dnd-newcomers

[gray ocean]

Uh, anything that's not specific to a certain class or effect, really

[mental kindle]

Kk

[topaz garnet]

most important rules I'd say are
how your character works
ability checks
combat

[gray ocean]

and watching some DnD stuff online can help show you the flow of the game as well

[mental kindle]

Ok

[topaz garnet]

especially if you're a caster, how spellcasting works, and how your spells work - and that they do as they say

for example, create water is not an instant kill with creating water in lungs, it doesn't say it does that, it doesn't do that (this is a common misconception lol)

[mental kindle]

Wouldn’t you have to roll a dice to see if it actually kills?

[topaz garnet]

usually, most ways you have to damage something is behind either
an Attack roll
or
a Saving Throw (that you force the victim to make)

[gray ocean]

what if you create water and then use shape water to put it in the lungs?

[bleak vortex]

see now what’s the (+4) persuasion or something. It adds four points to an already rolled dice? So how much does it matter what number I get

[topaz garnet]

hiss

[cobalt frigate]

Create Water only affects containers. Lungs are not open containers.

You create up to 10 gallons of clean water within range in an open container.

[shut lintel]

so where can i find a party?

[oblique zenith]

Objection, I have 16 spoons

[bleak vortex]

like why does it matter if I get 1 or 20 on a roll

[cobalt frigate]

Spoons are not containers.

[gray ocean]

+4 to a 1 is a 5, which is a fail

[mental kindle]

Mega alakazam?

[topaz garnet]

when you make a Charisma check, you roll a d20 and add your Charisma modifier, whether it's a penalty, a +0, or a bonus.
If it's a Charisma (Persuasion) check, you roll a d20, add your Charisma modifier as previously said, but - if you are proficient in the Persuasion skill, you add your Proficiency Bonus to the roll as well.

[harsh fjord]

Start with reading #find-a-game.

[bleak vortex]

ah ok I see so at what number will I win if there’s already a +4 in persuasion

[topaz garnet]

For context, a 1st level character can usually expect a +5, maybe a +6, to their good stuff.
A 20th level character could expect a +11. A 20th level bard or rogue with their 'expertise' skills could get +17.

[gray ocean]

depends on the DC (difficulty class) of what you're rolling for

[topaz garnet]

depends on the Difficulty Class (DC for short)

[bleak vortex]

will I HAVE to have to win the persuasion like

[bleak vortex]

what am I sayin bro

[bleak vortex]

difficulty class

[topaz garnet]

the formula is

d20 + modifiers (plus, if proficient, proficiency bonus)
if that is equal to or greater than DC, success. If not, loss.

[bleak vortex]

so let’s say paladin right

how would that work then

it has his own stats no

[topaz garnet]

being a paladin doesn't innately change how ability checks work

just that some classes use certain ability scores better, meaning they want those higher - so since Paladins use Charisma for their spells and aura of protection, Paladins tend to be people with high Charisma, meaning they have a higher bonus to add to their Charisma Checks.

[mental kindle]

Why do most people look for 18+ to play?

[topaz garnet]

so it's not like you have "Paladin Stats"
it's just, your character has certain game statistics, each being basically independent. You're not given a certain set of stats per-class, you're simply seeking to have the stats that work well for that class.

[smoky adder]

Because adults are (rightly) generally discouraged from playing with random children.

[mental kindle]

Fair

[fleet field]

Also, they may be looking for a certain level of maturity

[bleak vortex]

aight piecing together a bit- tight

[fleet field]

?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.

[fleet field]

@bleak vortex this might help ^^^

?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.

[fleet field]

this too

[bleak vortex]

yo this is literally oblivion

[topaz garnet]

no, not really. TES4 Oblivion stats have far more micromanaging than DND.

[bleak vortex]

I’ll buy a player book or whatever they’re called so I can see more

[fleet field]

You can read all the basics for free online

[topaz garnet]

you don't need to, the basic rules are all the basic rules

the books are just extra content - more subclasses, spells, races, feats, ETC

[bleak vortex]

Ik Ik the stats exist in oblivion more than in skyrim das why I mentioned it

[buoyant crystal]

Hi I am new here and want to learn paying d and

D

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

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

How does it work?

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

Where do I start?

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

[true musk]

Welcome to the hobby, the bot post above has everything you need to get started.

[buoyant crystal]

Thank you

[true musk]

If you have questions, feel free to ask

[lavish kiln]

Where does one go for trading items?

I'm looking to trade my gauntlets of ogre power

[main fulcrum]

If you're asking for AL, there isn't a trading channel on this server

[lavish kiln]

Oh okay tha ks

[paper robin]

Hello im new to D&D and im still learning how to play

[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]

Guys, what is the real differnce between fighters and barbarians?

Especially late game, because I've seen that my level 20 Barbarian char basically had 3 attacks and really strong attacks with a lot of health and that's it

Unlike the level 20 sorcs and wizards having a literal PLETHORA of stuff to do, same for the fighters

[topaz garnet]

barbarian has rage primarily
fighter is mostly by their subclass

[swift depot]

But don't Fighters just automatically outclass barbs with their versatility?

And with Two-Weapon specialization and level 5, I can already get three strikes as a fighter

Not to mention the Intense Action that gives me 6 attacks

[topaz garnet]

the differences between fighter and barbarian
https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/fighter
https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/barbarian

[topaz garnet]

no, actually

you get action (2), TWF (1), action surge for another action (2)

[swift depot]

Oh yea mb, that's 5 attacks

But still, fighter just seems much stronger later on with versatility

Although Barb's health and modifiers are excellent

[topaz garnet]

they are different classes, yes
fighter can build in many directions, melee or range, str or dex, different armors, and their subclass gives them some manner of bonus stuff
barbarians are for the most part limited to strength melee, but are great at that, and get rage and unarmored defense, and their primal path often enhances their rage

[swift depot]

So Barbs just seem simpler

But are excellent at what they do, while Fighters are far more versatile although they don't even come close to the raw power of a Barb, right?

[fleet field]

Fighters are actually simpler, you dont have rage to manage as a resource

Power wise they're also pretty similar

[hexed inlet]

Hey! I’m really interested in learning about D&D but can’t find any vcs or anything to talk to ppl to learn before directly heading into a campaign. Where should I go to talk to ppl?

[fleet field]

Wdym by fighters having tons of things to do?

They don't really have much more than barbarians

[swift depot]

But they get access to triple attack sooner and havemore options, don't they?

[fleet field]

Barb never gets triple attack. Attacking more than twice is the point of fighter

[swift depot]

But the few things seem like an upgrade from an outside perspective

[fleet field]

barbs however get damage bonuses to the attacks they do make, and more health

[topaz garnet]

This server doesn't have VC

[swift depot]

You should check out the pinned msg. If you still need to talk to someone I can hop in a VC on this server although I'm not the most experienced in DnD

[swift depot]

I had triple attack with frenzy tho

2 attack action, 1 bonus action attack

[fleet field]

That's not base barbarian

[hexed inlet]

If you mean the article, I’ve been looking through that

[fleet field]

So it's not reasonable to compare

[hexed inlet]

I’m just interested in finding like a community to learn from

[swift depot]

Oh? What's the difference?

[fleet field]

It's from the berserker subclass

[swift depot]

You can always chat here via text. But once again, there's plenty of communities that use VC as well

[swift depot]

Oh, I didn't notice that

[fleet field]

Barbarian also gets faster movement speeds

[swift depot]

I do wanna ask tho, are mage classes stronger then non-mage classes lategame?

[fleet field]

Think of it like this:

Fighter can be any kind of weapon user

any weapons, anything

[swift depot]

@hexed inlet I can hop in a VC with you if you want as well, just send me a DM if you still need someone to talk to

[hexed inlet]

Ofc, ty

[fleet field]

Barbarians are locked into strength based melee, and generally two handed. But they're specialised into that

[fleet field]

Absolutely

Wizard is one of, if not the strongest class in the game, across every level

[swift depot]

But is the difference really big?

[jade nova]

at high level yes

[fleet field]

Depends

[swift depot]

Like it would be completely suboptimal to run other classes in some cases?

[jade nova]

no

[fleet field]

Depends how well built

But you can build nearly any class to be at least somewhat viable

[jade nova]

it is rarely sub-optimal to have a unique group of classes

[fleet field]

And in your average game you may not notice the difference a ton

[swift depot]

If you look at it though, wizards need a frontline at the end of the day

[fleet field]

But when the wizard starts taking spells like simulacrum and forcecage, it gets insane

[swift depot]

So it would never be suboptimal to run melee classes, right?

[fleet field]

(simulacrum creates a near perfect duplicate of yourself, and forcecage just traps an enemy, no questions asked)

[fleet field]

...well

the frontline is a flawed concept in dnd

[jade nova]

Against certain enemies it can be very sub optimal to be a melee character

[fleet field]

Kiting (running away from enemies pretty much) works for a lot of enemies

[swift depot]

Trust me, I just found out in the most recent oneshot I played xD

[fleet field]

And wizards can be pretty tanky in their own right

[fleet field]

Yeah, nearly every enemy either doesnt have ranged attacks, or has much weaker ranged attacks than melee

[twilit mango]

Do you think it'd be lore accurate to create a Tiefling thats a real chick-magnet?

[swift depot]

I see, so I should definitely try playing as a Wizard at some point

[jade nova]

I don't see why not

[swift depot]

But I just personally love being a fast and nimble fighter, I just wanna know if it's completely sub-optimal lategame or not

[fleet field]

Yes, although I wouldn't recommend it if you're new

[fleet field]

No, it isn't

[twilit mango]

I created a Tiefling called "Lapia Nords" , he's got a crossbow but is also suffering from an affliction of "SlowMo"

[fleet field]

Also, just how much stronger some classes are than others depends extremely heavily on how well the character is built

there's just as many, if not more, absolutely horrendous spells as there are incredible overpowered spells

and a terribly build and played wizard can be weaker than a fighter

It's a lot harder to mess things up horribly with a fighter than a wizard

[swift depot]

I see

So playing as a Fighter is in no way sub-optimal

But playing as a Wizard when you know what you're doing can be extremely empowering?

[fleet field]

Depends

[fleet field]

Yes

[fleet field]

to elaborate, in a group where everyone is building super strong characters, it is sub-optimal, but not irredeemably so

in a group where everyone is building average or bad characters, it can be stronger than other characters

[swift depot]

But that's not most campaigns

[thorny stratus]

Greetings all! Have been playing and DMing since 2nd AD&D

[fleet field]

exactly

[thorny stratus]

Have played every edition including Chainmail

[swift depot]

The main reason I'm asking this is because I don't wanna be completely useless lategame or just be so ridicolously weaker then the wizards that I don't even feel like a character

[swift depot]

Oh awseome! You're a really OG player then

[fleet field]

At most tables you'll be fine

[thorny stratus]

Yeah, my dad has been in the same campaign since he was in High School in the 80s. Same character too. I've been listening to him play until I turned 11 and I've been playing ever since haha

[swift depot]

What's an example of a table where I won't be fine

A table where most players are really experienced including the DnD and we'll be having a tougher time then usual?

[fleet field]

One where everyone is building super strong characters and you aren't

[swift depot]

Damn, that's absolutely crazy

[fleet field]

Super experienced players doesnt necessarily mean super strong characters

[thorny stratus]

@swift depot hey man, fighters will always be useful and powerful even late game. 5e has subclasses which add to that.

[fleet field]

a lot of extremely experienced players don't care about building strong characters, and therefore dont put much emphasis on it

[swift depot]

The reason why I'm so conflicted is because I just first-hand saw what happened when all of my party were warlocks and sorcs while I was a Barbarian

I just kept on getting kited, although when I did get in range I did devastating attacks that the Wizards and Sorcs could not compete with especially with short bursts

Not to mention how tanky I was

[thorny stratus]

So watch how terrifying you are late game when someone tries to hit you with spells and you swing your artifact weapon several times in a single turn.

[swift depot]

At the end of the day, I don't wanna get left behind basically

[fleet field]

You generally won't be

[thorny stratus]

@swift depot fighters will always be essential. Almost as essential as clerics. If you want to be the one accomplishing all the athletic feats (swimming, climbing, holding the trap door open long enough for others to escape before it closes), you're doing good being a fighter. I'd argue they're the Indiana Jones of the adventuring party, down to surviving in a fridge from a nuke if you could compare the nuke to a fireball.

[swift depot]

Ohhh, I forgot the RP uses of fighters

[thorny stratus]

There's a reason why over half of my characters have been fighters and why I love the subclass system of 5e.

When everything goes wrong, they're the ones that will save the party. Assuming the wizard doesn't have a teleport spell or the thief can't disarm that specific trap.

And when the big bad monster shows up and your party is all out of spells from earlier in the dungeon, guess who they're going to turn to.

[swift depot]

That's definitely true

[thorny stratus]

Bruenor Battlhammer. Faerun. That's what I have to say to the Fighter's credit.

[jovial hare]

Hey looking for a new DM our old one left today because he’s off to join the military. It’s me my wife and two friends as adventurers anyone down to become an our new DM. I stream it every Saturday it’s 4-5 hours it starts 8pm est

[cobalt frigate]

Check #find-a-game Don't advertise here.

[safe cargo]

hullo everybody

[quartz bay]

Hello?

Hi I'm kind of new to this

Why, because I'm starting to learn how to use the Homebrew server

[unkempt zealot]

Hello!! I’m new to dnd and just found out i think im really into it, i really enjoy bg3 😭

[cobalt frigate]

?tag new bg3

[exotic remnant]

How to Go from Baldur's Gate 3 to D&D w/ D&D Beyond

Take the leap from Baldur's Gate 3 to Dungeons and Dragons with D&D Beyond! Unlock free rules, adventures, dice sets and more to continue your adventure in the world's greatest roleplaying game!

[lyric fjord]

Heyo i'm 95% new. Haven't played bg. Was in a couple very short lived 5e campaigns and 1 l5r campaign years ago. Not sure where to go to find a group for a new player that would be consistent looking to get back into the game?

[past pivot]

I would make an advertisement on r/LFG on reddit

[lyric fjord]

Ah gotcha! A quick google search led me here, but I appreciate it. Seems to be a good server to have around nonetheless. I'll do that. Have a good one 🙂

[radiant sorrel]

Any chance somebody has a campaign I could join in? Been looking for a party to chill with

[cobalt frigate]

Check #find-a-game

[past pivot]

yeah finding an online game should be easy depending on what you're looking for, an in person one will def require you to look a bit more in your local area. A lot of local comic stores have groups, and a local library might be hosting something too, you never know

[sullen pawn]

hi

like how do i do dnd? i saw like a few shorts on it and it seemed fun

[ornate kiln]

hello, check out these link

[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.

[topaz garnet]

I'd say yes important. It's full of a bunch of nice stuff to get you in the right headspace, and taking an actual read through will show you a few things even some long-time DMs have skipped over :P

[wild onyx]

Err...5? But I've been doing this a long while. It's a helpful compilation of advice specifically geared towards 5e written with one voice. And it's got about 80 pages of magic items.

[topaz garnet]

that too

[lyric fjord]

How does dnd beyond work? Do you play in the app or is it just for like making your character sheet?

[wild onyx]

A character made in the app can join a campaign. That will let the DM and other players see the dice rolls you make directly through the sheet.

As to actually playing, you'll need some way of communicating with other people. Voice chat is the most common way, but text-only games also exist.

[olive goblet]

hello 😄

[wild onyx]

You can find games in the #find-a-game channel.

[olive goblet]

cheers

[viscid timber]

Hello!

[pure eagle]

hello

[lyric fjord]

hello

[viscid timber]

hey!

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

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

How does it work?

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

Where do I start?

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

[harsh fjord]

I’m gonna be a little radical and say 3. The DMG does have a lot of good info, but it’s notoriously poorly organized, and it assumes a level of familiarity that I don’t think genuinely helps a new DM run the game. Fortunately, there are other useful resources: the Quickstart Guide to Game Mastering, Sly Flourish’s Lazy DM content, Matt Colville’s “Running the Game” series on YouTube, the Alexandrian by Justin Alexander, the Angry GM, and Johnn Four’s Roleplaying Tips. You can find all of these via Google.

[lyric fjord]

Thank you very much!

[smoky adder]

FWIW, there’s also a redesigned DMG coming out later this year.

[gray ocean]

I hope it reorganizes it

[harsh fjord]

The interviews they’ve done about it do point in that direction!

[bright nimbus]

Whats the difference between a 1d8, a 2d4, and a 3d4? Is it a dice roll thing?

Like if I had to pick one to roll for damage which on should be my first choice?

[wicked glen]

Hi, I am a new player, I was apart of a group that had to cancel. I was playing a Half Elf Ranger, with the possibility of multi class as a Druid as well. i really want to learn and play. I have been a fan for years but all my guy friends didn't want a girl playing with them when I was younger.

[ornate kiln]

any ability or feature that allows you to do damage will tell you which damage dice you have to use.

for example: attacking with a shortsword is a 1d6 (+modifiers). Attacking with a greatsword is 2d6(+modifiers)

attacking with the firebolt cantrip would be 1d10
if you cast Fireball, you deal 8d6 damage to affected enemies

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

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

How does it work?

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

Where do I start?

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

[harsh fjord]

The Basic Rules are linked above. If you have specific questions, do ask!

[heady hornet]

Hey guys, I want to make a small campaign to play with my parents and sister with the help of the beginners guide, but it is a bit unclear on a lot of things. Could y’all help me with it?

How do I fill out a character sheet? My book doesn’t say how to calculate HP. And what’s with the passive wisdom?

And why are there the traits above the rescue rolls section?

Do you get to just make up techniques and spells or are they given already?

[harsh fjord]

What book are you looking at? The Player’s Handbook?

[heady hornet]

The basic set rule book

[harsh fjord]

And are you looking at fifth edition material? There are no rescue rolls.

[heady hornet]

Well I mean the rolls you do to evade attacks

It’s just the best translation I could come up with

[harsh fjord]

The Basic Rules here tell you how to fill a character sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/step-by-step-characters

[deft sigil]

Attacks with most weapons and spells are an attack roll versus a characters armor class (ac)

A character will have a mostly set ac depending on the armor they have on.

Some attacks and spells ask you to make a save but the spell or attack will say what ability to use to try abd mitigate that damage.

[harsh fjord]

Hit points at level 1: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/step-by-step-characters#HitPointsandHitDice

Passive checks: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/using-ability-scores#PassiveChecks

Spells are here: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/spells

[deft sigil]

Razorwing has the best of it. Way more helpful than me on my phone. Ty razorwing

[blissful holly]

Is there possibly a DM or former DM here who has created campaigns themselves and who would be willing to help an inexperienced/less experienced DM to learn/create basic things? I would be happy to do a one or more hour voice call here on Discord... even possibly creating the beginning of an exciting campaign together if possible???

[harsh fjord]

That’s a tall ask, but you’d find more DMs hanging out over in #dm-discussion.

[dawn swift]

How does the game work ? From what i know, for a playing you just tell your GM actions and you roll a number but I know it's way more difficult than that

[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]

It's honestly not more difficult than that, not really

[dawn swift]

oh cool

and how do you find a group

[exotic remnant]

Ready to play Dungeons & Dragons?

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

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

[noble agate]

hello, im very new to all of this, i dont quite get how the dice work, bc everyone keeps talking about something like nat1, can someone explain?

[cobalt frigate]

Read the free Basic Rules which will explain that.

[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.

[noble agate]

ty!

[blissful mesa]

How might I join a game? I’m not sure how

[noble agate]

i think in the looking for players channel

[cobalt frigate]

Check #find-a-game

[quick zinc]

not sure if im asking in the right channel but,how do i make a new damage type for my campaign?

[valid portal]

Fairly simply, you just use it.

[echo kelp]

Make a note about said damage type and inform your players of it and what it does, and then use it.
Remember D&D has historically been a paper and pencil tabletop rpg game

[valid portal]

Clear it with your DM, of course, if you're a player.

[quick zinc]

i mean in dnd beyond or any other simplified online version(roll20, etc)

[echo kelp]

Make a note about it in the features but mechanically there isn't a way to add damage types that don't exist in the core game rules/system.

[quick zinc]

sad

[crude musk]

@quick zinc This channel is for the basics of D&D, your question would be more suited to #homebrew or #third-party

[quick zinc]

ah ok

good to know

[noble agate]

hello, what does BBEG mean?

[true musk]

Big Bad Evil Guy

[noble agate]

ahh, thank you

[timber glade]

Hello

[unkempt zealot]

can anybody recommend some good dnd books for just starting out? i dont have much experience

[echo kelp]

I'd first start with the free basic rules (see pinned message here in the channel).

Then if you like that well enough, the Players Handbook is a good one with more character options.

If you want more character options, Xanathars Guide to Everything and Tasha's Cauldron Of Everything are also good options.

[lyric fjord]

Also the "Monster of multivers".

[echo kelp]

If you want to try your hand at DM'ing, Mordenkeinan Presents Monsters of the Multiverse or the Monster Manual books can help with providing lots of monsters (and more character race options). Then there's the Dungeon Master Guidebook with lots of magical items and a sinkload of tools to help DMs make stuff up. But the DMG is a bit disorganized for many folks.

Also be aware that new books are expected this year such as a new Players Handbook using the new 2024 rules revisions (see #1026901431132885064 to learn more about those revisions).

[safe ether]

You’re a legend thanks man

[quick zinc]

How should i start creating my own campaign

[rigid raptor]

Hey what’s up I’m new here Fr

[quick zinc]

Should I first make the characters?or first format the spells and where everything will take place?

[rigid raptor]

I think characters

Then you can decide what spells and stuff will be fitting for them

But I don’t know what I’m talking about

[solemn light]

If making your own campaign as a DM, the plot and 'level design' is the more important aspect I'd feel, but each DM has their own process and style. #dm-discussion can help you out there.

[quick zinc]

This more a get put into a pre-existing universe and see how far you can get sort of thing

[solemn light]

Running a prewritten adventure can also help you get a feel for it.
Peril in Pinebrook is a very basic, beginner level one shot aimed to teach DM and player alike how to play, but is aimed for younger audience and has simplified some rules.
There are other free to use one shots on DMsguild you can look out for- or maybe go for a starter module like Lost Mines of Phandelver or Stormwreck Isle.

[steep river]

I suggest first choosing the setting that best fits the theme you're going for, and then doing a deep dive on its lore then.

[quick zinc]

How much of a deep dive because the verse I'm putting my victim in has 15-16 years worth of lore and character writing

[steep river]

Very, then - especially if they know the setting you're choosing.

[solemn light]

Again, I'd say it's more important, even in a sandbox game, to have an idea of hooks and quests ready.
#dm-discussion would be better suited for further discussion on this.

[quick zinc]

They have absolutely no idea on whats happening

[rigid raptor]

Hey I heard Tieflings, yuan-ti-pureblood, and high elves are the best for magic. If so which one would be better for being a wizard?

[quick zinc]

Ok I'll go to dmdiscussion

[rigid raptor]

Oh think this is the wrong channel

[glass summit]

You can pick whichever of those you like, they all have their own benefits
I'd suggest just going with what you think would be the coolest, rather than optimal. Any race can be any class and be very effective

[final wren]

Hello everyone

[solemn light]

Any race can be good for wizards, especially if using the more and more common rule of floating ability scores. Previously some races would get a +X bonus to intelligence, which would synergise more with wizard and so on.
Now it's more about what race do you think will be interesting to play and you are allowed to play. Not all DMs will allow yuan-ti for example

[final wren]

I need help on starting a new campaign but the people who want to play it are not that interesting and I need help with something to further Intrigue them

[rigid raptor]

I saw what the yuan-ti-pure blood looks like, I’ll be those if I’m able to but if not I’ll choose high elf. Thanks

[steep river]

Do you mean interested, instead of interesting?

[final wren]

Yes

[steep river]

In that case, ask your players what they'd like to pursue in the story, and/or weave their backstories into the plot

[final wren]

Thanks

[tropic path]

Hi all

[unkempt zealot]

might sound rlly dumb but how do i know if im fully ready to start a game of dnd ?

[echo kelp]

because you really want to play and have a rough idea of the game mechanics
That's generally a good sign to know if you're ready.

[steep river]

"The only way to learn is by playing. The only way to win is by learning. And the only way to begin is by beginning."

• Sam Reich

[unkempt zealot]

ok but what if i try to play and it turns out im unequipped 😭 thats my major fear tbh ill be embarrassed 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[solemn light]

There are newbie friendly games and everyone starts somewhere. You can pick a lot up by playing, and can also look over the rules a bit before hand. You don't need to know everything before hand, but having a general idea certainly helps.

When ever me and my group start a new TTRPG system, the first couple of sessions are always learning curves as we have to put what we've read into practice or ask each other for help when we've forgotten a rule. And that's with a group that's been playing for a long time- perfectly normal.

[steep river]

If this is what you're primarily worried about my two suggestions are to talk with the players about that during session 0 and potentially to run a low level module instead of doing homebrew.

[tropic path]

Need help

[unkempt zealot]

ok thank u

[echo kelp]

with what exactly?

[sullen pawn]

i just played my first game

😄

[echo kelp]

Nice! Hope you had lots of fun!

[sullen pawn]

i got turned into a rat so now im a rat wizzard

[tropic path]

I have made a character I have a character sheet on PDF I just don’t know what to do next

[echo kelp]

So you have a character sheet all ready to go? Time to find a group to play with!

[exotic remnant]

Ready to play Dungeons & Dragons?

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

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

[echo kelp]

Something to note is that you may need to tweak your character to fit the group and the D&D game they are playing

[tropic path]

Idk how to input my already made character on here

[echo kelp]

Oh we don't actually play D&D on this specific server

[tropic path]

Oh ok

[echo kelp]

And some D&D groups will use a Virtual Tabletop (VTT) and they may have you input your character into the VTT's character system.

And others use Avrae, a D&D Discord bot - and they may have you use DnDBeyond to create and manage your characters that Avrae can then pull in for use on Discord servers.

[tropic path]

Ok Ty

[lyric fjord]

What loot gens do you guys use for general loot and magic items?

[smoky adder]

For magic items, I like The Discerning Merchant’s Price Guide.
https://www.dmsguild.com/m/product/205126

For general loot, I just use the tables in the DMG.

[sterile falcon]

Where might I find a beginner friendly short D&D session?

[rigid raptor]

If I don’t have a dnd game board what do you recommend I play on?

[minor scaffold]

table, piece of paper with a grid, virtually

[smoky adder]

The default rules assume you’re just playing “theater of the mind” — all in your imagination.

[rigid raptor]

Is there like any other ways? I have no friends that are into dnd.

[smoky adder]

You could also use simple diagrams as an aid, or look at using a virtual tabletop (VTT).

[minor scaffold]

Step 1) Aquire friends

[rigid raptor]

💀

[smoky adder]

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

[rigid raptor]

Ok

Thanks👍

[smoky adder]

Same here. Check out #find-a-game to see what’s available.

[sullen pawn]

what are bonds

[deft sigil]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/personality-and-background#Bonds - this section tells you about the background aspects

[lyric fjord]

I'm a newcomer

I guess I come here right

[deft sigil]

you're certainly more than welcome here 🙂

[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.

[lyric fjord]

Yeahhhh I think a channel named newcomers is for newcomers

Idk just a guess

[inland trail]

How do i play a game

cause i am trying to play but i dont know what to do

[deft sigil]

have you read through the basic rules yet? D&D is a game you need at least one other person to play with. One to DM and one to play. Ideally 1 DM to 4 players

[inland trail]

Damn it

[deft sigil]

Have you come over from playing Baldur's Gate 3?

[sullen pawn]

anyone wanna see my totally not copy and pasted charater

[true musk]

You can share it in #character-discussion

[rigid raptor]

Question, when I type commands in the find a game it doesn’t do anything. Do I have to say them here?.

[cobalt frigate]

You type the command in the prompt at the bottom of the #find-a-game

[rigid raptor]

Ok, thanks.

[lyric fjord]

i am confusion im brand new to this and dnd idk how to find a dm or play

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

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

How does it work?

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

Where do I start?

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

[true musk]

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

[sharp oriole]

Are you looking to play in person or online? In person I’d recommend looking for a game shop locally. Lots of places have stores that sell table top games, books, minis, and dice. They usually also have card games, games like warhammer 40k, and board games too. They may have a board in the shop or a discord that includes a looking for group board to see what games you could join.

For online play you can do what the bot posted and look in #find-a-game and look for one with a setting and story you might be interested in. Then try building a character.

[lyric fjord]

ty ill do that

[silk light]

im looking for a westmarch games

dnd game

[true musk]

#looking-for-community Is where they'll be listed.

[swift depot]

Guys what's the difference between a Sorc and a Wizard?

[cobalt frigate]

Sorcerer gain their magic innately.
Wizards learn their magic through schooling.

[swift depot]

I'm reading the class definitions

[swift depot]

Oh, so Wizards need books and stuff

[cobalt frigate]

Yes.

[swift depot]

Sorcs just automatically get magic without having to read books and stuff?

So from level 1 to 20 you don't need to read anything, you just automatically get spells each level?

[cobalt frigate]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/classes#LearningSpellsof1stLevelandHigher

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. On your adventures, you might find other spells that you can add to your spellbook

[fleet field]

Wizards are kinda just better if you look at their raw spellcasting

they get a large pool of spells they know, and prepare level+int mod each day from that pool

those prepared spells are the ones they can cast

[night notch]

trust warlocks are better (i cry myself to sleep when i miss eldritch blast)

[fleet field]

sorcerers however get more thing outside of the spellcasting

including metamagics, which let them modify their spells

[night notch]

yall trust warlocks are better 😭🙏(i missed 4 eldritch blast in my last session in a row)

[warm plume]

Trust sword is better (I don’t know what I’m talking about)

[swift depot]

Thank you!

[night notch]

nu uhhhh

[warm plume]

Bare fists are cooler (whaaat?)

[swift depot]

Btw guys,

When you engage in two-weapon fighting, you can add your ability modifier to the damage of the second attack.

Does that mean that if I'm using a Dex weapon and I have +7 dex ability modifer, I can apply that to my second bonus attack with that weapon?

[warm plume]

Woah. I don’t know.

[swift depot]

Doesn't that seem kinda broken?

[night notch]

I would think so

[swift depot]

Especially early game

[warm plume]

Nah, but I’m gojo 🤫🧏‍♂️

[cobalt frigate]

You can't have a +7 Dex modifier since Dex is capped at 20 Dex (which is a +5 modifier).

[warm plume]

I actually don’t know what any of this means

[steep river]

There are things that can increase stats above 20

[warm plume]

Ngl I might just play my own jacked up version with my friends that we will all create

[cobalt frigate]

But those are rare and far between.

Let's not bring exceptions to the rule to new players and confuse them.

[night notch]

I'm basically doing that with my friends but our friend (the dm) is still following most of the rules except for small exceptions like when i used my eldritch blast to propel myself up

[warm plume]

Yes please ☠️

[warm plume]

I don’t see how that’d be against the rules in the first place

[steep river]

It wasn't an exception. The question is "do I add my dex mod", and the answer is yes

[warm plume]

That’s pretty logical

[swift depot]

Oh but that is what two-weapon fighting does right?

[warm plume]

I have two weapons

Rizz and beg

I’m gonna rizz up a dragon

[night notch]

yea i think you would add it if it says you add your modifier to damage

[warm plume]

And if that doesn’t work I’m gonna get on my knees and beg

And if that doesn’t work I’m cooked

[steep river]

Yes. Though your +7 you're seeing at a lower level is more likely to be your attack roll not the damage roll

[night notch]

we were level 1 i dont get the option to push my opponent away a bit until level 2 but you have to like select it

[warm plume]

I’m just gonna be like “Arizze”

[warm plume]

:confusion:

is all dnd vc or text?

[fair kayak]

Most dnd is in person or online through things like discord VC or roll 20

[night notch]

I'm a warlock so At level 2 i got eldritch invocations which basically buff me in certain things, but I wasnt lvl 2 so he made one exception for that

[fair kayak]

Though some is done in text

[warm plume]

Ah ok

[warm plume]

I’d honestly wait until I’m older cuz I’m still below 16

[fair kayak]

I mean I wouldn’t really say there is an age limit but play when you feel safe

Most people are friendly to kids

[warm plume]

yea but I’m still a little high pitched yk

[night notch]

Yea I'm also 15 but I've been meaning to play for a few months js never got a character sheet until last month so we just made a campaign

[warm plume]

squeaker!!

[fair kayak]

Ah

[warm plume]

It’d be embarrassing to play like that

[fair kayak]

If you want a tip then play something like a kobold

[digital dawn]

as long as you're respectful of others and not rude then nothing like that matters at all. and if someone gives you beef for it then THEY are rude it only reflects on them

[fair kayak]

Cause here’s the thing, their are lil 3 ft tall dudes and it makes you not have to do a voice

[night notch]

Right I was gonna say you could also make your character really young so it would make sense

[digital dawn]

roleplay it as your character realllllly likes helium balloons

[warm plume]

😭

[fair kayak]

If you want a safe space to play then I recommend checking out Adventurers League, it adds a few more rules but it is organized and official

[warm plume]

alright

they had a dnd thing at my school

I didn’t participate cuz idk what it was

[fair kayak]

If you don’t like the behavior of a player of DM then you can red card and the DM either cuts it out or they get in trouble for not helping

[warm plume]

I don’t wanna get someone in trouble for something like that

[swift depot]

I have more questions

[warm plume]

I’d just leave at that point

[swift depot]

Are there good dex based weapons for a two weapon fighter build?

[fair kayak]

I mean it’s rare and they all are (usually) mature adults, but it is a tool to allow for a safe space for yourself

[warm plume]

Also when’s the csm movie coming out

[fair kayak]

I think in the winter but that’s not really D&D related lol

[fleet field]

Yes, that is what that fighting style does

[warm plume]

Ok mb

[fleet field]

Shortsword is your best option

[fleet field]

But keeping in mind that you add your ability modifier to normal attacks, so it isnt that OP

[fair kayak]

If you take the duel wielder feat then Rapiers

[warm plume]

Yea I’ll try dnd out when I know more about it

For now it seems like too much to cram in my tiny brain

[fleet field]

It's more bringing the bonus attack up to speed rather than making it stronger

[swift depot]

I didn't get access to a feat

[fair kayak]

Yeah, I really recommend it and it’s a lot of fun, feel free to experiment around with it

[chilly abyss]

[swift depot]

Can I use rapiers over shortswords without that feat? Rapiers suit my char lore-wise the most

[digital dawn]

go to your schools club for sure youll meet kids your age and im sure theres an adult who can teach you abt it as you all play

[fair kayak]

Ah I was just saying the options

[chilly abyss]

Hi

[fair kayak]

Hi

[swift depot]

Can I get feats later on in the campaign?

[chilly abyss]

New here doesn't know what to do much

[fair kayak]

Up to your DM

[warm plume]

This was back in fall-early winter so idk if it’s still going on

[fleet field]

normally yes

[steep river]

Rules as written you can choose a feat or improve your ability scores at level 4

[fair kayak]

I don’t think so I think you can only duel wield light weapons without disadvantage

[fleet field]

You generally get a feat instead of an ability score inscrease

[night notch]

Most clubs go until the end of the year

[fleet field]

You cant at all

[digital dawn]

if its dnd i'd assume it is. either way you could ask around and find the teacher who ran it etc. find who was in it and see if they play outside of school and make friends with them

[warm plume]

I literally don’t know anything about dnd except avoiding predators

[fair kayak]

Ah, I don’t have access to my rule book rn so idk

[fleet field]

Dual wielding is specifically when you have two light weapons

[warm plume]

Which is prolly the best thing to know but still 😭

[swift depot]

Oh, awesome. But I don't have access to any feats other then "grappler" and "firearm specialist" in DnDBeyond

[fair kayak]

I recommend reading the basic rules, a lot of understanding D&D is playing it

It helps to have an experienced player to guide you along with it

[steep river]

Unless you have the feat, in which case you can then dual wield whatever so long as it's not 2 heavy weapons

[swift depot]

Okay, I see.

Btw if I'm dual-wielding as a level 2 fighter. I still only get one attack? Or do I get two attacks just because I'm dual wielding?

[fleet field]

yeah

[fleet field]

You get one from your action, and one as a bonus action

[warm plume]

When a character dies can they come back in another dungeon or like nah

[swift depot]

And one attack can be used as a bonus action if I'm not wrong?

[digital dawn]

up to your DM

[fair kayak]

Mostly up to a DM, but there are spells to revive people

[steep river]

Depends on the dm but generally not going to happen

[night notch]

Most def, I read the basic rules and was still confused until our first session... yesterday we played from 2ish to 3 am ish 😭

[warm plume]

Ok so if the dm doesn’t like me my character is wiped ☠️

[fair kayak]

It took me a couple of sessions to understand it but after playing for a few years I understand it pretty well

[steep river]

Yes, you can do action attack, and bonus action offhand attack

[swift depot]

Awesome

[fleet field]

Offhand isnt really accurate

there isnt a concept of offhand

[night notch]

sweet im starting to get the hang of it... its been 3 sessions.. and now we have a weekly routine so yea Tuesdays and Thursdays and sometimes weekends

[fair kayak]

Not really, there are spells players can do to prevent character death and if you die without those spells your character is dead. But most towns have a temple that can resurrect players

[fleet field]

You get one attack as normal, and a second bonus action one due to holding a second weapon

[warm plume]

Honestly I think if I made my own dungeon I’d just beat everything up with my friends

[swift depot]

Do I get a disadvantage on attack with my bonus shortsword attack? If it's inaccurate?

[fleet field]

No

[warm plume]

No attacks, just.. Beat them up

[fair kayak]

Nice I’m really glad you got a reliable plan, I play every Wednesday night at my local gamestore

[fleet field]

However you dont normally add your ability mod to damage for it

so it does less damage

[fair kayak]

lol

[steep river]

*attack with the other equipped weapon that you didn't use for your first attack which was done with the weapon you primarily use as your primary weapon

[night notch]

I'll try and see if any places have dnd days near me but if not we still have more friends to add to our little group 😭

[fair kayak]

That has been off and on since I’ve moved places so I haven’t been playing at the same place for years

[swift depot]

So wait, let's say I attack once as an action and once as a bonus action, I can't add ability mod to either of them until I get second attack at level 5?

[fair kayak]

How big is your group?

[fleet field]

no

[night notch]

Right now it's pretty small.. its only 3 of us

[fleet field]

you dont add the ability mod to the bonus action one

[fair kayak]

Including DM?

[fleet field]

the action one works like normal

[night notch]

Excluding

[steep river]

Or like... I could just say offhand and it'll be understood what that colloquially means

[fair kayak]

Oh nice

[swift depot]

I can only add the ability mod to my action attack?

[warm plume]

Well I have 3 friends MY age / close to my age so I could play w/ them

[fleet field]

Okay lets go from the top

[warm plume]

But they do weird stuff so idk if that’s a great idea

[fair kayak]

I have found the sweet spot of D&D is to have 3-5 players and 1 DM

[fleet field]

when you are holding two weapons, your attacks with your action works like normal

[warm plume]

I could be the dm honestly

[fleet field]

However, you can also use your bonus action to make an additional attack, which you don't add you ability modifier to the damage of

[warm plume]

Even though I’ve never even been a player

[fair kayak]

Because the issue with a lot of Players is the DM can get stressed by having too many players to look after and combat takes a while with a lot of people

[night notch]

Well he's also playing.. I said excluding since it's 2 of us (non dm) and the DM and his character, he doesnt really give us info obviously since he knows it all but he doesnt use it either

[fair kayak]

Welcome to becoming the forever DM lol

[swift depot]

In my normal attack action, I do add a ability mod right?

[fair kayak]

Nice

[fleet field]

yes

[warm plume]

Not unless I just spawn god on them 😹

[swift depot]

Due to my two-hand weapon skill?

[fleet field]

no

[fair kayak]

Lol

[fleet field]

just becuase its normal

[swift depot]

So what does my two-weapon skill mean?

[night notch]

Yep It's sweet, we have a monk, a warlock and a paladin, all of different races too and my brother might join but probably not

[fleet field]

The two weapon fighting style lets you add your ability modifier to the damage of the bonus action attack

[fair kayak]

The thing I've found is that by having way to many players it can derail since the DM has to juggle so many backstories

[swift depot]

Oh

Okay that makes sense, I get double ability mods on attacks due to that skill

[fair kayak]

Thats a really solid party comp, if your brother joins then you can actually get a party of 3-4 which I find to be the sweet spot

[warm plume]

Honestly they’d say “With this treasure I summon” and then get killed instantly after by a squirrel

[swift depot]

Also, should I level Dex harder or Strength? Would'nt it be better to focus on Dex as I'm a dual-wielding fighter?

[fleet field]

Depends the weapons you want

either way youll generally want to dump the other

[steep river]

Some weapons use str others use dex

[fleet field]

but yeah most light weapons are finesse so they use dex

[fair kayak]

I do that but I summon (THEORETICALLY) infinite birds as a player

[steep river]

also depends on what your plan regarding armor is going to be

[swift depot]

Okay so better to just dump all my points in dex?

[night notch]

Not all since you cant do that but alot yea

[steep river]

Dex is always a good stat to have high

[fair kayak]

Yup

[fleet field]

yeah, just make sure you choose finesse weapons

[steep river]

It's the most used ability in the game

[night notch]

That is literally my lowest stat LMAO

[swift depot]

Okay so at level ups, I focus on Dex rather then Strength?

[fair kayak]

I agree that it is my top 2 of best stats

[swift depot]

I assume Shortswords are finesse weapons?

[fair kayak]

Yup

[warm plume]

Since they all like anime, we’d prolly have classes as anime abilities

[fleet field]

yeah

[swift depot]

Just to confirm, that's what I should do yea?

[fair kayak]

Way of the Astral Self monk is a Jojos character btw, you get a stand

[steep river]

You don't get an ASI (ability score increase) every level

[warm plume]

What can it do?

[swift depot]

But when I do get it, it's best to use it on dex?

[warm plume]

Sounds awesome

[fleet field]

yeah

[fair kayak]

It lets the user summon the astral version of themself and increases range, changes the damage type, allows the user to attack with their wisdom modifier and thats a 3rd level

[fleet field]

sigh

no

You get to add your ability mod the bonus attack, where you normally wouldnt

[warm plume]

Insanity

[fleet field]

thats it

[fair kayak]

Summons a stand literally "your mastery of your ki allows you to summon a portion of your astral self"

[swift depot]

Yea, that's what I meant to say mb

[warm plume]

What custom classes should we use?

[topaz garnet]

you explicitly said double, how would that even remotely mean anything else

[night notch]

My next characters prolly gonna be a Divine Soul Sorcerer Tiefling because... I couldn't do it last time

[fair kayak]

I would recommend using the standard classes

[warm plume]

Anime and roblox is all they can comprehend

[topaz garnet]

custom classes is an extra step in both design and balance. Use the standard classes.

[topaz garnet]

Then... they might not be such a good fit.

[warm plume]

I love making my own stuff tho

[swift depot]

Can fighters proficiently wear medium armor? Or is it only light armor?

[warm plume]

I need a dice, right?

[fleet field]

read the class proficiencies

[night notch]

You haven't played yet, use standard for the best experience

[topaz garnet]

some homebrew is easy, some homebrew is difficult.

[digital dawn]

youll need a basic understanding that comes through playing standard in order to then customize characters in a balanced way

[swift depot]

It isn't showing them to me for some reason

Lemme delete my class and see 1 sec

[fair kayak]

Ah, if you want Anime themed characters then I would say do

1. Dual Wielding fighter with a flavored 3rd sword in mouth (Zoro)
2. Astral Self Monk (Jotaro)
3. Alchemist Artificer (Senku)

[topaz garnet]

A single spell is much less of an impact than an entire subclass or entire class.

[warm plume]

Alright I’ll try those out

[steep river]

Sometimes it's better to choose a feat at that point in time, but until level 19 you can't use asi to increase a stat above 20 (which is technically a dnd 5.5 thing that isn't official yet)

[warm plume]

Is 15 dmg alot

[fair kayak]

They are just fun anime themed characters you can do

[fair kayak]

Depends on the level

[warm plume]

5

[fleet field]

You can never use an asi to increase above 20

[fair kayak]

Not really

[swift depot]

What are the disadvantages of using heavy armor?

[fleet field]

per what?

[night notch]

You could probably also make a Tanjiro Class but it would suck

[fair kayak]

Disadvantage on stealth

[topaz garnet]

Depends on the context, as with everything

[swift depot]

Just that?

[fair kayak]

I mean Tanjiro is just a fighter

[steep river]

Read the entirety of what I said please. I qualified it.

[topaz garnet]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/classes/fighter#FighterClassDetails

[fair kayak]

yeah and heat metal being annoying

[warm plume]

Hear me out, 15% chance it can do 50 dmg

[topaz garnet]

"Proficiencies
Armor: All armor, shields"

[fleet field]

Don't confuse new players with future content that isnt final yet

[swift depot]

Like RP-wise having trouble fighting under the sun?

[fleet field]

no, a spell called heat metal

[swift depot]

Oh

[night notch]

Cool effects which mean you would also need spells or some sort of "magic"

[warm plume]

My brain is overheating

[swift depot]

What does that spell do?

[fleet field]

heats metal

[fair kayak]

Didn't the author say that the effects weren't real?

[swift depot]

I mean does it do damage or?

[fleet field]

heavy armour is metal

[fleet field]

yes, and more bad stuff

[topaz garnet]

heat metal
very bad for you if someone heats your armor
since you can't take it off any sooner than like, 10 minutes

[warm plume]

First form: 0.5 dmg on lvl 10

[steep river]

Don't assume peoples intelligence level.

[urban mango]

Makes it hard to attack and do things, does damage to you if you're holding/wearing whatever is heated, armor takes a long time to take off

[night notch]

Yes just visual effects, im guessing if it give no damage advantage then its up to the dm but if it does you would need magic

[swift depot]

Okay, I gotchu.

I'm alsoa ssuming that light armor gives advantage on stealth and medium gives no disadvantages or advantages

[warm plume]

I have iq below 40

[fleet field]

no

[topaz garnet]

it's more of a "what's real and what's theoretical as of now" than an intelligence thing

[warm plume]

Nah idk my iq

[fair kayak]

I mean if you want magical effects then go for Blade singer wizard

[fleet field]

light gives flat, medium is flat for some disadvantage for some

[fair kayak]

Makes sense as well since most Demon Slayers are kinda frail from Demon Attacks

[digital dawn]

this is a newcomers channel, not dnd discussion. keep it new player friendly and related to current mechanics. no one is assuming anyones intelligence.

[night notch]

I did NOT know that was a subclass thank you for letting me know

[topaz garnet]

they only do as they say
basically, there is...
how much, if any, dex you can add to AC.
if it has a STR requirement to not be slowed down
if it gives disadv on stealth

[fleet field]

the point of different armour types is more to cater to different stat spreads

[fair kayak]

Or eldtrich knight

[steep river]

That's a cool opinion for him to have and for me to ignore

[warm plume]

350% buff against demons, but terrible against everything else!!

[fair kayak]

Lol I feel you

[swift depot]

Oh, I see.

[fair kayak]

lol

[warm plume]

Aki could be a cool class

[swift depot]

Now as a Fighter, would the AC upgrade that you get from heavy armor be worth it for all the disadvantages?

[warm plume]

Hmmm.. Actually idk

[fair kayak]

Eldtrich knight, fighter subclass and it gives you access to magic and lets you summon a bonded weapon
Blade singer wizard, wizard subclass and it gives you access to melee weapons and makes you survivable in melee combat

[warm plume]

Snowball class

[topaz garnet]

Light Armor favors those with high dex or lesser proficiencies (such as Warlocks or Rogues)
Medium Armor is nice for a character with a simple ~14 Dex, not requiring anything higher for the best of it, but the bar raises to wear it. Clerics and Barbarians, for example, are proficient in it.
Heavy Armor is the tankiest stuff, no dex to AC at all, and often having STR requirements or disadv on stealth, but they can provide the highest ACs to even a low Dex character.

[steep river]

Depends entirely on how you've built your fighter. Are they meant to be a "tank"? Then maybe. But honestly there are better classes for that role

[night notch]

Oh sweet

[warm plume]

Guts class?

[night notch]

such as a paladin no?

[fair kayak]

Depending on whether you want more martial vs magic

[topaz garnet]

it's basically just
need X strength to not be slowed down
disadv on stealth checks specifically

[swift depot]

I'm going for a Dual-Wielding fighter that's supposed to be pretty nimble

[steep river]

Paladin, barbarian, hell - even monk

[swift depot]

The main focus is a lot of damage

[night notch]

I will continue to make my characters a self insert but worse by making it even more emo than I am

[fleet field]

Go light or medium then given youre dex focused

[fair kayak]

Lol

[fleet field]

Heavy is specifically for strength builds

[fair kayak]

I typically play goofy kobolds that pull off the craziest gimmicks

[warm plume]

My character is.. Idk how to explain it

[fair kayak]

Like at level 2 summons bombs that can blow a dimension apart

Or summoning (theorically) infinite owls

[warm plume]

Insanity

[fair kayak]

Fr don't mess with the kobold

[swift depot]

I want to do a lot of sneaking, and dex based stuff so light would be best right?

[night notch]

oh wow. Anyways my backstory is super evil that it made my dm like cry trying to implement it 😭

[fleet field]

Probably

[swift depot]

Basically, my entire party is literally just mages (somehow) and me and another party member will be the only "Physical" characters

[warm plume]

Mine is, not that bad

[digital dawn]

is there a reason you dont want to be a rogue? sneaking / dual wielding / high dmg..?

[fair kayak]

My characters are either, fought in the Kobold trench war of '05 or wants to spread the love of alchemy

[swift depot]

So I'll probably be depended on quite a bit to do a bunch of things

[swift depot]

Because our party needs someone to do all the sneaky peaky stuff, but also be the frontline

[fair kayak]

Either mad wholesome or war flashbacks

[night notch]

My current character and probably my next are internal conflicts which make is SUPER hard to put in the story 😭

[fresh fable]

We have #character-discussion FYI

[fair kayak]

oof I feel bad for your DM lol

[fair kayak]

Oh yeah we should probably head there lol

[swift depot]

True

[warm plume]

Some backstories are just like: “Saw parents oof, Stepped on dog on accident, Caseoh ate his cat, Earth hit by Pluto”

[swift depot]

I just wanna ask this though, what are the disadvantages that medium armor gives

Since Light Armor doesn't give any sort of disadvantage

[fleet field]

Read it

[warm plume]

Then some are: “Dropped Ice Cream”

[fresh fable]

Max dex 2 and some give disadvantage to stealth

[swift depot]

Where?

[fresh fable]

On the armour tables

[fair kayak]

Some medium armors give disadvantage to stealth and limit max dexerity given to ac to +2

[warm plume]

I’m tired

[swift depot]

Okay, and light armor has no disadvantages

Makese sensE, thank you everyone!

[fair kayak]

No disadvantages, just reliant on Dexterity

[warm plume]

Its late anyways, I’m gonna get off cya

Why autocorrect 😭

[lyric fjord]

Do you guys know some youtube videos where they have a dnd session? So i could learn from them

[fresh fable]

Dungeon dudes have some good ones

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQMqiULo_05O1l_x7wym1Th1DTdqiaO0P&si=jwMSbf7VncKiecT9 there’s only 3 players so things don’t get to hectic

[tropic forge]

hey so can anyone give me a list of all finnese weapons i need it for a character sheet

[crude musk]

they're all on D&D Beyond (for free)

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/equipment#Weapons

[tropic forge]

GreatSword Heavy, two-handed what does any of this mean?

[crude musk]

It's all there in the section I linked

[ornate kiln]

the weapon properties are explained further below the lists of weapon

[tropic forge]

ok

[viral eagle]

DnD Newbie here, apologies if this is a dumb question; looking into making a small campaign to test the waters with. If I put an enemy in a campaign, do the stats change depending on tje levels of the party?

[minor scaffold]

While I cant say for certain, it seems to me that the stats are static.
There are only 2 things I can think of to change to make lower end enemies more of a threat for later level heroes.
Either bring in more of them, or alter their stat block to be more suitable.

[topaz garnet]

they don't "level" with the players, no. A zombie is a zombie is a zombie.

Whether they're level 1 or level 20, a Zombie statblock remains the same.

[crude musk]

A given stat block represents an example of that monster a specific level of strength. Stat blocks don't adjust and instead if you want a stronger (or weaker) monster, you would need to either

1. Find a different stat block
   or
2. Make one of your own, often by adjusting the original stat block

[crude musk]

@keen raptor

[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.

[keen raptor]

Thnx

[hoary storm]

Does multiclassing cause ur hp to be lower than usual?

I’m using DD&B and I made a lvl 3 paladin lvl2 warlock and my hp is only 27?

[crude musk]

That's not a newcomer question, try asking in #character-discussion

[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.

[plush iron]

Hey guys! I was thinking about GMing for the first time at my college and wanted advice. Is there a channel for that?

Think it might be closed to me due to my role

[timid locust]

You can check out #dm-discussion !

[smoky adder]

None of our channels are role-locked. You can check id:browse to customize which channels you see.

[flat lotus]

moved to other channel as per adviced

[crude musk]

That's kinda beyond the scope of this channel, maybe try #dnd-discussion

[viscid rose]

hey ive never played DnD before nor do i have a character yet or much knowlegde of the rules are there any groups i can join or ways that i can learn the rules

[true musk]

For best results, taking the time to learn the basics can go a long way.
Additionally you can start by playing single session adventures, as they are a good way to experiment and build up experience as you try to find a group for a more long term campaign.

A good place to play one shots is through Adventurers League.

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

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

How does it work?

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

Where do I start?

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

What is the Adventurers League?

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

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

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

[true musk]

The bot posts above can help you get started.
Single session Adventurers League games can be found here:
https://discord.com/channels/516367331358801950/1050208806006702081

[viscid rose]

im about to make the most baller warlock character ever

[true musk]

You can find the AL player's guide here. https://dnd.wizards.com/adventurers-league
Even if you don't end up playing AL. The character guidelines serve as a good baseline for some home campaigns.

[viscid rose]

or there any limitations on backstorys or your own characters lore

also how do settings work ive been asked a couple times about what setting it is and its hard to really answer that question cuz idk what their talking about

[cobalt frigate]

The setting is what the world your DM decides the campaign to be in.

Some DMs use official campaign settings like the Forgotten Realms while others make up their own homebrew world.

So you should work with your DM on the scope and limitations based on their setting.

[true musk]

I believe they are currently looking for a group.

[cobalt frigate]

I'm just explaining what a campaign setting is as they were confused about it in #dnd-lore

[true musk]

Ah, thank you for the context.

[fallen surge]

The purpose of a backstory is to explain and give context to the choices you made during character creation. You cannot, for example, give yourself new items or powers or abilities just by writing it into your backstory.

[viscid rose]

ohh okay

im making a character right now though are there certain rules i have to apply to make sure my character isnt overpowerd or cant work with certian DM settings

[cobalt frigate]

If you're a new player then most likely you're starting off at level 1. You're essentially fresh out of the academy/school/abbey with literally zero experience as an adventurer.

[true musk]

Using standard array or point buy are good ways to start, as rolling for stats will often not be accepted if you rolled them on your own.

[cobalt frigate]

Don't write a complex backstory because it will box in your character development.

[fallen surge]

The first 4 chapters of the basic rules/PHB are a step-by-step guide to character creation. By following those rules, you'll make a character that is properly within the bounds of the game

[true musk]

All that said, there is nothing wrong with having an optimized character.

[viscid rose]

ok becaus while making my character it seems that i could just say that he knows every single spell but it would be better to say start off with 1-3 basic lv1 spells like burning hands or sheild

[true musk]

You couldn't because each spellcasting class has rules of how a character knows spells and how many they have access to.

[cobalt frigate]

Well, that's again giving yourself more power than you're allowed to gameplay mechanics-wise.

[viscid rose]

okay

[cobalt frigate]

Flavour is fine as long as it doesn't affect gameplay mechanics.

[viscid rose]

where is the rules/pBH thing so i can read it

[exotic remnant]

What is D&D?

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

How does it work?

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

Where do I start?

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

[true musk]

The bot post above that I pointed you earlier gives you access to the free basic rules.

[viscid rose]

ok thanks

[true musk]

Each spellcaster has rules regarding:

• Spell casting
• Preparing and Casting Spells
• Spellcasting Ability
• Learning new spells.

[slim vale]

Hey guys. I’m new here. Nice to meet you all.

[fallen surge]

welcome

[true musk]

Welcome to the hobby

[slim vale]

How is everyone doing

[true musk]

You mentioned creating a Warlock, so you can find Warlock info here: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/classes#QuickBuild11

In terms of spells, at Level 1 warlocks know:

• 2 Cantrips
• 2 Spells of 1st Level
• Have 1 Spell slot.
• • Meaning you can only cast 1 leveled spell per short or long rest and will have to rely on your cantrips spells.

[true musk]

Doing rather well.
How new to dnd are 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.

[mental reef]

?whatishomebrew

?homebrew

[exotic remnant]

What is homebrew?

The term homebrew can refer to a few things, but mostly means "unofficial rules," or rules that you won't find in an official D&D publication.

Homebrewing can be a Dungeon Master creating their own monster from scratch, writing their own adventure, or deciding to permit changes to existing rules to better fit their table or players' needs.

It's important to note that homebrew rules are only acceptable at non-organized tables, and homebrew rules cannot be used at Adventurers League tables. Always check with your DM on what homebrew is (or isn't) permitted at your table.

[ornate kiln]

1 leveled spell per short or long rest, not just 1 per day

[true musk]

Correction made

[mental reef]

Hey I'm entirely new to DnD and although I have watched some YouTube videos and skimmed over players handbook, playing and joining a session is still intimidating to me. Is there still other thing I should do and study or am I ready to play ?

I feel like I am not ready to play so any help would be appreciated

[true musk]

You could start with one shots, which are single session adventures.
They provide a great opportunity to practice and can be a low stress enviroment.

[fallen surge]

Perhaps try creating your first character. Even as a test run, it can be a good way to put what you've learned into practice and see how your decsions actually affect your character sheet

[true musk]

You can print some simple guides like the Player's Quick Combat Guide by Adam H. in the DMs guild.

[mental reef]

I did create a character (a pretty bland one cuz I didn't want to get attached to my first one ). And about those one shot games although I want to play at the same time I dont want to ruin other people's game...

[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.

[mental reef]

What is this?

I don't completely understand

[true musk]

I typically recommend D&D adventures league as Tier 1 games, games for characters level 1-4, tend to be new player friendly.

[mental reef]

I thought I had to look for games at #looking-for-players channel. Can I find a game at adventurers league ?

[true musk]

There are multiple avenues for finding games #looking-for-players is one of them for campaigns.

[mental reef]

Ohh I will try to find some games at adventurers league than

Thank you so much 👍

[true musk]

We can hop over to #adventurers-league to give your more details.

[mental reef]

That would be delightful

I would really apriciate it

[dreamy jewel]

Does anyone know of a group I could join?

[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.

[sleek wharf]

I've been playing DND for a bit and I am a dragonborn druid and I want to know if I can use the breath weapon but be in wild shape

[harsh fjord]

You retain the benefit of any features from your class, race, or other source and can use them if the new form is physically capable of doing so.

By that logic, it's probably the case that your beast form can't use a breath weapon.

Questions like those are for #dnd-rules, FYI; this channel focuses on clarifying the basics of the game and otherwise getting started.

[warm plume]

I’m creating classses for my friends since dnd is confusing!!

(I don’t understand it either)

[warm plume]

Catnips?!

[echo kelp]

That seems likely to end up in more confusion for everyone - I'd really recommend running things from the free basic rules for a session or two

Cantrips are spells that don't use a spell slot

[warm plume]

Catnips

Trust me.

[echo kelp]

I know what a cantrip is.
I know what catnip is.
Catnip is not a specific D&D term. Let's avoid confusing new-to-D&D folks.

[warm plume]

Okay it’s Cantrip 😭

[warm plume]

How do I get spells

[topaz garnet]

your class will say whether you do or do not get a certain amount

for example, a barbarian doesn't get spells, but a cleric, warlock, wizard, etc will

[echo kelp]

You need to have a class with the spellcasting feature or have a feat.
Or have an item that allows you to cast certain spells from the item (e.g. wands or other magical items)

[warm plume]

Does a barbarian do more damage? Cuz if not that seems kinda unfair

[echo kelp]

Barbarians have features and can use certain weapons to do a fair amount of damage.

[warm plume]

Alright

[echo kelp]

Each class has it's own unique flavor and features they bring to the game

[topaz garnet]

they're proficient with weapons, have higher AC, HP, and their Rage feature lets them ignore half of all bludgeoning piercing and slashing damage, deal extra damage, have advantage on strength saves, they get their own buffs.

[warm plume]

Oh damn

[topaz garnet]

their unarmored defense lets them have a higher AC than, say, a Wizard with the same stats, or they can wear some medium armor if they want
they have the biggest size of hit die making them the toughest in sheer HP terms

[sterile falcon]

Is it best to play D&D as a player first before trying to DM?

[harsh fjord]

There is no best. Some folks are comfortable DMing to start with, and others prefer being a player first.

[sullen pawn]

my first character is complete

what do i do now?

[smoky adder]

You can share it in #character-discussion if you want to show off or get feedback.

Or you can try looking for a group to join via #find-a-game.

[sullen pawn]

well its my first character and i don't wanna send it and get lectured ...again...

[harsh fjord]

Then use #find-a-game and begin your search for a group as spam suggested!

[wooden shard]

Hello! New here! I've always admired people who play D&D, and have played it a few times. But I'm finally taking a big step in learning how to play and maybe even write my own campaigns one day. But I have a question: it says in the book that a druid can take on the shape of a creature they've seen before ( correct me if I'm wrong ) If that is true, can it be creatures seen in backstory /background, or does it have to be a creature seen on the adventure they are on right now? OR is it like a perception check or something?

[fresh fable]

Backstory works just work with your dm on any exotic beast you may of seen

[wooden shard]

AMAZING! Thank you so much for clarifying!

[wild onyx]

And it's got to be a beast, not a monster or aberration or otherwise.

[wooden shard]

ANY beast from the bestiary?

[fresh fable]

Pretty much to make life easier for yourself find some for combat and some for utility

Rats, spiders, for scouting

[wooden shard]

aye, will do- I still need to study the books a bit more before i'm ready to play or anything lol

I want my guy to be a huge turtle tank lol

[fleet field]

Sounds like the Tortle race

[wooden shard]

aye, they are going to be a big part of the world at large haha

[harsh fjord]

There are CR restrictions. I forget the specifics off-hand, but they're in the features text.

[sullen pawn]

i made a very tiny mousde he is 7.5cm tall hehe its my first character and i dont know to be proud or ashamed of my tiny monstrocity

[wooden shard]

Can I be a tortle? as a main character?

I need to read more lol mb

[cobalt frigate]

If your DM allows them in their campaign setting.

[harsh fjord]

That's way outside the realm of official race options, so you may have a tough time finding a DM who will let you play it. But here's hoping!

[fleet field]

Tortle is an official race, so absolutely

[grizzled maple]

are there any official undead races you can play as?

[harsh fjord]

Dhampir, hexblood, and reborn lineages have undead vibes.

[cobalt frigate]

But they're all Humanoid not Undead creature types.

[trail cliff]

up to how many players can i give bardic inspiration in one turn? does it increase over time?

[true musk]

You use a bonus action on your turn to choose one creature other than yourself within 60 feet of you who can hear you.

[trail cliff]

thank you!

[wooden shard]

YAY that is so amazing, what about bug species lol?

[fleet field]

Thrikreen is the closest

It’s a psychic alien bug with 4 arms

[wooden shard]

ooh

thats perfect

[grizzled maple]

how do you tell if a homebrew race/class is balanced?

[fleet field]

Generally you just go off the reputation of the person who made it

But for a new player I would avoid homebrew

[wooden shard]

As per my name, I wanted to have some bug-like creatures. If you squint they kinda look like huge crickets haha

[fleet field]

They do actually

[grizzled maple]

are homebrews generally more complicated then?

[true musk]

You need to have a in depth understanding of understanding of the base mechanics and how something hombrewed changes things.

[fleet field]

Sometimes, but as a new player you could also get confused and not know if it’s balanced or not

Best to stick with official materials while you’re learning

[grizzled maple]

fair enough

[wooden shard]

May I ask, has anyone played some campaigns online? Are they pretty good? I don't have RL friends so this would be the only place I could play. But I saw a vid on how to play by yourself or 1 person as well

[true musk]

Yeah they are pretty fun.

I DM my campaign online through a virtual table top.

My players are from different parts of the U.S. and one from the U.K.

[wooden shard]

Cool, I wanna run through a couple before I write my own campaign lol- I'm KNOW I have almost everything to learn lol

[grizzled maple]

oh i remember hearing somewhere that in dnd communities critical role and mercer in particular are kinda controversial for some reason? is that true?

[wooden shard]

I've really enjoyed those campaigns so far! I'm on episode 4 of season 2 haha

[grizzled maple]

same! though i tend to get distracted and lose my place ._. but im just about caught up with campaign 3!

[true musk]

When it comes to any D&D show, a common thing new players forget is that those games are done with professional actors or improv people with training and experience.

And not set a particular expectation of your experience based on the skills of professional actors.

[wooden shard]

aye I'm learning tons just by watching! Its a great way to get through the work day then read all night lol

[grizzled maple]

yeah i assumed they probably do things a bit differently then the average dnd group being professionals and all that

[woeful radish]

I have already search some, but since new information is never bad, what are good tools to make maps either real ones or online?

[true musk]

#dnd-maps Can point you to alot of resources.

[smoky adder]

There’s a list here of community recommendations.
#dnd-maps message

[grizzled maple]

so is mercers stuff like blood hunter generally accepted at tables? or is it still just a tossup on whether a dm will allow it?

[crude musk]

No, it's generally not

[true musk]

Third party content acceptance will vary from table to table.

[crude musk]

Because it's not designed/playtested for the average table

[fleet field]

From my knowledge it's very much focused on being entertaining to watch being played, as opposed to being fun and balanced to actually play

[crude musk]

It was designed initially for a film promo one-shot, and then refined for use by two players of Matt's campaigns

The community just asked for it to be made available, so Matt did. The intent was never "This is a fully fleshed out and designed class for general use"

[grizzled maple]

when you make a character, how much influence/say does the dm normally get in the backstory? like does the dm normally shape the world around the characters backstory or are the players supposed to shape the characters backstory on the world?

[crude musk]

It's a conversation

The DM will make the game world, but it's not set in stone

[cobalt frigate]

I would say the DM and player should work together. The DM may have a say if the player's backstory fits withing the scope of the campaign setting.

[crude musk]

You may want your character to come from a certain type of place, so you ask your DM questions and they give you feedback

[wild onyx]

Varies. Most DMs will have a specific setting in mind, and then you negotiate to adapt your ideas in. Some will look to players to help build a world around the characters.

[cobalt frigate]

I use the official campaign setting of the Forgotten Realms but there is still a lot that's left blank for both me and my players to fill in. One of my players is an ex-assassin so he made up the assassins' guild his PC used to be in and I worked with him on the backstory of that guild.

[wooden shard]

That is awesome!

[grizzled maple]

that makes sense- sorry if the questions are kinda dumb ._.

[cobalt frigate]

Remember that the DM and the players are co-storytellers.

[wooden shard]

Trust me, if anyone is gonna ask the dumb ones, thats me ❤️

[rustic urchin]

hello, I'm quite new to dnd, played a handful of table top but trying to get setup on dnd beyond. Can't quite figure out how to setup the encounters for a campaign. can someone break it down barney style for me, videos I've watched weren't much help.

[main fulcrum]

You might want #ddb-support for that one

[smoky adder]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1135-tutorial-how-to-build-encounters-and-run-them-on-d

[glass summit]

I would generally suggest you run a hardcover adventure or module to get a sense for how adventures are designed, before going and making your own

In lieu of that however, using DDB's encounter tool is a good way to learn encounter balance. Just plug in the levels of your PCs, and mess around with adding different NPCs of varying CRs (Challenge Ratings) to see how it impacts the difficulty of the encounter (easy, medium, hard, deadly). I imagine you want medium/hard

[rustic urchin]

okay, thank you

[grizzled maple]

so big stupid question but what is proficiency bonus??

[wild onyx]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules/using-ability-scores#ProficiencyBonus

[glass summit]

Its a bonus you add to anything your character would be considered 'proficient' with
It scales off your character's level, to represent a general increase in your abiliites as you progress

[near island]

Hey what's up?

[fallen surge]

Your proficiency bonus is a number that you add to attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws that you have proficiency in

?tag new proficiency

[exotic remnant]

Proficiencies

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

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

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

[wooden shard]

You only have to use Thri-kreen telepathy on languages you can't speak, right?

[smoky adder]

Thri-kreens can’t speak at all, except by telepathy.

[wooden shard]

Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common and one other language that you and your DM agree is appropriate for the character.

so this means telepathically then

[smoky adder]

Well, except for the Thri-Kreen language itself.

[fallen surge]

They can speak the thri kreen language

[wooden shard]

np, just reading and trying to understand. Thank you

oh so common, in this case means Thrikeen?

[smoky adder]

No

[wooden shard]

lol ><

[smoky adder]

Thri-kreen is a language of its own.

[grizzled maple]

as far as i know common is like- a general language most people know

[wooden shard]

thats what I thought, words were kinda scuffy

[fallen surge]

Thri Kreen’s telepathy is not a language, and it is not used to speak languages. It conveys meaning directly into someone’s mind. They don’t need to share a language with you to understand what you are communicating to them

[grizzled maple]

does that mean you can communicate with animals with that then?

[wooden shard]

thats what I was thinking, roll animal handling!

[smoky adder]

If that animal knows a language, yes.

[fallen surge]

It must be able to understand at least 1 language to understand you

[smoky adder]

I.E. if there’s a language listed in its statblock

[fallen surge]

So like a giant eagle could understand you, for example

[grizzled maple]

what about like- a dog?

[fallen surge]

Dogs don’t have a language

[smoky adder]

A mastiff, at least, has no languages listed in its statblock.

[grizzled maple]

sad

[smoky adder]

Meanwhile, knowing other languages is still useful for you to understand them.

The telepathy is one-way only.

[grizzled maple]

do kenku know any languages? because they can parrot things back right? thats like- their thing?

[smoky adder]

Check the statblock

(But yes, they understand auran and common)

[fallen surge]

The Kenku playable race speaks languages just like any other character would

[lyric fjord]

Greetings program

[grizzled maple]

"speaks only through the use of its mimicry trait" so can a kenku hear something in a language it doesn't know and parrot that back? or does it need to understand the language?

[smoky adder]

It could, yes.

[fallen surge]

There is a difference between being able to say something, and knowing what it means

[umbral marsh]

Hello everyone, I've been interested to learn dnd for some time. I have no experience at all or anything or where or how to play, any tips to getting started. Like I got no idea

[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.

[wooden shard]

Are the Thri-kreen not on DND beyond?

[fallen surge]

The bot post above should help get you started

[smoky adder]

They’re in the Spelljammer book.

(Or you can buy just that race by itself.)

[wooden shard]

oh I gotta buy it to make the character on the site?

[smoky adder]

https://www.dndbeyond.com/marketplace/sourcebooks/spelljammer-adventures-in-space

[fallen surge]

They are not available for free. You must purchase the race, or the rules book that it was published in. Or you could use the race in a campaign if that campaign has content sharing enabled and someone else in that campaign has the race

[topaz garnet]

you'd have to buy the content on DNDBeyond to use the content on DNDBeyond, yeah.

[smoky adder]

Anything in the Basic Rules is available for free.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/basic-rules

[wooden shard]

makes ense, thank you srry

[smoky adder]

Anything in other books would need to be purchased to use.

Or shared with you through a campaign.

[grizzled maple]

but if you print out a sheet you can find lots of stuff on other websites cant you?

[smoky adder]

Everything freely given is already free on D&D Beyond.

There are other sites that also sell the books, like Roll20, Fantasy Grounds, and Foundry.

[wooden shard]

aye, the 'characters' are only a couple of bucks so nbd

[smoky adder]

DDB is the only one that sells the individual pieces, though.

$2 for the race

[fallen surge]

Is it really? I didn’t know that. Neat

[smoky adder]

Plus, whatever you spend gets credited toward the cost of the book itself, too.

[wooden shard]

ya 5 bucks for all of them

is it more worth just subing though lol?

[smoky adder]

Or yeah, you can get all six races from that book for $5.

[topaz garnet]

subscribing wouldn't unlock anything though

[smoky adder]

Yeah, a subscription doesn’t provide direct access to any paid game content.

[wooden shard]

oh

srry mb

[smoky adder]

But a Master Tier subscriber can enable Content Sharing for a campaign.

And then the purchases of everyone in that campaign get shared with everyone else.

So if someone else had bought that race, you’d be able to use it in that campaign.

[wooden shard]

while that is good, I wanna make my character that I can take on camps with me. So, I'll probably buy the characters individuals

Nice, now all I need is friend lmao

[fallen surge]

Just a quick terminology thing. Characters and races are 2 different things.

[wooden shard]

aye 100%- just to be clear. I want to be the Thri-kreen- I can dothat with these race things for 1.99 aye?

[fallen surge]

Yes

[wooden shard]

Perfect

I'm just saying the wrong things, its a me problem. You'll get used to it ❤️

[topaz garnet]

yeah, a character is something like "Rodrick 'Blackhand' Sylvio, Bounty Hunter"
a race is "are you an elf, dwarf, bug, hippo, goblin, whatever"

[grizzled maple]

god these books are so expensive-

[wooden shard]

I'm watching some of the older books on ebay lmao

[cobalt frigate]

You can buy the PDFs of the older editions on DMsGuild, much cheaper than trying to find the physical books.

[fallen surge]

Yeah, I mean, you have to remember that the company that makes D&D does this for a living. Publishing these books is literally all they do, because that’s what D&D is. It’s just a set of rules, that you get from rule books

[wooden shard]

may I ask, if looking for physical books ( as I am a book collector, and I just want them ) which would be best to buy / use for sake of playing online with people, and then later homebrewing

I didn't mean to tag you in this lmao

[topaz garnet]

physical books and playing online is kinda... eh.

[grizzled maple]

this would be so much easier if i wasn't poor

[fallen surge]

Only the most recent books have physical/digital bundles

[crude musk]

you can 100% play online using physical books, it's what I did before D&D Beyond launched

[wooden shard]

well I am grade 0 in D&D knowledge. I've heard from friends that 3.5 is best, and some people use e5. I just don't know what version is the best, and I should use. Like what's the best. I want to learn the general infromation about the game and then homebrew my own world afterward

I say friends, but people I used to know back a few life times ago

[crude musk]

Playing D&D online can literally mean having a paper sheet, physical books, physical dice and a pencil in front of you and talking to the rest of the 'table' over a discord voice call