DnD-where to do it?

[TheMonotonePuppet]

So, I want to play DnD, but I've never played it before, and I don't know the kinds of digital places (if any exist) like Discord forums or something where they would be willing to play with complete and utter newbies.

Not to mention, I was wondering if you guys had recommendations for YouTube videos for information that I should have for prerequisite knowledge? Because while it probably won't all seep in, I don't want to go in completely blind.

Like... is there a site that is for DnD sessions in the same way Tinder is for couples?

And before you ask, no, I have zero idea what kind of DnD edition or level of homebrew I would be interested in.

 

[Theirl]

dunno dnd but there must be a discord for that... i play sword world in a discord , but i must say beware because u will find some really odd people

 

[berjkley]

I'd say don't bother looking up rules beforehand, aside from basics. There's a lot of different system out there, and sometimes, the DM (dungeon master) uses house rules (not official rules for the system), which will only learn as you play. Reading the rules and playing are two different things altogether. It's easier, I think to find a DM willing to take newbies. Overall, my own experience with DM'ing was that taking in newbies was fine and usually fun.

If you want to see some actual gameplay, you can always go to the critical role: Critical Role | youtube.
Just keep in mind the series there is way more "theatrical" than games usually are played. I'm not saying they're not having fun with the game, but usually "normal" players are a lot more subdue in their reactions for way they play. At least until the group gets comfortable with playing with each other.


As for system details, you can always check the SRDs pages for a few systems:
DnD 5e: https://www.5esrd.com/character-creation-outline/
Pathfinder: https://www.d20pfsrd.com/basics-ability-scores/character-creation/


It's been a while since I looked at online playing. But there are some forums you can check out:

Online play:
Roll20: https://app.roll20.net/forum/
An online playing platform. Their forum has threads for people looking for games.

Fantasy grounds: https://www.fantasygrounds.com/forums/
Another online platform. I remember I found a game here that lasted for a few years. Good times.

Play by post:

paizo.com - Forums: Recruitment

A bit more involved, in which you just write your character actions as forum posts. Not sure how big it is right now, but it had a huge influx of games and players a few years ago:

Facebook and Discord communities:
If you're looking for something local, your best bet is searching for a local group or server in your area.

 

[Tyranomaster]

The best experience comes from getting irl friends to play. I play on foundry, but roll20 is good too. I've never personally tried with any online communities, but a good friend tried it 5 times, and each time he said it was absolutely awful as compared with playing with people you know. He even plays with his family occasionally (who are very christian conservative) and says even that experience is better than the online random games. Though it is just 1 person's opinion.

If you were interested in playing but don't have irl friends for it, even people who you mesh well with online works well. You're an active community member, there might be other people here who want to play. I'd advise being choosy though. Play with people who have similar social limits as yourself and set boundaries up front.

 

[Echimera]

There are several dedicated sites for playing Tabletop RPGs (including DnD) online, like Foundry VTT, Alchemy RPG or roll20 (not including TTS here, though people are certainly using it to play TTRPGs, it's not specifically designed for it).

I think many should have forums or even dedicated systems in place to find games. Last I checked on roll20, there were dedicated filters for beginner groups with experienced DMs.

It may take a while to find a long term group there, as there's a lot more than pure rules that goes into these types of games.

 

[melchi]

RPoL: Wanted - Players

RolePlay onLine is a custom made, free web based message board community that anyone can create a game on. It supports internal private messages, groups and multiple aliases, character sheets and descriptions, plus a game map, intro and url. Your email address is kept private and is only used...

rpol.net

If you like play-by-post games that is where I used to play. They tend to be somewhat slow because everyone in the party has to post for a round of combat to advance.

https://www.tabletopsimulator.com/ Tabletop simulator is better than roll20 in my opinion but everyone has to have it. Being able to post maps and character sheets on the table is nice though.

https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/1676-what-is-adventurers-league There are official D&D games in local game stores. If you can handle playing in person that is not a bad way to find a group.

 

[Cipiteca396]

If it's you, I think you could get a few people to play with you here.

As for resources...

You could try Crap Guide to DnD. As I recall, they're fairly basic. You might have to pause to let some info sink in if you're like me, though.

Ah wait a second... All of my resources might be outdated now. They made a ~sorta new edition just like how original DnD had ADnD. So I'll stop there, I suppose.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

Are you looking to play the latest version of the rules or just ANY version? Roll20.net is a good place to find some games, and the message boards on the Wizards of the Coast website. If you have any local game stores, there might be a bulletin board of games looking for players - or even ones willing to allow spectators who might be interested but just want to see the game in action. Last time I played the game was - literally - the same weekend COVID first really hit our area (at a different convention than the one I was at, fortunately). It is a game that works best in person but can be a lot of fun on line.

Also, for your first game, if you find an established group willing to take on new players, you need to know nothing except what dice to roll when asked. If you enjoy the game, then start looking into getting either one of the "quick start" boxed sets or the Player's Handbook and then whatever materials catch your eye, and your own set of dice. But to get started all you need is a character sheet - a pregenerated character can be best for your first game, or one you work out with the Dungeon Master.

 

[HungrySheep]

Roll20 is a pretty good place to find games.

 

[Corty]

DnD is best played with friends, strangers can get fussy and autistic with rules, ruining the fun.

So don't give up if your first group is not a good experience.

 

[QuercusMalus]

D&D Beyond Character Sheet

The World's most intelligent Dungeons and Dragons Character Sheet.

www.dndbeyond.com

Has some character creation sheets, links to other resources. But have to pay to unlock some features/races.

 

[CharlesEBrown]

Like... is there a site that is for DnD sessions in the same way Tinder is for couples?

And before you ask, no, I have zero idea what kind of DnD edition or level of homebrew I would be interested in.

Do not know if Meetup.org is still around but they had a section for gamers looking for games back in the first ten years of this century (have not been back there since - managed to connect for one Savage Worlds game and then was unable to get there until it was almost over, and organized a game a month after E. Gary Gygax passed, only to have three of the four players have to work late that night ... and I was too sick to run anyway so hope the other player either did not show or saw the cancellations early!).
The good thing with Meetup is (was?) that you could connect with physical or virtual groups - as well as people organizing cons, movie days, etc.