Hey Veeky Forums, beginner in need of advice here.
I was talking with my friend the other day over something I thought could be interesting. The subject of our conversation was ttrpgs and how it seems like something we ought to try during Saturday nights to freshen things up a bit. The major problem is I have no prior experience, nor do the rest, on the topic. I did some surface level research and chosen two games to start with, those being D&D and V:tM. For starters, I plan to start with official shorter stories that last for 4-8 hours max and I need beginner's advice for a couple things: >How to be a good G/DM >What do I need to know before playing (rules, creature guides etc.) >How to write and make your own stories interesting >How to spark their interest for it >Which version of D&D is a good starting point
This covers the basics, at least I think, and I can branch out from here out on my own, but every helpful, constructive advice is appreciated. If this thread is against the rules, I'll move to /adv/ and may the janitor delete it.
TL;DR: >beginner in need of advice and how to be a good D/GM who'll spark interest and make sessions fun for the group.
D&D 5e is by far the easiest to get into, 3.5 is alright(i personally like it) not very well balanced as you might have heard. As for V:tM, the systems are pretty clunky for combat, so if you want to do something mire action oriented using VtM lore with VtR rules would be best( Getting your hands on a conversion guide PDF shouldn't be hard), also i recommend not allowing many bloodlines(Never let someone play a true brujah btw) and making it Anarch or Camarilla game Always have a list of names should the players ask the name of a random faceless NPC and have a session 0 with the players
Benjamin Gomez
Get DnD 5e and start that. Its a well balanced system that has all you need for DnD and is easy to learn. If you want to start adding stuff on top of it once you're used to it look to the unearthed arcanas or the new book Xanathar's something or other.
Watch the youtube videos by Matthew Colville. They're great lessons on how to be a DM.
If you want to spark interest or watch how some other people play get your friends to watch Critical Role or Harmon quest.
Good luck dude
Luis Young
Also, all the DnD books are available online in PDF form to read. I'd heavily recommend actually getting the books once you start playing, but that'll make things easier at the start.
Connor Moore
>I did some surface level research and chosen two games to start with, those being D&D and V:tM That are two very different games: what does the group want? Do you want dark, gritty games with horror and doom themes? Or do you want High Fantasy superhero shenanigans? My advice is to avoid playing D&D by the way.
>How to be a good G/DM I would advise you to use GM as a term. Dungeon Master implies you're playing D&D and it's a game that focuses on a bunch of murderhobos wading through a dungeon filled with monster and shit just to get loot. Also, see pic related. >How to spark their interest for it Ask yourself: what do your friends do for fun? Do they play videogames? Do they read books? Do the play sports? And try and encompass these elements into your game. Unless it's sports: I have no idea how to do that. >Which version of D&D is a good starting point of D&D, it's 5th edition.
Dylan Stewart
Bump so the thread doesnt die while i write more
Levi Foster
Dnd. Start with 5e but your are going to want to learn pathfinder if you and the players get into the game.
Look up matthew colville on youtube. He should start you off right.
Colton Hall
>what does the group want? The group I plan to play with are avid fans of various RPGs, including shit like B;G 1 and 2 and Vampire The Masquerade: Bloodlines, so I chose those two, because they seemed like something they'd enjoy a lot.
>avoid D&D Do you have something better to recommend, instead?
I'll look into it, thanks guys. Much appreciated!
John Gray
>avoid DnD Not that guy, but this is the best advice you're gonna get. Under no circumstances should you induct new players to the hobby with DnD, it will ruin them as players. Run it if you must, but only after they've cut their teeth on a real RPG. VtM is a fine intro, in that regard.
Colton Gray
Do you have something better to recommend for beginners with the same setting?
