Current Events > About to play DnD for the first time. Any tips, advice, things I should know?

(+) Yeah! (+)

Playing a human bard

Every group has a different playstyle. Pay attention to how your group handles stuff like in character vs. out of character, mostly serious vs. mostly joking tone, etc. and follow along.

Dont take it too seriously, but also dont treat it like a complete joke either.

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i've been playing since...i think September or October, and i'm still trying to learn all the various rules, so don't get worked up if you don't understand everything right away

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Ozovzk posted...

Playing a human bard

Dont be that bard that tries to have sex with everyone and everything.

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Also, you dont need to know every rule and mechanic in the game, but you should try to get a handle on your own character and what they can do.

As mentioned above, theres a lot of rules involved, so theres going to be a learning curve. Most likely theyll be friendly and helpful about it though. Tabletop gamers are some of the best people, with very few exceptions.

I assume youre playing fifth edition so theres very little actual game advice I can give. My group is a bunch of nerds so we play pathfinder for the most part. Although I did play a bard for several years. It was fun, and it became a lot more satisfying when I started looking at the accomplishments of those that Im aiding as my own accomplishments. You can also get away with being a bit more over the top as a bard. People generally expect that.

Might be too late, but one little trick I saw a first-time player on Critical Role do.

Get a different colored dice for each size. Like a red D4, blue D6, green D8, etc. Then just write it down so you don't have to go hunting for specific dice.

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i'm gonna hijack this thread a little bit. i've already asked reddit this, but they're being slow today.
if anyone has an answer

so, last week we fought some dudes, and the spell "Hold Person" was cast, which the guy failed his save every turn, and he got Paralyzed.
now, the text on the Paralyse effect says:

Any attack that hits the creature is a critical hit if the attacker is within 5 feet of the creature.

my question is about the "5 feet" part.
cause my Fighter uses a Halberd, so i never really go that close to someone if i can help it.
so, would i not get the Crit, or are they just using the distance to mean "melee attack within reach"?
the same question goes for other stuff like the "5 feet" part in the Sentinel feat, and the Prone condition

5e

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ROBANN_88 posted...

so, would i not get the Crit, or are they just using the distance to mean "melee attack within reach"?

Nah. If it meant that, it would say melee attack within reach.

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so, i should really not have gotten all those crits that completely fucked up the guy.

though, had i known that, i probably would have gone in close to him for it, so for now it cancels out.
but good to know

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The one advantage tabletop has, over all other forms of RPG, is the freedom of action. You really can pull some stupid shit that just isn't possible in vidya. Remember this, use it to your joy.

Keep sand in your pocket.

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Try and be sure you read what your actions are. I have to check mine frequently for some situations (the web spell has some weird rules for if it can stay out or not) but I generally know what I'll do in combat before my turn.

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Since you have spells, just be familiar with your list and plan what you want to do while the other players take their turns. It can hold the game up if you only start thinking about what you want to cast when it's your turn.

But you're a new player, so that isn't really a big deal. It's just a nice thing to start getting used to. Just know what your spells do for the most part

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Also, be sure to communicate with your teammates if you're uncertain. Or like, if you wanna tie up and interrogate a guy, designate one for the team to not kill and then disable him with your options. I've managed to get a parlay in the middle of a situation because I wanted to avoid bloodshed on both sides, then we ended up getting a free round before the enemies readied because my teammates accepted that we'd not find terms we could agree to and attacked the enemy.

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Guide posted...

The one advantage tabletop has, over all other forms of RPG, is the freedom of action. You really can pull some stupid shit that just isn't possible in vidya. Remember this, use it to your joy.

Keep sand in your pocket.

I second this. No idea is too crazy. If you're not sure you can do something, ask.

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MorbidFaithless posted...

I second this. No idea is too crazy. If you're not sure you can do something, ask.

Heck, there's an entire rule with nontraditional weapons. Table leg? Use the club stat block. Human leg? If it's not just the calfs and it's like, the thigh part is flailing around that'd probably a flat d4+strength modifier. Trying to cut somebody tied up with the edge of a paper envelope? Flat 1 damage but helps torment them and the mental agony might not give psychic damage but it still might give advantage on charisma skills.

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One thing i should mention.
If you've seen stuff like Critical Role, beware of the Mercer Effect.
I know i had problems with that the first few sessions.

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ROBANN_88 posted...

One thing i should mention.
If you've seen stuff like Critical Role, beware of the Mercer Effect.
I know i had problems with that the first few sessions.

If your DM and party aren't all professional actors, then what's the point of playing?

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@Ozovzk

Yo, how did it go?

pegusus123456 posted...

If your DM and party aren't all professional actors, then what's the point of playing?

To get a reel going to audition to become professional actors?

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