane Recovery to regain spent spell slots equal to half your Wizard level rounded up (at level 2 when you get this feature, you can recover up to a value of 1).
The value is how many slots up to the value you can recover. So say you are level 6 and you pop Arcane Recover after that short rest. You have a recoverable value of 3. With that, you can recover either a 3rd level spellt slot, a 2nd level and one 1st level spell slot, or three 1st level spell slots

#

so if using it on the site, you would click your short rest to recover anything that is gained on a short rest (including spending hit die), then you can tick off Arcane Recovery to note it has been spent and recover whatever combo of spell slots you are able/want to recover

frosty cosmos
#

cool, thanks again!

compact valve
#

How do I join a game

timid locust
#

?looking

exotic remnantBOT
#
Ready to play Dungeons & Dragons?

Visit #find-a-game for 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.
spice widget
#

My current character is a Death Cleric but I'm finding that I really like the look of Hexblade. Is there a viable way I can multiclass it?

#

I think it would fit my character as well.

fresh fable
#

What’s you charisma

timid locust
#

If your DM is open to allowing a multiclass, the only thing stopping you is having a Charisma score above 12!

spice widget
#

Will you be able to see if it I post my sheet in here?

#

Not sure how dndbeyond works with sharing

fresh fable
#

Yes it should work

spice widget
#

We've only done 2 sessions so my DM may be open to me redoing my stats if necessary. It's really a casual thing.

fresh fable
#

Link broken

#

IF your charisma is 13 you can multi class into warlock

spice widget
#

My Cha is 14

timid locust
#

The only thing you need to class into warlock is a Charisma score of 13 or higher. Obviously the higher the better if you're planning on leaning into it.

It should be noted, however, that is generally recommended that new players don't multiclass, as it can become considerably more difficult to build your character

spice widget
#

Honestly our campaigns really laid back, just for fun, so I'm not too worried. As long as I'm having fun thematically I don't mind.

timid locust
#

In that case you're good to go.

smoky adder
#

You’d also need WIS 13+.

fresh fable
#

Yeah your good to go on multi class

spice widget
#

My stats are
8
14
14
10
16
14

timid locust
#

True! I assumed it was already high enough, but you're right

smoky adder
#

0?

spice widget
#

Sorry, 10!

smoky adder
#

lol

spice widget
#

Keyboard acting up.

smoky adder
#

That makes more sense. 😂

tribal harness
#

how do I get started as a new player to play online

timid locust
#

?looking

exotic remnantBOT
#
Ready to play Dungeons & Dragons?

Visit #find-a-game for 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.
timid locust
#

Check the link above if you've already got a decent handle on the rules and you're looking for a game to join!

tribal harness
#

do I need to create a character as of now

timid locust
#

It's good to have a few character ideas, but you might want to wait until you've found a game to create a character

#

Nothing more disappointing than creating your cool elf warlock than to learn your new DM's game features a world without elves

tribal harness
#

alright so one thing

timid locust
#

That being said, if you want to creature a character to practice... Go right ahead! Just don't get too attached

tribal harness
#

am I supposed to be looking for communities or players

harsh fjord
#

If you're a player, read through the ads in #looking-for-players and contact the DMs whose games sound interesting to you. You can also post in #750812887697588356 if you're hoping someone picks you from the posters there. All the instructions are in #find-a-game.

delicate girder
#

When you do a roll for stealth do you take the +5 from your dex mod then add the +11 for your stealth skill together?

#

Or is the +5 already part of the 11?

cobalt frigate
#

Dex (Stealth) = Proficiency Bonus (if any) plus Dex modifier.

mossy walrus
#

so if you have a +11 to Stealth, then yes, that already includes your Dex modifier as part of the equation

#

you would not add it again on top of that +11

delicate stratus
#

are there any good alternatives to dnd beyond's character creator?

timid locust
#

There's always good old fashioned pen and paper!

shut monolith
delicate stratus
#

there is a fillable pdf character sheet isn't there?

viral pelican
hidden shard
#

Alrighty Friends, Help me out. Monster Difficulty of 3 is obviously Not even to a Player with a Level of 3, right? I tried to find out more And read that a Difficulty of 3 means that "a Group of Level 3 Players will be even. It will BE challenging, they can win or lose."

But "a Group" is a Bit blurry. Is 2 a Group? Or 6? I Imagine thats a huge Power gap...

Can you Help me out?

simple goblet
#

4 players is the usual rule of thumb of a group size

hidden shard
#

Okay, thank u

viral pelican
# hidden shard Okay, thank u

In practice, while you can work it out on paper, it's generally fine to use an encounter builder, which will take into account CR, the number of enemies, and your party characteristics.

hidden shard
viral pelican
#

And then there's the idea of an adventuring day, which is some combination of encounters...but really we are getting more into #dm-discussion territory ☺️

slim narwhal
#

Hello all

echo kelp
#

Please use the #looking-for channels to find a group/game. Posting it here in these channels is off-topic and will be removed. See #find-a-game for more information on how to use our #looking-for game channels.

kind compass
tribal harness
#

Now you choose the Oath of Devotion, the Oath of the Ancients, or the Oath of Vengeance, all detailed at the end of the class description.

#

where are these oaths detailed at I can only see the devotion

slow hawk
#

What are you looking at?

tribal harness
slow hawk
#

That page is only giving one subclass of each class

#

To access the others, you will need the Player’s Handbook

#

Additional subclasses are available in other books

empty flume
#

Are there ways to play D&D virtually with the character I created using the app?

echo kelp
#

Yes - many folks play online via Discord, DnDBeyond character sheets, and Avrae (Discord bot).

#

Other folks use Virtual Tabletops like Roll20, FoundryVTT, or Owlbear.rodeo to play

#

But D&D is about playing with friends - it's not a "play by yourself" game at least as not as designed.

empty flume
#

Thanks. Just wanted to make sure before trying to find a game

turbid ridge
polar mantle
#

Umm i havent made a character yet, but been thinking of getting into it for a while now. Read a tutorial vid and it seems pretty simple, prolly gonna watch it again tho

echo kelp
#

Also check out the pinned messages here in this channel - lots of useful resources to help get you started

polar mantle
#

bet

kind compass
kind compass
polar mantle
kind compass
#

hold on ill send you a dm

tranquil bluff
#

Hello everyone, I'm new here. How can I find an online game to join? Looking for something on a weekday evening, 9pm or 10pm EST. I'm character flexible. Thanks

echo kelp
tranquil bluff
polar mantle
#

is the looking for players channel for players as well or is it only for dms looking for players?

echo kelp
tranquil bluff
echo kelp
#

I really don't know - folks posting in #paid-looking-for-game should list their prices and expected method of payment.

empty flume
#

When joining someone’s game, are you allowed to use a character you’ve already created? Or do they make you reroll your stats?

echo kelp
#

Most groups prefer to generate their characters together or soon after having a discussion about what kind of D&D game they want to play. Also establish what rules are in effect.

tranquil bluff
fleet field
#

It gives you a better idea of the norm

empty flume
#

What do you mean? Why not just roll for them?

echo kelp
#

Most groups will only allow you to roll when everyone can see the rolls (prevent cheating)

fleet field
#

And rolling can get you some really weird stats

empty flume
#

Gotcha. So if you carry that character into a new game do you have to reroll his stats again?

harsh fjord
#

Almost certainly. It'd be very easy to lie about getting approval from a previous DM. And plenty of players draw up all-new characters to better fit a setting/game, so I'd recommend not getting attached to one single character.

empty flume
#

Interesting. I just assumed you kept the same character and leveled them up campaign by campaign

harsh fjord
#

Typically not.

empty flume
#

Does the campaign you are playing dictate the character level? And do you not gain new items throughout a campaign so does that mean you only get to use them in that specific campaign? Sorry for all the questions this is new to me

harsh fjord
#

No worries. Yes, the campaign dictates character level. You may start later than 1 and end before 20. (In fact, ending before level 20 is really common.) And yes, the things you earn in one campaign—gold, items, experience—don't transfer to another.

half kiln
#

How do you get 'permision' to post on the looking for players?

harsh fjord
lyric fjord
#

There are two versions of D&D play btw. Normal D&D you make a character for that specific campaign, and it will have its own rules and character level. If you want to use a character over several games, you might look at Adventurers League, a form of D&D where you make one character who hops around different sessions depending on their level.

echo kelp
#

?al

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is the Adventurers League?

The D&D Adventurers League is an ongoing official campaign for Dungeons & Dragons. It uses the fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons rules, and features the Forgotten Realms setting. You can play D&D Adventurers League games literally anywhere. Players use the fifth edition rules to create a character and bring that character to games anywhere D&D Adventurers League play is happening.
[Find out more](#al-rules-compendium message)

Are you interested in the Adventurers League?
We have several channels to discuss Adventurers League play:

• #al-admin-questions — Ask the AL Admins questions
• #adventurers-league — Chat about AL games, events, how to get started, AL characters, or other general AL chatter.
• #1050206875079155742 — Adventurers League rules discussion and questions. General D&D rules discussion belongs in #dnd-rules
• #al-dm-discussion — [SPOILER WARNING] A place for AL Dungeon Masters of all levels of experience to discuss their games, share tips, or share constructive feedback.
• #al-dungeoncraft — [SPOILER WARNING] A place for fledgling or experienced AL authors to discuss the Dungeoncraft program, ask questions, offer tips, or share constructive feedback.

echo kelp
#

^ Info about AL and the channels we have here for Adventurers League (AL)

lyric fjord
#

Is there a list of those commands somewhere? That is so useful.

harsh fjord
lyric fjord
#

Thanks! 🙂

storm hatch
#

Would the latest edition of the rule book have the prior rules included or do you need all separate?

slow hawk
#

You mean editions of dnd before 5e? Thats a completely different system

#

for a new player, a PHB or the basic rules is what you need

storm hatch
#

By systems do you mean like different games (respectivly)? Or does each edition just add a new layer from the last? I do have the basic rules but I see a lot of people referring to "5e" and was trying to learn how to navigate my learning. I don't want to skip steps but I don't know where to go from basic rules.

fleet field
#

5e is the latest edition, each edition is completely different

#

its not like a small update

#

a "system" is a game, for example dnd 5e is a system, same as dnd 3e is a completely seperate system

slow hawk
# storm hatch By systems do you mean like different games (respectivly)? Or does each edition ...

Prior editions of DND serve no purpose when you are learning how to play current DND which is known as 5th edition

After you gave read the basic rules, you can also watch videos that explain them, or create a character and start playing

If you want more materials you can purchase a Players Handbook which has more race, class and other optiond, as wellas other books like Xanthar’s, Tasha’s and MordenKeinens monsters of the multiverse (lots of race options)

storm hatch
#

@fleet field @slow hawk thank you both! That was the type of clarification I needed!

zealous linden
#

How exactly do new books work, are they basically dnd equivalent to game patches? There's a new one called glory of the giants that adds a barbarian subclass, more backgrounds feats and items, do most campaigns now just support the new subclass n stuff?

#

And is One DnD going to replace 5e or will the campaigns be backwards compatible without needing to like rebalance stuff or what is one dnd

crude musk
#

New books are just more options to use in your game. There's no general rule on what DMs will or will not allow, you've just gotta ask

#

As for the 2024 revised core books (no longer called One D&D) it's still D&D 5th edition, just revised versions of the Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual. It'll be backwards compatible (to varying degrees)

#

For example, some options will be replacements you can choose to use in your game (like variant rules in the Dungeon Master's Guide) while others will be just alternative options such as new versions of the base classes/sublcasses

#

It won't be required to play D&D though, you can carry on with the current (2014) core books

sinful lynx
#

Hello, I wanted to play dnd on discord and was wondering how playing online works. is there a virtual tabletop, do I have to go on the dndbeyond website, buy something, etc?

crude musk
#

Not quite

#

You don't need to use a virtual tabletop or buy digital content

#

Playing online just requires you to have some way to communicate with the rest of the group, with discord being a popular choice

#

VTTs are common, but not mandatory as there's a style play called Theatre of the Mind where everything is described and imagined

turbid ridge
turbid ridge
crude musk
#

That assumes the group they join uses roll20

#

There are multiple virtual tabletops; roll20, foundry, fantasy grounds, talespire, and owlbear rodeo to name some of the more popular ones

sinful lynx
#

how do I play dnd with ppl on this discord?

turbid ridge
exotic remnantBOT
#
Ready to play Dungeons & Dragons?

Visit #find-a-game for 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.
turbid ridge
#

@sinful lynx may take some time but try and have fun and good luck

candid thorn
#

For Gargoyles damage what does it mean by 5 (1d6 + 3)?

edgy onyx
#

You roll one six sided die, and add 3 to the result
The 5 here is just the average result

candid thorn
#

So its telling me I can choose 5 damage or do the 1d6 + 3

simple goblet
#

Yes

zealous linden
#

I am confused about d&d beyond, can people actually play a campaign on d&d beyond or is it just a database and toolset?

fleet field
#

its just a toolset and database

viral pelican
crude musk
sacred holly
#

alr then

zealous linden
#

Are kenku only able to repeat full sentences or are specific words that they've heard before shaped into sentences okay, don't understand based on what the books say as it states that "You can mimic sounds you have heard, including voices."

Assuming if they heard the words "Hello" "How" "Are" "You" could they form the sentence "Hello How Are You" or could they only form the sentence if someone specifically said "Hello How Are You"

hidden shard
#

Is there a way to estimate how powerful an item is? Do you do it by its selling price? I wish they had levels like spells, so I knew when to give them to players. Maybe some are too powerful

crude musk
#

Rarity is a rough guideline

hidden shard
#

Can you suggest some rarities for player levels?

viral pelican
crude musk
viral pelican
#

If you are considering playing as one, talk to your DM about how comfortable they are with how you want to represent it. I forbade a player from taking it, because I liked the idea that they are quite limited in Common, and I thought it would create too much of a barrier for a new player.

karmic jewel
#

I am making a rogue based on the videogame Stalker. Would it be possible for my character to worship something from Stalker, or am I stuck using the default entities?

viral pelican
karmic jewel
zealous linden
#

Basically my GF wants to play dnd for the first time ever and she wants to be a bird bird and the kenku and owlin are like the only two actually just birds races that aren't just furries like the aarokra or whatever they're called. She has bad memory though and isn't aware if she would be able to remember basically every sentence ever spoken so that she can mimic them

viral pelican
#

It will depend upon how Gods work in their setting. If it's a homebrew setting they will perhaps be happy to just write that god into that world. If it's the main Forgotten Realms setting, then there are so many gods that they might be happy to accommodate it too - I certainly would, or at least find a way to align it as a regional variant worship of an existing god. But if their world is more monotheistic and religious tension is a big deal in the story they have planned, they might not be so happy with the idea.

viral pelican
sacred holly
karmic jewel
#

Does my character get special powers from worshipping a specific entity?

crude musk
sacred holly
#

wait nvm

hidden shard
fresh fable
karmic jewel
karmic jewel
fresh fable
crude musk
#

If you're not playing a game explictly based on or inspired by the Stalker franchise, basing your character on it might cause issues with the game you're playing

#

At a high level, making a character whose deal is survivalism in a game that isn't about survivalism might make them seem out of place

karmic jewel
fresh fable
cloud condor
#

Stalkers are definitely more ranger than rogues

novel maple
#

If I want to use sharpshooter feat for less attack but more dmg, do I say I want to use it before or after I roll attack

edgy onyx
#

The feat tells you to decide before attack

harsh lark
#

would anyone be willing to take a look at my character sheet and tell me if its properly set up?

smoky adder
harsh lark
smoky adder
#

You may need to check your character settings to make sure it’s publicly visible.

#

But otherwise, just copy and paste the URL.

harsh lark
#

oh thanks that did the trick

buoyant perch
#

Does this server have vc?

crude musk
#

nope

uncut copper
#

Heyhey

wheat oriole
#

?a1

crude musk
#

@wheat oriole What command are you trying to use?

wheat oriole
#

Sorry -- I'm new and clearly don't know what I'm doing lol

tribal harness
#

I've been in like 7 discord servers for dnd have yet to play a game kek

#

took me an hour and a half to read the rulebook, another good hour for each individual server rules

timid locust
#

Unfortunately D&D does take some time to find a game. It could be days or weeks, but keep trying! Patience is key, and before you know it you'll be adventuring with the best of them!

kind compass
#

were playin today

tribal harness
#

pog dm me

echo kelp
#

Hey there! Please take game searching to the appropriate channels (see #find-a-game ) or direct message each other! Thanks!

mortal veldt
languid cave
#

hi so I'm new to dnd completely,
I have a character made from dnd beyond which was mainly for my own personal story writing due to wanting to be a writer,
are there any tips on how I could start to play with no experience (and sadly no books or real dice)? I want to play and dip my toes into what it's like but I feel like my absolute 0 experience and no books or dice would impact the way people would want to invite me to a game.
any information or tips on how I would be able to start at all or anything that would help me gain knowledge before actually playing? (I watch campaigns on YouTube to see how it's played and everything, but i don't have the money for real dice or any of the books I'd like to have for my own personal learning)

humble current
cobalt frigate
#

You don't need to spend any money when you're a new player: the Basic Rules are free, there are free dice roller apps (even Google site has one), and D&D Beyond has a free account.

#

Finding a game may take awhile since there are waaaaay more players than there are DMs.

timid locust
#

While some folks might be a bit hesitant to recruit a completely new player, there are plenty of games that have no trouble with newbies. Especially if you're up to date on the rules.

humble current
#

I wanna get into dnd but im not sure how. Idk if my friends would be interested so im also looking for games online but im not sure how. Im trying to learn the rules and everything. Should i get like the starter or essentials kit or something if my friends are interested in playing it? Idk i guess i just want advice on how to start overall

fair hedge
#

What about if you're like not really up to date on all the rules?
Like I understand some basic stuff, but definitely not all rules lol

fair kayak
#

?new

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
harsh fjord
#

Yeah, I think there is a big difference between "Please let me play. I've made zero effort to learn anything." and "I've watched some videos, done some reading, and I'm still a bit confused." New can mean very different things in such cases.

fair kayak
#

Adventurers league can be good, it’s a little confusing in the beginning however if you learn the way, it’s a good place to start

slow hawk
#

Those new players posting here - see the message above with the links

final drift
#

Hey I just got into dnd I have a friend group and I’ve only played once so I’ll be the dm my problem is I don’t have the money to buy the books and Lear to play is there any other way to get the info I need I’ve tried to learn online but it’s difficult for me

harsh fjord
#

Do you have a local library, game/hobby/comics store, or school with D&D sessions?

cobalt frigate
#

You don't need to spend any money starting out because the Basic Rules are free. It has everything you need to start off with.

cobalt frigate
slow hawk
#

?new

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
slow hawk
#

Again, reading material

tacit trellis
#

hello!

brittle raft
tacit trellis
#

Im tryna get back into this game. I used to play quick a bit but Ive sorta gone on a hiatus and now Im beginning to realize that its more complex than I remember xD

brittle raft
#

I'm completely new

harsh fjord
#

Lots of folks don't actually follow the rules when they initially play, so seeing them for yourself can be a heck of a shock.

tacit trellis
#

^^

lofty tapir
#

Hello everyone

brittle raft
#

Hii

slow hawk
#

New folks, here is stuff to get started with

#

?new

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
hardy stag
#

If we have a character from a previous dnd session can we use that or are new characters recommended for new games?

harsh fjord
#

New game, new character typically.

hardy stag
#

Is that the same for every game or say you plan on having a charatcer span over a long period of time then you would keep using it correct?

harsh fjord
#

Consider a campaign a TV series made up of individual episodes (sessions). Each one usually stands alone. Some run for years while others are much shorter. The characters in show A are made for that show, usually. Same for show B.

hardy stag
#

So it just depends on the intention, long campaign or one off?

harsh fjord
#

Yeah. You don't generally get to import a character from one campaign/game into another, especially with a different DM (who has different restrictions and such). But there could always be an exception.

hardy stag
#

I get that. Sort of a new series needs new characters, not rehashed charatcers sort of thing

harsh fjord
#

More or less, yeah.

timid locust
#

It's exceptionally rare to have a character from one campaign join another. Even then, your character almost certainly wouldn't have the same gear / levels

dusty bridge
#

is it possible to play as both the DM and an adventurer

harsh fjord
#

Possible but it's generally recommended you not do so.

dusty bridge
#

it says here in the rules " the table that appears in your class description shows your proficiency bonus, which is +2 at 1st level" where is that on the starter set character sheets?

harsh fjord
dusty bridge
#

oh ok ty

harsh fjord
#

The table tells you how your characters progress, so it's worth knowing where to find it.

dusty bridge
#

if you roll a 00 on that wierd dice, then its 100% right, but if on the other dice you also roll something >0 then it doesnt matter the damage for eg is capped at 100%?

harsh fjord
#

The 00 dice is for the tens place. So rolling 00 means that the first number of a two digit is 0 (in effect making your roll 1-9). The one exception is if it's 00 and 0 on the single-digit die, it's 100.

dusty bridge
#

DMs just make up the DC?

#

i could just say something like you need to roll 20 to pick this lock?

hazy girder
#

How does play by post work?

hazy girder
wild onyx
# hazy girder How does play by post work?

Basically the same as a regular game, except you leave messages (posts) in a message group or forum. They tend to get more descriptive as everyone has hours to consider their replies.

hazy girder
#

oh

#

sounds interesting

#

but doesn't sound like something that makes actual progress

upbeat sparrow
#

What does the dodge action do?

wild onyx
#

It's a more relaxed style of play, spread over days rather than three hours where everything happens.

fallen surge
wild onyx
upbeat sparrow
#

What do you mean by harder to hit?

fallen surge
# upbeat sparrow What does the dodge action do?

Dodge

When you take the Dodge action, you focus entirely on avoiding attacks. Until the start of your next turn, any attack roll made against you has disadvantage if you can see the attacker, and you make Dexterity saving throws with advantage. You lose this benefit if you are incapacitated or if your speed drops to 0.

upbeat sparrow
#

What’s the downside?

fallen surge
#

You have to spend an action to do it. You (usually) only get 1 action per turn

next kernel
#

How would one describe strixhaven? I'm having a hard time putting the words together in my head

fallen surge
upbeat sparrow
fallen surge
next kernel
#

I'm trying to pull in some new players

wild onyx
#

Sounds like a setting pitch to me.

next kernel
#

Must've missed that lol, thanks for the help

nimble swift
#

I want to learn how to play dnd, is there an online campaign for beginners I can join?

timid locust
#

There aren't any campaigns that act as tutorials, per say. Instead, take a look at the links below: 👇

#

?new

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
serene dew
#

hi guys, my only experience with D&D is the new movie (which i loved!). Should i get Baldur's Gate 3, will i be able to play it or will i be completely clueless?

lyric fjord
slow hawk
#

You need to understand that they are not the same

If you wanna play it, by all means

If u wanna play dnd, go for jt but dont expect one to translate into the other directly

lyric fjord
serene dew
#

thanks! the hype around the game has been so huge, i'm super curious

lyric fjord
#

I'd get it too, had I the space on my PC

viral pelican
cobalt frigate
#

Both the movie and BG3 are licensed products not made by Wizards of the Coast (WotC). That means they take liberties with the lore of the Forgotten Realms. Think of it like the Spider-Man movies (all of them) are not canon to the Marvel Comics' Spider-Man comics.

candid thorn
#

After someone drops to zero hit points they become unconscious, is that when you start doing death saving throws?

visual plinth
#

how do i create a character in dnd beyond? i’m thinking of an elf bard

echo kelp
echo kelp
candid thorn
echo kelp
visual plinth
echo kelp
candid thorn
echo kelp
#

Oh sorry let me clarrify - 3 success you're stabalized and don't need to make death saving throws.

#

It then takes 1d4 hours to regain consciousness and gain 1 HP.

visual plinth
#

do bard instruments change anything?

echo kelp
#

For which elf race to pick? Not really.

#

Again just pick a race and class that you like/enjoy.

candid thorn
echo kelp
coral charm
#

Wut

deft sigil
coral charm
deft sigil
#

?new

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
slow hawk
candid thorn
#

Prestidigitation says you can only clean objects but a lot of people say they use it to clean their characters is the rule of only being for objects just widely ignored?

echo kelp
fleet field
#

It’s not mechanically major anyway so it doesn’t break the game

candid thorn
sacred oracle
#

as some one who is new to DnD I was wondering what are most popular settings in game?

cobalt frigate
#

The Forgotten Realms and Greyhawk (if you're asking about the overall life of D&D)

#

There are other official settings, such as Eberron, Planescape. Ravenloft, Spelljammer, Dark Sun, and Dragonlance.

woven vigil
#

I'm brand new to DND, and was hoping to find a DM who'd be willing to hop on a call to help me out with running dragons of stormwreck isle, that 20 page mini module. I would be willing to pay, so, where would be the most appropriate place to place a request of that nature?

cobalt frigate
woven vigil
#

👍

candid thorn
#

When are times an enemy would use an attack to make you do a saving throw besides their spells?

slow hawk
#

Saving throughs are triggered by various effects or abilities

A giant octopus (speaking generically, not any specific crrature) might have an attack that does damage AND grapples you unless you make a STR save

#

Another more obvious one is a Dragon using its breath on you, either a CON or DEX save for half damage

#

A beholder’s eyebeams can do a variety of bad things calling for different saves

#

A gorgon can petrify you with its gaze if u fail a CON save

#

There are various smite spells that add an effect a creatures next attack that also call for a save or impose fear or banishment or other effect

#

Wrong channel

candid thorn
#

But never from a melee or ranged weapon attack

slow hawk
#

The attack roll (to see if you hit) is measured against the target’s AC

#

A saving throw is only triggered by an effect or ability or spell that calls for one

polar mantle
#

im noticing a lot of people use roll20 in the looking for players and dm requests, im wanting to use dndbeyond. Should i use roll20 instead since the majority use it?

plucky ridge
#

Roll20 is a full virtual table top so if you look for a game there you'll likely be using it as your platform insead of D&D Beyond

#

But there are a lot of games hosted there so you can have good luck finding a game

echo kelp
#

You can use DnDBeyond for the character sheets and shared dice rolling with Avrae on Discord (for text/chat) and Roll20 for the virtual tabletop (maps and tokens). They’re just tools to help play D&D.

compact vector
#

Hello everyone I just got my fist DnD kit

pulsar arrow
#

I just wanna play as a bear

slow hawk
#

Bear is possible. But needs context

pulsar arrow
#

Just bear

somber rapids
#

Hi. I'm new here, baldur's gate 3 has got me interested in trying out dnd. How closely accurate is the video game's gameplay compared to dnd?

fleet field
pulsar arrow
#

No but i did hear about that

fleet field
serene dock
#

druid with wildshape to turn you into a bear

fleet field
#

yeah, theres no bear race but there are options to turn into a bear

somber rapids
serene dock
#

unless you count bugbear (its a bigger goblin) cause it looks like a bear

somber rapids
#

bro just wants the bear necessities

pulsar arrow
#

Slightly intelligent bear

serene dock
#

thats based on the rolls you get

pulsar arrow
#

Raor

fleet field
#

well i mean even if you are rolling for stats you can always swap around the rolls

slow hawk
#

We may have someone who is below the age limit

fleet field
#

lets not assume someone's age based on their maturity

#

I have met 13 year olds who might act like this

lyric fjord
#

I’ve played dnd for 6 years

#

I’d like to help with whatever I can

solid wigeon
#

Hi I’m new and if any of you guys could help me set up a blood hunter would be greatly appreciated

fleet field
#

have you read the basic rules?

final drift
#

Hey how do I know why dice to roll ?

fleet field
#

the basic rules tell you when to roll and which dice to roll then

fallow bobcat
#

hey I'm also new

fleet field
#

hi

fallow bobcat
#

legit never done a campaign ever nor have I made a character sheet before, or at least finished one anyway

final drift
#

Where does it say?

fleet field
#

For what?

#

There are many things that need dice rolls

cobalt frigate
#

Attack rolls, damage spells, ability skill checks, etc.

final drift
#

For example what dice do I roll for attacking and how do Ik it’s successful

fleet field
#

The basic rules detail attacking

final drift
cobalt frigate
#

Did you read the Basic Rules yet because it says which dice to use for what.

fleet field
#

Attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws are all d20s

#

Attack rolls succeed if you roll equal to or greater than the target’s AC

#

Ability checks and saving throws succeed if you roll equal to or greater than the DC of the check

cobalt frigate
fleet field
#

The dice for damage rolls are determined by what calls for the damage rolls

final drift
#

What if I have 9 Hp and i get hit with a 37 hit im dead right and my saving roll I throw a d 20 or a d100?

fleet field
#

Please read the basic rules

fallow bobcat
#

lmfao

slow hawk
#

There is no way to cover every possible dice roll, you gotta do your part and read the rules

#

?new

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
slow hawk
#

All new players start here

final drift
#

I have read it that’s why I’m here

fleet field
#

It really doesn’t seem like you have

slow hawk
#

Really seems like you skipped over a buncha stuff

final drift
#

This is not clicking

slow hawk
#

Combat section explains rolling to hit and rolling damage

#

Take your time and go slower

#

there is no need to rush

echo kelp
#

Perhaps the Handbook Helper videos also linked here (#dnd-newcomers message) can help? It breaks down the rules into digestible videos if that format works better for you.

wraith tinsel
#

How likely is it to be chosen once you submitted a form into “looking for a dm”

vapid crypt
#

hi i dont know anything about dnd but i want to learn

echo kelp
#

?new - useful resources for new folks to help get you started.

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
final drift
#

I’m watching the handbook helper vids I feel like there is more they have to discuss in some vids

vivid axle
runic pewter
#

hey guys! I have over 100 hours in baldurs gate 3 right now and I just wanted to say that I now love DnD. I always thought it was cool but never got into it because I thought it would take too much time. Now that I played baldurs gate 3 for a long time and understand everything about the game I was intrested in playing actual DnD. Does anyone know how I can play an actual game?

final drift
echo kelp
#

See #find-a-game for more info on how to use our #looking-for channels.

fleet field
vivid axle
smoky adder
wraith tinsel
#

D100 are more so for the dm than the player right?

pliant meteor
zealous cedar
wraith tinsel
#

Just a quick question for a character idea. Is a ranger multi classing into a Druid something that’s viable?

fallow bobcat
#

uhh pwobabwy :3

final drift
#

I made a character on dnd beyond I’m a little confused on the 15,14,13,12,10,8 I understand the +are bonuses form my race ect but idk what the 15… is

sterile hornet
vivid axle
#

if i read the basic rules correctly, when multiclassing with 2 spellcasters the level of spells I can use from on of their lists is reliant on my level in THAT CLASS, not my characters full class, correct? If I am a warlock 1/Sorcerer 17, I cant use a warlock 5th level spell, correct?

final drift
#

For example I roll a 7 and my bounis is a +2 so I have a 9 so what’s the 15 I picked for when I was making the character

echo kelp
sterile hornet
final drift
vivid axle
echo kelp
final drift
#

It’s called a ability score? That’s the name?

#

Or standerd array

echo kelp
#

The numbers are for Ability Scores.
The way it's generated is called Standard Array.

final drift
#

Ahhh okay thanks

wraith tinsel
#

Do weapons have stat requirements?

echo kelp
#

Some may require certain thresholds - they tend to be magical items or what not.

brittle bone
#

Hey, I’ve started a campaign on dnd with some people I already know online. Where do I go to find images for tokens?

sterile hornet
#

Most do not, they have proficienxy requirements though. (simple weapons, martial weapons, etc)

wraith tinsel
#

Ah okay. My next question would’ve been if I could two hand a weapon to get a str bonus for it like in elden ring haha

echo kelp
brittle bone
sterile hornet
echo kelp
#

Yeah proficiency requirements are very real - you need to be trained in that weapon to be able to use it effectively. If not, you're rolling at disadvantage.

sterile hornet
#

oo, i never knew that it gave disadvantage

echo kelp
#

Same with armor and shields...

vivid axle
#

if i am not proficient with a forgery kit, can I still use it but without the prof bonus?

zealous cedar
#

The ones that have the versatile property can be one handed or two handed

#

And two handed does more damage

echo kelp
final drift
#

How do Ik I’m proficient with a weapon

zealous cedar
#

Your class gives you proficiencies (sometimes race too)

echo kelp
#

Your class (and sometimes race and background) will tell you what you are proficient in.

#

Backgrounds tend to be more about toolkit proficiencies.

sterile hornet
vivid axle
#

can i gain a proficinecy with a tool with practice?

echo kelp
#

That would be something to ask your Dungeon Master

final drift
#

So monsters have xp right

fleet field
#

yes, monsters give xp when you kill them

#

tho a lot of dms dont use xp for levelling up

final drift
#

What do most dms use to level up?

fallow bobcat
#

milestones

#

I believe it's when all characters level up at a certain point in the story

final drift
#

Ohh

fallow bobcat
#

could be wrong about that though

final drift
#

So like I set a milestone at a bridge they would all level up to lvl2?

#

I’m trying to be a dm but it’s hard for me to learn by myself

harsh fjord
#

A milestone is usually achieved by completing a certain quest or reaching a particular narrative point. It ensures that the party is the approrpiate level for the content you have prepared.

fleet field
#

the way milestone works is very simple

#

when the dm says they level up, they level up

fallow bobcat
#

I'd honestly recommend doing a campaign as a player first rather than a DM, feels like you'd need to know a lot about DND before making your own campaign

fleet field
#

thats generally at a story moment, but it can be whenever the dm wants

harsh fjord
#

You don't have to make a camapign to be a DM, though. There's plenty of prewritten content to run.

final drift
#

Idk where to find it and idk how I would run it

#

Is it just a map?

astral rune
#

Can you use 1 ball bearing at a time instead of using the whole bag as difficult terrain?

harsh fjord
final drift
#

I’m just trying to learn so I can play with my friends since none of us know how and

fleet field
astral rune
#

But I would be able to use catapult on the entire bag then yes?

harsh fjord
astral rune
#

Gotcha

wraith tinsel
#

How does dual wielding weapons work? When you make an attack, is it just with one? Or can you attack with both on the same action?

zealous cedar
frigid breach
zealous cedar
#

But the bonus action attack doesn't add modifiers

#

Yeah that

wraith tinsel
#

So the second attack doesn’t get proficiency bonus on attack roll?

slow hawk
#

On the artack roll you add prof and dex/str as normal
You do not get ability mod on DAMAGE

wraith tinsel
#

Ohhh okay, I was a bit confused on the wording

slow hawk
#

Always read the rule yourself

#

Two-Weapon Fighting

When you take the Attack Action and Attack with a light melee weapon that you’re holding in one hand, you can use a Bonus Action to Attack with a different light melee weapon that you’re holding in the other hand. You don’t add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus Attack, unless that modifier is negative.

If either weapon has the Thrown property, you can throw the weapon, instead of making a melee Attack with it.

#

It is very specific

empty escarp
#

Super new to D&D here when you pick up a sub class do you lose your main class like abilities and spells and if not does the leveling work different for subclasses?

slow hawk
#

No

#

A subclass is a specialization of sorts. It adds features, it doesnt take them away. Like going from math 101 to Stats or Trig

#

different classes get their subclass at different levels, but they’re all between lv1-3

#

Leveling is based on class not subclass

cobalt frigate
wraith tinsel
#

What’s a westmarch style game?

cobalt frigate
#

It's basically a server with multiple DMs and many players. It's like a D&D version of a MMO.

wise spear
#

That's just west march style gaming

#

oh lol

#

so said FufftuffMcGee before me

#

pardon me

pliant osprey
#

Honestly to the new person what Id recommend is just taking a pregen character

#

and running with it

fleet field
#

Which new person?

lament trout
pliant osprey
#

@lament trout

fleet field
#

Either way I would only recommend a pre-made character if you want to

pliant osprey
#

Itll help you learn how the game works as so far as playing it

#

Once you understand how to play

#

then building is easier

lament trout
#

I wanted a cool fox guy 4489catdie

fleet field
#

It takes away some of the complication but if you have an idea you can try building it

pliant osprey
#

because you understand how mechanics work and weave

fleet field
lament trout
#

Close enough tho ajshrug

cobalt frigate
#

There are no official foxfolk playable race.

pliant osprey
#

I mean you can make a kitsune, just use the tabaxi stat stuff. Apply it to a pregen and ez pz

pliant osprey
#

The fact there isn't a kitsune race surprises me more and more every day

fleet field
#

Pls wotc

#

A fox race and a psionics class and I’m a happy enby

lament trout
#

Why do we have lion people and not fox people

fleet field
pliant osprey
#

We have elephants, thunder cats, hippos, lions, owls, crows,monkeys

fleet field
#

Thunder cats?

pliant osprey
#

and im pretty sure I am missing something

fleet field
#

Elephants?

lament trout
#

Fox is like the most popular furry

fleet field
pliant osprey
#

Oh I guess

#

they dont like thundercats

fleet field
#

What race is it?

pliant osprey
#

Because you can't tell me cheetarah isn't a tabaxi

fleet field
fleet field
pliant osprey
#

We have a giant fish race

lament trout
fleet field
pliant osprey
#

I am googling it

#

I cant remember the name

lament trout
#

A foxfolk seems like such a duh idea

fleet field
#

Yeah

#

It really does

pliant osprey
#

we have rabbits

lament trout
#

Adventure time has foxfolk smh

pliant osprey
#

cpws

fleet field
#

Like we have hippos and elephants, but not fox or dog?

pliant osprey
#

cows*

#

turtles

#

crickets

fleet field
#

We have three different birds

lament trout
#

Isn't there only 1 cleric type in basic

#

Idk what basic is called btw ajshrug

fleet field
#

In the basic rules there’s only one subclass for each class

fleet field
pliant osprey
cobalt frigate
#

That's why it's free.

lament trout
#

I've literally never ever played dnd but I want to

fleet field
#

The players handbook adds a ton more of the subclass options

lament trout
#

I'm essentially making a character sheet on the off chance someone invites me to a dnd campaign CIcatcry

smoky adder
#

There’s 14 official cleric subclasses, from the PHB and other books.

cobalt frigate
#

That's fine to create a character but be prepared to create a new one when you find a DM because they may as you to create a new one.

lament trout
#

I need John green to explain dnd to me fr

pliant osprey
#

I like to build characters for fun

lament trout
#

Strangers are scary

#

I play too many toxic games to dare to be a noob amongst strangers

pliant osprey
#

I try to come up with whacky builds

#

D&D really isnt a video game

#

or you shouldnt come into it with a video game mindset

#

Is it toxic? Not as bad as it used to be

fleet field
#

The community is like 5x nicer than most video game communities

still zephyr
pliant osprey
#

I play 40k now THATS a toxic community

fleet field
#

If we’re seeing who was in the most toxic community, I used to play ark

lament trout
pliant osprey
#

but honestly D&D isn't as bad as it was 10 years ago. 10 years ago it was brutal

#

like horrible gatekeepy

lament trout
pliant osprey
#

But shows like Critical Roll, what B Dave Waters has done and among a concious attempt by WOTC to market it to be more inclusive

#

has made the community really unrecognizable

fleet field
lament trout
#

So what yall are saying is tho is with no money I essentially have no options to make something cool

cobalt frigate
#

The game is fun for everyone but there will always be selfish jerks out there ruining the game for people.

pliant osprey
#

DMs will usually share their books with you on dndbeyond

fleet field
lament trout
still zephyr
pliant osprey
#

||Most of the selfish jerks found theirway over to pathfinder when dnd got more diverse||

#

But yeah back to new player help

cobalt frigate
#

DMs can share their digital books in a campagin on D&D Beyond only if they have the Master Tier subscription.

pliant osprey
#

Yeah which I dont know many dms that dont

fleet field
pliant osprey
#

also find a west march server they usually share their books

cobalt frigate
#

I share mine with my players (DMs seem to be burdern with most of the costs... wonder why there aren't as many DMs as there are players...?)

lament trout
#

I feel like dms are all probably crazy people

cobalt frigate
pliant osprey
#

what

#

why would you say that too much den of the drake or critcrab?

#

Most dms are fantastic

lament trout
cobalt frigate
#

DMs don't write stories. DMs and their players tell a story together.

pliant osprey
#

If it wasn't for a dm I had in college my life woulda been way worse

#

He got me outta my shell and helped me become the Clown you see today

#

and its not the DM vs Player

#

thats kinda a misconception

lament trout
pliant osprey
#

and if you find a DM or table with that mindset Run away fly away

#

Watch some live play games and see how the Gms delight when their players beat challenges

lament trout
#

(Listen all I know about dming is from scrolling past dm horror stories on reddit)

cobalt frigate
still zephyr
cobalt frigate
#

Please don't listen to that DM horror stories crap on CritCrab

lament trout
pliant osprey
#

Hahaha as entertaining as they are.

#

They monetize the community at its worse

lament trout
#

Dming just seems to require a tought mentality that I would not be able to bear

#

The rats would begin to come to me in my room of rubber

fleet field
#

The preparation can be tiring

still zephyr
fleet field
#

But the payoff is great

cobalt frigate
#

It's not for everyone — there's a lot of work, money, and time involved in DM.

pliant osprey
#

I have crippling adhd I cant dm because of that

#

I am trying to fix it by doing campaigns instead of one shots

#

to train myself to focus

cobalt frigate
#

I have ADD and four monitors when I DM. It makes me focused.

fleet field
#

Yeah my adhd makes dming a struggle sometimes

#

The prep is the biggest issue for me

pliant osprey
#

Yeah

fleet field
#

Like actually sitting down and doing it

pliant osprey
#

Thats why I love modules

lament trout
#

Got the family guy clips preped for the dnd night ASlaugh

pliant osprey
#

Awesome big thing to is to remember know your table

#

You are all friends and want to have fun

#

so make sure you gauge the room when you are playing. Like example, session zero

#

Had this dude from Israel hear I was from Alabama. He started making the cliche Alabama jokes that I have heard 1013114151213182131415151914125 times

#

That was not a good first interaction with the dude

fleet field
#

Also make sure you communicate scheduling properly with your dm

lament trout
pliant osprey
#

and I tend to be the paitient type cause I know DnD attracts the socially awkward because its theraputic

#

But not everyone is like me and some can be legit hurt so make sure you just go out to be supportive. Also the DM is a narrator not the final boss

lament trout
#

I just wanna play with cool little characters that do cool little things and to feed the theater demon that lerks inside my soul with role play

pliant osprey
#

There was a really famous Dragonborn sorc that kinda took that dm vs the players mentality and like it almost destroyed a franchise in its infancy

pliant osprey
#

that is a rp heavy module

lament trout
#

Idk what that is

#

I want mild rp

pliant osprey
#

I wont spoil it, but its possible to complete it with zero fighting

#

oh maybe Lost mines of Phandelver then

lament trout
#

Ima be honest, I don't understand I need a green brother to explain this to me

#

Where's my crash course video

fleet field
#

Have you read the basic rules?

lament trout
#

I think I skimmed it 10 months ago

fleet field
#

Have a look again now

#

The first four chapters cover character creation, and there’s also the chapters on actually playing the game

lament trout
#

Okay watched a dnd for dummies video so basically books are like preset worlds?

fleet field
#

Some of the books are preset adventures

#

Some of them have extra content like races and subclasses

#

You don’t need any books to start with though

#

The basic rules are available for free online

lament trout
#

Do the books decide the world your in like do you have to use a book

fleet field
#

Some dms use worlds from the books

#

Some create their own worlds

lament trout
#

🤔

fleet field
#

You don’t need to worry about that rn tho

#

That’s for the dm to worry about

#

Have a look at the “handbook helper” video series linked in the pinned messages

lament trout
#

Um where

fleet field
#

The pinned messages for this channel

#

2nd message down

slow hawk
#

?new

exotic remnantBOT
#
What is D&D?
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 explanations, check out Critical Role's Handbooker Helper series.
Where do I start?
slow hawk
#

Free stuff to read

topaz garnet
# lament trout Ima be honest, I don't understand I need a green brother to explain this to me

Basically, a D&D game is a group of Characters doing things in a Setting.
One such setting is The Forgotten Realms, where a lot of D&D lore has been rooted. You'll see the recently released videogame Baldur's Gate 3 set in the Forgotten Realms, for example.
Another setting is Exandria, which is the world a prominent livestream series Critical Role uses as their setting.
Most of the D&D adventure books are set in the Forgotten Realms, so for example, something such as the adventure book "Lost Mine of Phandelver" will put you in the Forgotten Realms setting, specifically around where the namesake location is, Phandelver, in that world.

the Characters on the other hand are usually made by the players, such as one choosing a High Elf with the Noble background and the Wizard class, or another player choosing a Dwarf with the Hermit background and the Druid class, already painting a picture of what they were doing with their life before the events of the gameplay begin and draw the characters together into an adventuring party.

What a character can do is mostly determined by the Character Sheet - a Wizard can cast a certain amount of spells, of certain amounts of power, and they chose some spells which each do different things, as an example.

stray sand
#

how to find a game?

clever kestrel
#

Hey I'm brand new to DnD but very eager to join a group longtern with a DM willing to teach

lament trout
clever kestrel
#

How would I go about finding one?

stray sand
clever kestrel
stray sand
#

i will try in the find-a-game channel

fresh fable
clever kestrel
#

Oh ya I submitted my answers to look for DM a few mins ago

clever kestrel
fresh fable
#

Yeah pretty much spread your net wide and you’ll find a game, spend the time waiting getting used to the rules

clever kestrel
#

Got it sounds good

stray sand
#

thank you so much for the advice

fleet field
#

It’s like DLC for a video game

#

Don’t think of books as settings

#

They’re dlc

lament trout
#

But it's not a video game it's a table top role playing game homebrew exists and that's not illegal why would you buy a license when you don't need it sounds like a nft

fleet field
#

Some of them add new settings

fleet field
#

Homebrew is often payed as well

#

They need to make money from it somehow

lament trout
#

But can't dnd just be played with paper

fleet field
#

Homebrew is mods, official additional content is dlcs

fleet field
#

Even then to access new material you needed to buy the physical book

#

I dm’d you fox

topaz garnet
lament trout
#

Okay

candid thorn
#

Would you guys recommend creating a campaign for a furst time dm or finding a pre made one

crude musk
#

Probably using a pre-made one

#

That's not to say a first time DM can't jump in to making their own campaign (that's what I did) but it is a bit more challenging than running a published adventure

candid thorn
#

I like writing but since the party can do whatever they want it might lead to me not knowing what to do cuz they did something unexpected

#

But its probably the same for a pre written

crude musk
#

It's important to note there's nothing wrong with 'limiting' what the party can do

#

You can establish expectations for the campaign, for example saying "This isn't going to be an open world campaign, there'll be clear plot hooks and decisions to follow rather than you guys being able to just go off and do anything"

marsh pebble
#

what does dnd look like over discord?

Is it just audio descriptions?

mossy walrus
#

well that's dependent on if you are using a VTT (virtual table top), theater of the mind, or some other medium

viral pelican
# marsh pebble what does dnd look like over discord? Is it just audio descriptions?

There are two primary modes of play for long-distance.

One is reliant on Theatre of the Mind, and so yes would mostly be descriptions. You can also do this in person.

The other is using a Virtual Tabletop, such as Roll20, Foundry, or Owlbear, which provides for a usually browser-based play space. In some ways it's even more feature-rich than tabletop play.

There's a third way that I don't hear so many people using - just screen-sharing something like Paint, in order to sketch out a battlemap like using dry-erase paper on a tabletop.

marsh pebble
#

so the experience is pretty much the same whether or not its in person

viral pelican
#

They are all quite different, really - but they are all D&D

#

I'd say the experience difference is like whether you are enjoying a story via a movie, via live theatre, or via a book - it's all story experience, but the media do change how you experience it.

#

Typically, the DM will define the medium of play. As a player, it's more about which game you want to join.

marsh pebble
#

Thats good to know, i dont think ill mind too much

also how much do I have to know before I can jump into a game?, doing a ton of research on the intricacies of the game seems very boring but I dont want to be slowing down the game for everyone

fleet field
#

If you know the basics of how the game runs you’re fine

viral pelican
#

Typically, you just need the first few chapters of the basic rules, and then a more "full" understanding of your own character's abilities. If you are a rogue, I'm not going to care if you know all about Cleric spellcasting, but I expect you to have a firm grasp of Sneak Attack.

#

There's nothing more annoying as a DM having to repeatedly remind a player of how their class's core features work...or having someone who doesn't understand their character's abilities and doesn't use them. It makes it difficult to balance combat.

As an example, there's a sorcerer at my table. A sorcerer wants to be casting spells, and using metamagic. This person frequently throws daggers rather than casting spells, when they do cast it's almost always a cantrip, and will say "I can't do anything!" when they have their metamagic abilities unused. That's quite annoying.

marsh pebble
crude junco
viral pelican
#

Chapter 2 is the bit you really need to understand.
Chapter 1, you only need the bits that will pertain to your character, so you can sort of follow it along through character creation, and then you won't need to go back to it much apart from your Class abilities.
Chapter 3, you'll need if you are a spellcaster, but not at all if you aren't.
Chapter 4 you mostly only need if you are a DM, but the Magic Items section is a bit interesting
For the appendices, it's worth knowing Appendix A, but the rest doesn't matter.

viral pelican
crude junco
#

ooo alright! thanks alot!

topaz garnet
# marsh pebble what does dnd look like over discord? Is it just audio descriptions?

DND is primarily speaking and describing.
With cameras on during a voice call you can still get the visuals of the DM acting out how something acts or their expressions, or the player miming how they swing and act.
You can also use a Virtual TableTop for a map over the internet. While they're basically just 2d top down, you can have infinite stuff technically - you don't need a separate goblin mini, just one goblin token you copy multiple times.

wild onyx
#

I run my games almost entirely over audio, and just put some fancy pictures up to set the scene. I rarely use battlemaps.

slow hawk
#

For example, a Rogue’s sneak attack is its big feature and it is a combat feature that affects damage. You should build a mental (or, if needed) physical checklist of its requirements for handy reference:

  • am i attacking?
  • ranged or finesse weapon?
  • advantage or someone else engaged with target?
  • do i have disadvantage?
    Then sneak attack applies
#

Once i see the features in action they will come naturally

#

Ofher stuff, again for example Rogue’s Expertise, is relevant At character creation when you pick which skills to put it on, and then in skill checks (in AND out of combat)

Lockpicking eith Thieves Tools? An out of combat skill, you dont really need to think of it in combat (usually)

#

Think of when your class/subcladd features will be useful then practice recognizing those situations

#

Analysis paralysis is not uncommon with new players because they want to run through their entire character sheet, over time you speedup by learning where you need to look on your sheet

sacred holly
#

is there any sort of temporary buff for strength? like maybe a potion or some kind of item?

fleet field
#

There is

pliant osprey
#

bears con, owls wisdom, cats grace, fox int, eagles splendor, ox str

fleet field
#

The potion/ring of giants strength

pliant osprey
#

oh wait

#

...Those arent a thing anymore is there

sacred holly
fleet field
#

It just increases your strength score

sacred holly
#

how much?

fleet field
#

Depends on the variant

#

The belt is the same but the benefit is whenever you have the belt on

sacred holly
#

does that mean ill get str 21 for the uncommon potion?

fleet field
#

So much more permanent

fleet field
sacred holly
pliant osprey
#

yes you have a belt slot

glad pelican
#

I just started I know only a little about dnd I’ve always been interested but never learned it if anyone has any tips I like being a dm and a player I’ve only played once with my friend but with made up rules since I didn’t know how to play

wild onyx
crude musk
#

much more readable version of the basic rules here too: Basic Rules

visual plinth
#

how does roll 20 work? im kinda confused in navigating

crude musk
finite kernel
#

Hi

visual plinth
finite kernel
#

Hey I am kind of totally new to DnD but was wondering if you can also play this online?

crude musk
#

Totally, I only play online currently

visual plinth
#

you can, you can use vtt's like roll20 and stuff. theres also imagination play, where you hop on a call and theres no board, you have to picture it. some people also make boards with pen and paper or online drawing sites

finite kernel
finite kernel
crude musk
#

I use discord mainly, and roll20 for maps when needed

visual plinth
#

im barely figuring it out, its also my first time playing dnd

visual plinth
#

where in the character sheet can you keep track of levels and xp?

fresh fable
#

Digital or paper?

visual plinth
#

digital

crude musk
#

On D&D Beyond?

visual plinth
#

yup

crude musk
#

Click here

image.png
#

then here

image.png
visual plinth
#

found it

crude musk
#

It's important to note that setting your XP won't 'spend' it on levels

#

for example

#

This character has '4' levels of XP to spend as they're level 8 but have enough XP to reach 12

visual plinth
#

oh, i understand

#

if i set the xp, it doesnt level me up

crude musk
#

Nope, this is because multiclassing is a rule

#

So the sheet doesn't assume that you're going to spend your XP on your current class

visual plinth
#

that makes sense. one last question, how do you integrate character sheets into roll20?

crude musk
#

You can't, D&D Beyond doesn't integrate with any third party platforms other than Discord via the official discord bot Avrae

visual plinth
#

oh

woven summit
sacred holly
#

how is xp counted for levels?

crude musk
crude musk
sacred holly
woven summit
crude musk
#

Whatever the DM decides

#

The DM will decide if something counts as a challenge worth awarding XP for

woven summit
#

And will award whatever amount of XP they deem worthy of giving

willow glen
#

In my opinion milestone is better leveling wise

#

Since you have too track all the XP and stuff most gms do milestone at least most the time it's easier too track

#

Basically you beat a big boss or a few sessions then you get too level up.

pliant osprey
#

I did it the other day loads of trial and error

willow glen
#

I don't remember the last time I had a dm do XP based tbh

crude musk
#

There isn't an official, supported API for D&D Beyond and again, I wouldn't recommend any third party tools that modify or otherwise mess with the site

willow glen
#

Or do spell components too cast spells

pliant osprey
#

Also DND beyond has a browser extension that connects it with roll20 so you roll on DND beyond and it shows on roll20 that's an official one iirc