dnd-newcomers

[harsh fjord]

Spam with the quick paste.

[smoky adder]

A reaction is an instant response to a trigger of some kind, which can occur on your turn or on someone else's.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/combat#Reactions

[slate phoenix]

mk

so a bonus action takes place after your first action?

[harsh fjord]

A bonus action happens on your turn, but it can be done first or last, depending.

[smoky adder]

Two-Weapon Fighting is the only bonus action every character gets by default.

[smoky adder]

You choose when to take a bonus action during your turn, unless the bonus action's timing is specified

In the same section linked above.

[slate phoenix]

yea I was planning on playing bard and bardic inspiration is a bonus action

and also more things call for a reaction

[smoky adder]

Opportunity attacks are a good example for reactions.

[harsh fjord]

In many cases, class features that call for a reaction describe when you can use it.

[slate phoenix]

mk

one sec lemme find something

[harsh fjord]

For example, Cutting Words says the following:

When a creature that you can see within 60 feet of you makes an attack roll, an ability check, or a damage roll, you can use your reaction to expend one of your uses of Bardic Inspiration, rolling a Bardic Inspiration die and subtracting the number rolled from the creature’s roll.

[fresh fable]

https://media.wizards.com/2022/dnd/downloads/dnd_turn_ref_2022.pdf print one of these off to have next to you

[slate phoenix]

so it’s before they deal damage but after they roll their attack die?

[harsh fjord]

You can use it after it makes the attack roll, makes an ability check, or makes a damage roll. It's up to you as the bard.

[slate phoenix]

gotcha

[harsh fjord]

So you could try to make them miss, fail an ability roll, or reduce damage.

[slate phoenix]

so bonus action somewhere on your turn and reaction after something happens

[smoky adder]

Yep.

You can choose to use this feature after the creature makes its roll, but before the DM determines whether the attack roll or ability check succeeds or fails, or before the creature deals its damage.

[slate phoenix]

mk

[harsh fjord]

Yep.

[smoky adder]

Also of importance here:

When you take a reaction, you can't take another one until the start of your next turn.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/combat#Reactions

[slate phoenix]

so you can only take one reaction and refreshes after your turn

[smoky adder]

At the start of your turn.

[slate phoenix]

alright

[harsh fjord]

It refreshes when your turn starts. So you can take a reaction before your turn has even happened, and once your turn has begun, you have your reaction again.

[slate phoenix]

so if something suddenly happens and it’s your turn does it count as a reaction or an action

[harsh fjord]

What do you mean?

[slate phoenix]

okay nvm

thanks for the help

[smoky adder]

Anything that gives you a reaction will state when that the scenario in which that reaction can be used (referred to as a trigger).

You can only take that reaction when the trigger occurs.

It is possible (but rare) for triggers to happen on your own turn.

A wizard might cast feather fall (a reaction to falling) if they use their turn to jump off a cliff.

They’d still have their action and a possible bonus action to use.

[slate phoenix]

so their feather fall is a reaction and not a bonus action?

[smoky adder]

But as normal, they wouldn’t be able to take another reaction until the start of their next turn.

[harsh fjord]

Yep, the spell requires a reaction.

You typically can't substitute one type of action for another.

[smoky adder]

Casting Time: 1 reaction, which you take when you or a creature within 60 feet of you falls
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/spells#FeatherFall

[slate phoenix]

also about rituals

[harsh fjord]

Yep. Features and abilities state what type of action they require and what situations they can be used in.

[slate phoenix]

what are they

[smoky adder]

You first need a game feature that says you can cast spells as a ritual.

[harsh fjord]

Certain spells have a special tag: ritual. Such a spell can be cast following the normal rules for spellcasting, or the spell can be cast as a ritual. The ritual version of a spell takes 10 minutes longer to cast than normal. It also doesn't expend a spell slot, which means the ritual version of a spell can't be cast at a higher level.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/spellcasting#Rituals

[slate phoenix]

bard does have ritual casting from what I’m reading

[smoky adder]

But assuming you’ve got a qualifying spell, you simply add ten minutes to the casting time to avoid using a spell slot.

[slate phoenix]

oh

I thought rituals were like those spells that required materials to cast

[smoky adder]

Detect Magic, for example:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells/detect-magic

[harsh fjord]

Many spells require materials to cast. Rituals are just specifically tagged spells that can be cast with a longer casting time but using no spell slot.

[smoky adder]

You can spend a 1st-level spell slot (or higher) to cast it as an action.

[slate phoenix]

mk

[smoky adder]

Or you can take ten minutes plus 1 action to cast it without a spell slot.

[slate phoenix]

for the ten minutes do you still have to be focused on casting it

or can you go do something else

[smoky adder]

When you cast a spell with a casting time longer than a single action or reaction, you must spend your action each turn casting the spell, and you must maintain your concentration while you do so. If your concentration is broken, the spell fails, but you don't expend a spell slot. If you want to try casting the spell again, you must start over.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/spellcasting#LongerCastingTimes

[harsh fjord]

You're occupied with casting it.

[smoky adder]

You can still move and use bonus actions or reactions.

But you need to spend your action each turn (for 61 turns in this case) and maintain concentration.

[slate phoenix]

can rituals be casted like cantrips just you have to be focused for 10 minutes

[smoky adder]

You add 10 minutes to the normal casting time.

[slate phoenix]

by cantrips i just mean can you cast rituals infinitely

[smoky adder]

So Detect Magic is 1 action plus 10 minutes.

Find Familiar is one hour plus 10 minutes.

[cobalt frigate]

Ritual spells don't expend a spell slot but you have to spend minimum of 10 minutes plus the spell's normal casting time.

Not very safe to cast a ritual spell during combat...

[slate phoenix]

can you reapeatedly cast a single ritual

[smoky adder]

Yes

[slate phoenix]

mk

so rituals are good for things like ourtof combat

[smoky adder]

Yeah

[cobalt frigate]

As long as you have the material components for it if the spell consumes material components

[smoky adder]

I don’t think any ritual spells deals damage or forces a saving throw or anything.

[slate phoenix]

does normally casting spells with material components still use the material components

or is it just for rituals

[cobalt frigate]

Read the individual spells which components are required.

[slate phoenix]

does it vary?

[cobalt frigate]

Read the individual spells which components are required.

[harsh fjord]

Only spells with material of a gold cost or ones that specify "is consumed" makes the component disappear. Otherwise, once you have them, you have them.

[slate phoenix]

mk

[cobalt frigate]

I recommend you read the Spellcasting section of the Basic Rules (again if you've already have):
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/spellcasting#WhatIsaSpell

[slate phoenix]

aight see ya

thanks for the help

[lyric fjord]

Hello! I'm really new and i wish to get started with DND. Ive heard some stuff and seen some videos online but if someone could help me get started i'd really appreciate it^^

[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 explanations, 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.

[true musk]

The bot post above has everything you need to get started.

[lyric fjord]

Thank you!

[true musk]

Take your time reading through the first few chapters of the basic rules.
If you're more of a visual leaner.The handbooker Helper series in the link above can help you.

[lyric fjord]

its taking my through my first story and i'm loving the background. Ive wrote the basic stats up in a little book for school

[slate phoenix]

have you made a character?

[lyric fjord]

not yet, but the D&D beyond thing created a first story when i clicked the first link

the introductory demo

[slate phoenix]

d&d is a very complicated game with a bunch of bits and bobs so dont feel too pressured if you dont immediately know everything

i myself am still learning the half of it because im still fairly new

[radiant ocean]

Is there anyone who could dm a game? I’m looking to play my first game were I know what I’m doing

[lyric fjord]

i understand ^^ I just wrote some basics down for the stats that the game introduced. But thank you for being cosiderate!

[halcyon forge]

@radiant ocean Please follow the instructions in #find-a-game to find a game.

[snow vigil]

Hi everyone, I'm new to dnd role-playing and I wanna know how 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 explanations, 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.

[simple goblet]

Welcome 🙂
The links above should help you get started

[snow vigil]

Thank you 🙂

[lyric fjord]

Willow, do the demo. its fun!

[feral iron]

I’m new to dnd and I’m just trying to figure out everything! What is the easiest class to get started with?

[true musk]

Martial classes like fighter, barbarian, and monk are fairly straight forward.

[feral iron]

Thank you!🙏

[torpid pewter]

ive been idleing the idea of learning how to play, or even if i should take the time to learn,

[slate phoenix]

Read the Basic Rules and see if it looks interesting enough to you. Youre not being forced to, dnd is just for fun!

you only need to read like the first chapter

if youre really starting out

[snow vigil]

I just finished the demo it was soo fun 😄😄

[lyric fjord]

it was! You picked sorcerer, i prosume? I had to pick fighter, sadly, considering they didnt add barbarian

[snow vigil]

Aww you can't change you race ?

[lyric fjord]

you couldnt pick barbarian in the demo

[snow vigil]

Nope I don't even remember all the options 😅

[lyric fjord]

it was cleric, fighter, wizard, rouge and paladin

[snow vigil]

Yeah, I played a wizard who worked in a library, whose friend died and is on an adventure to find out the truth

[potent hazel]

i am huge on bards

[snow vigil]

Lol bards are one of the funniest people to have on your team

[potent hazel]

thats what i play a bard halfling

but i am always looking to join a new story

or run one

[snow vigil]

I wanna join a story too, but I still need to get the basics down and create a character, fortunately I have something in mind

[potent hazel]

if you what help let me know \

[snow vigil]

No problem 😁

[potent hazel]

do you want to start something now

[harsh fjord]

Using other channels to search for players/DMs is against server rules, so be aware of that!

[snow vigil]

Sure 😄

[snow vigil]

OK 👌

[potent hazel]

ok sorry i just got here

[lyric fjord]

is it smart to create a character as you read the rules or before joining/starting a campain?

[north cove]

Don’t worry man it’s not like you’re gonna get in trouble too much. It’s more of a reminder.

[potent hazel]

ok

[lyric fjord]

love your name

the TOE NAIL SOUP

[harsh fjord]

It's a good idea to have several loose ideas before joining a game. Be ready to tweak them to suit the setting/tone/etc.

But you should definitely know the process of creating a character before joining a game.

[potent hazel]

it is something i have explained thousands of times

[north cove]

I’ve been told it’s quite eye catching. Which I’m glad to hear lol

[lyric fjord]

i'm finding those out rn and writing down some information

i got almost a page full of information

[potent hazel]

good for you

[lyric fjord]

gonna go onto page two in a bit

[north cove]

What I did was. I wrote a story but kept certain things vague like locations names and such, that way it’s pretty easy to edit and make it fit any setting made by DMs

[lyric fjord]

i'll keep that in mind, thank you ^^

[north cove]

As for rules honestly all you really need is to learn how to build a character and how to use attributes or skills

[lyric fjord]

Ohh, alright. Yeah ive written down the basic stat info, proficiency rolls and now i'm writing down race bonuses and what stats are important for what class

[potent hazel]

this is detication if i have ever seen it

[north cove]

That seems smart. But you should always be aware that there’s a good majority of DMs that change things some even let you change certain things if you ask

[lyric fjord]

i've just been inlove with the thought of deepening myself into a fantasy world. I'm doing theater class aswell because i just love playing a different person. But the thought of playing something like this with people around the world seems amazing to me

[lyric fjord]

Ohh, right. Yeah

[north cove]

For example, I’m playing a Half elf , but wanted to be undead so the DM let me take the appearance of an undead with some minor Bonuses but play half elf.

[lyric fjord]

cool

[harsh fjord]

It's a lot of fun—or so we think, else we wouldn't be here—and it draws on/develops a lot of different skills. Hopefully you find it a good way to spend your time as well!

[north cove]

That’s honestly really similar to why I love DND when I was still in school most my entire high school career was drama and acting classes

[lyric fjord]

i'm so lucky my girlfriend pulled out her essensials kit to show me. Otherwise i wouldve NEVER discovered this server

this is amazing

[north cove]

It’s a nice place for sure lots of really helpful people.

[snow vigil]

found the server through a youtube short, just got here and I already like it here

[lyric fjord]

same

well, that i like it. Not through a short

[potent hazel]

Very similar

[fresh fable]

Sometime work for you https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQMqiULo_05P90SzHdyyVIcz4TGZApQ5L&si=4UikH_PXmgSWpJ6U playlist on making character with some good tips on backstories and character traits https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLPjdPog_vKX1vnjf68Sx2jcq1OtVUSA2i&si=kYWkaUszVlf37Htj playlist on how to make 4 of the classes on dndbeyond

[snow vigil]

wow thanks 😄

[lyric fjord]

onto page two of my little book

[fresh fable]

https://dnd.wizards.com/further-resources

Some good sheets to print out here too

The terminology and what to do on your turn help a lot

[mortal field]

I'm brand new to D&D does it matter what character level I am?

[echo kelp]

Your Dungeon Master will say what level characters should start at.

[lyric fjord]

what kind of stuff do i have to know before joining a campain?

[echo kelp]

• It helps to know what your character's features are and some of the core game mechanics like attack rolls, damage rolls, skill checks and saving throws.
• And you don't have to memorize the rules - being familiar with terminology and where to look up a rule is good enough in most situations.
• Also remember the point of D&D is that it's a game and we play games to have fun - if the game is not fun, ask to pause the game and figure out why it isn't fun and see if it can be fixed or if it's best to leave the game for not being a good fit for you. No D&D is better than bad D&D.

[lyric fjord]

Thank you! Because i just read through the step-by-step character in dnd beyond rules.

[rocky grove]

Question.
If i buy the players handbook on dnd beyond do i get access to the feats and such in the book on the site?

[smoky adder]

Yep!

[rocky grove]

ty it just let me add the book and the feats to the checkout

so i got confused

[lyric fjord]

i dont know what else to write down but i'm complacent if i should join a campain yet

[harsh fjord]

You could share your sheet/backstory in #character-discussion to get feedback, see if you're missing anything.

[lyric fjord]

i havent made one yet, but i'll be sure to make one soon

[rocky grove]

@lyric fjord just jump in, i can almost gurantee you wont be the least prepared guy in a campaign for new players.

[lyric fjord]

Made me laugh

lemme create a backstory n stuff for my character

[rocky grove]

I was like you "am i ready" "Do i know the rule well enuf" "i dont wanna be a bother" but honestly most the players in my campaign dont even seem to know the rules.
"Drinking a potion isnt a bonus action?"
"A 1 minute spell is 10 turns?!?"
"I made this cool backstory and asume we can fight this demon its my goal to kill dispite the campaign being pre generated."
Ask your dm questions, give him insight into your expectations and wants.

[potent hazel]

one min in dnd is 10 rounds

[strange shard]

Do you suggest for a group that doesnt really know the hardcore d&d rules to learn them more or play a more casual RPG game with not many hard rules?

[left moon]

May I join this group

[lyric fjord]

how do i delete a character trait in dnd beyond

nvm, found it

[left moon]

I'm completely new to DND and would very much like to learn and possibly join a group

[potent hazel]

welcome

[left moon]

Thank you

[potent hazel]

your welcome \

[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 explanations, 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.

[high timber]

me too

[potent hazel]

if you want help i can help

[high timber]

well id like to know the basics and potentially join a group

[potent hazel]

i can teach but it will take a while

[high timber]

ok

[echo kelp]

Also see the pinned message here in the channel - it has links to useful resources to help get you started, including a link to the free basic rules.

[main sage]

I know basically absolutely nothing but am looking for a dm and more more member for a dnd group

Am new and again know nothing

[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 explanations, 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.

[red canopy]

can anyone teach me the ins and out i know most of it for the stink dragon but i wanna do a full dnd run but i dont under stand this to much

[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 explanations, 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.

[echo kelp]

Read through the free basic rules, check out the Handbook Helper videos, maybe try your hand at making a character, view D&D livestreams/games on Twitch/YouTube. Feel free to ask any specific questions here - that said many of us don't have time or bandwidth to teach folks D&D one on one. It's best if you put some effort into self-learning and again, feel free to ask any specific questions here or in an appropriate channel (see id:browse to see all the many channels we have for specific D&D topics).

[red canopy]

thank you also is how do i join a group?

[exotic remnant]

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.

[echo kelp]

Read (carefully) #find-a-game - it has useful info on finding a group as well as important instructions on how to use our Looking For Game channels.

[red canopy]

wow thanks

sorry if this is annoying but is there any way to make a chariter sheet or is that game spicifick

[echo kelp]

Each group and D&D game will decide what's allowed/not allowed at their game table and for their specific D&D game - so very much depends on the group.

[fleet field]

You can make a character sheet using a pdf, or using the dnd beyond website

The general concepts will be the same between groups

[red canopy]

ok and should i do that know or after i find a group

[echo kelp]

You can use the PDF character sheets found here: https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/character-sheets
Or use DnDBeyond's tools: https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/builder

I say it's fine to cretae some practice characters but be prepared to redo them or create something new specifically for your D&D game

[fleet field]

I would make a practice character just to learn how it’s done, but be prepared to make a new character when you actually join a group

[red canopy]

and do most people in the server have like one day groups or groups that last a while

[echo kelp]

Some folks play in one-shots (single or limited session games) and others play in long-running campaigns (some covering years of play). There is no data on the breakdown of that though.

[red canopy]

ok thank you guys for the help im going to start filling out the sheet

what would be classified as a helaer

healer*

[fleet field]

Cleric is the most “healer-like” class, but a dedicated healer isn’t really a fun or useful thing in dnd 5e

A cleric will be spending most of their time buffing, debuffing, and damaging, and healing their allies when it’s really needed

You just don’t have enough healing to really keep up with enemy damage

[static goblet]

hey im new to dnd and i just finished making my character sheet like 2 days ago and i was wondering what faith means

[red canopy]

ok thats what i chose as can you look over my sheet and tell me if its good or what to chang pixelated cat

[fleet field]

Which god your character worships

[fleet field]

Sure, post it in #character-discussion

[static goblet]

oh ok thank you

[velvet zephyr]

Hello everyone. I'm trying to join someones campaign with my water genasi.

[old sonnet]

I'd like to give DnD a try as well

[robust vessel]

Go to #find-a-game

[hoary storm]

When it says druids can cast spells in wild shape what does that precisely mean? Can a wild snap Dire wolf cast flame blade and have fire claws? Can it summon a dust devil?

[fleet field]

you talking about the level 18 feature?

[hoary storm]

Wdym?

[fleet field]

you can't normally, only the level 18 druid feature lets you

[hoary storm]

Cast spells in wild shape?

[fleet field]

yeah

[hoary storm]

R u fr?

[fleet field]

by default you cant

While you are transformed, the following rules apply:

Your game statistics are replaced by the statistics of the beast, but you retain your alignment, personality, and Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma scores. You also retain all of your skill and saving throw proficiencies, in addition to gaining those of the creature. If the creature has the same proficiency as you and the bonus in its stat block is higher than yours, use the creature’s bonus instead of yours. If the creature has any legendary or lair actions, you can’t use them.
When you transform, you assume the beast’s hit points and Hit Dice. When you revert to your normal form, you return to the number of hit points you had before you transformed. However, if you revert as a result of dropping to 0 hit points, any excess damage carries over to your normal form. For example, if you take 10 damage in animal form and have only 1 hit point left, you revert and take 9 damage. As long as the excess damage doesn’t reduce your normal form to 0 hit points, you aren’t knocked unconscious.
You can’t cast spells, and your ability to speak or take any action that requires hands is limited to the capabilities of your beast form. Transforming doesn’t break your concentration on a spell you’ve already cast, however, or prevent you from taking actions that are part of a spell, such as call lightning, that you’ve already cast.

I assume you're seeing beast spells, the level 18 feature, and not realising that it's level 18

[hoary storm]

Yeah I was

[heady umbra]

hello everyone. New here and new to the TTRPG genre itself.

[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 explanations, 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.

[limpid coral]

If you use a pre- made adventure from D&D beyond, does it come with pre-built encounters in builder or do you have to manually set all those up?

[heavy trellis]

Hey, do yall know any groups?

[true musk]

I believe those you still need to setup.

[limpid coral]

Would be super cool@if you didn’t 😊

[true musk]

#find-a-game has instructions on how to find group members.

In the meantime, I recommend playing single session adventures like those found in adventures league, west marches, or in dnd virtual weekend like the one advertised in the event section of the server.

[heavy trellis]

Thanks man!

[true musk]

Still fairly quick to do. You can even assign it to a party if you created a campaign lobby on the site.

[hollow cave]

hello!

[true musk]

Welcome

If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

[hollow cave]

do i need to pay for dnd beyond?

i dont wanna be a DM i want to learn to play

[hoary storm]

Is ur pfp like a default one?

[true musk]

No, you can use the free tier and have access to the basics rules.

[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 explanations, 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.

[hollow cave]

to play with special rules i need to pay it seems

[true musk]

Which special rules are you referring to?

[hollow cave]

like custom made DM rules im assuming

[fleet field]

dnd beyond doesnt have much support for homebrew rules/houserules like what youre talking about

[true musk]

Can you clarify a bit more?
If you’re referring to homebrewing mechanics. That’s typically not recommended for newcomers.

[hollow cave]

gotcha, thank you

[fleet field]

(and the homebrew character options it does support are available for free)

[limpid coral]

Sorry, I’m a newby so not sure what that means 😬

[fleet field]

profile picture

[echo kelp]

They are just mentioning that your Discord user profile image is a default Discord one. No worries about it though.

[fleet field]

the image next to your name on discord

[limpid coral]

Ah ok

[true musk]

Do note, that you won’t have access beyond the basics rules. This includes certain races and subclasses .

Though a budget friendly approach would be to just purchase the content you’ll be using from the book you want.

[echo kelp]

DnDBeyond does allow purchasing of individual races, classes, spells, and items - usually as cheap as 1.99 USD. Anything purchased this way is deducted from the book if you chose to buy the full book on DnDBeyond later.

[true musk]

Stacks with sales too.

[proper plaza]

hello

[topaz pumice]

I'm gonna leave the other group i'm afraid the DM might ban me for not treating his girlfriend like center of the universe.

[rocky grove]

hi darth

[topaz pumice]

Hi i want to play with you because i feel that the unfair practices of the other DM might spill over so i going with my friend

[echo kelp]

Okay folks do not solicit or try and organize D&D games inside the discussion channels - it is off topic. Please read #find-a-game to learn how to use our Looking For Game channels.

[rocky grove]

❤️

[topaz pumice]

@echo kelp were sorry

[rocky grove]

darth

buddy says you can join

the campaign he offered to run

[echo kelp]

Again please use the correct channels to organize games

[rocky grove]

sorry

[astral plank]

A question about scrolls:

DMG says this under "Scrolls:"
"unleashing the magic requires using an action to read the scroll."

But the Spell Scroll item says, "Casting the spell by reading the scroll requires the spell’s normal casting time."

So which is it? Does using a scroll require an action? Or can a scroll be used as a bonus action, if the spell is a bonus action?

[potent hazel]

It’s a normal action and it is normal casting time

[fleet field]

Maybe ask in #dnd-rules

This is a bit beyond newcomer stuff

[astral plank]

lol, ok

[stone iris]

Specific rules typically override more general ones so if default says scrolls cost 1 action, but certain scrolls take the same time as the spell being cast then you would follow the casting time of the spell and be able to do it as a bonus action if the casting time is a bonus action. Otherwise reaction spells wouldn't really work on spell scrolls.

[astral plank]

That's a very clear response. Thank you very much!

[solar leaf]

How do I find people to play with in person?

[glass summit]

I'd recommend checking in with your local game store, or libraries

Otherwise, there may be a local facebook page or Meetup events

[exotic remnant]

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.

[glass summit]

whoever linked that, thats for online games

[solar leaf]

Ooooh thank you I didn’t think about Facebook

[glass summit]

meetup.com is how i found my first ever in-person game, searching for "adventurers league" may yield good results as well

[solar leaf]

LIFE SAVER

[glass summit]

haha idk about that but im glad i could help

[solar leaf]

Me too ☺️

[exotic remnant]

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.

[harsh fjord]

Local libraries/community centers, Facebook groups/subreddits for small communities, and/or school clubs would be the other options to investigate.

[fading sierra]

can a spellcasting focus be destroyed/disarmed/otherwise disabled (via any means but silencing effects anyway) in combat?

[solar leaf]

Ooooh ok thank you

[vale heron]

can a artificer make acid grenades?

[harsh fjord]

I don’t think there’s anything RAW about them being destroyed, but I see no reason they couldn’t be, same as pretty much any other item.

[slow hawk]

Only by a specific feature if the opponent had one, otherwise DM discretion

[fading sierra]

right, tyty

[glass summit]

Flavoring your Acid Splash cantrip as preparing and tossing an arcane acid grenade could be fun

Otherwise you could craft/purchase a vial of acid, and simply throw them at people

[hazy carbon]

Silly Kobolds.

[fading sierra]

what's 'flavoring' exactly?

[harsh fjord]

Describing it with words without changing how it works in the game's mechanics.

[fading sierra]

icic

[umbral bough]

when becoming lvl 2 in ranger i get to choose a fighting class. it also states "You can’t take a Fighting Style option more than once, even if you later get to choose again." what does that mean?

does it mean once i pick one and then later pick a different one i can no longer choose the first one again?

[fleet field]

exactly

you cant stack the same one multiple times

[lilac vault]

how do I play?

[fleet field]

wait no

basically, if somehow you get a second fighting style

you cant choose the same one a second time

[umbral bough]

oh ok got it

[lilac vault]

I'm trying play the role of a DM

[umbral bough]

The DM guide is a good place to start

[fleet field]

read the basic rules

theyre linked in the pinned messages of this channel

[harsh fjord]

This is a good crash course in how to DM, though you should still read the Basic Rules in this channel's pinned messages: https://howtogm.guide/

[ashen reef]

What are some good dnd youtube vids

[cobalt frigate]

For what?

Actual play? Tutorials? Lore? DM advice?

[ashen reef]

Dm advice and lore

[cobalt frigate]

There are D&D Youtubers, such as Matt Colville, Sly Flourish, The DM Lair, Dungeon Dudes, Dungeon Craft, How to be a Great GM, Nerdarchy, Web DM, XP to Level 3, WASD20, Seth Skorkowsky, Esper the Bard, How to RPG, Zee Bashew, Don't Stop Thinking, Icarus Games, Runehammer, Zipperon Disney, and MonarchsFactory, who give advice on DMing and playing.

AJ Pickett, Jorphdan, and Esper the Bard are good for lore.

[harsh fjord]

DM advice: I'd recommend Matt Colville's "Running the Game" series. Sly Flourish also has videos, though I'm more familiar with his book/blogs. Bonus Action has some good stuff, drawing inspiration from pro DMs.

I think the biggest D&D lore YouTube folks are AJ Pickett, Jorphdan, and MrRhexx. People often say take Rhexx with a grain of salt.

[ashen reef]

Ahh thank you

[hoary shadow]

How do I get in d&d

[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 explanations, 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 "Handbooker Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube.

Both are linked above.
After you read the rules and/or watch the tutorial videos, feel free to ask questions here.

[hollow dagger]

Hello all.

[orchid siren]

Is it rude to play with unpainted minis

Or disrespectful?

[fleet field]

no lol

most people dont have the time or skill for painting minis

[orchid siren]

Yippee!!!

[silent zenith]

I have a question, can i read books like descent to avernus as books? Or are they only used as sourcebooks for campaigns?

[fleet field]

dont read them if you arent gonna run them, as youll get spoiled about them

and no they arent structured to be read as a novel

[silent zenith]

Ok, thank you❤️

[stone iris]

A lot of tables don't use minis at all and I can't see anyone that's reasonable getting mad at one being unpainted.

[stone iris]

Setting books read a bit better than adventure ones to just sit and read them. It's mostly lore and worldbuilding though as you're supposed to make the stories. I read the entire Eberron book and enjoyed it. They are mostly designed to be used to help play the game though. There are quite a bit of dnd novels though, I have seen a few that take place in the dnd setting (Forgotten Realms) in bookstores.

[silent zenith]

Any recommendations?

[sudden mesa]

Hell I was going to go play in real life but they only had one available slot

What a bummer

I thought I would play at least once

[echo idol]

Is having advantage dexterity saving throw good?

[crude musk]

Advantage is almost always a good thing

[exotic stump]

Very GM dependant. Mostly things like traps and AOE spells use dex saves. It’s considered one of the top 3 saving throws to have but you aren’t guaranteed to get use out of it.

[slate phoenix]

is having proficiency in saving throws mean you use your proficiency bonus or get advantage on that saving throw?

[harsh fjord]

You use your proficiency bonus for the roll, adding it to whatever other stat you use for it.

[smoky adder]

Your proficiency bonus applies to many of the numbers you’ll be recording on your character sheet:

• Attack rolls using weapons you’re proficient with
• Attack rolls with spells you cast
• Ability checks using skills you’re proficient in
• Ability checks using tools you’re proficient with
• Saving throws you’re proficient in
• Saving throw DCs for spells you cast (explained in each spellcasting class)
  https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/step-by-step-characters#ProficiencyBonus

With the exception of armor proficiency, any type of proficiency means you're adding your proficiency bonus.

(And armor proficiency is likely to be renamed later this year so there are no exceptions.)

[stone iris]

I haven't read any of the novels so no.

[lyric fjord]

what does 5e mean?

[crude musk]

It's short for 5th edition

[lyric fjord]

ohh

[crude musk]

It's also used to refer to something being compatible with D&D fifth edition

[lyric fjord]

and its different than what you read in dnd beyond?

[crude musk]

No, D&D Beyond only supports D&D fifth edition

[lyric fjord]

oh, okay then

thanks

[ebon acorn]

Is it possible to create a whole new spell?

[harsh fjord]

Sure, with DM approval. But if you’re new, I recommend against making any homebrew until you’ve become familiar with the game.

[sudden mesa]

Is there dnd one-shit / campaign or pretty similar to dnd game for two players without DM

We would like to play without any preparation but with dnd rule set

[solemn light]

Not really. That's more akin to a video game like Baldur's Gate or a boardgame like Gloomhaven (and even those boardgames need preparation and set up.)

[harsh fjord]

There are other games without a GM, but they’re not D&D.

[solemn light]

It's technically possible to play D&D somewhat DMless, and technically possible to do so without much prep, but it's very difficult to do so. You could try finding a 'Solo'/Single Player (DMless) prewritten adventure on DMsguild and try to run it for two people. But it won't really be easy and not how the game expects to be played

[cobalt frigate]

That's closer to the "choose your own adventure" books than actual D&D.

If you have two people one can be the DM and the other can be the player with some sidekick NPCs for support.

[sudden mesa]

But I would need to know the story to be the DM

So it's not quite enjoyable

[cobalt frigate]

As the DM you're the referee so you need to know the adventure.

[sudden mesa]

Yep

[cobalt frigate]

DMing is quite enjoyable. Some of us are "forever DMs"

[sudden mesa]

Can you recommend any one-shot games?

The shorter the better I guess

Just to get grasp of D&D and learn rules

(After playing BG3)

[harsh fjord]

For one player and one DM?

[sudden mesa]

Yep

[cobalt frigate]

There aren't many because most adventures are designed around 3 to 5 PCs.

[sudden mesa]

Yeah I know but I don't lose hope

[harsh fjord]

I’d look at the adventures written by the Balls. They have a pay-what-you-want trilogy on DMsGuild starting with First Blush: https://www.dmsguild.com/browse.php?author=Beth Ball

[sudden mesa]

I was supposed to play DnD in real life today

But they didn't have a slot for me

[sudden mesa]

Thank you I'll check it out

[fresh fable]

Was it at a local game store?

[sudden mesa]

It's local board game club

I wanted to participate with another person

We wrote them 4 days ago

It's like a public online booking

But they called only today to say that there's not enough seats

[cobalt frigate]

How often do they have the games?

[sudden mesa]

Even though they cancelled booking after a few days from my message

So I was kind of sure that I'm going to play

Now I'm looking for online groups or some short stories for two players

[sudden mesa]

Depends on player's experience

[cobalt frigate]

Why not sign up again?

[sudden mesa]

Every week for new players

For experienced players it's more often but I don't see it's possible to participate because they always say they don't have seat

Probably those guys just play long campaigns

[sudden mesa]

Because there's no guarantee that they will have 2 seats for us

[cobalt frigate]

Then keep applying until you get a seat. I assume it costs you nothing to put your names down?

[sudden mesa]

It's more about planning

I was waiting for today

I won't have as much time as I do soon

[sudden mesa]

Thank you again! It looks really decent

[tame saffron]

overwhelming

is it okay to get into a game without knowing how to play yet

I know it has something to do with rolling a dice hehe

[plucky ridge]

Yup, it's good to know the basic rules but you can find groups willing to teach new players.

My advice would be to read the free basic rules so you have a general idea of what to expect

[hollow mortar]

So uh, how do I start playing?

[harsh fjord]

If you were making a group with friends, you could learn as you go, but if you're trying to join with strangers, even if they're willing to teach you, you should do some legwork on your own by reviewing the rules, as Luna said.

[hollow mortar]

I have no one to play it with

[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 explanations, 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.

[harsh fjord]

The rules are linked above, and the Looking for Group/Game channels start with #find-a-game.

[plucky ridge]

The biggest advice I can give is to be patient. There are way more players than DMs so finding a game can take time.

[tame saffron]

👌 @harsh fjord ❤️

[hollow mortar]

Also, I heard artificers can make their own magic machines. Are these machines limited to a set or can you just make whatever you want?

Really be cool if I could make a mech

[harsh fjord]

Artificers can make some magic items, but folks often overstate what they're capable of.

[hollow mortar]

That’s concerning. What do ya mean?

[harsh fjord]

Rules as Written, artificers have a list of things they can make. But a lot of people assume they can make nukes, machines, dynamite, whatever their imagination cooks up.

[hollow mortar]

Oh. Can you combine the stuff from said list together?

[harsh fjord]

RAW, no.

[hollow mortar]

Aw

Are there any classes that can just make stuff?

[harsh fjord]

No. Artificers aren't even a base class, so they may not be allowed in a given game.

[hollow mortar]

Oh.

[harsh fjord]

Some classes have features that allow them to make things on a limited basis, but likely not how you're imagining.

Of course, you could find a DM who allows that kind of thing.

[hollow mortar]

Yeah I was imagining I could at least make base components out of stuff in the list and put them together to make something better

[hollow mortar]

Don’t DMs have to follow Rules as Written?

[harsh fjord]

Many do, but Rule 0 is the DM can change anything they want. If they want to ignore a rule or change it, they can, though they should communicate that with the group.

[hollow mortar]

Ok!

[harsh fjord]

RAW serves as a shared foundation for folks to play, though, so deviations may be rare and highlighted in neon, so to speak.

[hollow mortar]

Well that sucks. I wanted to make m a c h i n e s

[harsh fjord]

You could either search for a lenient DM or a system that will better fit that fantasy.

[vernal berry]

One question, i'm setting up a short adventure on owlbear, using HP tracker, so i'm looking at dndbeyond/monsters and that there stats are. So for example Wight has Hit Points 45 (6d8 + 18). What exactly does 6d8 mean? I know it's a 6x8 dice, but why is it included in it's HP? Am I mean't to roll a dice to determine it's HP when it first appear for my player?

[harsh fjord]

It gives you the average and also the base calculation if you wanted to roll for HP. That introduces a bit of randomness or gives you the option to max out the HP if you want them to be especially beefy.

[true shard]

45 is the average of 6d8+18

[ivory beacon]

its if you want to roll the hp your self, 45 is the average

[vernal berry]

Okey just wanted to double check, thank you guys 🙂

[hoary shadow]

I don't have no money to join

[harsh fjord]

The Basic Rules are free (linked in this channel's pinned messages) and can give you plenty of gameplay.

In the future, though, there's no reason to ping someone specific for a general statement like that.

[cobalt frigate]

There are lots of non-paid-DM tables. DMs often share their books (physical or digital) with their players.

[lyric fjord]

Hello

How do I play d and d

[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 explanations, 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.

[harsh fjord]

The rules linked above tell you all you need to know. The Handbooker Helper video series, also linked, may help as well. If you have more specific questions, do ask!

[lyric fjord]

Ok thank you

[lyric fjord]

Can anyone personally teach me the ropes of d n d?

[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 "Handbooker Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube.

Both are linked above.
After you read the rules and/or watch the tutorial videos, feel free to ask questions here.

[lyric fjord]

Ah thank you!

Is it necessary to have d and d beyond if you don't have a game board?

[true musk]

No.

[true shard]

you are not required to use dnd beyond

[frigid mirage]

Nope! DnD beyond is just a tool that simplifies character creation and what not

[lyric fjord]

But does it help?

[main fulcrum]

It can. If you like it

[true musk]

It's character creator is new player friendly.

[potent hazel]

i think dnd beyond is the easyest to do charcter

[main fulcrum]

I still haven't used DDB for characters more than a handful of times in 7 years

[potent hazel]

wow

[main fulcrum]

So it's an option but it's hardly required

[lyric fjord]

What would you guys suggest for a brand new player like myself

[true shard]

potentially
for some its helpful for some its harmful

[frigid mirage]

I would personally suggest learning how to make a character by hand first, just so you know why numbers are what, and what stats effect what

[true musk]

At the very least, you can always just use it to go through the free basic rules.

[lyric fjord]

And how would I do that ?

[true shard]

well you read the rules and grab a character sheet

[true musk]

The first 4 chapters of the basic rules covers character creation.

[frigid mirage]

There’s plenty of guides on YouTube that will walk you through step by step, as well as the basic rules/players handbook

[lyric fjord]

Cool, thank you guys!

[potent hazel]

look for matt murcer from critical role to start to help

[stone iris]

Not at all

[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 explanations, 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.

[true musk]

The hand booker helper series also has some useful videos for teaching you the basics.

It's the second link under "How does it work?"

[main fulcrum]

Even if you do use DDB for character building, I'd still recommend reading through the basic rules information rather than just relying on the character builder info.

The actual rules should always be your source of truth since there's a few things DDB has never managed to code quite right.

[lyric fjord]

Ok

How many minimum players would you want for a d n d game?

[cobalt frigate]

That's up to the individual DM.

[lyric fjord]

What if just you and a friend

[main fulcrum]

3 + DM is often considered bare minimum, but that's not set in stone

[cobalt frigate]

I personally want a minimum of three players with a maximum of six.

[lyric fjord]

Or just you

[main fulcrum]

Can run with less, but things get weird

[cobalt frigate]

D&D is a collaborative group game. It's not designed to be solo.

[lyric fjord]

Oh ok

[cobalt frigate]

Solo D&D is basically like the "choose your adventure" books.

[lyric fjord]

Ok

[true musk]

There have been solo adventuring books.
Though dnd is designed as collaborative game.

[stone iris]

4-5 + DM is the reccomended size and what adventure books are balanced around, but the Dragon of Icespire Peak box introduced sidekicks and some rules make it easier to play with a DM and just 1 player. Though, it is still reccomended to have more people. I generally prefer 3-5 players

[lyric fjord]

Including dm?

[dry elk]

What action does it cost to grab an item from a bag of holding?

Likewise, what does it cost to put something inside?

[timid locust]

@shell coyote To answer your question from the other channel, give this chapter a read:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/spellcasting

The super short version is that certain classes gain access to different leveled spells at different times. Just starting, you won't have access to 3rd level spells at all. Some classes, like Wizard or Cleric, get 3rd level spells when they reach 5th level in the class. Others like Paladin or Ranger get them when they reach 9th level in the class.

[lyric fjord]

Also, how long is a game of dnd, or is it continuous forever?

[timid locust]

That depends from game to game. Usually a session runs from 2-6 hours, and they could have only one session (called a one shot) or many (called a campaign)

[cobalt frigate]

An adventure could be as short as one session (aka "one shot).
An ongoing campaign could be a year or even decades long.

[ornate kiln]

action to retrieve (as stated in the item description). Nothing there says what it costs to place an item in there so I would default to an object interaction

[lyric fjord]

And what is the objective of dnd

[cobalt frigate]

My current campaign has been going on for two years and will probably last at least another two years.

[true shard]

having fun telling a story

[cobalt frigate]

To have fun with a group of people around a table (real or virtual).

[lyric fjord]

That's nice

I was thinking to play with my mum and a few others...

[dry elk]

Also, how big is a bag of holding? (For plasmoid)

[ornate kiln]

the specific objective can change based on what the DM and group decide. maybe you are a group of heroes saving the world, or maybe just a group of misfits trying to get rich.

[ornate kiln]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items/4581-bag-of-holding

just read the description

[wheat egret]

hello people

[native iris]

hey im new to dnd and pretty interested in doing something new how do i start a game

[cobalt frigate]

Have you read the free Basic Rules yet?

[native iris]

no

[violet nymph]

The description of this thread was intriguing: something about finding a game that is easy to get into or something like that. Hoping someone might be able to fill me in. Not sure what a "west march" is. thanks.

[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 explanations, 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 "Handbooker Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube.

Both are linked above.
After you read the rules and/or watch the tutorial videos, feel free to ask questions here.

[wheat egret]

can a willing DM help me set up my character sheet i could really go for some help right about now...

[cobalt frigate]

Have you tried creating a character on your own yet?

[wheat egret]

i did

[timid locust]

Unfortunately this server is a bit too big to be able to provide help on an individual basis. You can follow the step by step character creation process in the link above, or check in with #character-discussion to have folks look at what you've got

[wheat egret]

i prepared the race and the class and the backstory is not full fleshed out and not ready and idk its just a lot of work i dont understand

[wheat egret]

:(

[cobalt frigate]

What are you having trouble with?

[wheat egret]

ok

[cobalt frigate]

You don't need to fully flesh out the backstory if you don't have a DM yet because your character may not fit in their campaign setting.

[wheat egret]

im having trouble with choosing the backstory and basically unsure about how i filled my character sheet as well as my stats and how i do them and a lot of other stuff i dont think i understand

[wheat egret]

thats my biggest issue bc i dont have a dm 😭

and im kinda scared to join a game without not being sure i have the basic knowledge

[true shard]

lots of games are ok with newbies so dont worry about that as long as you put in the effort you should be fine man

[wheat egret]

what i mean by this is that uhmm im trying to get my friend group to get to play dnd but they cant speak english and are very uneducated and on the verge of giving up on learning

and for my language there arent ANY campaigns, servers, or people out there

[cobalt frigate]

Create a character to practice.

[wheat egret]

its sad to see and i dont want to learn how to be a dm cuz honestly learning to play is already too much work for me T-T

[wheat egret]

???

i dont know if my character sheet or my character is ready

[native iris]

how do i make a character sheet?

[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 explanations, 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.

[harsh fjord]

The rules tell you how: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/step-by-step-characters

[cobalt frigate]

Fillable Character Sheet PDFs
https://dnd.wizards.com/resources/character-sheets

[native iris]

thx

[sudden mesa]

What can I add to my equipment for level 1 characters?

I'm creating fighter on dndbeyond

[cobalt frigate]

Select the starting equipment

[true shard]

what it says in the starting equipment section

[harsh fjord]

It's specified in the class details, under Equipment: https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/fighter#ClassFeatures

[slow hawk]

The description for fighter tells you: in DndBeyond its a menu in the process of creating a fighter

[sudden mesa]

Thank you

Amount of text is overwhelming, missed that

[sour parrot]

yo

[stone iris]

Hello

[velvet jetty]

Hi

[harsh fjord]

Welcome to the server, new folks!

[sour parrot]

ah thanks

[jovial hedge]

Hello! 👋

[light lotus]

Hello!

[jovial hedge]

Nice to meet you! I’m a semi-new player to DnD! I have NEVER dabbled in much of the game other than a few campaigns that just kinda died off and were forgotten

I’m hoping to find a good campaign here ^^

[harsh fjord]

Welcome. You should check out the channel's pinned messages if you haven't already!

[jovial hedge]

Okii!

[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 explanations, 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.

[vernal berry]

Question about creating your own adventure/campaign as a DM. How do I make sure the difficulty is appropriate for the players? Like if the encounters consists of 5 average zombies and 5 ghouls and 1 lvl 10 necromancer - how do you calculate the recommended average party level?

[cobalt frigate]

This is a question better for #dm-discussion

[vernal berry]

Okey will adventure over there. Thank you

[harsh fjord]

You'd consult the Building Encounters part of the Dungeon Master's Guide. Barring that, just swipe encounters from adventures of an appropriate level. There's also encounter calculators out there like Kobold+ Fight Club to assist in this area.

[vernal berry]

Thank you - been so busy reading up on the basic rules I forgot DM guide existed.

[rocky grove]

Question.
Can you link dnd beyond and roll 20 or will i have to rebuy books i got on beyond to use stuff from them on roll 20?

[harsh fjord]

There is a third-party extension that lets you do that. Google Beyond20.

[rocky grove]

ty

[rain nebula]

hello

[rocky grove]

hello water

[minor valve]

Hello

[true musk]

Welcome

[velvet jetty]

hi

[minor valve]

Thank you, i just got into d&d via the interduction from one of my friends

[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 explanations, 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.

[true musk]

Nice. Welcome to this fun hobby.
The resources in the bot post have a lot for you to get started.

[minor valve]

Thank you

[magic rivet]

takes a peek 👀

Hello

Uhm, i am new in dnd, and i was wondering if… someone could help me understand more about how it works

[fleet field]

@magic rivet have a look at the resources here

[magic rivet]

I alreeady read it : p

A fried sent it to me

[fleet field]

You looked at the basic rules?

[magic rivet]

Mhm, and i downloaded an app called

D&D beyond to help me create a character

I confess i got a bit overwhelmed when it came to statistics

[fleet field]

In what way?

[slow hawk]

Did you read the basic rules first? They explain the ability scores

[magic rivet]

Uhm, that is not important at the moment

What i do not understand is… the dnd world in general, it is difficult to explain. For example: when i look at the wiki i see that almost every event happened in the past, does it mean that its purpose is add narrative depth and lore to the world, or the campaigns can take place at various points of the timeline?

[fleet field]

You probably don’t have to worry about all that lore for now

[frigid mirage]

Wiki lore is not something you should be worried about as a new player

[magic rivet]

Ah

[fleet field]

When you join a campaign the dm will tell you the lore you need to know

[frigid mirage]

I have literally never had a DM require me to have any prior knowledge of a setting outside of what they personally provided

[slow hawk]

As a new player learning the mechanical of how to play is vastly more useful than lore from a wiki page

[main fulcrum]

I've been playing D&D for like 7 years and I still mostly rely on random bits of lore I remember from Baldur's Gate 1 and 2

[magic rivet]

I looked into it because i wanted to create my first character, but i wanted it not to have… inaccurnces with the lore, which requires me to have at least a basic knowledge of religion, forma mentis, societal structures and the various institutions

[slow hawk]

Stick to reading the basic rules and watching the guides in the pinned posts

[hybrid jungle]

Well this is interesting and helpful btw hello @magic rivet !

[magic rivet]

Yet I hardly understand geography lol

[frigid mirage]

My friend who wanted to DM asked me about some sort of water deep lore, something about walking statues or something and I just went “I have zero idea what you are talking about”

[slow hawk]

Your DM’s world will be DM specific, learning lore from a wiki isnt helpful

[magic rivet]

There are so many… planes of existence and worlds

[main fulcrum]

I know the walking statues exist. That's about the extent of my knowledge 😅

Don't worry about other planes

[magic rivet]

Speaking of worlds, is there a… plane / world i should stick to as a beginner?

[frigid mirage]

7 years of DnD and I can maybe name 5 planes…maybe

[main fulcrum]

The Material Plane.

[magic rivet]

Ok

[main fulcrum]

Really, you don't need to worry about anything else. Or even most of the places there

[magic rivet]

My only dnd like experience this far has been bg3 kek

So i know a lot more about the astral plane than the material one

[fleet field]

The majority of campaigns using the offical dnd lore take place in the material plane

[slow hawk]

This is really not the place to start, keep locations names and motived fairly generic as your DM picks and runs the setting

I’ll urge you again to spend your time learning the rules and leaving lore aside. It just doesnt matter at this point

[frigid mirage]

Honestly bg3 is a good starting point! If you understand the basic gameplay mechanics of that, it’ll transfer fsirly nearly, and I would reccomend reading the basic rules, as it’s not 1:1

[slow hawk]

Being able to recite all the official gods wont matter if you aren’t able to make a skill check when asked by your DM

BG3 knowledge often needs to be unlearned since the games are not the same

[frigid mirage]

I have found that my players have become far more tactical in combat after playing it, which is a fun bonus

[magic rivet]

I mean…

I understand how the actual game works, i understand the mechanics that have been explained to me

But since i am concerner with roleplay more than the metaplay in a 5 to 1 ratio… i fond it frustrating that i do not know what i am doing

[fleet field]

Wdym by the “metaplay”?

[magic rivet]

Uhm

[main fulcrum]

The problem with trying to learn all the lore before finding a game is that which lore matters very much depends on the game

[fleet field]

Also, most dms won’t follow the official lore too closely

[slow hawk]

Earlier you said the statistics were confusing, which is why you were advised to check the basic rules

[magic rivet]

Idk how to explain it in english, as you can see my English is very lackluster

[main fulcrum]

If you want to focus on something, I'd say get yourself a basic understanding of the Forgotten Realms since that's a common setting. But it's far from the only one

[magic rivet]

Hehe good point. I was referring to how i struggle to keep in mind all the bonuses and maluses of the race, the items, the conditions etcetera

At least in the tabletop version

Which is the only game i have witnessed irl

[fleet field]

Generally you won’t have to remember all that. You can look it up when needed

[magic rivet]

When i watched my friend play i could hardly keep in mind which dices were supposed to be used

[magic rivet]

I will do that, thank you

[magic rivet]

Oh, maybe my friend is strange then

They were continuously calculating stats that i did not even know existed

Like a threahold of the enemy below which it took no damage at all and the damage absorption of the remaining damage multiplied by its elemental weakness

[magic rivet]

@slow hawk this is why i said it overwhelmed me, my monke brain is still in damage - defence = result hahaha

[slate phoenix]

are you talking about armor class?

im pretty sure armor class just works that if you roll something on your d20 lower than your target’s armor class number, you miss

while if you roll something of that number or higher you hit and deal an amount of damage

[main fulcrum]

Sounds like they might have been talking about a damage threshold actually. Which is pretty rare in 5e

[slow hawk]

As are elemental resistances

[main fulcrum]

And not something the average player needs to worry about

[fresh quest]

Peace and blessings be upon you and your loved ones. I hope this place is more welcoming. I got banned from another server for asking questions because "feigning ignorance is common".

I'll put this out there. I am special needs.

[true musk]

Welcome.
There are resources out there for players for disabilities, just ask and I can point you to some resources I've collected.

[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 explanations, 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.

[true musk]

This channel is for asking the basics, so feel free to ask questions.

The bot post above has resources to get started.

[fresh quest]

Thank you. I will likely be overwhelmed and ask questions over things I've read anyway, but I will take a look.

[true musk]

Then I recommend checking out the Hanbooker helper series.
The videos do a good job of going over the basics.

[fresh quest]

Honestly I'm totally down for learning on the go if someone will take me.

[true musk]

While you can choose to learn on the fly, taking the time to learn the game will often yield better results.
For context, to prepare a dnd session takes time. In setting some time to learn the basics, you're being more courteous to the work they are putting in.

[fresh quest]

Oh OK

I don't want to be rude

[true musk]

Though there are some resources to help new players get started.

Here is a visual guide to combat for new players. https://www.dmsguild.com/product/214803/Players-Quick-Combat-Guide

[desert topaz]

Hello everyone!

[true musk]

👋 🙂 Hello

[unreal skiff]

Hi there

[desert topaz]

Im new, always wanted to try DnD, but I have no friends that play and I don’t know how to play either xd

[true musk]

If you learn better through practice, I recommend starting with one shots.
Particulary through dnd adventures league.

[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 explanations, 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.

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.

[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 "Handbooker Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube.

Both are linked above.
After you read the rules and/or watch the tutorial videos, feel free to ask questions here.

[fresh quest]

Where do I find that

[desert topaz]

Thanks, imma gonna watch them all

[true musk]

The bot post above shows the different channels that cover Adventurers Leagues.
You can also find events listed in https://discord.com/channels/516367331358801950/1050208806006702081

[unreal skiff]

Thanks!

[true musk]

You can find the AL Players Guide here: #al-news-updates message

[rose jackal]

Guys I just started DMing and I think I made my players too overpowered, should I give the dragon a domain expansion to solve this issue

[cobalt frigate]

Domain expansion?

Let's move this over to #dm-discussion

[rose jackal]

A jujutsu kaisen technique like an ultimate move, more of a joke of a suggestion tho so don’t worry

[cobalt frigate]

If you don't have a question as a new player please don't post "jokes" here.

[rose jackal]

Nah I did make the PC’s too OP tho on a real note 😭

[cobalt frigate]

#character-discussion

[rose jackal]

Described the issue on DM discussion, any advice is appreciated

[devout trellis]

Hello!!

[torn yoke]

Hi

[devout trellis]

Hellooo

[true geyser]

hello

[young gulch]

I'm so excited to start my first round as a DM.
I read about a one shot and I'll play this one.
I hope I can manage well. I'm a bit "scared" about the classes my friends play. I have to read about combat as this one might be the biggest issue. They want to play stuff like artificer etc which I don't know anything about.

I have to be super prepared bur in also psyched

[fresh fable]

What lvl are they? And #dm-discussion for all your DM hints and tips

[young gulch]

Thanks I'll go there.
We will start at lv 1 to get the hang of it and steadily get better both as DM and players

[umbral bough]

so theres another ranger in my party and im trying to ask them what they are doing for their lvl up to 2nd.

was told "i dont have any spells or anything"

I could be wrong but isnt it automatic for all rangers to be able to learn spells?

[crude musk]

Correct, rangers get spellcasting at level 2

[formal lynx]

Rangers have 0 spells at level 1

[umbral bough]

i just stated we lvled up

[umbral bough]

Ty thats what i thought....

[formal lynx]

I was going to elaborate but Davyd got there before me.

[umbral bough]

ah

[solid fog]

Hi just a quick question, been here for a while but seemed to have missed some changes. I planning to setup a new campaign and I want to make a thread in the Looking for players channel, I can't seem to figure out how tho. Can anyone help me with how I can make a thread on looking for players?

[fresh fable]

#find-a-game has the details but you type /looking in any channel and you’ll see the pop up

[exotic remnant]

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.

[covert wedge]

My DM told me to add origin and background tabs to my character on DnD beyond.

How do I do that 😭

[smoky adder]

Those aren't things I've ever heard of. 😅

Usually a character's background is displayed under the existing Description tab.

That tab (and the Notes tab) are only visible to that player and the DM.

There's no way to add or remove it, or any other tab.

[onyx yoke]

When on DnD beyond under the description part of the character creation there is a tab called notes. That allows you to add backstory, allies, organizations and personal items to your character. It's at the very bottom of the list

[covert wedge]

Oh. That makes sense

[smoky adder]

That would show up under the Race section in the character editor.

[onyx yoke]

Yea

[hazy carbon]

Ooh.

[onyx yoke]

that wouldn't be under description

[smoky adder]

If your DM doesn't currently see the Description and Notes sections, then either:

• Your character hasn't been added to their campaign (so it doesn't know they're your DM), or
• They're viewing it from the public sharing link. They should open your character from the campaign page instead.

[covert wedge]

I think I'll just clarify with the DM, hopefully they're up. Timezones really are a killer.

Thank you

[harsh fjord]

Usually a good strategy!

[onyx yoke]

👍

[covert wedge]

I try adding to the campaign. I hadn't done that yet. I thought U needed to complete the character first. Woops.

Thanks for your help everyone

[frank imp]

hey!

im new to d and d and i wanna start a new campain with some new people

[smoky adder]

Welcome! #find-a-game can point you toward the available groups.

[frank imp]

thanks man

[echo idol]

Serious question - Does Surprise Attack for Bugbear's feature proc twice if Dread Ambusher is used and its on the same target?

[frank imp]

whats proficenices help

[harsh fjord]

That's less a newcomer question and more for #dnd-rules, @echo idol.

[harsh fjord]

In terms of skills? They all have different situational uses. Have you read about what each one does?

[frank imp]

no?

theseare my characters stats rn

strength :15
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 8
Dexterity: 15
charisma : 13
Constitution: 14

[harsh fjord]

Skills are described here: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/using-ability-scores#Skills

Ultimately, it depends on what you want your character to be better at. They can't be good at everything, though.

[frank imp]

ok

[smoky adder]

?tag new proficiency

[exotic remnant]

Proficiencies

Your proficiencies define many of the things your character can do particularly well, from using certain weapons to telling a convincing lie.

The table that appears in your class description shows your proficiency bonus, which is +2 for a 1st-level character. Proficiency with weapons, skills, tools, and saving throws let you add your proficiency bonus to applicable rolls, making you more likely to succeed. Spellcasters add their proficiency bonus to their spell attack modifier and spell save DC as well.

Your character also needs to be proficient with armor and shields to wear and use them effectively. There are drawbacks to wearing armor or carrying a shield if you lack the required proficiency.

[frank imp]

so is this good?

strength :15 (athletics)
Intelligence: 10 (investigation)
Wisdom: 8 (survival)
Dexterity: 15
charisma : 13 (persuasion)
Constitution: 14

[harsh fjord]

What kind of character are you going for?

[crude musk]

Have you read the step-by-step character creation rules?

[frank imp]

a fighter

[smoky adder]

If you're using point buy, I'd recommend aiming for even-numbered ability scores.

[frank imp]

hm?

[smoky adder]

Are you using point buy?

[frank imp]

whats that?

[harsh fjord]

How did you get your stats?

[smoky adder]

I'll take that as a no. 😅

[frank imp]

what do you mean i created a back story and character and i thought what this character would be good and bad at

[harsh fjord]

Right, but how did you get those numbers?

[smoky adder]

On closer look, it seems like standard array.

[frank imp]

some one on character discusion told me i can use them

[smoky adder]

So forget I said anything.

What you've got looks fine.

[frank imp]

ok good so whats points buy?

[smoky adder]

?tag new abilities

[harsh fjord]

Point-buy is another method for generating stats.

[exotic remnant]

Abilities

Six abilities provide a quick description of every creature's physical and mental characteristics: Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.

For each ability, your character has an ability score, a number from 1 to 20. There are three ways to determine ability scores, and your DM will let you know which to use. (If you don’t have a DM yet, choose Standard Array or Point Buy.)

• Roll the Dice. Roll 4d6 and record the total of the highest three. Do this six times, and then assign each total to a different ability.
• Standard Array. Assign each of the following numbers to a different ability: 15, 14, 13, 12, 10, 8.
• Point Buy. Choose your own ability scores by spending points.

After assigning your ability scores (and adding any bonuses from your race), determine your ability modifiers, a number from -5 to +5, using the Ability Scores and Modifiers table.

[frank imp]

ok

[smoky adder]

The third bullet point there.

[frank imp]

so my stats are fine? can i show my whole character to see if its passable?

[harsh fjord]

I think the recommendation is to share a character sheet for feedback in #character-discussion.

[frank imp]

ok

[smoky adder]

My one recommendation would be to swap your STR and DEX scores.

Which might seem silly since they both show 15 there...

But your race is adding a +1 to one of those.

So swapping the underlying 14 and 15 would get you a better final result (a 14 and 16 instead of two 15s).

[main oyster]

Disengage is a little confusing
Like, do I take Disengage action and wait there for next turn or can I move in the same turn as Disengage ?

[smoky adder]

Disengaging is useless if you don't move. 😅

[main oyster]

Yup thought so thanks

[smoky adder]

It's used when you want to get out of a dangerous position safely.

[main oyster]

But doesn't that mean everyone can avoid opportunity attacks

[smoky adder]

Usually when you move away from an enemy, you'd risk an opportunity attack.

[cobalt frigate]

Disengage allows you to flee from melee range of enemies surrounding you without provoking opportunity attacks.

[timid locust]

Yes - if they want to use their one and only action disengaging

[smoky adder]

But you can spend your action on defense (instead of attacking or casting a spell or whatever) instead.

[harsh fjord]

Disengaging typically costs an action, so you'd get away but don't do anything else as far as spellcasting or attacking.

[smoky adder]

So yes, everyone can do it, but it comes at a cost.

[main oyster]

Hmm can I take attack action and then move in the same turn ?

[smoky adder]

Yes

[timid locust]

Yup!

[smoky adder]

You can always move and take an action on your turn.

[harsh fjord]

You could, but that'd provoke an attack of opportunity if you move out of the threatened creature's melee range.

[timid locust]

You can move before, after, (and sometimes during) your actions

[main oyster]

Okay got it
You give up on attacking in return for not being attacked

[harsh fjord]

Bingo!

[main oyster]

Thank you everyone

[tepid badger]

yooo can you rate my lvl 1 character https://www.dndbeyond.com/sheet-pdfs/erictheperson_117500610.pdf

[crude musk]

#character-discussion is the better place to share characters

[magic rivet]

Should i use xp or milestone to level up?

[true shard]

that will be decided by your dm when you find one

[magic rivet]

It is not explained in the precious manual everyone keeps posting

Ok @true shard

[harsh fjord]

XP and milestone are described in the Dungeon Master's Guide.

[lament fern]

Milestone

[crude musk]

@lament fern It's not their choice to make as player, it'll be whatever their DM decides

[lament fern]

I though they where the DM

[magic rivet]

I was confused because dnd beyond has the player select one of the two in the character creation

[lament fern]

It's a DM decision, you only need to put there what the dm wants.

[crude musk]

Yes, because you have to set your character sheet to choose whichever option the DM has chosen

[smoky adder]

If you don't have a DM yet, I'd just leave that whole first page at the default selections.

[magic rivet]

Ok

[slow hawk]

For a practice character, it doesnt matter anyways. You can adjust to your DM’s rules later

[dull charm]

good morning yall

[smoky adder]

Welcome!

[dull charm]

thank you

new to dnd so i hope i learn a lot

and maybe even find a game to join

[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 explanations, 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.

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.

[dull charm]

thanks i will check that out

i tried to play when i was a teen but my mom found out and kicked me out of her house

[magic rivet]

In my experience dragonliar or forumfree are more useful than this server to learn how to play, but the way discord works makes it far quicker to have simple questions answered here

[dull charm]

so im finaly in a place were i can find again

[dull charm]

thanks for the info

[magic rivet]

Assuming the don’t post the basic rules that i know basically by heart once again hahaha

[magic rivet]

You are welcome pal

[dull charm]

i know the basics just might have a lot of questions here or there

[harsh fjord]

Do feel free to link to other useful newbie resources, explaining what they are!

[dull charm]

im making a character as we speak

just for fun

[magic rivet]

Cool. What race and class?

: D

[dull charm]

dragonborn fighter

thing i should start basic

[magic rivet]

Stonk!

[dull charm]

mega stonks

[magic rivet]

Quite literally since dragonborns have a +2 at strength

[dull charm]

i just got done making it on dnd beond

i think im happy with the results

this is fun lmao

[junior egret]

Hi, im new to dnd snd this server so its nice to meet all of you. I already made my character which is dragonborn fighter (apparently I'm not the only on who made a dragonborn fighter lol). Well, anyway I hope we can get along and maybe play together soon.

[dull charm]

hell yeah another dragon kin

[foggy saffron]

all dragonborn fighter party????

[junior egret]

Lol

[dull charm]

just relize my character dose not have a weapon

oh well fists it is

[foggy saffron]

dndbeyond should give you options for starting equipment

fighters absolutely get some starting weapons

[dull charm]

i have a light crossbow

that should work

[junior egret]

I got a light crossbow, a greatsword and a rapier.

I got other equipment as well but just enough for my character.

[foggy saffron]

for reference, the base choices for fighter starting equipment are
(a) chain mail or (b) leather, longbow, and 20 arrows
(a) a martial weapon and a shield or (b) two martial weapons
(a) a light crossbow and 20 bolts or (b) two handaxes
(a) a dungeoneer's pack or (b) an explorer's pack

[junior egret]

😳

[dull charm]

ah i see what i did wrong

i forgot to choose a weapon so i just went back and did it again

we all good now

[foggy saffron]

what weapons we rocking for these fighters

[dull charm]

i just have a short sword and sheild

shield*

[foggy saffron]

ooh, going for a bit of a swashbuckler style? that's fun

[dull charm]

yeah my character is a retired army soldier so that is all he has

now hes just a father and husband working on a farm

his weapons are more like souvenirs

[foggy saffron]

neat!

[golden spoke]

Hello! I got a question. So, I, with a little group of friends, want to start to play dnd. The issue is that no one has played before, and I'm not sure that starting to make a campaign as a first time dm is the best option, is there any good campaign, maybe short and for around 3 characters, that I can use to start playing? Or is it better to make one myself?

[foggy saffron]

there are a small handful of modules written that go from levels 1-5, so not terribly long

[dull charm]

i was hoping to find a group for myself

i wana try one of those small modules

[foggy saffron]

let's see if i can remember the command correctly

[exotic remnant]

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.

[foggy saffron]

yep! if you want to find a group via this discord server, there's the infor

otherwise, there's plent yof other avenues. you can ask any friends you have if they wanna play, you can look up clubs if you're a student, you can check local listings at libraries and gamestores

there's plenty of ways, it's all about getting out there and looking

[tame osprey]

I don’t even know where to begin. Played a few DnD style games via discord before that never finished, and craving to try it again. This seemed like the right place to try. One was Naruto themed, one was a regular 3.5 campaign (regular as far as I know), one where you played as a god (I forget if that was strictly DnD or not), and done a few games where you represent a faction in a civilization and work with other players to guide it’s course.

[cobalt frigate]

Have you read the free Basic Rules yet?

[tame osprey]

Not yet no. Sorry.

[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 explanations, 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 "Handbooker Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube.

Both are linked above.
After you read the rules and/or watch the tutorial videos, feel free to ask questions here.

[tame osprey]

Ok sounds good. Thank you 🙏

[harsh fjord]

Some good adventures to check out: The Delian Tomb, Peril in Pinebrook, The Silvyr Tower, The Green Blight, or any of Winghorn Press's stuff.

The Basic Rules and the Quickstart Guide to GMing cover what you need to know (and then some). To play, though, you don't need to commit it all to memory; you can learn as you go.

[golden spoke]

Thank you so much!

[dull charm]

bad pun

hi

[fringe cove]

Hey! I got a question looking at the enemies character sheets and see something along the lines of 'Hit: 12 (3d6+2) nectoric damage' does it mean they take 12 damage + the 3d6 roll as nectoric or something else?

[cobalt frigate]

The 12 is the average of 3d6+2

So instead of rolling 3d6+2 you can just say it does 12 points of necrotic damage. This is useful in combats with a lot of enemies to shave off time instead of rolling and calculating.

[fringe cove]

oh right makes much more sense then thanks

[rapid crane]

Hey I’m making a new character and are there any classes or races i should avoid for now as someone who hasn’t played before

I’m struggling with choosing

[ornate kiln]

Druids and Wizards tend to be a bit more complicated for newcomers

[harsh fjord]

Any spellcaster class is trickier because of the various rules for spells. It's definitely learnable, but it's just a steeper curve to deal with.

[dull charm]

Hear me out... a party of 5 wild magic sorcerers

[warped hare]

I GUESS

[umbral bough]

google isnt helping. are DDB messages only on browser? cant find a way to view them on app?

[true musk]

Dnd beyond does have an app.

[harsh fjord]

I think you may get a fuller answer over in #ddb-support.

[rapid crane]

Aaah okay

I was thinking of playing a funky bard

[harsh fjord]

The tricky bit about bard I've found is you get a limited selection of spells. Some folks like this because they find that casters who get access to their full spell lists are intimidating. With bards, though, I see it being easy to fret over choices when you don't know the spell list well.

[rapid crane]

Aaah okay

[harsh fjord]

They are fun, though, and this isn't to discourage you. Just to give you a heads-up!

[rapid crane]

Yes of course no worries

What is the best source to learn about the spells

[harsh fjord]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells

You can filter them by class, level, and more.

[rapid crane]

Ooh okay

[harsh fjord]

They won't all be visible if you don't own the content, but you can at least familiarize yourself a little. Any group you join can also help you make choices, though don't feel compelled to just do what anyone tells you.

[smoky adder]

You can select Advanced Filters > Source > Basic Rules if you want to see just the free ones.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/spells?filter-source=1

[rapid crane]

DnD as a beginner seems so scary and confusing 😭

[harsh fjord]

Nobody learns it all at once, so try to relax!

[smoky adder]

And you'll pick it up a lot easier once you're actually playing, too.

You definitely don't need to have the whole thing memorized.

[rapid crane]

Okay, thank you for the reassuring words

[smoky adder]

And you don't have to have all the answers; you just need to know where to find them.

So focus first on just learning what rules are where, so you can reference them as needed.

[fresh fable]

Making a PC is the bit that can be complicated but there’s plenty of help out their

[smoky adder]

At a bare minimum, I’d recommend learning these common terms, what to do on your turn, and how your character’s own abilities work.

[rapid crane]

Also wanted to ask that should I do a lot of research into the race’s lore of the one I’m gonna choose

And how should I make the deduction

[smoky adder]

Until you have a DM, I wouldn't worry about lore.

[rapid crane]

Decision

[smoky adder]

Because any lore you look at now may or may not even apply to your specific game.

[rapid crane]

I have a DM for the upcoming campaign

[harsh fjord]

If you find reading lore fun, go for it, but don't let that paint you into a corner character-wise.

[fresh fable]

Pick a race that fits the PC you want to play

[smoky adder]

Your DM will generally provide the details of whatever world they're using, so you might ask them, "Hey, what races are common in our game world?" or "What can you tell me about dwarves?"

[rapid crane]

ooh okay!

Thank you so much for the information, it helped out a lot!

And glad that I found the server

[quiet charm]

Quick question about tieflings,
with level 3 I can cast hellish repuke once per long rest and the enemy has to pass a dex saving throw but with what dc?

[polar sigil]

your regular spell save dc. so 8+charisma mod+proficiency bonus

[quiet charm]

ah ok, now i found it in the book too
should've read the whole box

thanks

[lyric geyser]

Hello

[deft ice]

Howdy

[tropic burrow]

Howdiddle fiddle

[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 explanations, 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 sand]

What would a new DND player need? What dice do I buy? Do I need a book? Etc...

[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 "Handbooker Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube.

Both are linked above.
After you read the rules and/or watch the tutorial videos, feel free to ask questions here.

[slate phoenix]

Does jack of all trades on bard affect perception checks?

i know it effects initiative im pretty sure but it isnt specified

also is there a difference between an “active perception check” and a “perception check”?

[glass summit]

Yeah it affects your Perception checks, and based off that (what I think you may have realised already) it will also bump your Passive Perception

As for active vs passive Perception, that is something you shouldnt need to worry about too much. Passive Perception is a tool the DM can use in very specific situations where it wouldn't make sense to have you roll a Perception Check, such as when travelling for a long period of time or when a hidden enemy is nearby.

[slate phoenix]

also what’s perception vs. investigation like how are they different as well

[cobalt frigate]

Perception is based on your senses (sight, hearing, smell) -- you discover a trap door hidden under a rug.
Investigation is deduction -- you deduce that one of the books on the book shelf when pulled down unlocks and opens the trap door.

[cobalt frigate]

You can play as many as you have time for.

[frigid mirage]

I’ve had as many as 4 a week at one point, it’s just about time management

Some groups shared people, but all different DMs

A DM in one group was a player in another and what not

[glass summit]

I'm in 3 fortnightly campaigns, and one weekly campaign
It's very doable so long as you don't want to date anyone with an equally busy schedule

[cobalt frigate]

It's the opposite. D&D nerds would be jealous you can play more than once a week.

[frigid mirage]

Yeah most people can barely schedule one game, anything above that is impressive

[harsh fjord]

One weekly, two biweekly, running two biweekly (will be down to one soon). Also in a play-by-post game. That's probably too much, but it's my main method for socializing these days.

[ripe pumice]

Hi, what is the range of perception checks for traps?

[cobalt frigate]

Ask your DM.

[slate phoenix]

i would do more than 1 game but its my first game of dnd ever and i dont want to ruin the experience and get overwhelmed by characters and stories

when i get more experienced tho i may start dual-wielding games

[lavish bear]

I'm just wondering, I'm new to dnd and I've been using dnd beyond but I noticed there's some paywalls when I want to create a character or certain classes or even some items. is it better to just research and do things on paper or just save money to buy the books online?

[candid zenith]

Where can i join dnd games online

[cobalt frigate]

The digital books aren't free. To access their content you have to either: 1) buy the digital books, 2) buy the individual playable races/sub-classes, or 3) have the digital content shared in a campaign (usually from a DM).

Alternatively, if you already own the physical books, you can manually add them in the Homebrew section but you can't publically share this with others.

[cobalt frigate]

Check #find-a-game

[candid zenith]

Thx

[jade nova]

Depends, some people love owning the books, and other are happy saving money

[lavish bear]

is there any difference textwise between the digital or physical

[cobalt frigate]

D&D Beyond gets the errata very quickly

[lyric fjord]

i never thought i could be overwhelmed with info until now i don't even know what to do (. _.)

[true musk]

What are you having trouble with?

[lyric fjord]

first of all, the rules, what's up with that can't even breathe withour beign redtricted, second, my character card, i have her on digital (on on the paper form, text form) and needless tp sya i have not a dime of thought on how the calculations work nor any idea on how the paper itself works, how the hp or lvl scaling works

everything is so complex oh lord...

[jade nova]

Have you made your character yet?

because some classes are definitely easier than others, but the calculations usually are just making sure you roll the correct dice at the correct time, and then simple addition

[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 explanations, 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.

[fresh fable]

☝️ basic rules and video guides to aid you on your journey neighbour

[jade kindle]

I'm just jumping into D&D after playing MTG for a few years now, and man I'm having a blast creating a character

[gray ocean]

What is Unearthed Arcana, exactly? Is it the same as oneD&D?

[fleet field]

Unearthed arcana is playtest material

Onednd is the name that’s been given to the 2024 core rule book revision, which is being playtested atm through unearthed arcana

[floral shard]

Does proficiency in a skill mean I add +1 to a roll? I don't really understand what this means because I'm a complete noob 😅

"Each background gives a character proficiency in two skills. Skills are described in the Using Ability Scores section."

[solemn light]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/using-ability-scores#ProficiencyBonus
Your proficiency bonus is flat number that scales as you level up.
So at level 1 it is +2 to any roll you are proficient in.
So if you picked Acrobatics as a skill you are proficient in, you would roll 1d20 + Dexterity modifier + proficiency bonus, such as with a level 1 PC with 16 (+3) Dexterity: 1d20+ 3 + 2

If you are not proficient in the skill, you do not add that 'prof bonus'.

[floral shard]

Thank you!!

[unreal skiff]

I haven't played since 2E. I have a human fighter idea and I would like to fluff out his background. Is this something I can do by using general lore or do I need to consult my future DM. I asked on the character discussion as well.

[solemn light]

Potentially both, but depends on the game you end up joining naturally. Like lore designed for one setting might not suit a homebrew world or other official setting.
Generally your safe to try and make the basic bare bones background of a PC, but always best to chat with the DM and group to tailor that PC to the game you join

[gray ocean]

so unearthed arcana is the name given to any playtesting stuff? even outside of onednd?

[fleet field]

yes

[crude musk]

"One D&D" is a since dropped term for three things, one of which is the playtest for the 2024 revised rules

[gray ocean]

do those revised rules have their own special name or are they just... revised rules?

[crude musk]

That's more a question for #1026901431132885064

[sonic holly]

I have a Question: If I threw My Weapon at an enemy going to attack a party member, would it disrupt the attack if it rolled high enough, or is that even possible?

[true musk]

Not usually as combat in dnd is turn-based.

[true shard]

theoretically you cant do that cause that would be on another creatures turn and thus you could not act

[sonic holly]

What if I preemptively prepared that as a counter?

[true musk]

That would be a readied action, which you definitely do.