dnd-newcomers

[echo kelp]

You could prepare an action but this would be something you would need to check with the DM if it is possible and makes sense within the gameplay context.

[true musk]

The other scenario in which you would be able to attack outside of your turn is through an opportunity attack.

This would require an enemy to already be within your melee range. Then in their turn, move away from your attack range.

[fresh fable]

There are 2 fighting styles that give you a reaction to help another player when attacked interception and protection

[low scarab]

Hello, everyone. 👋

[solemn umbra]

hi there!

[tulip beacon]

What exactly is AL?

[solemn umbra]

In what context?

[harsh fjord]

?al

[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]

My guess is the context is Adventurers League, explained above.

[orchid falcon]

Im running a dragonborn paladin with a points buy.

Should I run
Str 15 (17 after racial)
Dex 8
Con 15
Int 8
Wis 8
Cha 15 (to 16)

Or replace Con 14 for Wis 10

[ornate kiln]

Con 14 is enough. You don’t benefit from the extra point

[solemn umbra]

isn't wisdom used for paladin spell casting?

[timid locust]

Nope! Charisma is.

[solemn umbra]

oooo lots of things making sense about paladins

[cobalt frigate]

A lot of things use Wis though like saving throws and ability skill checks (Perception).

[novel jackal]

How do I play dnd?

[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.

[smoky adder]

There's some handy links there to get you started, but did you have any specific questions?

[gray pagoda]

Hello. My character is a level 1 human fighter with ZERO DnD experience, and I'm looking for a Dungeon Master that's okay with making my first campaign...a modern zombie outbreak scenario.

[smoky adder]

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

A lot of games are open to newcomers even if they're not explicitly advertised as such.

So if you see one you're interested it, it never hurts to ask.

[slim flare]

How do i import my character from my dnd beyond app 😵‍💫 I miss my boy Ligolil

[echo kelp]

Like import it into Avrae? (Discord bot to help play D&D)

[slim flare]

Yiss

[echo kelp]

Get the URL to that character sheet from the website (not app) then use Avrae's !import command and that URL

For further Avrae questions, please use #ddb-avrae-help

[frank silo]

sorry i'm new to dnd so i have never played it but how does homebrew work? i mean what can you change, and how much can/should you change? just for curiosity

[echo kelp]

Homebrew is anything that folks create that's not published by D&D - it can cover pretty much anything/everything

[frank silo]

oh thank you, i tought it was more strict

[echo kelp]

If you're new to D&D it's probably best to avoid homebrew and focus on the core game/rules first

[cobalt frigate]

Homebrew can be adding/changing rules, races, classes, magic items, campaign settings, and/or spells. I don't recommend new players/DMs to dive into homebrewing because they don't have the experience to know what's balanced.

[frank silo]

yea i figured it out, don't want to complicate my life more

[cobalt frigate]

As a player you would typically need the DM's permission.

[frank silo]

like if your character is a race that doesn't exist or something like that?

[plucky ridge]

Yes but they have introduced a custom race option that let's you create your own within the game

[slim flare]

!import https://www.dndbeyond.com/characters/82118594

Like that?

[timid locust]

Yeah. You'll need to check with your DM to see if they allow any homebrew content in their games. Some might not allow any at all, while others might be much more lenient.

[slim flare]

@echo kelp

[echo kelp]

Yes but please don't run Avare commands here - use #ddb-avrae-commands for that

[slim flare]

Okay!!

Sorry

[echo kelp]

Character sheet does need to be set to publicly viewable as well

[echo kelp]

No worries - we just want to keep channels on topic and this channel's topic is Not Avrae. 😉

[whole nimbus]

I just leveled up to 10th level. I have 9 levels in paladin and want to put 1 into Sorcerer. My charisma modifier is + 3. How does this impact my spell casting? I believe I gain 2 first level prepared spells and 4 cantrips, but only 1 extra spell slot. Or, is it two new spell slots because the sorcerer has 2 spell slots at first level.

[hard orbit]

Hello
I'm new to dnd
And I have no clue where to start from or what to do

[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.

[hard orbit]

👍

[cobalt frigate]

Read the Multiclassing Spellcasting section of the Basic Rules
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/customization-options#Spellcasting

[charred tendon]

What with the library in dnd beyond

[echo kelp]

What about it? DnDBeyond is an official D&D digital toolset owned by D&D and they sell digital versions of the D&D books as well as other tools and services (like a character sheet tool)

[simple goblet]

Can you explain what you mean by library? I'm not sure I understand

[charred tendon]

Like what is the library for cuz it says i could buy something

[echo kelp]

You can buy digital versions of the books for use for your D&D games

[charred tendon]

Is it for when i want to be a dm?

[cobalt frigate]

As a DM there are rule books and adventures you could use.

As a new player to the hobby, don't worry about buying any books right now. Just read the free Basic Rules.

Basic Rules PDF
https://media.wizards.com/2018/dnd/downloads/DnD_BasicRules_2018.pdf

Basic Rules on D&D Beyond
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules

[charred tendon]

Ok

[echo kelp]

Many books also unlock options you can use in the character sheet tool but yes you could use the books to DM.

[strange steeple]

Hello

How do i 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.

[echo kelp]

Start with the above resources - feel free to ask specific questions here or in an appropriate channel (see id:browse to see all the many channels we have for specific D&D topics)

[lyric fjord]

yoo

never played dnd before

how strict are character rules?

[timid locust]

Welcome! That depends from table to table. Some play out by the book, others are more loosey-goosey. Check out the links above for the free official rule book

[lyric fjord]

arright thanks

[cobalt frigate]

As a new player I would recommend you play by the rules as presented in the free Basic Rules (above) you get to know the gameplay mechanics.

[lyric fjord]

currently making an Arach-Knight character in dnd (cus big fan)
would a character with DID work in dnd?

[cobalt frigate]

What's an arach-knight?

[lyric fjord]

Spider-Man but Moon Knight.
Arach(nid)-(moon)Knight
there was a wacky event where certain marvel characters got merged and it produced one of the coolest characters ever imo

so his deal is that he is spiderman, but with 4 identities
The Knight
The Spider
Mr. Parker
Science Pete

[cobalt frigate]

Perhaps look into a superhero RPG instead?

[lyric fjord]

oh no that would be too boring so ive pretty much alr tried medievalizing him.
grappling hooks, literal knight with a spiderlogo painted on there, etc

[cobalt frigate]

There's the gameplay mechanics of the classes. The personality and backstroy is flavour so you can write whatever you want with the DM's approval.

Anyway, read the free Basic Rules to understand the game.

[lyric fjord]

will do!

playing the tutorial rn. where did the +5 come from?

im at the part where i rolled a dice

and i was wondering about that +5 cus it wasnt mentioned before

[cobalt frigate]

Which hero did you choose?

[lyric fjord]

paladin

and then i stepped between two guys with an axe

[lofty cobalt]

Barbarian?

[cobalt frigate]

You get a +3 modifier bonus from your Strength and another +2 from your Proficiency Bonus.

[lofty cobalt]

Oh wait sorry I read that wrong

[lyric fjord]

if the action relates to one of the proficiencies does it give a + then?

one + per related proficiency or +2 if it fits any of em

[cobalt frigate]

I highly recommend you check out Critical Role's "Handbooker Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube as it explains the gameplay mechanics better than that demo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD-LWHhiseE&list=PL1tiwbzkOjQyr6-gqJ8r29j_rJkR49uDN&index=1

[lyric fjord]

alr!

[lyric fjord]

That's my problem, idk wtf everything is, if you said to me "roll dextertity" i would just go point blank "what?"

i don't even know how to get extra points from stats, like o rolled my stats, i have my powers and weapons and stuff but idk how to get the stat bonuses 😭

[cobalt frigate]

Did you read the free Basic Rules?

[timid locust]

You'll want to give the basic rules another read-over then. There's also plenty of videos that can help explain the topics in more detail!

[lyric fjord]

I did? (very much question mark) but i think according to what i read, it goes right onto homebrew characters bc im more fond of knowing what i can do since im the and, just to have a smoother gameplay so i just, don't die first turn

[lyric fjord]

I tried but the rules channel is more to ask if what you did or what are the limitations are so idk where to find those

[fresh fable]

Why are you homebrewing if you don’t understand the mechanics?

[lyric fjord]

bc i forgot that i had to learn the mechanics before making characters, listen i got a lil too excited into tryong new things 😭

[fresh fable]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules read these

[cobalt frigate]

The Rules channel isn't to help new players out but to help on specific rules. This channel is to help new players.

[cobalt frigate]

I highly recommend you check out Critical Role's "Handbooker Helper" video tutorial series on Youtube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hD-LWHhiseE&list=PL1tiwbzkOjQyr6-gqJ8r29j_rJkR49uDN&index=1

[native mantle]

if any need help with characters/ campaign building im always down to help ya out

[slow hawk]

I don’t think you’re reading the basic rules if whatever you’re reading is referring to homebrew

Thats the opposite of what the Basic Rules are for

[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.

[slow hawk]

Please look at the materials linked above

[fresh fable]

We already showed them

[jade nova]

iff you have specific ideas, you can ask your dm (or the server) about how you can make your ideas worth within the rules

[stoic lava]

Hello everyone can someone tell me what dnd book thathas the wolfborn race in?

[fresh fable]

Not a dnd book

[timid locust]

That's not an official race, so it's probably made up by someone else

[fallen surge]

Are you perhaps referring to "shifter"?

Shifter can be found in monsters of the multiverse, and its meant to represent a werewolf-like race

[candid zenith]

How would i fill in the stats on my character sheet, like strength, dexterity etc

[timid locust]

?tag new abilities

[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.

[timid locust]

Check out that middle section there!

You can also follow the step by step guide in the basic rules. Here's a link:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/step-by-step-characters#3DetermineAbilityScores

[candid zenith]

Thx

Time to finally (after 6 months) use the die my family friends got me lessgo

[devout belfry]

I just got into dnd today

Looks fine

[candid zenith]

Im making my character right now

[devout belfry]

I made already

I will be having a campain with my friends next week. We are gonna hold the campain at my friends house.

[candid zenith]

Im going to be a dragonborn sorcerer from the shadowfell, at least thats what im planning on doing

[devout belfry]

I am realy excited, so I think I am checking out online ones.

[lyric fjord]

i don't on what class my character is lmao 😭

[devout belfry]

I am also a dragon orn sorcerer

what a coincidence

[fallen surge]

do you have a certain playstyle you want to use?

[candid zenith]

Lessgoo brothers in spirit

My friends always go for tiefling, elf or dwarf

I saw dragonborn and said hell yeah I wanna be a dragon

[devout belfry]

I am trying to base my character on an anime character called Gojo from jujustu kaisen but off tracked so hard

[candid zenith]

I based my characters name off of norse mythology, Fafnir

[harsh fjord]

Bound to happen! Anime and D&D are not going to match no matter how much you try. They have different assumptions.

[fallen surge]

Gojo's power set does not translate well into D&D. You'll have a very hard time doing that

[devout belfry]

2 of my friends are going tiefling

[lyric fjord]

since i didn't knew homebrew was a thing but discovered 1 minute before making my character i went a lil too wild, but if we take out the crazy stuff i added she is leaning towards what is known as witch/spellcaster (???), but she is also very much trained hand on hand, like she does know how to throw hands

[devout belfry]

I know that is why I changed my plan mid creation.

[candid zenith]

Does the name Fafnir sound good for a dragonborn?

[devout belfry]

Yeah

Very fitting

[lyric fjord]

And cleric too? Since she can heal at higher levels, but that's up to the DM and balancing, stuff

[harsh fjord]

I constantly use character names from elsewhere.

[devout belfry]

I named mine Aaron BoneHead💀

[candid zenith]

💀💀💀

[lyric fjord]

Main reason why i accidentaly hombrewed hard

[fallen surge]

Sounds like you'll want to play a Warlock. They work great for witch type characters, and you can get the Pact of the Blade pact boon to increase your melee combat ability as well

[lyric fjord]

The homebrew part can be controlled by the DM, right? 😗

[harsh fjord]

The DM says what homebrew is/isn't permitted.

[lyric fjord]

That's a relief

[candid zenith]

The reason i chose fafnir to be from the shadowfell is because I love the idea of shadow dragons, and I wanted to be a shadow dragonborn, I contacted the dm about it and he fully supports it

[lyric fjord]

In average, whats is HP of a Warlock?? (. -.)

[harsh fjord]

They have a d8, which is average.

[candid zenith]

We even gave them buffs and debuffs beforehand, like Sunlight Sensitivity and Natural stealth proficiency

[lyric fjord]

on, numbers? (., _,.)

[true shard]

at level 1 you use the maximum so 8 and after that the average of a roll of a d8 would be 4,5

and also add you con mod of course

[harsh fjord]

Most classes use a d8—not as high as fighters, rangers, paladins, and barbarians, but not as low as wizards and sorcerers.

[lyric fjord]

so i can't use 10 hp at lvl 1?

[harsh fjord]

If you had a +2 to CON, that's what you'd have.

[timid locust]

That depends on what your Constitution modifier is.

[devout belfry]

I based my character around charisma and strength, I am aiming to be the evil one in the campain so I need to have my mind control abilities check

[timid locust]

Warlocks start with 8 health, and if you had a +2 to your Constitution modifier, you'd begin the game with 10 health

[lyric fjord]

16 is +3 right?

[true shard]

correct

[lyric fjord]

Then i have +3 con

[harsh fjord]

Do make sure you clear that with the table. Some folks have strong reactions to those sorts of abilities.

[true shard]

the way its calculated is (your score -10) divided by 2

[timid locust]

Then you'll begin with 11 health

[true shard]

so 16-10=6 divide by 2 =3

round down

[candid zenith]

What would the proficiency bonus be for the stealth skill for the natural stealth trait?

[fallen surge]

then at level 1, your warlock would have 11 HP

[lyric fjord]

Question if i have a uneven number like 17 it rounds up to +3 too?

[harsh fjord]

Yep.

[devout belfry]

I will be in physical campain with friends I have known for years. Nothing would happen. They would actually have a laugh about it. Plus we are about 7. 2 out of 7 knows how to play. I do not consider myself able to play yet.

[fallen surge]

yes. You want to try to get all stats to an even number if you can, because that means no points will be wasted

[candid zenith]

For charisma i just got 6, 6, 5 for my 4d6 rolls lessgooo

[lyric fjord]

I find it funny how her charisma is +3 but her inspiration is - 1

[harsh fjord]

It doesn't factor in proficiency. It just means you can attempt to hide behind a creature one size larger.

[fresh fable]

Inspiration is given by the Dm

[lyric fjord]

wait rlly

[harsh fjord]

Yeah, it's not a stat.

[fallen surge]

inspiration is not a stat or skill

[candid zenith]

Thx

[lyric fjord]

oh

[fallen surge]

its a expendable resource

[fresh fable]

Are you making this warlock on dndbeyond?

[lyric fjord]

Im just making her with that lil papersheet that everyone usually uses

bc i wanna play it safe

[fresh fable]

Then why did you write -1 in there?

[lyric fjord]

bc i thought it was a stat 😭

[fallen surge]

how did you get -1 if you thought it was a stat?

[true shard]

its located nowhere near the normal stats though

[fallen surge]

like, what did you think was the calculation for it?

[lyric fjord]

Something in my brain worked in a way that said "mayvbe thats also a stat" idk 😭

[soft sierra]

Inspiration is something your DM gives which can be used for a variety of things depending on what your DM allows. One example I like is using inspiration to reroll a fail.

[cobalt frigate]

I recommend you go back and reread the Basic Rules.

[true shard]

ah well its fine inspiration isnt a stat and you shouldnt fill it in unless your dm says so

[fallen surge]

we've been over that already

[devout belfry]

Guys when I go evil, can the dungen master keep making events against me?

[timid locust]

Several people are typing.

[lyric fjord]

The same as the other stats 😭

[harsh fjord]

Sure, the DM can do whatever they want; whether they should is another matter entirely.

[true shard]

the dm can do anything i guess but what youre saying sounds pretty combattive

[cobalt frigate]

Did the DM allow you to play an evil character? They would bring this up in the session 0.

[candid zenith]

For my abilities should i put my roll (6,6,5) into constitution, intelligence or wisdom (im running a sorcerer

[true shard]

charisma

[true musk]

Evil characters are not recommended for new people as it tends to require quite a bit of trust.

[devout belfry]

Good idea I will ask him.

[true shard]

as a sorcerer you draw your magic from your charisma stat

[candid zenith]

I got the same exact roll and put it into charisma already

[true shard]

oh con then

[devout belfry]

I mean he already accepted my character so I assume he allows chaotic evil

[cobalt frigate]

A lot of DMs don't allow evil characters because 1) D&D is a collaborative group game and 2) evil characters tend to be selfish and work against the group (if played poorly/stereotypically).

[true shard]

con helps with health and also with keeping concentration on your spells

[fallen surge]

1. D&D is not a game of DM vs Player. They control the world, but you are trying to tell a story together
2. D&D is a game about working together with a party to achieve a goal. If you are evil and your party is good, that will make it very hard for you all to work together, which is not fun for anyone involved

[harsh fjord]

If you didn't explicitly state, "He's chaotic evil," then no, your DM did not accept the character.

[candid zenith]

Thx

[timid locust]

Miles, I just wanna make extra sure: did your DM confirm that you were clear to pre-roll stats for your character?

[candid zenith]

Lemme double check

[true shard]

i think whats meant is that if your dm saw your rolls and was ok with it

[timid locust]

Certainly not to call your integrity into question or anything, but many DMs want to see you roll your stats to make sure you're not cheating and saying you got super high rolls. Many other DMs don't even allow rolled stats at all.

[candid zenith]

I sent them a picture of each one so far and they just said “guess you got lucky so far

So it seems like they allow it but what would be the safest option

[true shard]

seems cool then ¯_(ツ)_/¯

[true musk]

Sometimes it's not even about trust, it's about making things easier to balance.
It's why some DMs and some community camapaigns require standard array or point buy.

[fallen surge]

Point buy or standard array is always the the safest option

[cobalt frigate]

I only play with (ex)coworkers and friends. I make everyone use Point Buy not because I don't trust them but rather I want an even playing field for everyone.

[candid zenith]

Im playing with friends ive known for almost half my life so i trust em

[harsh fjord]

That's my rationale too.

[candid zenith]

Ye my dm sent me a message with a pun (its an awful pun)

He said just use the d6

[fallen surge]

Point buy and standard array certainly do create a much more even playing field for every character in the game, since it standardizes the process. Randomness can lead to some characters being op and some being very weak

[candid zenith]

He said and I quote “just roll with it”

Thx for helping me guys

Now time to face the biggest villain of all…… scheduling conflicts

And also what are the numbers for skills? do I just write in the bonuses for the race I chose?

[fallen surge]

I don't understand your question

[harsh fjord]

Relevant stat bonus+proficiency bonus if you're proficient in them, if I understand you right.

[candid zenith]

Like I see acrobatics, animal handling, arcana etc

Do i just leave those blank?

[true shard]

well first you figure out your proficiencies and after that you can fill those in

[fallen surge]

Each skill is associated with 1 ability score. You write in your bonus for that ability score. If you are proficient in that skill, you also add your proficiency bonus

?tag new skills

[exotic remnant]

Skills

A skill represents a specific aspect of an ability score. Proficiency in a skill lets you add your proficiency bonus to ability checks that involve that skill, making you more likely to succeed.

• Strength. Athletics
• Dexterity. Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Stealth
• Constitution. (none)
• Intelligence. Arcana, History, Investigation, Nature, Religion
• Wisdom. Animal Handling, Insight, Medicine, Perception, Survival
• Charisma. Deception, Intimidation, Performance, Persuasion

Write your ability modifier next to each skill for that ability. If you’re proficient with that skill, add your proficiency bonus as well.

[candid zenith]

Ok maybe deception and persuasion

Because in sorcerer class features, it says i can choose two skills for proficiency

[fallen surge]

by default, you get 2 proficiencies from your class and 2 from your background. Some classes grant more than 2 (such as rogue) and some races also grant proficiencies.

[candid zenith]

And i write +2 on the ones i choose?

[fallen surge]

Take the modifier from the ability score associated with that skill, and add your proficiency bonus (+2) to that.

then write the total on your character sheet

For example, if you have +4 charisma, and you are proficient in deception, then you would write +6 next to deception on your character sheet

because when you roll a deception check in game, you roll a d20 and add 6

And remember, your proficiency bonus goes up as you level up, so you'll have to adjust these numbers when that happens

[hard orbit]

Question
What does the dice number mean and what does it do

[fallen surge]

?tag new dice

[exotic remnant]

Dice

Players roll dice to resolve whether their attacks hit or miss or whether their adventurers can scale a cliff, roll away from the strike of a magical lightning bolt, or pull off some other dangerous task. Anything is possible, but the dice make some outcomes more probable than others.

The different dice are referred to by the letter d followed by the number of sides: d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, and d20. For instance, a d6 is a six-sided die (the typical cube that many games use).

When you need to roll dice, the rules tell you how many dice to roll of a certain type, as well as what modifiers to add. For example, 3d8 + 5 means you roll three eight-sided dice, add them together, and add 5 to the total. (An expression like 18 (3d8 + 5) simply means that 18 is the average of rolling 3d8 + 5.)

[fallen surge]

The bot post above should answer your question, but if you want anything further explained or put in simpler terms, let us know

[hard orbit]

Yah that helped a lot
I have another question if I may

[fallen surge]

of course

that's what this channel is for

[hard orbit]

How do I level up

[cobalt frigate]

It depends if your DM uses XP or Milestone method.

[fallen surge]

?tag new levelup

[exotic remnant]

Gaining a Level

Typically, a character starts at 1st level and advances in level by adventuring. Gaining a level improves your attributes, can unlock new class features or new spells, and generally increases your might as an adventurer.

There are two common ways to determine when you gain a level, and your DM will let you know which is used in your campaign.

• Experience Points. In these campaigns, experience points (XP) fuel level advancement and are most often the reward for completing combat encounters. When your total XP reaches certain thresholds, you gain a level.
• Milestone. These campaigns let the story drive advancement, awarding levels when adventurers accomplish significant goals in the campaign. Many official adventures use this method.

A character can grow to a maximum of 20th level. Your DM might have you begin at a higher level, or might end the campaign at a lower one. Some games continue past 20th level with the use Epic Boons.

[harsh fjord]

Nice, I didn't realize the bot had a command for that.

[hard orbit]

Yah that explains why I had the option to get level 20

Can connect my dnd account to this server?

[cobalt frigate]

D&D Beyond?

[fallen surge]

In what way? What are you referring to?

[hard orbit]

Idk it's hard to put in words
Like what ever I do in dnd beyond to show here

[echo kelp]

You can grab the URL of your character sheet and paste it here to share it with others for feedback?

[lyric fjord]

is it problematic to use virtual dices???

[hard orbit]

Idk that's what I want to figure out

[fallen surge]

No, but you'll probably at least want to make sure its through a platform where your DM can see what you roll

Like Roll20 or D&D Beyond

[topaz garnet]

This server, probably not.

However, when playing with a DNDBeyond campaign, and if your group uses a discord server, the DM can link the campaign listing and a channel, so any rolls in the game log show up in that discord channel too.

[lyric fjord]

k so how does d&d beyond work

[topaz garnet]

It's a digital toolset for DND

You can just search "color spray" and it finds that for you instead of having to remember which book and which page, for example

[fallen surge]

You can't connect your account to discord, because this is just a discussion platform. We don't actually play the game in this server. But if you want people to review your created character, there is a "share" button that you can click to give you a URL that other people can click to see your sheet

[hard orbit]

Oh well it was worth asking for

[echo kelp]

Do you want to share your charcter? Make sure the character sheet is set to be publicly viewable (under sheet settings), then grab the URL to your sheet and paste it into Discord - Discord will then embed it so folks can view it.

That's what many folks do in #character-discussion

If you mean to be able to play with your character, your DM and group will determine the best of managing that. Whether through a DnDBeyond campaign with theshared game log (shows the dice rolls) or through Avrae (also shows shared dice rolls), or some other means.

[fallen surge]

If your DM creates a "campaign" on D&D Beyond, and the players link their character sheets to it, then any dice rolls done on those linked character sheets will show up in the campaign log

[gray pagoda]

I can't wait to start playing DnD on the Beyond app. Don't worry, I'll find someone in the #looking-for-players channel.

[candid zenith]

So if i rolled a 17 for charisma, 18 bc of the dragonborn stuff do i write 20 for persuasion?

Bc if so thats a little too broken and i might just use standard array

[fallen surge]

No, we are referring to the modifiers not the stats themselves

[candid zenith]

Ah so it would be 3

Gotcha gotcha

[fallen surge]

18 is +4

Use this table to find your modifier for each stat total:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/step-by-step-characters#AbilityScoresandModifiers

[candid zenith]

Thanks

The spy background variant sounds really cool

But i dont think would make sense for a sorcerer

[fallen surge]

Any background can work for any character. Don’t feel like you have to be beholden to stereotypes

[candid zenith]

Also it seems like the dragon clan names are unpronounceable in the 5e players handbook

[lyric fjord]

im on the point im adding my custom background, reading it back its fckng cringe oml 😭, im so proud of it bu my lord is it not a child's dream

[timid locust]

DnD is all about getting to live the life you can't in reality! That's why the genre is called fantasy, after all

[candid zenith]

Like there’s no way I can pronounce Linxakasendalor

[timid locust]

Make up your own, then! You probably don't even need a last name. Or work with your DM to make it fit their world

[echo kelp]

I wouldn't worry about it. Most games don't dive into "You must pronounce this weird town's name the official D&D way or else."

D&D is about having fun playing a collaborative storytelling RPG game with your friends.

[candid zenith]

Your right

[echo kelp]

If pronouncing weird fantasy names isn't fun for your group, don't worry. Just focus on having fun.

[timid locust]

I can think of a certain character from a very popular live play game that was renamed to Barry Bluejeans, to great effect.

[candid zenith]

Maybe ill just call his clan name the Dragons of the shadowfell because thats where he was born

Would a background be considered a current profession or just someones past

[echo kelp]

It's more of a past history (but could have current profession as well) and perhaps reasons why the character became an adventurer.

[candid zenith]

Are there any backgrounds for someone who is power hungry. Or would that just be the criminal

[echo kelp]

There is a Noble background

But pretty much any background could be "power hungry" really

[candid zenith]

Just read it, I think thats the one for me, just gotta make it work and think of a backstory and a reason for adventuring

[echo kelp]

Also note that it may be best to not get too detailed in backstory or backgrounds until you have a group and game to play with - you can then work with your group to tailor the background and backstory to fit your specific D&D game.

[candid zenith]

Yeah i was going to make a rough draft on a seperate sheet of paper

[echo kelp]

Good idea

[topaz garnet]

For example, 'served in the army in a war, a city was razed, they saw the horrors of what they did and fled and now want to make amends to the world' works
whereas naming a specific army, a specific war, a specific city, might just not work in any setting the DM brings out

[candid zenith]

Ye I can understand how that could be troubling , thx for giving me an example as well

[lyric fjord]

i hate the fact that i do not have any representations of her, other than sims 4

i wish i could draw but guess i wasn't born with that

[harsh fjord]

Have you tried the options on Hero Forge?

[craggy lily]

Guh

😔

[candid zenith]

My friends an artist and they are luckily making one for me

[lyric fjord]

those handbooker helper videos really helped me out haha. now i know DM's arent making up stats as the game goes along

[candid zenith]

Now time to make a reason for adventuring

[lyric fjord]

wait where's that

Also question what is the canon language for Faeries and Demons

[cobalt frigate]

Sylvan and Abyssal, respectively.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/personality-and-background#Languages

[bleak spindle]

hey does anyone wana help me make some changes to my character sheet im struggling to figure out some things about it. (a voice call would be better) dm me or @ me if interested ^^

[smoky adder]

You’re welcome to ask any questions you’ve got here.

[craggy lily]

uhhh, how can i search for dungeon master TvT

[smoky adder]

#find-a-game can point you in the right direction.

[craggy lily]

thank you

[bleak spindle]

just a bit confused on how my spells work on my ranger and would like to be taught how they work is all

[smoky adder]

What about them do you find confusing?

[bleak spindle]

im not exactly sure on how the 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th thing works

[smoky adder]

You mean spell level? Or…?

[bleak spindle]

i do not know it dont specify

[smoky adder]

Oh, are you referring to the ranger table?

(Sorry, link should be fixed now.)

[bleak spindle]

no no its the spells i have lerant i have 9/9 but im conused how they work based on 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th?

[smoky adder]

Where are you seeing “1st 2nd 3rd and 4th”?

[bleak spindle]

on my charachter sheet in spells

[slate phoenix]

spells have spell levels

[smoky adder]

It’s probably referring to spell level, then.

Each spell has a base level from 1-9.

The higher the level, the more powerful the spell.

[bleak spindle]

but there is only 4 levels...

[smoky adder]

To cast one, you need to spend a spell slot of an equal or higher level.

[slate phoenix]

search up (insert class) spell list and youll find the spells 1-9 you can choose from

[smoky adder]

Well, Ranger spells will only go up to 5th-level.

[cobalt frigate]

What level is your character?

[slate phoenix]

theyre talking about the character sheet

[bleak spindle]

16

[cobalt frigate]

Have you started playing D&D yet? If not, why is your character level 16?

[smoky adder]

Per the ranger table linked above, a 16th-level ranger would have up to 4th-level spells available.

[slate phoenix]

so im assuming the problem youre having is the spell list on the character sheet is lvls 1-9 while the character youre playing only has spells up to 4th level?

[bleak spindle]

no me and my friends are making a quick campagin and then another at level 1

[smoky adder]

They unlock 5th-level spells at 17.

[cobalt frigate]

Perhaps start at level 1 so you can learn the ropes first?

[bleak spindle]

i would but they are all gona guide me through it just for fun and then we are gona take it a bit serious

[cobalt frigate]

Playing a high level PC can be overwhelming because the amount of choices of class features and spells. This is why we recommend new players to start at level 1 and avoid multiclassing.

It's apparent because you're having difficulty understanding spell levels.

[bleak spindle]

yea i understand that. i may make another character at level 1 learn a bit about how dnd 5e works and then me and my friends will play

[cobalt frigate]

¯_(ツ)_/¯

[bleak spindle]

its just not explained well

[cobalt frigate]

Anyway look at the ranger class table spamandtuna had linked. You will see which spell levels rangers get at which class level.

[bleak spindle]

or im missing something

[slate phoenix]

youre probably not looking at the class table

class tables are something everyone needs

its really helpful

it tells you the features you get at what level, what cantrips you get at what level, how many spell slots you get, what level of spell slots, and how many spells you know in the first place

[bleak spindle]

yes yes i understand (mostly) the basics of dnd but things like this kinda go over my head (its why im so confused how the spell slots work and spell level)

[cobalt frigate]

I recommend you read the spellcasting section of the free Basic Rules.

Here's Handbooker Helper's tutorial video episode on spellcasting

[smoky adder]

Spell slots are dollars.

To cast a spell, you have to spend enough dollars.

[lyric fjord]

Question can reskin a spear as Naginata???

[slate phoenix]

ask your dm

[cobalt frigate]

Flavour is free but yes ask your DM.

[slate phoenix]

theres a bunch of different analogies of spell slots

such as the one spam said, or thinking of it like bullets from a gun

[sinful terrace]

Hello

[slate phoenix]

you have a limited amount of bullets in your clip

and some are better bullets than others

[lyric fjord]

Hi Ive always been interested in dnd but never had a group or anyone to play with and I don’t really know much but if truly love to get into and was just wondering if there were any groups or anything I could try to get into it since im the only person I know that is interested in playing

[bleak spindle]

i see 4 spell slots at level 1spells so this means i can equip and use those 4 spells whenever with and action if its needed?

[slate phoenix]

yes, but only for one use

[deft sigil]

Important to note that there are different kinds of magic casters in D&D. Full Casters who eventually have access to spells from Level 1-9 and include: bard,cleric,druid,sorcerer and wizard. 1/2 casters can eventually learn spells from level 1-5 and include classes like Artificers, Paladins and Rangers. and 1/3rd casters who learn spells from level 1-4 and include subclasses like Arcane Trickster Rogue and Eldritch Knight Fighter.

[slate phoenix]

theres a difference between “known spells” and “spell slots”

[deft sigil]

you can cast one levelled spell per turn in combat and have 4 spell slots for level 1 spells that you can use in a day

[smoky adder]

Every time you want to cast one of your 1st-level spells — any of them — you have to spend a 1st-level spell slot.

It’s the price you pay to cast a spell.

[slate phoenix]

you can also spend a higher level spell slot to cast a spell of equal value or lower

[smoky adder]

If you run out of spell slots, you can’t cast spells any more.

You can pay extra, and use a 2nd-level slot to cast a 1st-level spell.

You might get extra damage or some other benefit for doing so, depending on the spell.

[slate phoenix]

normally its in the spell’s description right under what it actually does

[smoky adder]

But you can never pay less. A 1st-level spell slot can’t be used for a 2nd-level spell.

[bleak spindle]

ok i think im starting to get it

[slate phoenix]

its different to casting spells in a videogame where it just goes on cooldown

[smoky adder]

So you can use your four 1st-level spell slots to cast four different 1st-level spells.

Or you can cast the same spell four times.

But after four, that’s it.

(Unless you spend a higher-level slot.)

[slate phoenix]

also the only way you can regain your spell slots is through a long rest

[bleak spindle]

so i use a spell and then it fills a slot for its level but i can not use that same spell again until a long rest?

[smoky adder]

You can cast any spell you have as long as you’ve got a spell slot to do so.

[bleak spindle]

ahhh icccc

[slate phoenix]

also do you know what a long rest is?

just checkin

[bleak spindle]

so i can cast a spell like hunters mark 2 times and then use longstrider and it will take 3/4 slots (both are level 1 spells)

[slate phoenix]

correct

then you can either cast one of those 2 spells again or another spell

[bleak spindle]

ahh ic. IM LEARNING. ITS FUN :D

[slate phoenix]

long rests are also essential to a spellcaster

[sinful terrace]

Most benefit from it

[slate phoenix]

where you put no effort into doing anything such as sleeping for 7 hours im pretty sure

[sinful terrace]

Only Warlocks I believe regain spells from a short rest

[bleak spindle]

ic ic

[sinful terrace]

8 hours...I think actually

[slate phoenix]

spells are a tough thing to get used to because its differnt from normal

[deft sigil]

long rest is at least 8hrs long and you can do only light activity for no more than 2 hours during that 8

[slate phoenix]

but when you find a group your dm can help you

[bleak spindle]

ahh oki

This is actualy really fun

[slate phoenix]

just wait until you actually start playing the game

[sinful terrace]

^

[bleak spindle]

oh i cant waitttt

[sinful terrace]

I've played one session only,

[slate phoenix]

also keep in mind that your character’s backstory can be basically ANYTHING

[bleak spindle]

yes i still need to make a backstory. i have an idea of what im going for so im not to worried

[slate phoenix]

its an expression of yourself that you control every bit and bob of

[cobalt frigate]

(Within the purview of the DM's campaign setting and approval)

[slate phoenix]

yea for basically anything involving not the rules you would have to ask your dm hosting the game

[bleak spindle]

yea yea ic

Rn im a tiefling and his backstory is that of he lost basically everyone who he knew and then was a big victim of racial assault and he fled to the underdark and would only leave it to hunt (he is a hunter/ranger)

quite dramatic bit its gona change alot

[slate phoenix]

normally your backstory should also include WHY you adventure

[bleak spindle]

IM STILL WORKING ON IT

[slate phoenix]

aight gotcha

[bleak spindle]

im struggling with creative writing

[cobalt frigate]

You don't need to write a novel for your backstory.

Keep it simple.

[slate phoenix]

yea

my first character i created was a paragraph long backstory

[smoky adder]

I like a good Swiss cheese backstory.

[bleak spindle]

yea ik just even the simple things i strugle with

[slate phoenix]

and that still got the job done

[smoky adder]

Enough to give it shape and flavor, but full of holes.

Because then the DM can use those holes to tie the character into the story.

[bleak spindle]

ahhh iccc

[slate phoenix]

my backstory went along the lines of “(character) was living happily with his family, but a goblin tribe attacked and he got separated from them. Today, he traverses the world desperately searching to reunite with his family again.”

[bleak spindle]

ahhhh ic. nice and simple

[slate phoenix]

you have a good start too where the dm can fill in who was racially assaulting you

it should leave a lot of creativity

[bleak spindle]

WHY IS JUST THE THOUGHT PUTING A SMILE ON MY FACE

[sinful terrace]

I had a cleric and his was, "His parents had been killed when he was the age of 5, (a blank for why he wasn't killed to leave some mystery and for whatever needs to be added in) and ever since then he roamed until he found a temple who taught him the life of a cleric and learning the magic of healing and then traveled the land's so that none would have to see what he did

[bleak spindle]

So cool :0

[slate phoenix]

the most important part of your backstory is why they adventure

[sinful terrace]

Yep

[slate phoenix]

it could be anything from “i just do it for the thrill” to “i need to get revenge on the people who killed my family!”

[bleak spindle]

ic i will work on that

[sinful terrace]

Just remember John Wick came out of retirement to kill people who killed his dog and stole his car xD

[bleak spindle]

one of my traits is "i like the thrill of the hunt"

[candid zenith]

My characters a Dragonborn sorcerer from the shadowfell and im working on his backstory right mow

[slate phoenix]

for example, your backstory could be one of those “getting revenge” ones

it doesnt have to be spectacular, it just has to get a point cross while still being creative

[bleak spindle]

ic ic

[candid zenith]

Ive been thinking like mine could be something cool because my character is a power hungry character maybe his reason for adventuring is trying to find magical artifacts that help him with his magic

[slate phoenix]

it could also be taking over the throne of the bbeg of your dm’s story

if the guy has some sort of power over the realm

[bleak spindle]

idk the dms story yet so thats tbd

[slate phoenix]

i was talking to miles

[bleak spindle]

oh

[candid zenith]

Depending on the dms story that could definitely work

[slate phoenix]

he could barely tolerate your group and just come along because he cant do it by himself

and another one of the most important parts of the game is roleplaying

[candid zenith]

Thats genius

[slate phoenix]

in short, there is a huge divide between you, the person and you, the character

[candid zenith]

Also is necrotic damage good?

[smoky adder]

Depends on who’s taking the damage.

None of the damage types do anything special on their own, but some monsters may be particularly resilient to or weak against certain types.

And other game rules may trigger when you deal or take damage of a given type.

[bleak spindle]

like how some races are resistant to other things?

[smoky adder]

Yep!

[sinful terrace]

Like an undead is vulnerable to Radiant damage

[smoky adder]

Resistance means you halve the damage.

Immunity means you take no damage at all.

[bleak spindle]

ahhhhh

[smoky adder]

And vulnerability means you take double.

[timid smelt]

Where would people find games on here exactly sorry if this is random just a lil lost😅

[smoky adder]

#find-a-game can point you in the right direction.

[candid zenith]

Thanks for clearing that up

Because my character uses a necrotic breath weapon (it sounds ridiculous im going to workshop the name)

[sinful terrace]

Yeh imma need to scroll through that at some point sadly probably will have to look a bit only have Tuesday and Thursday off

[candid zenith]

Yeah spam it sounds dumb but thats the reason I asked

[harsh fjord]

It's just https://www.heroforge.com/. Make a digital mini. Lots of folks use it to represent their characters.

[rustic shell]

hello i’m new and wanting to learn more about dnd. please help

[shadow breach]

hi! I'm pretty new to DND and would like to join a campaign and learn with some fun people 🙂

[swift depot]

Hey there guys!

I'm a newcomer to DnD but I've played before, can any of you guys guide me to any sources where I can learn basics?

[lyric fjord]

I did actually, its not that good, its definetly nowhere near what she looks

But it helps

[swift depot]

Hello! @rustic shell and @shadow breach

[swift depot]

Me and my group like 2 years ago used that the first time I played DnD, it gets the job done imo

There are better tools out there though, I'm sure.

[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 can help you get started.

[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.

[swift depot]

I completely forgot but do we need to buy a DnD copy from steam or something to play online with people?

Or is it only paid for the DLCs or additional content?

[true musk]

To get started you just need the free basic rules above.

[swift depot]

And what does the paid content entail?

Is it basically just like a book with additional rules, spells, mechanics etc? Or is it like a downloadable software?

[true musk]

There are supplemental books, both a physical and online versions (through dndbeyond, roll20, etc) that are either for Game Masters or Players.

Some books offer new subclasses, races, and spells that give you more options.
While others are fully written adventures that DMs can use to run a full campaign.

[swift depot]

Ohhhh, so basically you can play DnD itself for free. But you can pay for more content that can help guide to a better experience and additional features, mechanics, spells, items etc. Right?

[true musk]

In a sense yes.
Though to give context, getting a character from level 1 to 20 takes a long time and you don't need access to all the content all at once.

As an example, a dnd session can range from 2 to 4 hours usually.
If you were level up after each session, it would take 57 hours to to get from level 1 to level 20 if each session average to 3 hours per session.

[swift depot]

So you can start without any paid content, but slowly advance and get content if you want as you level up (when it's needed)?

[true musk]

Yeah, I've been playing for well over 3 years and took the approach of buying the partial contents of full books as I wanted them.

[lilac pond]

i think casting a spell in melee gives you disadvantage, is there any feat that removes that? i vaguelly remember seeeing something but for the life of me cant fidn it

[swift depot]

That's really good to know, I always love it when you aren't forced to buy content as the f2p experience is sub-par. You can take things at your pace

[fleet field]

making any ranged attack while within 5 feet of any enemy will give you disadvantage

[true musk]

The way it works, is performing any kind of ranged attack while an enemy is within 5 feet of you causes disadvantage.
The range is the key part, as you have spells such as shocking grasp, which is a melee range spell so no disadvantage to use that.
Or spells like sacred flame, that require the target to make a saving throw.

[fleet field]

It's more a case of buying the paid content just gives you more options

Like more races, more spells, more feats

You wouldn't normally introduce new content mid campaign

[fleet field]

..huh???

[swift depot]

I was confused lol, the last time I played was like 2-3 years ago and I have ZERO idea how we played and what we did

So I just imagined we have to buy a steam copy like most games nowadays

[fleet field]

DnD isnt a video game

[swift depot]

Oh I know

[fleet field]

there is no "steam copy" of it

[true musk]

What I usually tell people is, if you have a specific build in mind, you have the option to buy an individual race and subclass for about $5 USD.

[swift depot]

I'm talking about the software that's used to keep track of everything (atleast I remember using one for our session)

[glass summit]

That'll depend on what your table agrees to use

[fleet field]

Like, a digital character sheet, or a virtual battlemap?

for digital character sheets, dnd beyond (a website) is your main option

for virtual battlemaps (aka VTTs or virtual tabletops), theres a few options. Main ones are foundry VTT, roll20, and owlbear.rodeo

[swift depot]

It was a character sheet I'm pretty sure

[buoyant adder]

hey

[fleet field]

of those three, foundry and roll20 both also include digital character sheets iirc

[swift depot]

I just automatically assumed that you have to buy a software from steam or something for the charactrer sheet and stuff

[swift depot]

Thanks for clearing that up for me!

[true musk]

There are various different ways, you can go low tech with just a pencil and paper.
Or go digital and use a virtual tabletop.
This will really depend on the group you end up playing with.

[lilac pond]

what if i make a range attack that requires a saving throw and not an attack?

[subtle pewter]

Hi

[fleet field]

then it isnt an attack

an attack is something that needs an attack roll

[true musk]

@buoyant adder @subtle pewter Welcome.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

[lilac pond]

i meant does it give the person im attacking advantage

[swift depot]

Sounds cool, how do custom items work btw?

[subtle pewter]

I learning and researching

Thanks zero

[swift depot]

Can the DMs create custom items, monsters, enemies, etc for their campaign?

[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.

[fleet field]

no, there are no rules about that

[fleet field]

yes, that's called homebrew

[buoyant adder]

well im really new to D&D like this is my first true interaction so i wanted to learn the basics so i came to this server

[swift depot]

Ohhhhh, so I should specifically look for homebrew campaigns for a custom world?

[true musk]

They can, but generally it's not recommended for people who are new to the game because a person needs to have an understanding of the mechanics first or risk having unintended consequences such as changing the game's balance.

[fleet field]

well... that's a different matter

custom worlds are much more standard

they're technically homebrew, but dont expect a campaign to advertise itself as having homebrew just bc it has a custom world

[true musk]

Feel free to start with the free basic rules in the bot post above.
If you're more of a visual learner, I recommend checking out the handbooker helper series.

[swift depot]

Oh, I see.

I'm about to ask a really stupid question, but would a generic medieval fantasy world that isn't exclusively in a dungeon be a "Custom World"?

[true musk]

Never be afraid to ask questions.

[fleet field]

dnd's default world isnt exclusively in a dungeon

[subtle pewter]

Zero what you recommend for attack for warlocks
Warlocks celestial for full mage attack?

[swift depot]

Oh, I see

[fleet field]

the default setting of dnd is the forgotten realms

[swift depot]

And that's just a generic medieval fantasy setting? (Talking about most aspects)

[true musk]

To answer yours.
A custom setting typically involves a setting of the DM's own design.
Currently there are several setting featured in official books, such as Forgotten Realms, Ravenloft, Dragonlance, and many more.

[fleet field]

generally, yes

[swift depot]

The only other time I've played DnD was for a couple of months and I was uanble to continue that campaign due to some IRL issues

So I wanna take that same character design from that campaign and use it in another campaign

So I'm trying to see what sort of campaign (either custom homebrew or vanilla) would be appropriate

[harsh fjord]

Did your character include homebrew material?

[swift depot]

Not the character itself

I don't remember the specific mechanical aspects, I only remember the roleplay and story aspect and that's what I want to go from

[true musk]

For build recommendations I will point you to this hanbooker helper video on warlocks: https://youtu.be/fPIkwvAiwQ8
And also point you to #optimization , as Warlocks are my strong suit.
The people in that channel can help you with a warlock build than I can.

[harsh fjord]

Then the distinction between vanilla and homebrew is probably not useful but whether the character you have in mind would fit the game/setting/tone.

[subtle pewter]

Thanks

[swift depot]

Yes, exactly

[harsh fjord]

You'll probably have better luck finding a game if you're willing to bend on some things to fit the game than find a game that'll fit your concept.

[swift depot]

I basically have a story/lore of a character that I want to put into a world where the theme and settings fits

[swift depot]

Oh yea, for sure I'm flexible with that

[subtle pewter]

I only get half one play online was intro xd the timing was bad xd

[swift depot]

In the essence, my character is a high charisma gladiator who is excellent at combat but very clueless when it comes to any magic or "intellectual" stuff, and he prefers non-magical weaponry

That's the summary, I want to take him and have one of his goals be to win a torunament in every arena in every major city to become "The best gladiator there ever was"

[true musk]

Your best approach is to be open to campaigns, which provide a setting, tone, and playstyle that you would be interested in.
Then building a character that is compatible with that pitched campaign.

[swift depot]

And then I can see which aspects of my character fit in there and then mold the rest into something that fits in the campaign

[harsh fjord]

Generally good to have a character with a goal!

That's part of the engine that makes a game go.

[true musk]

Scheduling can be a challenge, which is why I play in community campaigns, so I only need to worry about my availability.

[swift depot]

Yea! That's what I'm trying to go for

But essentially the main thing I care about is playing DnD, I'm not really stubborn with my character idea

[harsh fjord]

That's a good place to be. Get a good foundation with the rules, search widely, and you should find something that'll fit before too long!

[true musk]

It's great that you have that mind set.

[swift depot]

Thank you!

I'm probably gonna study up on the basic rules and then when I have a good understanding of them, I'll search for some games.

Btw can anyone tell me the command that brings up the sources and guides for DnD beginners?

[harsh fjord]

It's ?new.

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

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

How does it work?

• The Basic Rules are available at no cost and cover everything you need to know to play.
• For bite-sized video 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.

[swift depot]

Thank you

[harsh fjord]

It's also pinned in this channel.

[swift depot]

Man ngl I'm hyped to get back into dnd

[true musk]

Here is also a visual guide, to help you understand combat: https://www.dmsguild.com/product/214803/Players-Quick-Combat-Guide

[swift depot]

Thank you!

Seeing those images is getting me hyped

I genuinely have no idea why I didn't get into DnD before, it literally seems like the exact sort of thing I'd enjoy as being someone so interested in writing and books.

And fantasy in general tbh.

[true musk]

Happy you're excited.
Take your time with learning the mechanics.
Play one shots first to help you build a better understanding, not just of the rules but also what aspects of the game you enjoy.
That way you can make more informed decision of what campaign and groups you are most compatible with.

[harsh fjord]

Eh, there's a bunch of niches out there, so even if one fits you, you can miss plenty of them. It also requires time and a bunch of other people, which aren't always easy to come by. But hopefully you find it a good way to spend your time now that you're here!

[true musk]

Yep, there are a lot of different aspects of dnd that people enjoy.

[swift depot]

What's oneshot in DnD?

[harsh fjord]

A game that begins and ends in one session.

[swift depot]

Bro that sounds awesome for learning DnD

Def gonna do that as a start

[true musk]

Then I recommend checking out Adventurers League.

[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.

[true musk]

Adventurers League is D&D's official community campaign.

Games are done using guidelines everyone agrees to use to ensure a consistent and balanced experience. This gives players the opportunity to take their AL characters from one AL game to another, regardless if it's played online, in person, or run by a different DM.

[swift depot]

So it's like a massive world-wide campaign where every DM is having their own story with the players but set in the same world?

Like if one party overtrhows the governor of a city, that effects all of the campaigns going on?

[true musk]

It's more that DMs run pre-written adventures.
Though there is a way to publish your own, but that goes beyond the scope of #dnd-newcomers

[swift depot]

Ooh, that's interesting too

Btw, the oneshot campaigns can also be found at #find-a-game ?

[true musk]

For AL specific one shots, I would point you https://discord.com/channels/516367331358801950/1050208806006702081

And you can find the AL players guide here:#al-news-updates message

For any other questions regarding AL, free free to ask in #adventurers-league

[swift depot]

And for general oneshots?

[true musk]

#find-a-game will host instructions, that details the channels for finding games.
Such as #750812887697588356 , #looking-for-players , #looking-for-community , and #paid-looking-for-game

Though before you dive into those channels read the instructions in #find-a-game

[swift depot]

Yea, I'll read the basics of DnD first, then read the Find-a-Game instructions and then dive into some games

[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.

[barren sorrel]

would anyone mind explaining how spell slots work to me? ive tried figuring it out before but its really confusing to me

[slow hawk]

Spell slots are the resource used to cast spells.

They come in different levels.

In order to cast a spell you must have and use a spell slot of the spell’s level or higher

So far so good?

[barren sorrel]

mhm

[slow hawk]

If your class has access to spellcasting you gain more and higher spell slots as you gain more levels (broadly speaking)

For example To cast a level 2 spell you need to have level 2 spell slot. You can spend a level 3 or 4 or whatever, but its gotta be 2 or higher. So and so forth

Questions?

[barren sorrel]

that actually makes a lot of sense

[slow hawk]

Refer to the basic rules for more information

Scroll up

[barren sorrel]

mk ty!

[grave sigil]

idk if this is were to find a group, but im looking for a group. im new to dnd and quite literally new to the roll20 and dnd beyond. so i am gonna need help a bunch, or i could use my papers for my character. so yeah, if anyone has an open spot.

[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.

[true musk]

The resources above should help you get started with the basics and how to find a game.

There is also #1050206572535623690

[grave sigil]

ty

[tight marten]

is the looking for dm chat only meant for use by players who already have a group of players? or cna i use it to find a group

[fleet field]

looking for dm is for any player who is looking for a group or dm

[fresh fable]

Do you want to post an ad?

[tight marten]

i guess?

im looking for a game but i dont have a group or anything

[fresh fable]

Ok so read #find-a-game and type /looking in that channel to access the bot if you want to make and ad

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fqCm4tA5Y_WxlqgryUM_iaz3l7B3zZ0m/view good guide to finding games online (credit iamrazorwing)

[sleek lichen]

Hi!

[dreamy drift]

Helloooo :)),
I’ve never played dnd in my life and I would really like to learn, somethings are still unclear to me, so I hope you guys can help me a bit :)) (all my knowledge of dnd if from one yt video hahah)

[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.

[crude musk]

☝️ here's some useful initial resources

[dreamy drift]

Thanks !!

[tight marten]

where do ipost as a singular player looking for a group?

[fleet field]

#750812887697588356

[tight marten]

thank you! i thought that was for players who already havea group looking for a dm

[crude musk]

Player or Players

[fleet field]

It’s for that, or for a single player looking for a dm with the attached group

[tight marten]

posted thank you!

im really excited to play my first campaign

i have my charecter all set up

[dreamy drift]

Hello, the dice rolling is a bit unclear to me, especially in combat, so sometimes the DM chooses how high you have to throw for something to work, and sometimes the opponent has to throw and who has higher wins, and how do you know how much damage for example a throw of 16 does to your opponent ? Or does the DM just decides that? Sorry for all the questions haha

[dreamy drift]

Niceeee

[fleet field]

If you hit, you then roll separately to see what damage you do

In combat, the number you need to roll is generally set

The DM deciding it normally only happens out of combat

[fleet field]

For example, say you’re making an attack against a creature with an AC (armour class) of 16. You have a +6 to hit. You roll a 12. The total is an 18, so you hit. You then roll your weapon’s damage, which let’s say is 1d8, and you have a +4 to damage. You roll a 5, so you deal 9 damage total.

[dreamy drift]

Yea I get that but the only DM I know is my English teacher and he doesn’t know I know that he’s a DM hahaha so idk what to do about that

[fleet field]

Eh, generally it’s good to have an idea how things work before you start playing

It’s much nicer to the dm, who already has put multiple hours into preparation and doesn’t want to have to hold your hand the whole way

Btw @dreamy drift have you read the basic rules?

They explain all this pretty well imo

[dreamy drift]

I’ve watched some yt videos, and I’ve read a bit of the basic rules but I just started like 1 hour ago or something with watching some videos and all that so that’s why not everything is clear to me haha

But thanks to both of you for the help!!

And in basic rules are A LOT of rules so it’s gonna take some time to get through that

And would you guys recommend buying a starter set or the players handbook or both ?

[fresh fable]

Basic rules are free

https://dnd.wizards.com/further-resources free cheat sheets that are good to have next to you

[gray ocean]

just the basic rules are what the PHB mostly is

the PHB will just give you some extra character options and more details which you probably won't want for a while

basic rules and free stuff online will be more than enough for a while unless you just really need more options

[fresh fable]

PHB is 2 extra subclasses/class more backgrounds and feats

[meager sparrow]

Y’all what is point buy

[smoky adder]

It’s an optional rule for generating your abilities scores.

All your scores start at 8, and you spend points to increase them.

There’s a link here:

?tag new abilities

[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.

[smoky adder]

More like 1-7 new subclasses per class. They’re not all even.

[fresh fable]

Good point well put

[smoky adder]

(Sorcerer has the fewest; wizard the most.)

[wicked dagger]

hello, i am new with druids but its hard for me to see where to find my druid form and this CR level confuses me too

[crude musk]

Do you mean Wild Shape when you say 'druid form'? It's based on monster stat blocks, which will also list what CR they are

For example, an Ape is a CR 1/2 Beast

[wicked dagger]

Yes

What is a CR1/2

how do i know which CR i am, this confuses me

and can i turn in to every monster there is? every animal i mean

i see circle of the moon has different wildshapes

[ornate kiln]

Every creature that has a stat block has a CR (Challenge Rating)

[wicked dagger]

and how i know which creature i can turn to with the fitting CR

thanks btw!

[ornate kiln]

This is the unfortunate part. You have to look up which beasts qualify in the basic rules or MM or on beyond for example

[wicked dagger]

Wild Shape
Starting at 2nd level, you can use your action to magically assume the shape of a beast that you have seen before. You can use this feature twice. You regain expended uses when you finish a short or long rest.
Your druid level determines the beasts you can transform into, as shown in the Beast Shapes table. At 2nd level, for example, you can transform into any beast that has a challenge rating of 1/4 or lower that doesn’t have a flying or swimming speed.

so i have to assume a form and say it to my DM, for example when i see a big dragon i am able to turn in to it, but only when i fit the CR rating

we start as lv 3, so i can assume a form that fits in the CR 1/4

with 4th level i can turn in to 1/2 and with 8 level 1. can i assume even higher CR? DnD website does not show me more

its the first time i am a druid and i dont want to let my table wait while i figure out my wildshape feature

[ornate kiln]

It’s more like: “I want to turn into an animal of CR 1/4, which options do you have” and either the DM gives you a list or you look them up yourself and get DM approval later

[wicked dagger]

ok, so best is i discuss this with my DM how it is the best way for him and me

i thought about to order this monster card list, because it seems to have all the monster i could turn also too

[ornate kiln]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/monsters?filter-type=0&filter-type=2&filter-search=&filter-cr-min=3&filter-cr-max=3&filter-armor-class-min=&filter-armor-class-max=&filter-average-hp-min=&filter-average-hp-max=&filter-is-legendary=&filter-is-mythic=&filter-has-lair=&filter-partnered-content=f

This for example are all CR ¼ beasts on DDB

Mind that you aren’t allowed swim speeds or fly speeds yet

But yeah, discuss how to handle wild shape with your DM

[wicked dagger]

you helped me out a lot, this list is perfect and i can prepare myself for some shapes and get some statblocks ready

and i understand right, the druid can only turn in to beasts, right?

[timid locust]

(You can also only turn into beasts as a druid using your Wildshape, so you'll never get to be a dragon through this method 😔)

[ornate kiln]

There is also the matter of class and racial features. It’s basically up to the DM to decide which carry over and to which beasts

[ornate kiln]

Yes

[wicked dagger]

oh i can become a giant space hamster

i play a blighted druid

[ornate kiln]

The giant space hamster is a great example of things a DM might or might not veto

Since you may not have seen one before

[wicked dagger]

for example all the beasts i have to see

and see in a book might not count i think

[ornate kiln]

Wildshape is notorious for requiring DM input on a lot of its details

[wicked dagger]

yeah, you gave me a lot of input to give my DM a clear picture of what i think is the best and he is so far alright with it. i told him i want to assume the form i only saw before and only in reality,. not via books.

also when we see mutated beasts or experimental ones, i can assume also these forms, since i am a blighted druid and my forms are also "damaged"

[ornate kiln]

Sounds good

I recommend keeping the statblocks of your favorite wildshapes close at hand during a game

[wicked dagger]

yes! i am also a warlock that loves to summon stuff, so i know how to prepare my monsters 😄

[storm turtle]

sup

[slim forge]

Sup

[storm turtle]

how does dnd even work

[slim forge]

Do you know any basics?

[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.

[timid locust]

Check out the links above and let us know if you have any questions!

[crude musk]

At the highest level, players describe what their characters want to do in the game world and the DM decides how the world responds and in situations where there's a chance of failure, dice and modifiers based on your character or a monsters statistics are used to determine success or failure

[restive hearth]

Hey, so I have a session with my players in a few hours and Im using a premade camapign. In the next room they have the chance to spend 5 chips to open one of three doors, the campaign reads as follows :

Once the players choose a door, Klooog's voice will respond "Very good choice! Now, if we remove door <pick a door they haven't chosen that does not have the 10 chips inside>, would you reconsider your choice and choose the other door or would you stick with the door <their door number they chose>?". Whichever door is chosen, the players will need to slide 5 chips into a slot in the center of the door to open it.

1. Behind door 1 is a mimic chest that attacks once they attempt to open it.
2. Behind door 2 are 10 chips of valor.
3. Behind door 3 is a Potion of Superior Healing.

My question is: When I tell them that "if I remove door number x, would they change their mind" can they choose door number x, or can they only move to the other remaining door?

Im a beginner btw

[wild onyx]

They can't select the door that was removed. Shout out to Monty Hall!

[restive hearth]

Wait, so do I actually remove the door or do I just say that "If I would remove the door"
?

[wild onyx]

You say, "There's your first pick, but! We're going to give you a choice. We take away one of these other doors, and now you get to decide: keep your original door, or switch to the alternative?"

[restive hearth]

Let's say I remove the door with the mimic, do they fight it?

[empty bluff]

No

[wild onyx]

If you're doing the gameshow format, no. That choice is gone.

As a DM, you can totally mess with the players and have it do whatever you like. Takes a bit of the "fairness" out of it and invalidates the choice the party made, though. Not generally recommended.

[restive hearth]

Ok, I will follow the gameshow format. So, lets say they choose door 2 (with the 10 chips). Then I decide to remove the door with the mimic (which looks like just an ordinary tresure chest). How do I prevent them from opening the chest and starting a fight?

[harsh fjord]

If they choose #2 and you remove #1, you check in to see if they still want to keep #2 or if they'd rather pick #3.

[wild onyx]

The door's gone. It turned into a wall or whatever. Also, look up the Monty Hall problem, because by my read this is that.

[restive hearth]

Okay, thanks everyone for your help! ❤️

[wild onyx]

Fun fact, Monty Haul was a reference to that gameshow that I came across in the AD&D 2nd edition DMG referencing the trouble you can cause yourself by overloading a party with treasure.

[lyric fjord]

Hey

[deft sigil]

Hello and welcome @lyric fjord !

[lyric fjord]

Hey thanks

So uh

Tell me about dnd

Im new to this stuff

[little remnant]

Im here now

Might aswell take the class too lol

[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.

[timid locust]

Thankfully, there's plenty of resources available! The best start is to check out the introductory demo or dive right into the basic rules.

[deft sigil]

Yup! Once you Start checking out the intro materials, when you have questions about things we can help you out!

[lyric fjord]

Ah well, thank you for your help

[novel moth]

Hello I wanted to ask the Question If ther is a way that a deepling can become a Paladin

?

[cobalt frigate]

Playable races have no restrictions on which classes they can be.

[fallen surge]

“Deepling” is not the name of an official race in 5e. It seems like that is fan made content. But more to the point, any race can play as any class. There are no restrictions in that regard

[uneven crane]

hey

[true musk]

Hey, 🙂 Welcome.

Let me first ask you some questions so we can establish a baseline.

Have you read the basic rules or familiar with the basics of skill checks, combat, and character creation?

[uneven crane]

yes i have read most of them

[weary ibex]

Started creating a character it's nothing stellar given I've kind of just have not interacted with many people in general.

[true musk]

Great, do you have any questions about the basics you want to ask beforehand?

[true musk]

Are you looking to play online or in person?

[weary ibex]

Both actually

I've always wanted to but I tend to be extremely inward it doesn't help that I have ASD as well.

[uneven crane]

online sorry I was messaing that other dm to let them know I wouldnt be participating

messaging

[true musk]

For in person games, I recommend checking your local libraries, Tabletop gameshops, and local conventions to find game opportunities.

[true musk]

No worries, take your time. I can help out Roscosho in the meantime.

[uneven crane]

im all free now

you mind if we just private chat that way it dont get lost if i get busy

[true musk]

To help your playing experience it can help if relay your need for accommodations ahead of time with a potential group and work with them to see what can be done make the playing experience more accessible for you.

This can range from asking for alternative ways to relay important information such as hand outs, to finding a schedule that aligns so you have enough spoons to play a dnd session.

[weary ibex]

I just hope my autism doesn't impede anyone's experience, I've kind of had a bad experience with some dnders due to my lack of social awareness, at first this discouraged me from interacting with the community.

[true musk]

I can resend you what I am about to post.
Going to put my response here first in the hopes it can help others who may be to shy to ask.

While it is tough to find a compatible group.

What I often recommend is start with playing one shots.
This can be either through Adventure League, West Marches, or one shots of your own choosing.

By having people commit to one adventure, you can just start playing and it isn't dependent on the same people being available.

Eventually as you start playing more one shots, you'll start to see who you enjoy playing dnd with and of those, which individuals have availabilities that match your own.

From there, start reaching out to the people that you enjoy playing with and have a similar availability to yours.

[true musk]

To help your table experience, start with one shots and use that as an opportunity to build resources and a process to help make the table experience easier.

Safety Tools, which are cards to relay boundaries, could help.
The point is finding the tools and the right group that work for you.

[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.

[winged prawn]

Is there anything that I/my players should know as a new DM with a party of all new players? I'm going to be running LMoP, at least for now. We have not yet had our session zero.

[harsh fjord]

Are these strangers or friends?

[winged prawn]

Friends

I've been looking over guides on YouTube and Reddit, the books and the module, but just asking in case there's something I might've missed

[deft sigil]

Should know about that particular adventure or d&d play in general?

[winged prawn]

Dnd in general

[exotic remnant]

D&D Starter Set: Dragons of Stormwreck Isle

Dungeon Master Tips

The most important part of being a good DM is facilitating the fun of everyone at the table. Keep these tips in mind to help things go smoothly:

Embrace the shared story.

D&D is about telling a story as a group, so let the players contribute to the outcome through the words and deeds of their characters. If some players are reluctant to speak up, ask them what their characters are doing.

It’s not a competition.

The DM isn’t competing against the player characters. Your job is to referee the rules, run monsters, and keep the story moving.

Be fair and flexible.

Treat your players in a fair, impartial manner. The rules help you do this, but you can make your own rulings to ensure everyone is having fun.

Modify the adventure to suit your tastes.

Adventures have no prescribed outcome. You can alter any encounter to make it more interesting and fun for your players.

Don’t worry about mistakes.

Dungeon Masters are fallible, just like everyone else, and even experienced DMs make mistakes. If you overlook, forget, or misrepresent something, correct yourself and move on. No one expects you to memorize every part of this adventure and all the rules in the Basic Rules. As long as your players are having fun, everything will be just fine.

[harsh fjord]

There's probably a massive list of stuff to know as the DM. Here's a good cheat sheet: https://howtogm.guide/dnd-5e/cheat-sheet

One thing that I don't think is mentioned there is to talk to your players (not their characters) when there's a problem. The only way they get resolved is by taking action, and that begins with a conversation. Sometimes the solution is to not actually play together, but you can be friends still, even if you're not a good fit for D&D.

Similarly, establish among you the kind of game you want: whether it's "We don't have to play by the module so make whatever choices you want!" or "I really want to see this story finished, so while you have some choices, try to be thoughtful about respecting the time and energy I put in." That also applies to tone, whether it's epic and dramatic or silly and light. Or if it encompasses multiple tones.

Also, they should put in effort to learning the game too, rather than relying on the DM to teach them. It ought to be a two-way street.

[winged prawn]

I didn't think about this

Though there's a bit of an issue

My friends only speak russian, and being the English speaker, I naturally have way more resources

I usually kinda take hold in situations like these and become a sort of medium

[harsh fjord]

I'm sure it'd be imperfect, but taking the Basic Rules and running them through a translator might help so they're not starting from zero. And they'd have you to clarify, of course.

[winged prawn]

The books are officially translated, and there are unofficial translations of modules.

I'm sure there are YouTube videos that give a basic rundown

[harsh fjord]

Can you share these with the group somehow? Again, just so they have some know-how prior to playing.

[winged prawn]

Yeah

We could go over everything together on session zero

Or should I require them to do some research on their own

[harsh fjord]

You might be better served having two session zeroes as well: one for game mechanics and testing out how things work with some pre-gens followed by a session creating characters, campaign premise, and setting expectations.

[winged prawn]

I mean, neither should take too long, and the character/campaign part is significantly cut due to the module

[timid locust]

If they're close friends, that's a good idea. Plus, you're just hanging out while perusing rules

[winged prawn]

I plan to meet with them at noon-ish anyway, so we have a solid 6+ hours

[harsh fjord]

Sure, but actual retention drops off sharply after two or three hours.

[winged prawn]

I planned for us to meet up every two weeks for sessions

I'm not gonna lie I don't think I can wait 4 weeks before session 1

[harsh fjord]

Obviously it depends on scheduling, but these session zeroes could be closer together.

[winged prawn]

Hmm

I'll talk to the players

[harsh fjord]

Usually the way to go!

[winged prawn]

If possible I will cram everything into one session, judging by how they're taking it

If they're really interested I think they won't mind at all

Should I follow any sort of checklist?

Or are those unnecessary

[novel moth]

Okay thx

[novel moth]

Thx

[smoky adder]

A checklist can be helpful, just to make sure you cover the topics you want to cover.

Even if you do find a checklist online, you may still want to customize it for your specific group.

But like any other tool for D&D: use whatever you think will make your game better.

[brittle crater]

Hey I’m new , how do I convince friends to play dnd that don’t really know what it is or are skeptical ?

[fallen surge]

A great way to get people interested in D&D would be to show them so clips or episodes of people playing it on youtube. Critical Role and Dimension 20 are fantastic entry points

[brittle crater]

Well I was like you wanna play dnd and I showed them a character sheet and they were like “but you can’t touch if or hold it so why can’t I just say I found 200 gold in the dirt ?”

[cobalt frigate]

Showing the a piece of paper isn't really showing them how the game is played. Watching an actualy play would be a better way of how the game is typically played around a table.

[fresh fable]

How did you get into dnd ?

[brittle crater]

I’m gonna be honest it was a kids show years ago

[brittle crater]

I mean we’ll be playing online but is it still good to show them a game ?

[smoky adder]

Show them this: https://www.dndbeyond.com/begin/en

[brittle crater]

What is that?

Oh it just loaded

[smoky adder]

A copy+paste mistake 😅

[brittle crater]

Do they do that on their own?

[brittle crater]

Np

[cobalt frigate]

Yes, because they will see how people play the game regardless. Some actual plays are in person while others are online.

[brittle crater]

Ok

[brittle crater]

Ok I also wouldn’t mind finding a dnd like seris to watch as well

[smoky adder]

Yeah, it's just a little five-minute choose-your-own-adventure kind of thing.

Specifically made to cover the basics.

[cobalt frigate]

Colossus already [responded with suggestions of shows](#dnd-newcomers message).

[brittle crater]

Ok I will definitely send them that

[harsh fjord]

Noob's advice is spot-on. I used a checklist I cobbled together from multiple sources as a foundation for the first session zero I ran, but having ran more games, I now have my own version (and even that can be tweaked as needed).

[true musk]

Fantasy High is a good one that is available on YouTube. It’s a semi modern fantasy. As it starts with some people who never played dnd before.

I’d also recommend the unsleeping city.

[little quarry]

Helloo

Any one good with riddles? Need help writing some

[fallen surge]

That would probably be a better question to ask in #dm-discussion

This channel is meant to help teach people how to play D&D

[little quarry]

Okey dokey

[errant trout]

monochromatic
polymorphic
planar
invunrable

[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.

[fair nimbus]

How do i go about creating a character backstory? Totally lost, and new to boot.

[smoky adder]

You don’t need anything elaborate.

Usually a paragraph or two that sums up how they became an adventurer is enough.

[leaden canopy]

my own advice is a bit elaborate... but if you cant think of anything.... i've had fun solo playing and using an oracle system ( like mythic) to actually play out a backstory. That might be a bit much though so just rolling some tables and trying to write out a story like you're playing it can be fun

haha yeah elaborate vs not

start with something basic and then fill it in as it comes to u maybe?

[mint rose]

If you have a basic concept for your character, I'd encourage you run it by your DM first. I'm going to presume your DM knows you're new, they'll be able to help you pick the crunchy bits of background that best suit it; and as for the flavor they'll help work with you to make it organic to their setting (especially helpful if this is a game in process or based on an established setting like FR).

[smoky adder]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1462-creating-a-backstory-for-your-first-d-d-character

[fair nimbus]

I gotcha thanks guys! (The trick is finding a dm/group lol bg3 is my gateway into this)

The worst part ig was thinking too deep, not understanding how factions(?) religions and what places are like in the realms and how dynamics are with it. But i should just boil it down to how life ended up in that of an adventurer?

[mint rose]

Try a local game/comic store. (Success not guaranteed, it's all MTG here lol)

[smoky adder]

A lot of those deeper elements really depend on your game setting.

[fair nimbus]

Yeah same, southern usa seems to not be a big DND setting (or my parts of southern usa)

[mint rose]

Let me guess.... Florida

[smoky adder]

If you’ve got a loose idea of what you’re looking for — a conquering army or worshippers of a sun god — then you can work with your DM to nail down the specifics.

But it’s fine to just ignore all that, too, if it’s not immediately relevant to your character’s introduction.

[fair nimbus]

Nope!

[mint rose]

Ah. Cause yeah.. same too lol.

[sonic holly]

In D&D beyond how many spells can my wizard know? or just in normal D&D

1st level btw

[fair nimbus]

Lets just say, highest crime rate in the southern usa, Mississippi (thanks Jackson!)
Yeah not a huge space and my local comic store is mainly Warhammer40k or MTG

[mint rose]

As in prepared at any one time? 3 cantrips, Int + Level of leveled spells that you have slots for.

[sonic holly]

oh so based on my int?

[mint rose]

Your Int modifier, I should clarify

[sonic holly]

i can prepare 4 at once but i wanted to know how many i could know i have 16 int

(we are using point buy)

[harsh fjord]

Wizards have no limit in terms of spells they can have in their spellbook, but at base you'd have 6 at level 1 and 2 new spells for every level thereafter.

[topaz garnet]

A wizard...
Starts with 6 spells in their book, and gains 2 more spells for free for every wizard level thereafter

To prepare spells, you prepare an amount equal to Wizard level + Intelligence modifier.

[smoky adder]

You can also add more if you find spells in-game and spend enough time and gold.

At 1st level, you have a spellbook containing six 1st-level wizard spells of your choice.

Each time you gain a wizard level, you can add two wizard spells of your choice to your spellbook for free. Each of these spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots, as shown on the Wizard table.

When you find a wizard spell of 1st level or higher, you can add it to your spellbook if it is of a spell level you can prepare and if you can spare the time to decipher and copy it.

https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/wizard#Spellcasting-410

[shy pendant]

i never played dnd i just want to try, what do i need to know like the basic knowledge to not be a pain in the ass ?

[harsh fjord]

Stealing from spam: these common terms, what to do on your turn, and how your character’s own abilities work.

[shy pendant]

is it required to spend money or can i try without having to buy anything ? (like books and such)

[smoky adder]

The Basic Rules have everything you really need to play, and they’re available for free.

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules

You can use digital dice for free as well.

But then if you do want more, there’s plenty available, too.

[shy pendant]

thank you

[warm sluice]

Finding a group is hard if you don’t have friends that already play

I feel like the barrier for entry for dnd is little high

[echo kelp]

Have you checked all the #looking-for-players posts? Those are folks looking for players! You could be one of them. Or even #looking-for-community - those are other D&D servers and they may have D&D games you could join.

[copper frigate]

Also if you have a gaming store nearby, that’s a good place to meet a group. Also they often run drop-in games called Adventurer’s League, which is a great way to play your first D&D session.

[warm sluice]

Is it ok to take inspiration from your baldurs gate 3 tav to make your dnd character

[echo kelp]

Sure! Can take inspiration from anywhere - just remember that not everything translates 1:1 into D&D game mechanics.

[harsh fjord]

You can take inspiration from wherever, though if you suspect you might be toeing a line, you should generally clear it with the table.

[warm sluice]

Oh yeah I know that, I’ve played a few sessions already

But I still consider myself very very new

[digital locust]

Hello, I'm trying to make a new character, but dnd beyond is so limited and I was wondering if there was a way for someone to use someone else's shared character as a editable template

[harsh fjord]

#ddb-support can likely give you more info!

[digital locust]

gotcha, thanks!

[sonic holly]

how should i get a token for my character i cant seem to find any good ones or a working free ai gen

[glass summit]

I would recommend checking out Heroforge, its a website designed for making your own custom 3d-printable minieatures, but theres nothing stopping you taking a screenshot of the mini you make to use as a token

[dense bloom]

Hellooo. Can I ask some world building or environment questions? I'm having trouble thinking of more dynamic ways to enhance the world explorations for the players as a new DM

[halcyon forge]

We have #dm-world-building dedicated to that.

[dense bloom]

Oh didn't saw that, just got on this server. Thanks

[balmy urchin]

why can't I add rollable dice to my homebrews? I found code for it but it never turns into a button for me to click and roll a dice.

[cobalt frigate]

Is this for D&D Beyond?

[balmy urchin]

yes

[cobalt frigate]

You don't need code but just put down the dice, such as 3d6.

Otherwise ask in #ddb-support for help.

[balmy urchin]

ok thanks

[smoky adder]

The best general advice for the homebrew system is to find something official that works like you want.

Then you can make a homebrew copy of it to see how it was set up.

[olive niche]

Is dnd ever played online?

[smoky adder]

Quite a bit, yeah!

[harsh fjord]

?tag new online

[exotic remnant]

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

[olive niche]

Is this the channel I should be in to look for games?

[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.

[icy sail]

I was wondering how to create a character? If anyone can help me with that

[echo kelp]

Read the very first chapter in the free basic rules - it goes through step by step how to make a character. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask here or in #character-discussion.

Free basic rules: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules

[foggy hornet]

Go to #750812887697588356 #750812887697588356 or #looking-for-community iirc

Oh mb

#find-a-game

Dang

[olive niche]

lol, you’re good. Just need someone experienced maybe if you find anybody willing to take new players

[slate phoenix]

also normally when you find a group your dm will have a session where he walks people through how to create their character

but its good to know a little bit before then

[split knoll]

Read the class options in the basic rules, the first part of each class description will tell you the vibe of the class. Pick which one sounds the coolest and then follow the quick build instructions. Ask your DM if you're using the standard array, point buy, or rolling for ability scores. It's generally safe to assume standard array is okay if you want a placeholder.

[magic sundial]

ive finished baldur's gate 3 and ive made a character sheet, is there anything i need to know before i start searching for a campaign

[slate phoenix]

are you talking about dnd or bg3?

[magic sundial]

dnd

[slate phoenix]

do you have a backstory for your character?

[magic sundial]

ive beaten bg3 and i want to start playing actual dnd

[magic sundial]

yes

mind if i share?

[slate phoenix]

go ahead

[magic sundial]

copy and pasted when i asked my friends earlier for feedback

Ranaun Helvityl is a drow orphaned at a young age and forced into a life of struggle on the streets. While in the middle of a failed heist alone he landed himself into the personal dungeon of the noble he planned on stealing from. While in the dungeon, a seemingly forgotten ring speaks to him, promising freedom from the cell and 'his own bad choices'. Skimming through the contract he agreed and gained enough spellcasting ability to escape the manor with his life. It wasn't until later when he attempted to rob an innocent he realized that the ring holds over who and why he can rob and kill as now all his action must go through his master's moral filter. Ranaun is now journeying to seek a freedom from the ring, riches, and power.

Ranaun is a Drow Warlock with the urchin backstory with a Great Oold One patron, been stuck between that patron and the Archfey but my character sheet has the Great Old One. The ring idea came from when i was watching Lord of the Rings and decided to have a ring that 'corrupts' the user by rehabilitating them. The ring is also inseparable from his hands.

This is the first character ive made that i spent longer than 2 hours setting up, I also used a copy of the player's handbook directly instead of simply doing it quickly on dndbeyond. any feedback is appreciated

[slate phoenix]

sounds great but just a question

before he attacks someone does time like stop or does he have to spend time asking his ring to attack something

and would getting attacked break contact with him and the ring

also i assume he cant take off the ring right

[magic sundial]

the ring basically posses him and makes him physically unable to move

[magic sundial]

yes

[magic sundial]

basically he has to behave good 'within the context he knows'

so if he knows for a fact someone is guilty or has reasonable suspision he can attack

idealy the dm decides

self defense also works

[echo kelp]

Make sure to work with your DM and group as far as magic items and backstory go - you want to make sure your character works well with the rest of the group and fits the D&D game/campaign tone the group is going for.

[slate phoenix]

so a spellcasting paladin?

[magic sundial]

i will when i find a dm

[echo kelp]

If you want more feedback, I'd suggest checking with the folks in #character-discussion

[slate phoenix]

you might need to tweak your backstory to fit your dm’s setting

[magic sundial]

eh ive heard chaotic evil warlocks are common so i made an evil warlock who is forced to be good against his will

[slate phoenix]

and his alignment is?

[magic sundial]

that's fine

[magic sundial]

neutral evil or at least at the start

[slate phoenix]

yea other than that youre probably fine to start going on an adventure

[magic sundial]

gr8

[mint rose]

Yeah, and there's a lot of DMs who may be hesitant to allow a player they're unfamiliar with to play Evil aligned. (More because of people who don't get CE to be fair, but)

[slate phoenix]

ive seen enough memes of “but thats what my character would do” to make me not play chaotic alignments until i get better at roleplaying

i only know the very basics of roleplaying right now

with the basics being i know that my character doesnt know everything i know

[mint rose]

Being aware that there's a way to do it wrong means you're already well on your way to doing it right 🙂

[echo kelp]

The most important thing is to focus on having fun - fun for you and making sure everyone else at the table is having fun too (DM included).

No point in playing games that aren't fun.

[magic sundial]

ik its a big enough problem as is and honestly i enjoy the patron-warlock relationship more than the alignment itself

[mint rose]

Something I've heard a lot is that a CE response to "why shouldn't I steal from/attack other party members" is "because you'll be outnumbered when the rest of them defend themselves"