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Dungeons and Dragons: Who still plays?
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krypt0nian
Banned
Kinitari said:
Our host is emailing me every day with a countdown to next Saturday. :lol Funny how not playing for years makes it so sweet to wait for!
Cannot wait to rock my Razerclaw Shifter Pursuing Avenger of The Raven Queen!
krypt0nian said:
Human Dual-Wield spec Ranger, level 2 bitches. LEVEL 2! Oh god what am I turning into.
I have to go downtown and pick up more supplies for our game though - we are such newbs, we get to a new part in the campaign, look around in the campaign package for the map sheet only to realize - shock and awe - there is not a map sheet for every map in the campaign - that we should make them ourselves! I know our DM is FAR to lazy to make them himself, so I am going to go pick up some dungeon tiles - I don't even really know what I am looking for, I figure the 9 hour marathon I am pulling tomorrow will teach me a LOT - I am hoping, as there will be a lot of veterans there.
Also, I think - from the list of people who signed up for tables - I will be the only ethnic one there, so I will have plenty of opportunity to play the race card when I get a bad roll.
"What the fuck do you mean I can't re-roll this shit? That motherfucking Elf over there just got to roll again on his shitty 2 roll, why cant I? His race?! THIS IS SOME BUUULLLLSHIT".
Parallax Scroll
Banned
I run a 4th edition game almost every week. It's very laid back - I run canned adventures and it's mostly straight hack and slash. If people are in the mood to roleplay, I improvise something.
krypt0nian
Banned
Kinitari said:
Holy shit I spit Lucky Charms out! :lol
Four_Chamber
Member
I miss D&D
I got up to a Level 16 mage in a long Forgotten Realms (2nd edition) campaign back when I was in junior high. My party consisted of myself, a Paladin, and a rogue. The game kinda got boring and came to a screeching halt after the DM decided we needed to get wives and children.
I got up to a Level 16 mage in a long Forgotten Realms (2nd edition) campaign back when I was in junior high. My party consisted of myself, a Paladin, and a rogue. The game kinda got boring and came to a screeching halt after the DM decided we needed to get wives and children.
You know what? You're right. As you wrote, 4e really does explicitly encourage more roleplaying and co-op storytelling than before. And the truth is, for all versions, the style of play can be determined more by the people playing it than the rules themselves -- so long as everyone is on board.krypt0nian said:
Maybe I shouldn't have written that the old Basic rules encourage roleplaying (implying that they provide support materials for it), so much as they've freed us to do more of it.
For me, the thing I've found about playing the Basic rules (via Labyrinth Lord) is that it's psychologically unshackled our group, both DM and players. We don't micromanage characters and combat the way we used to (not just number crunching, but in all respects). Our setup and gameplay go much faster now, and players have embraced their characters' roles more. It's been fun for current players, and it's been easier than ever to integrate new ones.
Like I said in my original post, I've found plenty to like in all editions. Basic/LL is great for us right now. Most of my group started with the later editions, so it's also been fun to treat old school gameplay like a new toy. But our preference is always subject to change. I have a feeling that, should we switch to 4e (or some other edition), we'll be able to blend some of the best aspects of all versions we've played.
Never played. I don't think anyone in Costa Rica does :lol (I'm exaggerating, it's just not what my group of friends would be interested in doing) I'd like to try it out sometime though, it seems fun, although I wonder if I could stand being in-character all serious or dealing with the seemingly difficult rules.
krypt0nian
Banned
flyover said:
I am so picking up Labyrinth Lord. Sounds like a blast really.
It is pretty cool. A little different, but way fun! The PDF version of the rules is free, if you want to take a look:krypt0nian said:
http://www.goblinoidgames.com/labyrinthlord.html
There's an Advanced Edition add-on that "upgrades" LL to 1e AD&D -- adding some aspects and replacing others. Haven't tried it, yet. But I might make a point of it, since I have some of those old modules (e.g., the original Dragonlance modules) lying around and have never played them. Don't know if I'm ambitious enough to take on Dragonlance, though. Could take years!
BattleMonkey
Member
The large problem with D&D is WOTC and the whole "Living" bullshit. Lot of gamers don't get much playing done outside of "living" campaigns being run at local shops, cons, etc, and that really is nothing more than number crunching dungeon crawls with very little actual ROLEplay. You also get the people then running the canned prepackaged adventure campaigns which also tend to shit all over roleplaying creativity.
But also D&D is probably one of the most munchy of games when it comes to combat. Even in 4e, combat encounters just take a long time to play out compared to more narrative games where you find more encouragement for roleplaying. A simply dungeon run easily can take a whole session and be nothing more than a couple stringed together encounters. The D20 style of system and D&D of old has always put too much emphasis on the combat portion of the game.
But also D&D is probably one of the most munchy of games when it comes to combat. Even in 4e, combat encounters just take a long time to play out compared to more narrative games where you find more encouragement for roleplaying. A simply dungeon run easily can take a whole session and be nothing more than a couple stringed together encounters. The D20 style of system and D&D of old has always put too much emphasis on the combat portion of the game.
Oh man, too tired to write too much...
Played d&d for 8 hours today, I learned a LOT about d&d. Also, many nerds play d&d.
Got my ranger to level 3, screw my friends, they'll just have to deal with me being a level higher! I'll give them some gold or something.
I got a large whiteboard thingy to use as a 'dungeon tile' I was inspired by everyone at this event using large pieces of grid paper, I figure this will be less paper, and cheaper in the long run (got it cheap, cost me a bit over 10 bucks) only problem is drawing the grid the right size, but that's not a big problem.
More D&D tomorrow, should be 4-6 hours of d&ding - but with my close friends! To be honest, it was fun playing with strangers, but most of them were really weird - and some so stereotypically nerdy that it made me really sad. One guy was wearing a D&D shirt that said "This is how I roll", with a d10 d12 and d20 all on their max. Thing is, it was dirty - looked like cheetos stains - and it was like 14 sizes too small for him, and that is saying something considering I could have used that shirt as a hammock.
Played d&d for 8 hours today, I learned a LOT about d&d. Also, many nerds play d&d.
Got my ranger to level 3, screw my friends, they'll just have to deal with me being a level higher! I'll give them some gold or something.
I got a large whiteboard thingy to use as a 'dungeon tile' I was inspired by everyone at this event using large pieces of grid paper, I figure this will be less paper, and cheaper in the long run (got it cheap, cost me a bit over 10 bucks) only problem is drawing the grid the right size, but that's not a big problem.
More D&D tomorrow, should be 4-6 hours of d&ding - but with my close friends! To be honest, it was fun playing with strangers, but most of them were really weird - and some so stereotypically nerdy that it made me really sad. One guy was wearing a D&D shirt that said "This is how I roll", with a d10 d12 and d20 all on their max. Thing is, it was dirty - looked like cheetos stains - and it was like 14 sizes too small for him, and that is saying something considering I could have used that shirt as a hammock.
Escape Goat
Member
I remember playing this as a kid with my dad and brother. I always got stuck with the Ranger and Wizard and my brother got the Warrior and Axeman.
krypt0nian
Banned
Hehe Wizards released a newer version fairly recently.
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/160522/dungeons-dragons-the-fantasy-adventure-board-game
Then they have Heroscape.
http://www.hasbro.com/games/kid-games/heroscape/
Demo site - http://host.exemplum.com/hasbro/heroscape_game/index.html
With downloadable free quests published.
http://www.boardgamegeek.com/image/160522/dungeons-dragons-the-fantasy-adventure-board-game
Then they have Heroscape.
http://www.hasbro.com/games/kid-games/heroscape/
Demo site - http://host.exemplum.com/hasbro/heroscape_game/index.html
With downloadable free quests published.
BattleMonkey
Member
Cheeto stained nerds!!! Hehe, playing with randoms at a store or con will get you that. Luckily the friends I play with are mostly normal looking people who don't fit into the stereotype, we even have our wives and such sometimes join us. We were playing at a store once and some guy walked in and was like "i've never seen so many women at a D&D table"
If you enjoy that you should enjoy Descent by Fantasy Flight Games. It is similar in style but much more elaborate and has had about 5 expansions already with a campaign system that runs like playing a roleplaying game.
Teh Hamburglar said:
If you enjoy that you should enjoy Descent by Fantasy Flight Games. It is similar in style but much more elaborate and has had about 5 expansions already with a campaign system that runs like playing a roleplaying game.
krypt0nian
Banned
We're supposed to have some campaign supplements emailed to us tonight for Saturday's first game. I'm excited and a little scared as I've never played with her as a DM.
The good news so far is she is amiable to us creating things in the world as well. So I went ahead and fully fleshed out the monastery that I come from, as well as my mentor that accompanies me to the arena games that she told us all to have some sort of connection to.
The good news so far is she is amiable to us creating things in the world as well. So I went ahead and fully fleshed out the monastery that I come from, as well as my mentor that accompanies me to the arena games that she told us all to have some sort of connection to.
krypt0nian said:
I'm sure she'll do fine!
I learned a lot about DMing at the event I went to, like just... making things work. At one point another player pushed an enemy into the water - well there wasn't really anything in the encounter info about it, and the DM was new to DMing 4e, so wasn't sure what the rules were with aquatic terrain - so the DM just made shit up on the spot:
less than DC 10 (w/ dexterity modifier) - the enemy is fully submerged, is immobile and takes 1d6+3 damage each turn. Save ends both.
DC 10-15 - the enemy takes no damage, but is immobile, save ends.
15+ - The enemy avoids being thrown into the water.
Just that made up rule made that encounter so much more interesting, immediately other players were trying to push or pull enemies into water, and even the DM was using it as part of the strategy. Eventually someone from the non-newb table I was playing on walked by and told us that Athletics now sort of encompassed swim (apparently swim was an ability in 3.5e?) - so that was a better modifier to use, but said he liked the house rules.
Anyhoo, the point is, DMing can be a lot of fun - but I kind of just realized that it was more than just a complete understanding of all the rules - in fact sometimes not knowing the rules and making shit up, differentiates the good from the bad.
I've always wanted to play, but none of my friends seem really into it. The couple of times we've played, they always end up wanting to do something else. We've never managed to do more than one encounter at a time. I can' t help but blame myself; as I'm the one who's the most interested, I'm the one they picked to be DM, and I've never done it before.
krypt0nian
Banned
delleps said:
If there are any local gaming shops or conventions, sit in on a session or two and see how others DM. Maybe you haven't found your style yet.
Or maybe they are more or less combat oriented than you are. Its hard to get new folks into it, but it can be done.
BattleMonkey
Member
delleps said:
What aspect of role playing intrigues you?
Really if your interested, perhaps it's just the style of game. Maybe a different RPG would be better for you? I personally never found D&D to be a good gateway game for getting people into RPG's, the game is very heavy handed with it's rules, and encounters take forever. Lot of non gamers I've seen try to play often will zone out or find D&D especially boring.
Something more fast paced and role/narrative based would perhaps be more interesting to you. My wife likes to play with us, but she detests D&D since the combat is so boring and takes up much of a game usually.
krypt0nian
Banned
BattleMonkey said:
Not in my games. Far from it.
krypt0nian
Banned
My new group has 2 women, one is the DM and one is playing a Half Elf Paladin.
BattleMonkey
Member
krypt0nian said:
Compared to other systems, I would sort of agree that it's boring. To most non gamers an encounter will often feel drawn out. Unless you heavily mod the rules to your own system, D&D is a very cumbersome and slow combat system.
Really looking on it, I don't really know any rpg system that really is as slow as D&D that I've played in the past few years. Lot of games have especially stepped away from the idea of "hit points" and go for more streamlined or realistic damage systems. You also have heavy use of miniatures that most games also don't bother with, which can also lease to lots of set up time depending on the DM's method of presentation.
Some people though find the whole D&D complex combat system to be unique and it is what they like about D&D more than any other system. It's a preference thing really, though like I said to most non gamers, in my experience D&D can often bore the crap out of them with how long and drawn out encounters can become.
Maybe you and your gamers like D&D and find your encounters fun, I would hope thats what D&D players are getting out of the game when they play it, but I'm talking about non gamers who are trying out the game.
krypt0nian
Banned
BattleMonkey said:
If they are in any way tactically minded I'm really not sure how it can be considered boring. Hell having minis make it easier for new gamers to visualize. The hardest part for newbies is getting them to be in the game. With a good DM there is no set up time.
But like you said its all relative. I'm just sick to tears of 4E being called "bad for roleplaying" and "all combat". And now the combat is "boring".
It kinda cracks me up. Its like either we're playing different games or some are just mindset to hate it.
BattleMonkey
Member
krypt0nian said:
Like I said before, it's all about presentation and the mind set presented from the gamer base. WOTC is largely to blame for how much they push their modules and the awful Living campaign crap which is pretty much 95% combat. Lot of lazy DM's not running their own games or much roleplaying, you get large cons with entire halls filled with tables of people playing nothing more than a glorified board game. Quit talking, lets get this encounter over so we can get the phat lootz, I got another game to get to by 3!
Preferences in combat is going to always be relative, 4e especially has a more board game strategic set up than a loose system like.... I dunno.... Unknown Armies? Though any combat system can be boring if the GM sucks. Course I think 4e is much better and faster than past versions of D&D, it kinda took a different turn with it's focus on the board and minis.
I've been in so many groups with "veteran D&D players" who basically could not perform an ounce of ROLEplay simply because they are used to playing nothing but dungeon hack.
echoshifting
Banned
While I agree that the 4E canned adventures kinda suck, and the combat is too long, Wizards is providing an unprecedented level of support for the system which remains unmatched in the industry. The character builder, compendium and adventure tools are incredible tools; as far as I'm concerned if you play 4E but don't use Insider you are really missing half the package. It's what makes it worthwhile to put up with the system's "quirks."
I've run a (sorta) weekly game for almost two years now. We have a hell of a good time (most nights). All custom-made content, roll-heavy but enough "role" and story to keep folks interested.
There are, incidentally, plenty of solutions floating around the internet to speed up combat. Most of them kinda suck; I've tried many of them and have settled on two changes I really like...
1) Reduce all monster defenses by 2 but increase damage die size by 1 (so 2d6 damage becomes 2d8 damage, for instance). For d12s, just add +1 damage to the attack's total.
2) When it's clear the party is going to win - especially when all that remains is defenseless artillery - all monsters become minions (i.e., one hit and they are dead).
#1 is my favorite change because players like to HIT. People have more fun when they hit more often. Pretty straightforward.
In general, however, your group will grow more efficient over time and combat will get shorter...as long as you play with a consistent group and people don't change characters all that often, and especially if the group gets together before the first session to roll up a PARTY rather than individual characters. I'm sure this has been touched on (haven't read the whole thread), but to reiterate: 4E combat is more cooperative than any other game I've played. If you create characters designed to support each other you will have a much better experience.
edit: Oh, and I, too have a woman playing in my group. She is far and away my best gamer, and she had no gaming experience coming into the game.
I've run a (sorta) weekly game for almost two years now. We have a hell of a good time (most nights). All custom-made content, roll-heavy but enough "role" and story to keep folks interested.
There are, incidentally, plenty of solutions floating around the internet to speed up combat. Most of them kinda suck; I've tried many of them and have settled on two changes I really like...
1) Reduce all monster defenses by 2 but increase damage die size by 1 (so 2d6 damage becomes 2d8 damage, for instance). For d12s, just add +1 damage to the attack's total.
2) When it's clear the party is going to win - especially when all that remains is defenseless artillery - all monsters become minions (i.e., one hit and they are dead).
#1 is my favorite change because players like to HIT. People have more fun when they hit more often. Pretty straightforward.
In general, however, your group will grow more efficient over time and combat will get shorter...as long as you play with a consistent group and people don't change characters all that often, and especially if the group gets together before the first session to roll up a PARTY rather than individual characters. I'm sure this has been touched on (haven't read the whole thread), but to reiterate: 4E combat is more cooperative than any other game I've played. If you create characters designed to support each other you will have a much better experience.
edit: Oh, and I, too have a woman playing in my group. She is far and away my best gamer, and she had no gaming experience coming into the game.
krypt0nian
Banned
Today's the big day. T-minus 7 hours until our first play session as a group.
Via email and soon googledocs, we've been sharing back story, campaign lore and maps, and making character connections in advance to avoid the typical Inn meeting. The party so far seems fairly balanced with the defender/striker/controller/leader roles filled nicely with:
Dragonborn Ardent (Leader)
Half Elf Paladin of Pelor (Defender)
Razerclaw Shifter Avenger of the Raven Queen (Striker)
Goliath Barbarian (Striker)
Dwarven Invoker of the Raven Queen (Controller)
All of this came about organically as each of us just picked what sounded good. To be honest I was hoping that I would be the only Raven Queen devotee to be able to shine a bit as well as define what that means in the world but now I've decided to work with the Dwarf player to mold it together.
As I said, our DM is very open to our creating on the fly and per DMG2, adding story elements in game. I've enjoyed not only sharing background, but a tale of the journey from monastery to our current location in the arena town. I've created a few character hooks for myself and some downfalls for the future.
So hyped for a co-op story telling game, and so far the group seems like minded.
@echoshifting, loved your post and will pass on your ideas for sure.
Via email and soon googledocs, we've been sharing back story, campaign lore and maps, and making character connections in advance to avoid the typical Inn meeting. The party so far seems fairly balanced with the defender/striker/controller/leader roles filled nicely with:
Dragonborn Ardent (Leader)
Half Elf Paladin of Pelor (Defender)
Razerclaw Shifter Avenger of the Raven Queen (Striker)
Goliath Barbarian (Striker)
Dwarven Invoker of the Raven Queen (Controller)
All of this came about organically as each of us just picked what sounded good. To be honest I was hoping that I would be the only Raven Queen devotee to be able to shine a bit as well as define what that means in the world but now I've decided to work with the Dwarf player to mold it together.
As I said, our DM is very open to our creating on the fly and per DMG2, adding story elements in game. I've enjoyed not only sharing background, but a tale of the journey from monastery to our current location in the arena town. I've created a few character hooks for myself and some downfalls for the future.
So hyped for a co-op story telling game, and so far the group seems like minded.
@echoshifting, loved your post and will pass on your ideas for sure.
krypt0nian
Banned
Thanks to Photoshop GAF, presenting Zire, Holy Avenger of The Raven Queen.
krypt0nian
Banned
Now this version has my heart.
It went over very well tonight. Great imaginative group of people. Fun reactive DM. My avenger had killing blow on all 3 of the blood drakes and made a few good skill challenge checks so I felt like I was doing my job!
I was hoping to find out our xp at the end but no worried as we head underground next time!
Hitting a local game store this week with the gang then DnD returns!
It went over very well tonight. Great imaginative group of people. Fun reactive DM. My avenger had killing blow on all 3 of the blood drakes and made a few good skill challenge checks so I felt like I was doing my job!
I was hoping to find out our xp at the end but no worried as we head underground next time!
Hitting a local game store this week with the gang then DnD returns!
krypt0nian
Banned
http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?t=501232
Someone with a review copy of PH3 answering questions for the curious.
Someone with a review copy of PH3 answering questions for the curious.
Hey a DND Thread.
Yeah I play most weeks for around two hours. I'm a 20 year vet. I usually just DM and rarely get to play. Been playing 4e for two years now and it is excellent - got a bit burned out on 3e near the end. I've been running Thunderspire labyrinth and it is pretty cool.
The essentials line is coming out a a few months and is made for DND/RPG virgins.
Yeah I play most weeks for around two hours. I'm a 20 year vet. I usually just DM and rarely get to play. Been playing 4e for two years now and it is excellent - got a bit burned out on 3e near the end. I've been running Thunderspire labyrinth and it is pretty cool.
The essentials line is coming out a a few months and is made for DND/RPG virgins.
krypt0nian
Banned
hoverX said:
New Red Box - http://critical-hits.com/2010/01/29/dd-xp-2010-dungeons-dragons-essentials/
kryp - someone draw that picture for you, or edited to represent your char? Either way, awesome!
Just started a 3.5e campaign with my gf and others, am going to ask the DM if he would like to start a 4th edition because I agree with a lot of people that A) it's easy to set up and B) it's gots a LOT of tools and awesomeness chock-full.
Just started a 3.5e campaign with my gf and others, am going to ask the DM if he would like to start a 4th edition because I agree with a lot of people that A) it's easy to set up and B) it's gots a LOT of tools and awesomeness chock-full.
krypt0nian
Banned
Maxrpg said:
Gaffers edited it from a WoTC piece I found.
When you start 4E, check out Masterplan, a free 4E campaign creator and better than most of the pay ones. - http://masterplan.habitualindolence.net/
And www.iplay4e.com!!!!
krypt0nian
Banned
Archer said:
Check out Meetup.com.
krypt0nian
Banned
Woot! Advanced to 2nd lvl and grabbed a new feat and utility power!
This Avenger class is too damn fun to play!
This Avenger class is too damn fun to play!
Seeing your enthusiasm is not making it easier that I can't actually find a group. Especially since the avenger class was looking like what I wanted to play.
I'm actually going to be playing for my first time (like...ever. I'm one of those uber-nerds who has literally never played a roleplaying game that wasn't coming out of an electronic box) this Wednesday, in theory. A local store is holding a D&D Encounters session, and I figure at least I can play the game and find some other people who do too. Might meet somebody cool, or maybe I'll find that I actually hate it and wasted money buying the first two PHB.
The "in theory" part comes because Wednesday is also Saint Patrick's Day, and is also the night before SXSW Music kicks off. And I plan on being well trashed by 6:30PM, and probably enough so that I'd rather continue the plentiful, cheap, and sometimes free beer than go play D&D. I didn't really consider that part when I RSVP'd for the meet :lol
I'm actually going to be playing for my first time (like...ever. I'm one of those uber-nerds who has literally never played a roleplaying game that wasn't coming out of an electronic box) this Wednesday, in theory. A local store is holding a D&D Encounters session, and I figure at least I can play the game and find some other people who do too. Might meet somebody cool, or maybe I'll find that I actually hate it and wasted money buying the first two PHB.
The "in theory" part comes because Wednesday is also Saint Patrick's Day, and is also the night before SXSW Music kicks off. And I plan on being well trashed by 6:30PM, and probably enough so that I'd rather continue the plentiful, cheap, and sometimes free beer than go play D&D. I didn't really consider that part when I RSVP'd for the meet :lol
krypt0nian
Banned
Got in with another group for the weekly WoTC sponsored D&D Encounters sessions.
Not bad at all. Short sessions but cool combat so far. Just getting to know the players so roleplaying/combat ratio is closer to 30/70 for this one which is fine for a change from my regular role heavy Sat group.
Which is funny....I go from zero D&D to a regular every other Sat group, a weekly Wed group until and playing in the one off WoTC sponsored D&D Game Day for the release of PH3. :lol
Not bad at all. Short sessions but cool combat so far. Just getting to know the players so roleplaying/combat ratio is closer to 30/70 for this one which is fine for a change from my regular role heavy Sat group.
Which is funny....I go from zero D&D to a regular every other Sat group, a weekly Wed group until and playing in the one off WoTC sponsored D&D Game Day for the release of PH3. :lol
I played D&D Encounters last night too. It was my first experience with D&D, it could have gone better :lol
I had made a character using the character builder, but the only printer I have quick access to is locked in my roommate's bedroom. So I went and took one of the pregens, which was a ranger that seemed to be made by a drunken random generator. I am pretty sure everybody at the table asked at one point or another to see my card because I had to have an ability or power that I was missing because I was new. They then took a look over the sheet, decided I wasn't missing anything, and moved on.
Next week I plan on going back with my own character, one whose creation did not involve blindfolds, monkeys, or dartboards with PHB pages taped to them.
I had made a character using the character builder, but the only printer I have quick access to is locked in my roommate's bedroom. So I went and took one of the pregens, which was a ranger that seemed to be made by a drunken random generator. I am pretty sure everybody at the table asked at one point or another to see my card because I had to have an ability or power that I was missing because I was new. They then took a look over the sheet, decided I wasn't missing anything, and moved on.
Next week I plan on going back with my own character, one whose creation did not involve blindfolds, monkeys, or dartboards with PHB pages taped to them.
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