THIS IS NOT A REVIEW: Oh and happy 4th of July folks!
Assuming that you've been following along on my blog for any stretch of time you've probably come to the profound realization that I am a huge nerd. Just about anybody who writes a blog is like, 90% likely to be a nerd. Follow the logic behind writing a blog: you find a subject or topic so interesting you feel the need to write about it. Even if this is topic is yourself it doesn't matter; you are, in some shape or form, a nerd.
To cut things short: I play dungeons and dragons. I've only been playing for about a year and this post is just a little advice on how to have fun playing D&D.
Dungeons and dragons is a pen/paper, tabletop RPG that has been around for years and has always been on the fringe of even nerd hobbies. It's hard for folks who don't appreciate things like Lord of the Rings, or heck, even science fiction to use their imagination to play a game. It's even harder when it ends up being a lot of work to get a group of friends together to play a game that may last several hours, to muster the energy to play.
As a relative newcomer to D&D, I have a few observations and suggestions for having fun with your new nerdy obsession (in no particular order):
1) Do go try to see if you can find a weekly game night at a comic shop:
These events are short (~1 hour) and you really only have time to get through one encounter (the equivalent to one fight). While there are some downsides, such as playing with strangers, playing with strangers, and playing with strangers who are just a bit too hardcore about the rules, it does give you a general idea of how a game should be run. I was lucky; I had friends who had played before who got me into it. This is again, a great way to just try it out.
2) Find a good group:
This is important. Playing DnD isn't necessarily about killing monsters. It's about imagining and having an adventure with your friends. Play with people who have a sense of humor and who don't take things too seriously. People who try too hard are called "try-hards" or "rules lawyers" and they suck to play with because they nit-pick. Chances are unless you are one of these people you probably know somebody who would be a drag to play dnD with.
3) Find a good DM:
A dungeon master not THAT kind of master; He/she is a world creator who plans the encounters, who rolls dice for all the monsters and most importantly weaves the story you group participates in. From personal experience I can tell you this: it is HARD to plan an adventure from scratch. Find adventures online, or if you buy the DnD rule book, they'll always have starting adventures for you to try.
Once you do have a good DM, please give this person a break. It is mentally draining to DM so give them a break by trying your hand at running a game. Assuming you've done a good job with #2, nobody is going to give you a hard time if you mess up.
Oh, and when you are playing, try not to be too tough on your DM. Don't give them too much lip, and don't argue. They made this world, they could drop an imaginary anvil on you if they want.
3) Have fun!
Play the game the way you want to play the game. Hopefully you play with people who also have a similar attitude. If you want to get in character and role-play; do it. If you want to crack jokes and mess around; do it.
As for the type of character you play, there is a LOT of variety. You can design characters that fit your play style. Wanna go charge in and smash things; there is a warrior-class for you. If you want to play a trickier role, go play a thief or rogue. Always wanted to be a wizard, go be a lightening bolt shooting wizard.
There are many, MANY flavors of character so do remember to give it a try.
4) Be patient:
When you eventually get into the thick of playing, DnD can take time. Whole afternoons can dissolve in a haze of dice, pencil, paper, pizza and soda. This is really the hardest part really. Aside from setting the time aside, you'll have to find times that work for your whole group to get together to play.
Once you've found your groove and discover how long your attention span can handle playing DnD, GO PLAY!!!
That's it; that's all I can think of at the moment. Go find some dice, go find your nerdy/geeky friends, go kill some imaginary fantasy creatures and go get some fantasy loot!
Enjoy, and 'till next time
- J
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