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Reddit mentions of Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set

Sentiment score: 309
Reddit mentions: 329

We found 329 Reddit mentions of Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set. Here are the top ones.

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set
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    Features:
  • For 4-6 Players
  • Everything you need to start playing the world's greatest roleplaying game
  • Presents the newest edition of the Dungeons & Dragons tabletop roleplaying game in a way that’s easy to learn and fun to play.
Specs:
ColorMulticolor
Height11.5 Inches
Length9.1 Inches
Number of items1
Release dateJuly 2014
SizeBasic
Weight1.34041055296 Pounds
Width2.1 Inches

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Found 329 comments on Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set:

u/ChickenBaconPoutine · 50 pointsr/dndnext

You can't go wrong with the starter set. I know you want it to be free, but it's not that expensive. I believe Ecuador now uses USD anyway?

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=starter+set&qid=1566737287&s=gateway&sr=8-4

And it's a good simple adventure to get kids hooked to D&D. You can simply play the first 2-3 chapters if you want to keep things simple for now.

The box contains everything you need to start playing. The adventure book, a basic rules book, pre-generated characters, and a set of dice.

u/King_Wataba · 46 pointsr/DnD

Starter Set has everything you need to start. If you keep playing pick up the Players Handbook and the Dungeon Master's Guide.

u/Zacharuni · 43 pointsr/IWantToLearn

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set: Fantasy Roleplaying Game Starter Set (D&D Boxed Game) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Yoefvb0F5P4G9

$12 for this starter pack is a crazy price. This box has a really good storyline, prebuilt characters, and a basic set of rules that are extremely easy to get into. Best way to start!

Edit: Snag these too. That way you don't all have to share one set of dice!

100+ Pack of Random Polyhedral Dice in Multiple Colors Plus Free Pouch Set by Wiz Dice https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009R6J8RY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_DTffvb0WSX43P

u/RedS5 · 43 pointsr/funny

Yes. Your best bet is to buy the 5e Starter Set. It's set up really well and seeks to teach the DM while teaching the players. Comes with 1 module, a bunch of pre-filled character sheets, a set of dice, a decent first adventure and a mini-player's-handbook.

You can also look at the DnD basic rules here.

u/crashfrog · 32 pointsr/dndnext

> So me and my friends want to get into D&D but we don't really understand how/where to chose an adventure to begin with and also confused on some aspects of character creation, such as skill point allocation.

I mean the best place to start is with the D&D starter set because it comes with everything you need to start - an introductory adventure, character sheets, the basic rules, and dice. Since the Lost Mine of Phandelver is a published adventure, your DM can find a lot of YouTube videos of groups running it (I think DM'ing is one of those things that it's hard to understand from just the rules, it's really helpful to see someone do it.)

You say "skill point allocation" which makes me think you have 3rd Edition sourcebooks right now, or that you're mixing sourcebooks between 3rd and 5th edition. This doesn't work terribly well - it's better to start with only 5th edition stuff to begin with, and you can investigate earlier editions of the game later on. The D&D Starter Set is 5th edition, as is the current Player's Handbook.

Good luck, have fun!

u/smartbycomparison · 28 pointsr/vaporents

Hey there, there are a couple of ways to get started. It really depends on how much money you want to spend. It can range from free, to around 20 bucks, to maybe like 100.

For the free start go to this website and it has basic rules and character sheets; http://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/trpg-resources

For the around 20 bucks option buy the starter set. Here it is on Amazon; https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xNZFAbKP3Z95A

For the more expensive option you can buy the players hand book, a pre-made quest, some dice, and some miniatures. I hope this helps. It's my favorite hobby so if you have any more questions I'll try and answer them =)

u/juliolabando · 27 pointsr/boardgames

Most of these games just cost way too much compared to their enjoyment and very few of them are really good. If they are popular and good, they will eventually hit retail (see Gloomhaven, Scythe, etc). There is no reason why you should buy/pre-order things, pay like an idiot and also shoulder all of the risk.

If you want dungeon crawlers look into DnD 5e and Pathfinder 2e (provided you have people to play with). The starter adventure is 15$ (at least 6 sessions a 4-5 hours of playtime) the rules are free (https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules or http://2e.aonprd.com/) and and the best thing: there is no limit/minimum playtime: you guys can decide anytime if you want to quit or play the next encounter.

u/OneCritWonder · 27 pointsr/DnD
    • -

      If you want to start your own group with friends or other newbies, I highly recommend the Starter Set.

      It's $15 on Amazon, has the core rules, a set of dice, premade characters, and an adventure that will last you a half dozen sessions or so. It's a great place to start--go figure--and is designed for brand new players and brand new DMs. The adventure is laid out in a way that introduces concepts as you go along rather than expecting you to know everything up front.

      The premade characters are big because you want to get straight to the playing not sit there explaining character creation to a brand new player. Without the context of how things are used, its just a wall of data and memorization... which isn't fun. You can always swap in custom characters once the group is comfortable with the basics.

    • -

      You can also grab the free Basic Rules PDF though which will have a little more in it than the Starter Set including some core character generation options.

      The Players Handbook contains the full rules and will run about $30. You can wait to see if D&D is for you and get by with the Starter Set or Basic Rules though. Of you have the funds or plan to stick with it though snagging at least one PHB up front will do you wonders.

    • -

      Absolutely any questions you have at any point you can just respond to one of my comments and I'll gladly help out.
u/cuzspicy · 25 pointsr/TheAdventureZone

The module is called "Lost Mines of Phandelver". It's from the 5e Starter Set.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0786965592 (If you're interested, it really is a good starting point)

u/steeljack · 24 pointsr/videos

I'd start with the most recent edition of D&D. Wizards did a good job streamlining how things work. If you have a group you could convince to play, there's a starter box that you can pick up from most game stores for ~$20 (or amazon for $13, but I'd encourage you to support your local game shop) that contains the basic rules, an adventure book, all the dice you'll need, and five premade characters (though the rule booklet has character creation rules in it if you wanted to roll up your own, iirc). The adventure you get lasts you a few sessions at least (I'd guess around 4 or 5, depending on how focused y'all stay), so you'd be able to get a pretty good idea if a) you actually enjoy tabletop rpg (it's not for everyone, and there's nothing wrong with that) and b) if you like D&D5e's rules

u/codexofdreams · 22 pointsr/dndnext

You might try the 5th Edition Starter Set. It's cheap, gives a basic introduction to the rules (which are now free to look at on Wizards' website, or in pdf form for printable goodness), and comes with what I'm told is a decent length module to start you off.

u/MeekTheUndying · 21 pointsr/DnD

A few particular items of interest from Amazon :

u/chubbykipper · 21 pointsr/DnD

5th Edition as it's the newest and simplest and the amazing Starter Set is still in production.
Contains all the rules, an adventure, and pre-generated characters so you can all get stuck in. Written for newbies.

It's the gateway, step inside ;-)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Boxed-Game/dp/0786965592

u/LadyBonersAweigh · 21 pointsr/DnD

Normally I'd yell at you for forgoing the sidebar, but instead I'm going to link Matt Colville's DM guide. It's really going to do more for you than anything else I can provide. Buying the Starter Set is the closest thing D&D has to plug-n-play so that's a fast way to fun times too.

u/cjdoyle · 20 pointsr/rpg

>but also less freedom.

this is just flat wrong my friend, and I'll tell you why.
your players are allowed to do anything, as long as you allow it, or give them the avenue to do it.

part of what makes DnD, and any tabletop rpg great is that as the GM, you are the arbiter of what happens.

personally I play pathfinder, however, I know from experience getting started and playing is much easier in 5E as it's quite a bit more streamlined. I'd say go with 5e and the beginner box

it's got plenty of content, and if you're buying on amazon, the books are around the same cost as pathfinder.

if you are dead set on pathfinder though, don't let me stop you, I love the system, but I just wish it had less number-crunching and interacting systems.

u/TrustMeIAmAGeologist · 19 pointsr/bestof

Step 1: Download the Basic Rules

Step 2: Order the Starter Set

Step 3: Get your son and a couple of his friends to sit still for a couple hours.

Step 4: ???

Step 5: Profit

u/foxual · 18 pointsr/DnD

I would say to get started you'll need the following:

u/alextimboston · 18 pointsr/Dungeons_and_Dragons

No, that's just a board game

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1523616808&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=5e+starter+set

That right there is your best resource for getting into d&d

It includes a fun little adventure, dice, rules, everything you need to get started.

u/realpudding · 17 pointsr/DnD

hallo,

das starter set von wizard of the coast ist ein gutes eigenstehendes Abenteuer, das die Charaktere von Level 1 bis Level 5 bringt. In dem Set ist ein Heft mit dem Abenteuer, ein Heft mit den Grundregeln, vorgefertigte Charaktere und ein Set Würfel.

Ich habe das Starter Set selber geleitet und wir haben etwas mehr als ein Jahr gebraucht es durchzuspielen (wir haben uns auch nur etwa 1x im Monat getroffen). Danach habe ich die Spieler in meine eigene Welt geschubst.

wenn ihr wirklich das absolut minimum an Geld ausgeben wollt, dann braucht ihr eigentlich nur ein Set Würfel (man kann teilen). Die gibts zum Beispiel schon hier: https://wuerfel-stube.de/Chessex-Opaque-White-Set Oder in einem lokalen Spieleladen, die sind dort dann schöner und etwas teurer. Ich habe in meiner Nähe zwei Läden, da variieren die Preise für sehr schick aussehende Würfeln von 8-12€.

Die Basisregeln, die eine abgespeckte Version von dem Player Handbook darstellen, findest du kostenlos direkt auf der Seite von Wizards: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

Charakterbögen zum Ausdrucken gibts dort auch: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/character_sheets

Obwohl die Basisregeln sehr abgespeckt sind, braucht man eigentlich nicht mehr um für viele Spielabende Spaß zu haben. Also 1 Würfelset, Bleistift und Papier.

Und wenn man später ein paar mehr Charakter Auswahlmöglichkeiten haben möchte, kann man sich das Player Handbook zulegen. Auch das kann man zwischen den Spielern teilen und notfalls zusammenlegen. Die anderen Bücher braucht man meiner Meinung nach weniger, wenn man kein vorgefertigtes Abenteuer spielen möchte. Das Monster Manual kann ich empfehlen, aber wie gesagt, mit den kostenlosen Basisregeln kommt man schon für Monate hin und das Player Handbook reicht nochmal für eine Weile.

edit: Man kann sogar mit den Unearthed Arcana Pdfs die Wizards regelmäßig herausgibt seine Charaktere anpassen und mehr Auswahlmöglichkeiten verpassen. Und die sind auch kostenlos: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles-tags/unearthed-arcana

falls einer von euch ranger spielen möchte, kann ich da schonmal direkt den überarbeiteten ranger empfehlen, da der im buch von Spielern als etwas schwach eingestuft wird: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/unearthed-arcana-ranger-revised

u/KnilKrad · 17 pointsr/DnD

I would recommend the 5th Edition Starter Set.

I wouldn't recommend going for original D&D, at least as beginners.

u/The3rdCraigRobinson · 15 pointsr/mattcolville

The 5e starter set is a low level adventure (1st to 5th) that you could easily adapt into Collabris. You could just add Phandalin into the setting or rename Phandalin to match an existing setting town.

It's 12-14$ bucks on Amazon. It's very fun and a ton of content for the money. Or 16$. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486427329&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=lost+mine+phandelver&dpPl=1&dpID=51Ykm93n8ML&ref=plSrch

In terms of branching out: I'm a visual learner so when I'm prepping adventure hooks, I make a cluster graph tied to geography around the PCs. I try to come up with 2-3 different types of hooks for all the various directions they can go: N, E, S, W, Up, Down and staying put.

So let's say you use a typical starting village in Fantasyland: what's there: a reputable inn/tavern, a disreputable inn/tavern, a coster, a smithy, a temple with a priest to heal and a retired Mage to identify shit (because rookies never take identity spell; it's not sexy), and one major form of form of significant income: farms, shepherds, mines, timber, crossroads merchants traffic. And if you want more depth, one major form of illicit income: gambling, consorts, narcotics, pit fighting.

That's 5-6 Hook Locations in a small town. And just make up those 2-3 hooks per each. No matter where they go, there's something to do.

Dew a circle in the middle of the page. Place a dot in the center. This is your party. They are at the disreputable taproom (they have no status in own yet, unless one of the PCs had Origin Story Status).

What are 3 things than can happen:

  • A fight breaks out

    -something valuable gets stolen and planted on a PC As a diversion

  • a distraught young girl bursts into the room and asks for help because goblins carried off her ma & pa and she needs heroes (she's actually a Hag replaced-child and she's Hagbait to draw unsuspecting would-be heroes to the lair of the coven).

    Write bullet points of these 3 hooks under the taproom circle.

    Draw a line out to the side and make a smaller circle. Label it, "smithy."

    What are 2-3 interesting hooks that a smith would need heroes for?

    Jot them down.

    Draw a line from the taproom the other way and make a small circle labeled, "Temple of the Hearth."

    2-3 things.

    After you've done this, starts branching out from the town.

    New sheet of note paper. New circle with dot in the center. That circle is TOWN. When your PCs are 2nd level, they will start going out into the world.

    Line. Smaller circle. "Flooded dwarf mine." 2-3 hooks.

    Line. Smaller circle. "Abandoned Druid grove." 2-3 hooks.

    Line. Smaller circle. "Warlock's Crypt." 2-3 hooks.

    Seeing the pattern? The underlying structure of a Hooked Sandbox? This method is also nice because this would be pages and pages of notes but only a page or two of cluster graphs. It makes a nice at-a-glance reference while you're running.

    You don't have to worry about pre-fabricating connections between hooks. You'll have ah-HA! Moments as you go and that connective tissue forms organically. And your Players will opine about those connections in clever ways. So you will adopt, twist and subvert those expectations to drive the tension.

    You can only really ever see as far as the choices that lie directly before your Players. As a much better writer than I once put it, "does a ship caught in the wave say where it's going?"






u/glynstlln · 12 pointsr/dndnext

You can order it on Amazon; https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592

Alternatively search for "The Delian Tomb", it's an easy oneshot/intro that Matt Colville wrote up.

Edit: Delian Tomb link - https://youtu.be/zTD2RZz6mlo

u/OwlinAutumn · 12 pointsr/Yogscast

~rings doorbell wearing a bright, over-enthusiastic smile~ Oh, hello friend. I hear you and your friends might be interested in getting started on the road towards board gaming! This is excellent news! There are many excellent resources to help guide you and yours towards many fun-filled experiences with friends and family. ^Please, ^don't ^be ^afraid!

~Whips out a bunch of pamphlets, waving them at you~ I would recommend checking out the /r/boardgames community here on reddit, especially this wiki post on what games you should try if you're new to modern board games. It's got a ton of great suggestions with descriptions to help you figure out if you might actually enjoy the game. That wiki and the subreddit itself also have tons of easily accessed info for you, if you need. They can even help you find your nearest FLGS (Friendly Local Game Store)!

Also you might check out some reviewers like Shut Up & Sit Down, who are my favourites and have a ton of articles and video reviews, or The Dice Tower, who have lots of videos of lists and reviews like the one I linked that can give you some ideas of what to get. (Sometimes way too many ideas... ~waggles her overly long games-to-buy list~) SUSD even has a great Intro to Board Games video for people who are hesitant or starting into the hobby and don't quite know what it's all about or where to start - it's a few years old, but still very relevant, and I recommend any of their videos. I find them hilarious.

And if you decide you're really getting into the hobby, you might start visiting the marvellous, dank morass that is BoardGameGeek, aka BGG or 'the Geek'...

As for recommendations straight from me... The hardest and best thing with board games is everyone likes something different? But I find one can't go wrong most of the time with these:

  • Pandemic
  • Survive! Escape from Atlantis
  • Takenoko
  • Forbidden Island
  • Colt Express
  • Jamaica

    Most of these are fairly simple and relatively short, but they're all fun starter games that are easy to pick up and play, and I've never known anyone to not enjoy themselves when I've brought out any of these. I often do game nights with different mixes of friends, to which I will usually bring an Ikea bag full of games, and there's almost always at least one or two of these particular games in that bag. I'm pretty sure they're all in print, too, so they shouldn't be too expensive!

    Also, if you guys are looking into tabletop RPGs but don't know where to start with that, and you don't have anyone who knows how to DM/GM handy, the newest edition of D&D has a Starter Set out - it's a pack that includes dice, pre-rolled characters, a starter rule book and a pre-written starting adventure. I will always recommend Red Boxes/Starter Sets, D&D does a great job with these and makes it really easy for you to get into it, even if no one in the group is familiar with rpgs to begin with.

    tl;dr - Board/card games are amazing, there's lots of resources out there for you, I hope I didn't scare you off with my enthusiasm. Welcome to tabletop gaming!

    ^Edit: ^Now ^with ^more ^links!!
u/angel14995 · 12 pointsr/dndnext

So for 5e there are a couple of things you can look at getting:

  • Basic Rules: Look at the section for "Free Basic Rules". These PDFs are basically what you need to start playing D&D. The D&D 5e Player's Basic Rules has information about the basics of the game for players. It's got 4 races (Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, and Human) and 4 classes (Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, Wizard) and one "subclass" for each class (Life Domain Cleric, Champion Fighter, Thief Rogue, and School of Evocation Wizard). Items, customization, character building, and the general "here's how you play!" are included in this document. Great resource for a simple lookup if you want to introduce someone to the game, since the characters you can build out of it are generally solid characters. The D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Basic Rules is the starting point for your DM. For the most part is bunch of creature/enemy stat blocks with explanations on how to balance encounters to the players' levels, as well as a quick off-hand on how to generate magic items. DMs are the creative source of the campaign, so there isn't much required to actually build a simple campaign.
  • Dungeons & Dragons 5e Starter Set: This is the most basic form of the game you can get with most things included. Looks like it's $13 on Amazon right now, which is pretty good. The box set comes with a 32-page player guide (mini Player's Handbook), a 64-page Dungeon Master's guide (mini Dungeon Master's Guide/Monster Manual), a couple of pre-generated characters, and a few dice. It's good for getting into 5e if you've never played before since the rules are greatly reduced down to levels 1-6 and there are only 8 classes. Most of the content is the same stuff you can find in the Basic Rules, minus the story that comes with the Starter Set. If someone gets this, everyone else can download/print the Basic Rules and should be good. Most of the content is all about how to play the characters that are in the starter set, not about character generation and the like, so make sure to look at the Basic Rules if you want to play a Halfling Fighter for example. See this comment for more explanation.
  • Player's Handbook (Dungeons & Dragons 5e): This is the core of most of your games of 5e at this point. This has all of the basic necessities, like character classes, character races, items, spells, feats, etc. This is exactly what you need if you are a player, since this and some imagination allows you to build some pretty fun characters. If you end up playing 5e a lot, I'd recommend that everyone have somewhat regular access to a PHB, considering that 90% of the characters you make will come in most part from this books.
  • Monster Manual: This is where you'll find the largest collection of all of the "basic" monsters that you can meet in a game of D&D. Enemies in general are in this book, and there is a lot of good explanation into the monsters, their stats, their decision routes, etc. This is super helpful since you can basically do whatever you want with this book and make some awesome fights. Find an enemy you like, but it's too high level? Nerf it somehow, and have your players fight it. I'm actually planning on setting a dragon with her wings clipped and her firebreathing removed, give them a fight, and see how they react.
  • Dungeon Master's Guide: This is basically world building, combat building, enemy building, item building... basically, if it's not covered in the PHB or MM, the creation of object X or something similar will be in the DMG. It's there for the DMs to be able to balance items or enemies against certain requirements, since there is a lot to take into account. Helpful for the DM who doesn't have as much experience.

    So the Basic Rules help out a lot, the Starter Set is basically a physical copy of the basic rules (plus some), and then the core 3 books in order of (my personal opinion of) usefulness are PHB > MM > DMG. I'd say you probably want at least everyone to have a PHB, or access if you guys continue to play.

    Aside from that, most of the other 5e stuff you can pick up from wizards are modules. Modules are pre-created campaigns that have quests, items, locations, enemies (number, size, etc.) already pre-designed for you. Each of the following books has some sort of extra character information (like more subclasses, new races, etc.), but nothing is absolutely required. Generally if one person wants to play something (say, an Half-Elf Bladesinger Wizard) they should pick up the book to help build their character and to provide the GM with references to how the character works, but it's not necessary.

  • Hoard of the Dragon Queen and The Rise of Tiamat are two halves to the same campaign aimed at stopping the biggest baddest dragon of them all, the five-headed chromatic dragon Tiamat.
  • Princes of the Apocalypse is a cool campaign all about cults related to the 4 elements (Air, Water, Earth, Fire) trying to be bad. Pretty well designed, I'm currently running this with my group. They seem to be liking it a lot, but then again, I'm throwing a lot of other things in with it.
  • Out of the Abyss is a campaign set in the Underdark. it sounds really cool, but I haven't looked into it much.
  • Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide isn't a campaign but rather a campaign setting book. It's useful for reading up on how the Sword Coast in Forgotten Realms (the "main" D&D world) works. It's interesting.

    If you need any other help, please feel free to ask!
u/Sansred · 11 pointsr/dndnext

Yes, it is still the best way, and still considered one of the best campaigns. It's not as long the the hardbound books, but the quality.

For what you get, LMoP is a great value. Right now, it is just under [$15 on Amazon] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0786965592/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_new_olp_sr?ie=UTF8&condition=new&qid=1499696338&sr=8-1). In this hobby, that is cheap.

u/wellsdb · 11 pointsr/DnD

Get yourself the Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set. Here it is for USD $12.95 on Amazon. If you end up buying it at a gaming store (I have also seen it at Wal-Mart) you can expect to pay about $20.

It comes with a set of dice, five pre-generated characters and a fun little adventure called The Lost Mine of Phandelver. This is a great way for you and a few friends to jump right in and start playing.

You only need one Starter Set per group, but each player should invest in his/her own set of dice. You'll soon learn that it helps to have multiple sets of dice, but one per player is enough to get you started.

Here is the first in a four-part series showing one of the producers at Wizards of the Coast running the first section of LMoP. If you think you'll end up as the Dungeon Master, and you're getting the Starter Set, you should watch this.

u/grammaton · 11 pointsr/DnD

Welcome to the hobby! You have a bunch of options (assuming you want 5e, which is the most recent version):

  • Basic Rules These are a 100% free way of getting going. Limited to 4 races (Dwarf, Elf, Halfling, Human) and 4 classes (Cleric, Fighter, Rogue, Wizard). Worth a download to read and see if 5e is the version for you.

  • Starter Set This is good if you have a few friends that all want to learn. Starter set will give you premade characters, dice, and an adventure to get your from levels 1-5.

  • Core Books These consist of 3 books: Player's Handbook(PHB), Dungeon Master Guide(DMB), and Monster Manual(MM). At bare minimum, you need the PHG to make characters and know the rules. To flesh things out, MM is needed for some fun things for the players to fight, and the DMG will give ideas for adventures and magic items. This option will give you (and your group) the most flexibility and longevity. If your average group of 5 people (1 DM and 4 PCs) can chip in just $30 each to pick up 1 copy of each of the core books.
u/Lutharia89 · 11 pointsr/DnD

I would highly suggest the Starter Set. It gives you an all around feel for both the Players & the DM. Your local game shop should have it, and if you don't have one of those near by: https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473250759&sr=8-3&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons

There are tons of free one offs and short dungeons/adventures here as well: http://www.dmsguild.com/

Hope this helps mate! Let us know how it goes!

Cheers

u/Jigawatts42 · 11 pointsr/CFB

Dont get your jorts in a bunch. You should try out some D&D, get your imagination juices flowing again, heres a link to the Starter Set to get you set up. Enjoy!

u/Shylocv · 11 pointsr/DMAcademy

100% watch the Matt Colville series sticked at the top. The first few walk you through making a simple adventure and the hooks for such but I would recommend (as does he) using a module, in particular, the Starter Set that you can get for about $13.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468749875&sr=1-1&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons+starter+set

The included module The Lost Mine of Phandelver is an excellent starting point. Even if you decide not to run the module itself, the town of Phandalin is an excellent starting town to repurpose and reskin. The easiest way to make content on the fly is have modules and pre-made things like this that you can adapt to your setting.

As far as improvising goes, it takes some time to develop those muscles. When you have a solid outline ready like that in the module, it's easier to improvise because you have context and a backbone to pull from. In that module there is a patrol of Hobgoblins that can appear at a certain point but if your players wander off track or get stuck with what to do, suddenly they hear the unmistakable sounds of a rowdy warband crashing through the woods filled with the whoops and excitement of victory. Never be afraid to move things around. You know the map and where they should be but the players don't. If they miss a big, fun encounter, pivot it around and put it somewhere else.

Nothing I just said isn't covered in Colville's videos, I really recommend them.

u/LtDarien · 10 pointsr/dndnext

Check out the Starter set. It's available on Amazon for around $14. It contains 5 pregenerated charactrers, enough rules to get you started, and an adventure. I would also download the basic rules from the WotC website: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules.

Then, if you want to continue, you can buy the Player's Handbook which comes out in a few weeks. That will give you access to all the classes and races to create your own characters. The rest of the core books will follow.

There is also two adventure modules coming out soon as well, (the first concurrent with the Player's Handbook). These will take characters from 1st to 15th level, which will take a few months of play time at the very least.


tl;dr: Get the starter set. $14 on amazon. Have fun!

u/Bartyzors · 10 pointsr/DnD

Lost Mines of Phandelver. It's an adventure that is fully complete and even has pre-made characters with backstories that tie into the campaign. It has, in my opinion, a good balance between exploring, combat and social encounters. https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592

u/odwander · 10 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Grab yourself the D&D Starter Kit for fifth edition. Very beginner friendly.

u/zack1661 · 10 pointsr/preppers

Here’s the link for those who are interested


Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5Bh0Db9QB9A7D

u/lostpasswords · 10 pointsr/DnD

It's 4th edition and thus a collector's item. The current iteration of D&D is 5th edition.

This is the starter set you're looking for.

u/Ta2d_Kate · 10 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

I would recommend starting out with The Starter Set. It has everything you need to get started (basic rules, pre-built characters, and a set of dice), but you don't have to sink a lot of money yet.

If you all want to keep going, you will need Player's Handbooks, a Dungeon Master's Guide, and a Monster Manual. Those are your 3 Core Rulebooks. Oh, and all the dice, lots of dice.

Have fun!!

u/Heyydin · 9 pointsr/DnD

Hey and welcome to the community!


So, you've found a group and made your characters, that's great! Hard part is done, actually.


For rules, you'll wanna check out that site there. It's the Official Basic Rules for D&D. If you're looking for more rules, you'll have to purchase the Player's Handbook, and Dungeon Masters Guide. Both are, arguably, the most essential items to buy.


For an awesome start, check out the Starter Set (And it's 10 bucks right now.... honestly, an amazing price)

u/phoenixashes07 · 9 pointsr/TheAdventureZone

I’ll be honest, it’s one of the starter sheets in the box set the boys use for the campaigns.

u/NorCal_PewPew · 9 pointsr/Boardgamedeals

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/
Looks like Amazon is the same price but out of stock til February 15.

u/MelissaJuice · 8 pointsr/DnD

Why write anything? I highly recommend starting with a published adventure, such as Lost Mine of Phandelver. Much easier for a new DM. You'll learn a ton.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592

u/ThunderousOath · 8 pointsr/DnD
  1. buy some rope, chloroform, and the D&D Starter Set

  2. kidnap your friends

  3. they wake up tied to chairs around a table. You sit at the head of the table wearing a Jigsaw mask and a funny hat. They all have the pre-made characters from the starter set in front of them.

  4. "I want to play a game"

  5. ???

  6. Profit
u/feasibleTwig · 8 pointsr/dndnext

you can get the 5th edition basic rules for free on the D&D website.

And I would personally recommend the 5th edition starter set. It's only 20 bucks and is designed specifically for new players. it has everything you need to run the game, and will explain it all really well.

Good luck, I hope you get a good game going :)

u/Tiltion · 8 pointsr/DnD

The 5e starter set with basic rules, 1 set of dice and a level 1-5 campaign is less than $15 on amazon.

u/Pseud0pod · 8 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

The different "E"s are the different editions of the game, with 5e (fifth edition) being the current edition. I personally think fifth edition is a great place to start. The basic rules are available on Wizard's site for free. And if you want to try it and spend as little money as possible, I'd recommend getting the Starter Set. The adventure in the Starter Set is very good for beginner DMs, from what I understand, and it's very cheap compared to the other adventure books. I've played through it and enjoyed it a lot as a player.

If you want to invest more than the bare minimum, the Player's Handbook is the most essential of the core books. While you can play using just the premade characters in the starter set or by making characters with the basic rules, the Player's Handbook gives a lot more race and class options to your players. There's other books worth purchasing, but I'd see what you want to do after the starter adventure before worrying about investing more.

If you're new to RPGs in general, watching other people play can help a lot in understanding how the game works. It helped me a lot, at least. I'd recommend watching Acquistion's Inc, Critical Role, or Dice, Camera, Action for some good gameplay examples.

u/Vet_Leeber · 7 pointsr/dndnext

typing "[text](link)" will hyperlink, by the way.

u/MurphysParadox · 7 pointsr/DnD

You create a character and pretend to play that character in various interactions and combat simulations. The game abstracts out many abilities and skills into various numerical values, so that an attempt to do something will involve a roll of a die against a target number representing the objective difficulty of the action.

The game is normally played in a group, with one person acting as the Game or Dungeon Master and the rest as players. The DM is a combination game runner, story teller, and rules adjudicator. The DM's job is to make the game something fun for the players and the players' job is to have fun playing the game.

Anything more detailed than this gets into the specific rules covered in the Player's Handbook. The rules for playing are freely available from this site and there is a D&D starter kit available to purchase which contains all the rules and even premade characters a group would need to play the game.

u/TheMaskedTom · 7 pointsr/DnD

Yeah, as others have said, for beginners do try out the D&D 5e Starter Set.

It has enough rules for the small premade adventure they give you to start up, the small adventure itself (which is no small thing for a beginner Dungeon Master), a few pregenerated characters and a set of dice.

You could add to that a few miniatures (or just use paper tokens) and an extra set of dice.


The Starter Set goes to level 5 only (out of 20 max). If you like it, then go ahead and buy the Holy Trinity of D&D Books:

  • the Player's Manual, which is a complete* set of all official possibilities about character creation and playing. You don't all need one for playing, but it's easier that way. Sharing is also good, that said.
  • The Dungeon Master's Guide, which is a book made to help the Dungeon Master create his adventures and make the game enjoyable. Only one is required, really.
  • The Monster Manual, which containes a lot of premade monsters which are very helpful for DMs.


    The other books, such as Curse of Strahd, Out of the Abyss or Tales from the Yawning Portal, are simply adventures that you can buy if you don't want to make your own. They are fun to play and way less of a hassle to DMs... but after a while most will like to make their own stories.

    On another note... While obviously I can't recommend that both because supporting creators is important and because of subreddit rules, you can find pdfs of all those books online, if you don't want to spend the money. Or simply because Ctrl-F is better than manually searching.


    *They have added a few more options is some adventures or the Sword Coast Adventure Guide, and there are some unofficial elements that are being tested in the Unearthed Arcana, but trust me with the core books you have enough to play with for a while.
u/kcon1528 · 7 pointsr/DnD

Started Set

Bulk Dice

The starter set is a great way to introduce players to the game. I have never played it, but it comes highly recommended as far as I can tell. Wiz Dice is awesome. I got a bulk set for Christmas and it contained at least 10 complete sets. Well worth it. Good luck!

u/marcus_gideon · 7 pointsr/DnD

Have you considered the Dungeons and Dragons Starter Set?

u/lost-dragonist · 7 pointsr/DnD

I'd almost rather see a completely new DM than a group wanting an experienced one. That way you can form your own style and group structure rather than having it possibly forced on you. And the world always needs more DMs.

Matt Colville has a pretty good series on YouTube, Running the game. The first 3 episodes take about an hour to watch and give a pretty good introduction about how things usually go as a DM.

The D&D Starter Set is cheap and comes with everything you need to start. That includes some dice, some premade characters, some simplified rules, and an adventure. The adventure is designed for completely new groups and DMs and will have some helpful snippets of information spread through it.

The Basic Rules are free and go into some more detail. They're enough to run some basic games without dropping $90-$150 on the books.

u/lianodel · 7 pointsr/rpg

That's kind of a broad question. :p

There are TONS of tabletop RPGs out there, and they can have vastly different styles, including the genre and the rules.

Nowadays, lots of people record their sessions and post them online, and that is a fantastic way to get an idea of how things work. Some of my favorites:

Critical Role. A group of voice actors who have been playing D&D for years. Here's the DM of the group playing with Stephen Colbert.

The Adventure Zone. It started when the podcasters of My Brother, My Brother, and Me decided to play D&D with their dad as a goof. They actually got really into it and have kept playing ever since. Starts with D&D, then they experiment for a while, and now they're playing a game called Monster of the Week.

The Film Reroll. They play through movies as though they were tabletop RPG adventures, using a system called GURPS. Things often go awry in spectacular fashion.

Anyway, the most popular game out there by a HUGE margin is D&D. Since that's kind of a default and you'll probably have the easiest time starting or finding a game of it...

Here's the free basic rules

There's also a D&D Starter Set (MSRP $20) which is literally everything you need to get started with some friends. Currently $12.57 on Amazon.

And if you want to eventually upgrade (or just jump right in) to the full rules, you'll need the Player's Handbook, might want the Dungeon Master's Guide, and maybe eventually the Monster Manual (since you can find plenty of monster stats online anyway).

There's also unusual dice, but the basic rules will explain it (and the starter set includes them). Easily found at most game or comic shops.

EDIT: That said, there are a bunch of free RPGs out there, too. So poke around; check this subreddit's wiki, for instance, for a few of them.

And that's where I'd start. Then just go exploring, and start playing when you get the chance. And don't sweat the details like rules or how to play a character stop you from getting started—we all did most of our learning by doing when it comes to RPGs. :)

u/Luzer606 · 7 pointsr/Dungeons_and_Dragons

Start with the basic rules. They are free from Wizards of the Coast on the DnD Website. Its all the rules to play the game. What you don't get are all the bells and whistles options to create characters(you do get some character creation options but just basic ones which are enough for you to learn to create characters).

You can get the free basic rules here: https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

There are also a lot of youtube videos that explain how to play.

If you decide you want to spend money then you will want the Players Handbook and maybe the Starter Set.

u/seantabasco · 7 pointsr/DnD

If you buy the Starter Set it comes with a nice little condensed 20 page rulebook. It also comes with a set of decent dice and a nice 1-5 level adventure. Its a good deal overall.

u/SoSeriousAndDeep · 7 pointsr/rpg

Honestly, I think you'd be better off looking at the full D&D5 starter set (Or the D&D 5 books, or the free basic rules download) as a new player! They do a much better job of explaining roleplaying and explaining the game how the game is played. The starter box is really good, with a nice little mini-campaign and premade characters; it's plenty to get a group started for a few sessions of play.

Microlite games like this are more designed for players with some experience, who want to cut out mechanics they don't think work for the way they play. As a new player, if you attended a group playing something like this then you'd be fine, but they're not good as an introduction on their own.

u/el_waffle_iron · 7 pointsr/itmejp

Anyone who is interested in the starter kit can find it here for $12!

u/Sorcerer_Blob · 7 pointsr/DnD

The Starter Set is a great place to start when it comes to monsters with the latest and official monster math.

Some people are suggesting using the monsters from the public playtest. And while that is a great stop-gap solution, you may find some issues with the monster math as it was still undergoing changes during this period. In some cases it is very minor, in others it may not be. So, use your best judgment.

All in all, if you've not played since 2e, I highly suggest picking up the Starter Set and downloading the Basic Rules. If you are wanting to make your own encounters, there was a Legends & Lore article about adventure building just last week.

Good luck and happy gaming!

u/stephan1990 · 7 pointsr/Dungeons_and_Dragons

So if you're on a budget and want to start out, as Stormbow said, see the Basic Rules that are online. You can start playing with them and theres a good amount of content for free. You can find it on the Wizards of the Coast website.

​

When you want a more streamlined experience and you need some assistance getting started, you could get the D&D Starter Set, which comes with a printed Version of the basic rules, pre made characters, dice and an absolutely perfect adventure you can play out of the box. The new D&D Essentials Kit is currently only available from Target, and I do not own it myself. It is a different take on the Starter Set with character creation and a different adventure to play right out of the box. It contains rules to play with just two people as well, so if it's just you and your son, this could be the thing for you.

​

If you want to go all in, or if you decide that it's a wonderful hobby, getting the "holy trinity" of books is a great idea:

  • Players Handbook - Everything you need as a player to play the game. Character creation, equipment, spells and so on.
  • Dungeon Masters Guide - All you need to DM a game, from optional rules to magic items.
  • Monster Manual - Also a book more targeted to the DM, as it contains a bunch of monsters that you can use in your game.
u/infinitum3d · 7 pointsr/DnD

/r/NewDM

I always suggest the Starter Set. It has ready to play rules and a great campaign and it's only like $13 USD.

Great game!

Welcome to D&D. 🙂

u/Ignisiel · 6 pointsr/DnD

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1465564429&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=d%26d+starter+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51Ykm93n8ML&ref=plSrch

That gets you started with preset characters and an adventure. It's all you need for beginners to play through and learn the basics.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0786965606/ref=pd_aw_sim_14_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=510Cy8v8H3L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL100_SR100%2C100_&refRID=42WB6B3F0QV8S8DG712P

This is the core book with all the rules you need to make your own characters, and basically go into the full game. It's what you go to after the starter set. Whoever is the dungeon master (guy who runs the game, sets up the story, monsters, etc) may eventually want to pick up the dungeon master guide and monster manual as well.

u/Ryngard · 6 pointsr/DnD

I think 5e is far better but your mileage may vary.

You can look at the Basic Rules here for free.

The buy-in for 5e is really slim. I HIGHLY suggest the Starter Set.

> You have the Core Rulebooks:

u/Yargbiscuit · 6 pointsr/DnD

Grab the 5e starter off amazon, you won't be disappointed. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_T5zRwb1M8BVBP

u/SargeantSasquatch · 6 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Grab the 5th edition starter set, it will have a book for your DM on how to run the adventure, 5 pre-made characters so you can just get right into playing, and a set of dice.

Heads up. Like 2 minutes in everyone is going to realize they want their own set of dice rather than sharing one set as a group. They range from $5 to $15. Grab 'em before you start playing.

I'd also recommend getting a DM Screen for multiple benefits. On the inside are quick formulas and name/quest/monster tables and hints for the DM to use. The other benefit is the players can't see what the DM rolls.

The DM's #1 job is to make sure people have the most fun they possibly can. So if he rolls something that would wreck your party, and decides that wouldn't be very fun, he can fudge the roll to something else, and since the DM is rolling behind a screen, the players are none the wiser.

Almost every group starts out rotating the role of DM because everyone wants to have a character. This isn't the wrong way of doing it, but every group eventually comes to the realization that they're better off if one person is the full-time DM.

Here are some good rules of thumb for DMing.

Make sure whoever is DMing is up to the task and understands their job is to maximize the amount of fun for everyone else, not necessarily themselves. A good DM will find enjoyment in his players having fun. He will challenge them, not punish them.

It is not PCs vs DM. To liken it to Skyrim, it's 3-5 Dovakhiin traveling together, and the DM is Skyrim. He is the world and all it's inhabitants. The world isn't out to get you, but if you make poor decisions there will be consequences.

----

>These games take like a week or so to finish.

It took us like 5 or 6 sessions that were 3-4 hours each to get through the adventure in this pack, and we only had 3 players.

The game never really finishes. It's like Skyrim, completing an adventure doesn't end the game, you just move on to the next one.

----

Check out /r/DnD, it's way more active. And for the whoever DMs /r/behindthescreen and /r/loremasters are helpful.

u/danstu · 6 pointsr/TheAdventureZone

The "Here there be Gerblins" arc is actually built on the "Lost mine of Phandelver" starter set, which is designed as an intro for the modern version of d&d. You can find it online for about $10-15. That's what my group used to get us started.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592

u/MadawgMcGriddle · 6 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Zd4LDbF4NJYB3

15 bucks on amazon. Includes a starter dungeon to play, full rule book, full book on explaining everything you need to know, as well as dice and character sheets 🙌🏻

Edit: this is how I got started and just expanded from there

u/Remorc89 · 6 pointsr/Dungeons_and_Dragons

If you already have a group that wants to play, I would recommend picking up the starter set. It comes with all the basics (condensed version of rules, pre-made characters, simple DMG, small adventure). Once you get your feet wet there, you can jump into picking up the core books and whatnot.

You can find it here for like $13. Really easy way to get started quickly. https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480368064&sr=8-1&keywords=d%26d+starter+set

edit: added link

u/bucketoflisterine · 6 pointsr/DnD

First you have to choose what edition of the game you want to play. D&D is currently on its 5th edition. The most popular edition seems to be 3.5 (3rd Edition's majorly revised release), though the new 5th Edition (5e) is picking up steam as a more elegant, streamlined system. 5e's Starter Set contains everything a group of four to six people needs to start playing: a set of player rules, a set of Dungeon Master (basically the storyteller and referee, if you're unfamiliar with the term) rules, polyhedral dice, and a pre-written adventure crafted by the people who developed the system.

The Pathfinder Beginner Kit you mentioned is not a Dungeons and Dragons product. Pathfinder is a different tabletop RPG, though it is developed from the same sort of framework as 3.5 Edition D&D. It's a popular game, too; I think that there's a subreddit for it if you want more information.

u/TheGuyInAShirtAndTie · 6 pointsr/DnD

A mere 4 months ago I was in your very shoes, having never played DnD but wanting to DM. Now I'm running 3 weekly games [Protip: Don't do this]. Luckily for me I found a couple great resources to help me out:

The Dungeon Master Experience is a collection of articles written by one of the best: Christopher Perkins. He's not only a Senior Designer for DnD, but he's also the DM for a number of groups including Penny Arcade, Robot Chicken, and the other designers over at Wizards of the Coast. This will be your most valuable resource.

New DM Guide Reddit's #1 Resource for new DMs.

So You Want To Be a DM: A great collection of starter tips.

/r/loremasters: A subreddit dedicated to worldbuilding.

/r/dndnext: Like /r/dnd but solely for 5e.

The Angry DM: He can be a bit preachy at times, but Angry DM has a great amount of thought put into everything he writes.

/u/famoushippopotamus If you see him post on something, just read it. He's been DMing longer than most of us have been aware that DnD existed.

DnD Encounters is a weekly event at your friendly local game store. Check it out. It's also a great place to recruit players!

[Your head!](Link Not Found): The only thing you really need to get started is an idea, write it down. You'll learn a lot just putting your thoughts on paper and thinking of how to flesh it out.



I would recommend that you go and pick up the Starter Set (HOLY SHIT GUYS ITS $12 RIGHT NOW. BUY BUY BUY!). It comes with the basic rules, a set of dice, a prewritten adventure, and some characters for the adventure. Get a couple players together and this is all you need to get started. After that you can move onto other prewritten adventures, like Horde of the Dragon Queen, or you can write your own.

It shouldn't be that difficult to find people to play with, some people might care that you've never been a PC, but you don't need to play with them. If you have friends who enjoy gaming see if they're interested. And check out your FLGS (friendly local game store). If none of those work, there are plenty of online options as well.

One last note: In my short time DMing I have to say I did not expect the sheer amount of prepwork that goes into a single session. Players have to inhabit a single character and their mechanics. You need to understand not only the characters at the table, but every NPC, trap, and monster you put in front of them. It can be time consuming. It can be hard. But it is also one of the greatest feelings in the world when you hit that flow state where you and your players are building your world together.

Good luck! And welcome to DnD, where the rules are made up, and the rules don't matter either, as long as what you're doing is awesome.

u/chris-goodwin · 6 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Get the D&D Starter Set. It provides a premade adventure with guidance on how to run it as a DM, along with five pregenerated characters and just enough rules to run those characters. It also comes with a set of dice, though you may want to buy additional dice.

Extremely recommended: Get the D&D 5th edition Players Handbook. It will expand greatly on the options available in the Starter Set, and let you and your players create your own characters.

In decreasing order of recommendation: the D&D 5th edition Monster Manual and the D&D 5th edition Dungeon Master's Guide. If you don't want to spend the money on those, you can get by with the D&D 5th edition System Reference Document and the D&D 5th edition Basic Rules, the latter two of which are available for free download from Wizards of the Coast.

u/CherryStripes · 6 pointsr/DnD

Mine (my starter kit, not this one) was £20 from Amazon and so worth it.

Where are you buying from?

​

Edit: Clarification

Edit: £15 on Amazzon here

u/Mannthedan1 · 6 pointsr/Dungeons_and_Dragons

Now is a great time to get into D&D. The starter set has pretty much everything you need to get going. It is also like $12 on Amazon right now. It gives you a starter rulebook and an adventure to run.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1542848833&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons+5th+edition&dpPl=1&dpID=519gxvY55zL&ref=plSrch

u/K1N6Z4K · 6 pointsr/DnD

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_AhmtDbT48X8WS

Is this the box set you’re referring to?

If so it’s great for starting out and has everything all ready for you including a DM’s guide.

u/ImpsCorner · 6 pointsr/DnD

the DnD 5th ed starter set of perfect Amazon

u/fangorn0 · 6 pointsr/dndnext

The Starter Set includes a short summary of the basic rules, as well as a complete adventure including monsters with their stats.

To someone who is new at DMing or playing I would recommend this as a great place to start. You can get some experience DMing without having to come up with everything yourself and your players will get a chance to really figure out the basic mechanics of the game before your homebrew campaign begins.

Either way, the starter set includes the stat blocks for 27 monsters, including skeletons (as you mentioned) as well as other iconic D&D monsters. This would probably be good enough for you until the monster manual comes out.

For the level 1 Elf necromancer you could use the character creation rules from Basic to make a full character, tweaking it to suit your needs.

u/dachocochamp · 6 pointsr/boardgames

If you have a few people interested in D&D, then the D&D Starter Set (https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/) is a great choice. It includes a solid basic rulebook as well as a few premade scenarios and characters which help cut down on a lot of the prep work involved, getting you all into the game faster. It's pretty cheap, though I'd highly recommend picking up a few extra sets of dice as it only includes one.



For board games...it's a bit more complicated. As you can probably already tell, there's a TON out there, ranging from simple party games, to heavy economic strategy games, and even dice-chucking dungeon crawls. The two daily stickies are great places to learn more as well as getting personalised recommendations on what to possibly buy.



I'd also recommend checking out the subreddit index (https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/wiki/index), particularly the 'New to Board Games' page.

u/BladedBuzzer · 6 pointsr/DnD

Lost mine of Phandelver is a great starting set, though it is designed for 4/5 adventurers so the encounters may need to be tweaked to reduce the difficulty slightly, or run them with an npc to aid in combat.

u/Jacamp00 · 5 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

I believe the easiest way is buying the $20 starting kit. It has pregen characters, basic rules, and a fun adventure to run. Only other book you need is the Player’s Handbook, and you don’t HAVE to have it if you buy the starting kit. Good to have for reference though.

Amazon is the best place to buy material, normally $5-20 cheaper than shops. Also great if you have prime!

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_G71dBbS55YNEB

u/vampatori · 5 pointsr/YouShouldPlay

First off, the very first thought that came into my head: Have you tried Dungeons & Dragons or another Pen & Paper role-playing-game? I feel like they would be perfect for you.. not only are they the best games as there are no limitations, all you need is any means of communicating and your imagination.

Here are some links to get started:

  • Basic Rules - Freely available online.
  • Starter Set is incredibly good value and includes the basic rules, dice, pre-made characters, and your first adventure.
  • Roll20.net - Virtual table-top for playing online with others, includes voice & video chat.
  • /r/lfg - A place to find people to play with online.
  • /r/dndnext - Dedicated to the latest (5th) edition of D&D. Really nice and friendly sub.

    ----

    Anyway, can you give us a bit of insight into your input mechanisms? How have you typed this post? How do you browse the web? What limitations do you have in terms of input speed and simultaneous inputs? What about moving pointers around, any limitations?

    I think with information like that we'd be better able to recommend games for you.

    Assuming input takes time and you can't push buttons quickly or control a pointer quickly - turn-based / pause-based games come to mind (also a personal favourite of mine).

    As I said in another post here, I highly recommend Voice Attack for voice-controlled input. I use it to assist me in games, but I see no reason you couldn't rely on it entirely. There is a small lag between saying something and it being actioned, which would rule out some of the more twitchy games.

    I've never tried it, but there's JoyToKey which allows you to use a controller to act as keyboard/mouse for gaming (and other applications, presumably). I imagine it's a lot easier to use a controller with your feet than a mouse and keyboard (I could be wrong, I don't know).

    What about a touch-screen?

    ----

    Civilization V

    This is a great turn-based strategy game that allows you to create a civilization and take it from the dawn of agriculture to space. I'd highly recommend getting this with all the DLC expansions in a bundle, as they add a tremendous amount to the game. This often goes on sale for very little.

    XCOM: Enemy Unknown

    This is a great turn-based tactical combat game where earth is under attack from aliens and you're tasked with building up an organisation to defeat them. Really one of the best games released in a long time, definitely worth a look. Play Ironman for the real experience (you'll see what I mean). You can play this with a controller.

    Hearthstone

    This is a really good 'battle' card game. These sorts of games are not my thing at all, I've never got into Magic and so on, but Hearthstone is the distilled essence of these games and is simple, deep, and a tremendous amount of fun. It has by far and away the best match-making, so you always win about 50% of your games, keeping the challenge on. While there is a timed element to each turn, it's generous and I doubt you'll have issues in terms of controlling it. Free to play, so no harm in giving it a go.

    EvE Online

    The space MMO. While this is real-time, for the most part it's actually pretty slow, and its combat is based on a lock-on system where you can select targets from a list. I don't know how well Voice Attack meshes (I no longer play), but from memory it should be really good. There's almost nothing you can't take part in here, and you can be 100% as effective as other players in many, many roles. Hell, you don't even need to leave a station if you want.. you can form your own corporation, trade, build, hire other players, lead other players, wage war, all from the comfort of the station!

    Pillars of Eternity

    This was just released and I'm absolutely loving it - it's a modern take on the old-school RPG games like Baldur's Gate and Planescape. While it is real-time, you can choose the speed to be slower, and you can pause it at any time to issue orders to your party.

    Elite: Dangerous

    Getting more tricky now.. this is a real-time space-ship simulator where you can trade, fight, mine, pirate, explore, etc. However, it's made for being controlled with joysticks and works perfectly with Voice Attack so I feel like you'd be able to control it more than well enough. In fact, you could probably do it with Voice Attack alone - though you'd have to run from pirates. Also, there is a rank Mostly 'armless that you could attain! (sorry, couldn't help myself!)

    World of Warcraft

    The definitive MMO. While I've not looked into it, it's so popular I'm sure if you do some research on it there will be a wealth of options. It's lock-on based combat, so again Voice Attack will work here perfectly for calling out attacks, movement with a controller, and so on.

    ----

    TL;DR: Really though, I think the limits are only what you place on yourself. What's stopping you from playing an FPS, MMO, RTS, etc. with your feet and Voice Attack?

    EDIT: Sorry, I thought this was in /r/gamingsuggestions/ which is why I included D&D. I'll leave it as I think it would be good in this instance.
u/Sheriff_Is_A_Nearer · 5 pointsr/DnD

I was you last April. Get yourself the Starter Set. It has mostly everything you need including characters, a set of die, a mini rule book, and a real solid campaign "Lost Mines of Phandelver". It is all you will need for a while.

Am I right in assuming you will be the DM? If no one has volunteered then you should do it. It's super fun and not as hard as it seems.

I would say you need to pick-up more dice than the Starter Set provides. Have the players buy a set or provide your own. Dice are cheap. You can get a set for $1 or $2.

I also bought a Battle Mat and Wet Erase Markers and ,to me, made the combat side of things way easier to track as well as making the game more enjoyable to the players. Don't worry about having cool mini's the first time around, you can use coins or candy. Though I am sure that in time you will succumb to the seduction of mini's.

Have fun playing and good luck in your future adventures!

EDIT: When you start itching for more information that the starter set can buy I would highly recommend you purchase the Player's Handbook first before the Monster Manual and then the Dungeon Master Guide.

u/digitallyApocalyptic · 5 pointsr/DnD

The most recent edition, and arguably the most accessible, is fifth edition, or 5e for short. There's also 1e, 2e, 3e, 3.5e, Pathfinder, and 4e, but most people play 5e and it's probably the easiest for beginners.

Start off by going to this link here to get a copy of the Basic Rules. These are available to download, free of charge, and will allow you to get acquainted with the basic game mechanics. Most of the mechanics revolve around polyhedral dice; you've got 4-, 6-, 8-, 10-, 12-, and 20-sided, plus another one called percentile dice (or d% for short) that is like a 10-sided die, but with 10, 20, 30 on it instead of 1, 2, 3, and allows for rolling numbers 1-100 when used with a standard 10-sided. Dice are abbreviated with the notation XdY; 3d6 would denote 3 six-sided dice, 6d10 would denote 6 ten-sided dice, 8d4 would denote 8 four-sided dice, etc.

Basic rules will also allow you to create a character if you'd like to try out the process before spending any money. Your character will be fairly cookie-cutter; you get four different races, four different classes, and four different backgrounds to choose from, along with a limited spell list and so on, but if you'd just like to get a feel for the process it's a pretty good way of doing so. The first chapter of the rules takes you through the character creation process step-by-step, and if you read through the basic rules in order, you'll probably be able to create a character. You can also snag free character sheet downloads here in either a format that you can print or one that you can edit in Adobe Reader.

If you're looking to find a group, I've heard /r/lfg mentioned a lot. Most people that want to play online use a site called Roll20, which is free and accessible. There's some other sites in the sidebar of /r/dnd that you could use. If you have some friends interested in the hobby, you could look at picking up the starter set on Amazon, which contains a premade adventure, some premade characters, and a dice set. Once you get more into things, you should look at picking up a Player's Handbook for more choices when creating a character.

u/nerga · 5 pointsr/rpg

This might belong a bit more in /r/boardgames but regardless...

The dnd board games can actually be pretty fun. I like the dungeon delver board games. A good board game you might like if you like these type of games is mageknight that also follows a similar play style (though pseudo random generation with different mechanics) of going through a world and getting stronger.

If you like these board games, but want to delve more into tabletop rpgs look into something like DnD 5th edition or the starter set. Someone can correct me if I am wrong, but I think the starter set has everything you need for a small adventure, and if you get the basic book you can continue the characters if you want.

I am distinguishing between these rpg/dungeon crawler board games and rpgs. This might confuse you, so I will go more into what's different. In the rpg/dungeon crawler board games there may or may not be a dungeon master (someone who controls the game other than the players), in pen and paper rpgs this sub focuses on most of the time there is a separate player running the game. The main difference though is that a pen and paper rpg relies more on imagination, improvisation, and give much more freedom. In a game as you linked, you typically kill monsters, get some xp, and then just get stronger. You don't have much choice in how your character develops typically. Also the story is usually very linear as well. You progress, you get small tidbits of story, but the main goal is to just complete the dungeons. This is reverse of pen and paper rpgs, classic dnd being the main example. In these you normally focus on the story, the dungeons and fights being the obstacles to that. You also are not focused on a grid the whole time, you can have grid based combat, but there are a lot of "off the grid" moments where the board game variants are typically all on the grid.

They are both fun, are similar and related, but differ in a pretty fundamental way.

u/Mortuga · 5 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

The 5th edition starter is probably the best option at the moment. 5th edition DnD is pretty easy to get into and learn.

u/evilcheesypoof · 5 pointsr/pics

Grab the Dungeons and Dragons starter set and a few willing friends and do it!

u/1point41421356237 · 5 pointsr/DnD

You could have a look at Getting started from the sidebar for some brief information.

Most people (including myself) recommend 5e for being most noob-friendly. For starting fresh with 5e:

If you're going to play with friends around the table, buy the starter set and it does exactly what it says on the tin.

You can check out the basic rules in the mean time, which you will get with the starter set.

If you're looking to find a group online, head over the /r/LFG and I'm sure some friendly folk will pick you up

u/lhxtx · 5 pointsr/DnD

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_N1yOzbTX8W3GQ

The red box is ancient as far as DND goes. The link above is for the most current version.

It includes everything you need for about 20 hours of fun! The adventure in it is awesome!

u/MisterMushroom · 5 pointsr/DnD

D&D isn't so much of a 'board game' (can typically be ended in one session, self-contained/limited gameplay, hard rules, etc) as it is a game played on the tabletop.

That being said, it depends what you want. You'll need dice, character sheets and an adventure at minimum. The DnD starter set comes with that (and also a version that comes with enough dice for 6 players) The adventure included is pretty good.

Alternatively you could look up one-shots (adventures intended to be started and completed in a span of a few hours). There are both free and paid ones of varying quality for each. You'd still need dice, but many one-shots include pregenerated characters.

Hope this helps a bit, and enjoy!

u/charredgrass · 5 pointsr/DnD

If you've never played D&D before, download these pdfs: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

Otherwise, if you've got the funds and are dedicated, the Starter Set is nice.

I also highly recommend these books: the Player's Handbook (useful for character creation and teaching new players), the Dungeon Master's Guide (great for helping new DMs build a story), and the Monster Manual (book full of monsters and stats for them, also great inspiration for stories)

u/tanketom · 5 pointsr/DnD

> iv been thinking about trying to learn to play of late

Welcome!

I'll talk about the newest fifth edition here (D&D 5 or D&D Next), but there's other editions as well, you can see the choosing an edition in the sidebar.

> i have no clue where to begin and i know no one into this sort of thing.

You want the PHB – The Players Handbook, which you can find a free, slightly restricted version of here – split in a players and a DM (the game referee) version. Read this to get the basic grasp of the game.

> any suggestions on getting started?

There's a Starter set, which comes in at around 12 dollars on Amazon, which has a starting adventure, a lightweight version of the rules for players and the DM, as well as a dice set. It has basically all you need to start playing.

But there's more from then on:

There's the basic PHB, which has all the rules and the classes and the races you'll need to play. This is essential – and at least one should exist around the table.

Then there's the Monsters Manual (MM), which is filled with monsters, creatures, and enemies for the players to fight. If you're the DM, you might need this, especially if you're not playing a published adventure (more on that later).

Then there's the Dungeon Masters Guide (DMG). If you're the DM, you'll be needing this, as it's a plethora of rules and tables for making encounters, a catalogue of items, and rules for the DM to throw at their players.

Also, there's the published adventures: The Hoard of the Dragon Queen and its sequel, Rise of Tiamat. These are ready-made for DMs to let players in to a world quickly. They are set in the Forgotten Realms, "standard fantasy world".

From here it depends if you're a player or a DM.

If you're a player you can absolutely make a character from the free rules, and perhaps buy a set of dice (with 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 20 sides) to play with (although this can be done with a dice app for your phone). But I'd recommend you buy the PHB with time.

If you're the DM, you'll need someone at the table to have a PHB (maybe the players could split the cost), and I'd recommend the DMG as well. The MM is handy if you're making and populating your own adventures. This'll be around 50 dollars per book (varying from country to country).

Welcome to tabletop roleplaying games :)

u/PenguinPwnge · 5 pointsr/DnD

Go for this one. The one you linked is a reseller, I believe, so it's a bit more expansive than normal.

u/simlee009 · 5 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

As a matter of fact, there is a starter kit! It includes a basic set of rules for D&D, a short adventure, a set of dice, and some pregenerated characters. If you have $12.59 to spare, I suggest picking it up and reading through the rules. Chances are it won’t all make sense to you, but you can always come back and ask questions.

If it helps, basically D&D is just a group of people getting together and telling a story, and resolving certain actions by rolling the dice. Like, imagine playing Cops and Robbers, but instead of arguing about whether or not someone got caught, you roll some dice, do a little math, and that tells you what happens. Typically, one person acts as the Dungeon Master. They set the scene and narrate the action. The other players each control their own character, and declare how they act and react in each scene.

u/DyingDutchmanNL · 5 pointsr/DnD

I recommend getting this:

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592

It's the starter set of the most current edition, containing the basic rules, an adventure that eases both DM and PC through the basic mechanics, a set of dice and some standard character sheets, including an empty one for photocopying. This is the cheapest way to start playing the current edition and wanting some kind of guide to learn the game while playing.

u/bizznissphil · 5 pointsr/DnD

Great place to begin is the Starter Set

u/egamma · 5 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

https://www.reddit.com/r/dndnext/wiki/resourcelist

Links to the free basic Players and DM rules, characters, OGL, adventures, etc.

The Starter Set, aka Lost Mines of Phandelver, is less than $13 on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592

If you go with the starter set, I suggest sticking with the pregenerated characters because they have story tie-ins.

u/GaiusOctavianAlerae · 5 pointsr/DMAcademy

Check out Running the Game, Matt Colville's YouTube series. You don't need to watch the whole series of course, but the first few videos will help you out a lot.

Your best bet if you're starting out is to get either the Starter Set or Essentials Kit. Both have everything you need to get started, and while I personally like the Essentials Kit more, either will work.

u/bluest_bird · 5 pointsr/DnD

The Starter Set from Wizard's of the Coast is available online, and provides prebuilt character sheets, rules, and a story for you to use! Here's the link.

u/elpedro84 · 5 pointsr/DnD

The rulebooks aren't out yet. But you can get the starter set from anywhere that sells that sort of thing: http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Fundamentals/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405885218&sr=8-1&keywords=dnd+starter+set

Also the basic rules are available for free from Wizards of the Coast: http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/basicrules

u/jwmhy · 5 pointsr/DnD

Yes!

u/Ymenk · 5 pointsr/DnD

Starter Set link. 12 bucks!

u/Pombologist · 5 pointsr/DnD

The basic rules for 5e are on WotC's website for free.

The 5e Starter Set is available from Amazon for just $12.

u/Kalahan7 · 5 pointsr/rpg

Dungeon World

Fantastic fantasy RPG that plays a lot more the way you, a newcomer, expect a RPG to play like.

Online available for free

Character sheets

Free PDF version (Without the artwork)

Book on Amazon $17

Either the website, the PDF, or the book will do. What you need to add are a bunch of 6-sided dice (2 for each player is best) , a set of polyhedral dice, pencils and paper.

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Kit

D&D is less beginner friendly in my opinion. More tactical combat, less focus on story. A good fight in D&D can take 30 minutes easily while Dungeon World combat flows through the rest of the story/adventure. That is the biggest difference in my mind.

D&D is a good system but it can become intimidating for many players especially when they don't want to own and read their own Player's Handbook.

D&D can also become expensive very quickly. The free "Basic Rules" are very limited and there are 3 basic books at an MSRP of $40 each.

That being said, the D&D Starter Set is pretty great for newcommers. It doesn't include rules to create your own characters/adventure but it gives you 5 pre made characters, a pre written adventure, and the rules you need to play.

All you need to add are pencils and paper because the Starter Set also comes with a set of dice. But more sets of polyhedral dice would be better when playing D&D (1 set for each player). With Dungeon World 2 regular 6-sided dice for each player and one set of poly-dice will do.

D&D Starter Set on Amazon $13

u/BHRPG · 5 pointsr/DnD

Sorry mate but this isn't really the best advice.

OP would do just fine to pick four of his potential players and snag the Starter Set.

Between the starter nature of the adventure and the plethora of resources online they'll be more than set to take up the DM mantle.

u/kylania · 5 pointsr/DnD

You could refer to the previous "My boyfriend needs a gift thread".

For the game itself, if neither of you have anything, get the Starter Set. Has everything you need to start playing.

Eventually you'll both want to get the Player's Handbook. Rest of the books you can wait on.

u/Regularjoe42 · 5 pointsr/rpg

Wizard's of the Coast has released a bunch of their material for free in the SRD. If you want to play for free that should give you a good start. However, the material is rather scant as they want you to buy the full books. It would take a lot of work to turn just that into an adventure.

If you want to just start playing, the cheapest way to do so is the starter set. For under 20$ you get all you need to start playing (dice and adventure included). It should keep your playgroup engaged for some time.

If you want to have all the player's options and more detailed rules, all you need to play is the Player's Handbook. Hypothetically you could run from the SRD, but then the players would have a lot less options for their characters. (Or you could use homebrew and risk the game being unbalanced.)

The Dungeon Master's Guide is mostly about how to do worldbuilding. The Monster Manual is a whole bunch statblocks and lore to help the DM prepare encounters. Hypothetically you could just run it from the SRD, but then it would be a lot of work on the DM.

u/transmission-fac13 · 5 pointsr/DnD

If they're brand new get the starter set

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/

premade characters. decent adventure. They can try it out and see if they like the game itself. If successful, then get into character creation. And you can save up $ in the meantime.

There's also the free PDFs at wizards too.

u/DMSassyPants · 4 pointsr/DnD

Get the 5e Starter Set and three to five friends who are willing to commit to a good four or five hours of play.

Read the books that come in the box and dive right in.

u/rup3t · 4 pointsr/rpg

Lost Mines of Phandelver. This adventure comes with the D&D 5E starter set. Its designed to be run as a first campaign for new players and new DMs. Its not the most intriguing of the adventures, but its fun and touches on a lot of different areas for new players to experience. There are lots of little spots for RP, but nothing overwhelming, and also in general the dungeons are short and not very grueling. I highly recommend this for you and your new group.

u/Mmogel · 4 pointsr/dndnext

Start with either the Starter Set Adventure $13 on amazon or look at the basic rules pdf in the sidebar and take it from there.

u/KarLorian · 4 pointsr/DMAcademy

OK, a lot of your DM's process is HEAVILY modified home rules / hacks / I don't even know what...

As a first time DM, I highly recommend that you play as closely by the rules as you can until you have a few campaigns under your belt. You can get the Basic Rules for 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons for FREE FROM HERE that should be enough to get you going until you can get the rule books. I would suggest to first getting the Players Handbook, then the Monster Manual, then the Dungeon Masters Guide if you have to break up your purchases. Another option is the 5th Edition Starter's Set which also includes many of the Basic Rules, as well as a fully written campaign for character levels 1-4.

Some of the thoughts you have about giving each race different stat bonuses along with features or traits are already in the rules.

Regardless, keep at it and keep asking questions!

u/BrentNewhall · 4 pointsr/DnD

Yes, it absolutely works for one DM and one player!

The game does assume a party of about 4 players, so the math will be different, since you'll have one DM and one player. Look for monsters with similar or lower stats to the player.

You can start with the free basic rules online, or buy the starter set for about USD $13, which also includes a print copy of the basic rules and a starting adventure.

Alternatively, here are a bunch of free adventures.

If running an adventure overwhelms you, here's an easy starter adventure:

One of you creates a character, while the other (the "Dungeon Master" or DM) creates a simple 5-room environment, which is a ruined temple. It can be just a linked set of rooms in a straight line, or something more complex. Then the DM puts a monster in each room, starting with something easy in the entrance and working up to harder monsters. The free Dungeon Master's Basic Rules includes dozens of monsters to choose from, but make sure you choose ones that have a "Challenge" of 1/4 or less.

The DM then explains to the PC that he/she has been chosen to rid the nearby temple of the monsters that infest it, so it can be purified and used for worship again. Nobody else in town is willing to go with the PC. Then describe the first room and the monster inside, and you're off to the races!

u/DnDYetti · 4 pointsr/DnD

> 1) what do you recomend to do?

I'd personally start with 5e, because it is a much more simplified system that allows for more aspects of role-playing, which is great for everyone - especially new players.

A nice start for new groups to DnD is a starter set. Here is a link to buy a starter set which comes with a 64-page adventure pre-made module book, a 32-page rule-book for playing characters level 1–5, 5 pregenerated characters, each with a character sheet and supporting reference material, and 6 dice. If you are playing 5e, you need the 5e books - the 3.5 books won't work for 5e, they are completely different games due to additional information added over each new edition.

I'd also recommend that you all sit down together in the same room, hook up a computer to a TV in the room, and watch some good DnD games to figure out what role-playing means, how DM's look in action, and how the game runs overall. Shows such as Critical-Role, or Acquisitions Incorporated are amazing.

Here is the playlsit for Critical Role on Youtube:

u/finemimmort · 4 pointsr/DnD

You could go with the Lost Mines of Phandelver as it is a great introduction for both players and dungeon masters for Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition. They have other modules but in my opinion this one is the best for starting out.

u/Evidicus · 4 pointsr/Games

I guess it's about the kind of game you're looking for. I don't pay AL either, so I can't speak to it. I want to have real agency. I want to feel like I have choices, and that those choices have consequences that shape events. I have no desire to bowl with bumpers on. Maybe the paid DM route limits you to only running extended one-shots, but I certainly wouldn't pay for that type of game.

When I run games, I try to give my players a lot of freedom. Even a self-contained module like Curse of Strahd doesn't need to be a totally railroaded experience.

Most of the dissatisfaction I've felt for myself and heard from players over the years about D&D is from being railroaded, and essentially feeling like supporting cast in the story the DM wants to tell. If I just want to passively observe someone else's story, I can read a book or watch a movie.

If Andrew is correct and people are lining up to pay to play in his games, this should be seen as an indication of a problem for the hobby, not as a testimony of his skill. For every person waiting for one of his games there's a missed opportunity to create a new DM and spread the hobby even further.

Being a DM isn't that hard. It takes a little time and practice, but it has never been easier. We have access to amazing resources today that I would have killed for in the 80s. It doesn't require incredible amounts of free time, and it's extremely rewarding And if you "don't want to get stuck being the DM", then make a plan with your players to swap roles every so often to avoid burnout.

Sure, you can pay $100 to play in one of Andrew's games... OR you can spend $14 for the 5e Starter Set and have everything you need to learn and enjoy running and playing countless games for years to come.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592

u/JoDug · 4 pointsr/DnD

The starter set: http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ has pretty much all you need.

  • Basic rules
  • Set of dice (might want a set for each player though)
  • Pre-made characters (you can print more character sheets off the wizards website: http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/character_sheets)
  • Character leveling for up to 5th level (Player's Handbook has 'til 20)
  • Simple but fun adventure

    Happy first adventure!

    EDIT:formatting and added link
u/tubeyes · 4 pointsr/rpg

Second for Savage Worlds, it's very customizable and adaptable to multiple settings. Also the D&D 5e starter set is currently less than 15$ on Amazon right now. But the 5e basic rules are free on the wotc website and so are character sheets so if you really wanted to give that a try you could.

u/flynnski · 4 pointsr/AskGameMasters

Honestly, the D&D starter campaign is really good for that. It's $9.99 on Amazon right now, and comes with a few dice and some pregen characters if you want. I know you said free, but this is a dang steal.

Plus it has a dragon, which is neat.

u/pfcamygrant · 4 pointsr/mattcolville

If you want to do Forgotten Realms and only have $75 to spend:


5e Starter Set $13.07

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488305292&sr=8-1&keywords=5e+starter+set


Storm King's Thunder $31.42

https://www.amazon.com/Storm-Kings-Thunder-Dungeons-Dragons/dp/0786966009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488305205&sr=8-1&keywords=storm+king%27s+thunder

Out of the Abyss $27.17

https://www.amazon.com/Out-Abyss-D-Accessory/dp/0786965819/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1488305481&sr=8-1&keywords=out+of+the+abyss


That gets you a pretty fun sandbox from levels 1 to 5, an epic sprawling set your own pace sandbox across the Savage Frontier, and an alternative hook into the Underdark. Two to three solid years of adventuring.

You also get a ton of information on the Savage Frontier and The Underdark.

You get three different Level 1 to 5 scenarios, two different 5 to 10, then one level 10 through 15.
Lots of replay value. And you can fight a dragon, fight giants, and fight demons.

u/Releirenus · 4 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dr31CbVFBRNFP

As good a place to start as any

u/silvershadow881 · 4 pointsr/bloodbornebg

Hardest part is probably either learning how to be a dungeon master and understanding the rules well enough to explain to a group of people. Getting a group of people might also be tricky depending on how many people you know. You can probably get some people to cross over from board games, D&D is getting really popular lately.

I had some luck and started playing with people that already knew how to play second edition, I liked it, picked up the rule books for the latest edition (5th) and dungeon mastered a couple of games with a different group of friends.

I guess you could either try to find a group or start by yourself. Be aware that some things might be overwhelming at first, there's a lot of content and gaming supplements out there. However the beauty of D&D is that technically you can just play with pen and paper. There are also some basic rules PDFs you could skim through, I guess that would be a nice way to start. You can also buy the starter kit (which is often really cheap in Amazon) and play that adventure with 3-5 people.

EDIT: On a proper computer now. These are the basic rules and the starter set I think it might be on sale right now.

u/Diggled · 4 pointsr/dndnext

http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

These are the free rules, which is everything you need to run the game (besides dice). These are a good start to see if you're going to like the game. The Players Handbook includes way more options for classes and goodies.

I would also suggest getting some friends and running thru the Starter Set Adventure. It also includes a print out of the basic rules and some dice.

If your friends arent interested, find a local fantasy gaming shop and see if they have someone running 'D&D Encounters'.

u/Sotsie · 4 pointsr/DnD

I highly recommend trying out 5th Edition to start with. It's the newest iteration of the rules, what most game stores and events are currently playing, and is streamlined and easy to learn for new players and returning players alike.



                          • 5th edition's Basic Rules are also available online for free. It doesn't have everything that the players handbook does, but it's free and will let you check out things before spending any money.

                            For new players the Starter Set is a great first adventure. It comes with premade characters you can use if you want, the adventure book for the DM that gives all the NPC information and monster stats, a set of dice, etc.


                          • This guy has a accent which may or may not be an issue for you, but check out these videos:

u/Bridger15 · 4 pointsr/DnD

Start with a pre-printed module. There are many for all the editions. I would also suggest taking a look at 5th Edition. You can get the basic rules (and Basic DMG) for free to get an idea of what the system is like.

It is way easier to introduce someone to 5th Ed than 3.5 if they've never played RPGs before. Even though your familiar with 3.5, I'd recommend looking through those Basic Rules (which is essentially the PHB minus some of the classes/archetypes) to decide for yourself.

If you do end up liking 5th edition, people can't stop raving about the Starter Box adventure called the Lost Mines of Phandelver. It's a great starter adventure (takes your characters from level 1 through level 5).

u/designbot · 4 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

That's an easy one—pick up the Starter Set for $12.

And (optionally) check out the free basic rules while you wait for it to arrive.

If you want to make your own characters instead of using the pregenerated ones, you can get the Players' Handbook, but honestly, the Starter Set is probably the best place to start—the special rules for each character are spelled out right on the character sheets.

u/Grokke · 4 pointsr/DnD

Once you get a few people to play with, split the cost of the new 5th edition Starter Set:

D&D Starter Set

The starter set comes complete with pregenerated characters and an adventure for your group to play that will take you from level 1-5.

u/DiscoKittie · 4 pointsr/gifs

The new D&D 5th edition actually rocks. I'm excited to (hopefully) be changing to that system in our group soon) :)

Or you could downlaod the Basic Rules PDF. :) That's free!

The PDF has more rules than the box set, but the box set (which is on sale right now) has some cool stuff, too.

u/Jonyb222 · 4 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

This is the 5e handbook:
http://www.amazon.com/Players-Handbook-Dungeons-Dragons-Wizards/dp/0786965606/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1409674884&sr=8-1&keywords=player+handbook

If you are only starting out the Starter Set might be a good idea:
http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=starter+set


In my opinion it would be better for you to start with the 5th edition (above) as it is the newest, it should be relatively easy to find people at least willing to try it out.

Another option is to try the 4th edition as it is also fairly straightforward and already established. 5th and 4th editions are VERY different from one another so if you don't like one, don't dismiss the other.

As for the editions before that I would not recommend it mostly because you will have a hell of a time finding people to play with.

u/CommunistElk · 4 pointsr/DnD

The starter set is just a box that has all the basics you need to run a game.

Here is a link to it on Amazon

The starter set has

  • A premade adventure called Lost Mine of Phandelver for levels 1-5
  • A basic rule book
  • 5 pre-generated characters (each with a character sheet)
  • A dice set (Amazon says 6 dice, but a full set should have 7... They probably only included one 10 sided dice...)
  • All of the monsters that appear in the adventure have stat-blocs listed in the back.

    Those are the bare minimum what you need to play D&D. All of your players should also get their own dice. My friends and I like to make an event of going to the local game store to get dice when we start a new game sometimes.

    If you have the money I would definitely suggest at least getting the Player's Handbook. The Dungeon Master's Guide, as well as the Monser Manual, also have helpful information, but aren't really necessary until you go beyond LMoP.

    EDIT:
    I also wanted to add I would advise all of your players getting their own PHB's as well. They are very affordable on Amazon as they are pretty much always on sale. From what I noticed, most games' rulebooks are typically $50
u/tkmccord · 4 pointsr/DnD

Which starter set should I buy? The 17.99 Starter set or the 29.99 starter set? They look the same but I think the 29.99 is newer?

Edit:

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_v4E-zbC0EKBF1

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set: Fantasy D&D Roleplaying Game 5th Edition (RPG Boxed Game) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SI774U6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_74E-zbJDMQQZP

u/ZeroIntel · 4 pointsr/DnD

Right now 5e would be the best for new players. The core 3 books are player's handbook, dungeon master's guide, and monster manual. The players handbook would be what you would use to make your own player character. The dm's guide gives extra info on how to run the game. And the monster manual has premade monsters for the dm to use.

If you are brand new and have a group of friends that want to play I recomend the starter kit: https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510979359&sr=8-1&keywords=5e+starter+kit&dpID=51Ykm93n8ML&preST=_SX258_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch.

u/InfiniteImagination · 4 pointsr/DnD

Should be fine, switching DMs might even be a good way to make it clear that it's a role anyone can occupy.

Every time I hear someone recommend the Starter Set, they say it contains enough to get started playing. If you post the particular kit you're looking at it'll be easier for folks to confirm

u/ashlacon · 4 pointsr/DnD

Rule #2 of this subreddit:

> Do not suggest, promote, or perform piracy. This includes illegally distributed official material (TSR, WotC), reproductions, dubious PDFs, and websites or applications which use or distribute non-SRD rules content.

As such, you should know that no legal PDFs exist for 5th edition (the most new player friendly version of the game).

> I really don't have any problem to spend money in a book or game I enjoy but I want to know if it's worth it's price.

The starters edition (link on amazon is $15 right now. That's what you'd pay for eating out one night.

u/ItsADnDMonsterNow · 3 pointsr/gifs

Welp, Wizards of the Coast has put the core rulebook of the latest edition online for free, so you can read over that to get a handle on the rules.

Other than that, the 5th edition starter set is pretty cheap on Amazon -- that will give you everything you need to start playing with some friends at a table.

And the free(!) online service https://roll20.net is a virtual tabletop where you can play over the internet with folks from anywhere!

For finding folks to play, either talk 3-5 friends into playing, or search /r/lfg or roll20's built-in game finder.

And that's everything you need! :D

u/EPGelion · 3 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

I'm amazed the comments section isn't full immediately...

So! One of the best places to start with D&D if you're coming at it with little to no experience is YouTube. If you've been watching shows like Acquisitions Incorporated, Critical Role, or Force Grey: Giant Hunters, you might already have some idea of what to expect. There are a plethora of other YouTube personalities that are very education and encouragement-driven.

If you're just looking for the best things to buy or download to get started, for D&D specifically, the 5th edition Starter Set is terrific. It's only $20 in-store and provides you with multiple levels of play along with prebuilt characters and a decent-length adventure:

https://amzn.com/0786965592

The official D&D site also has great free material to take your game further without spending any money:

http://dnd.wizards.com/products/tabletop-games/trpg-resources

Also, I would recommend starting with pre-written adventures until you get a feel for how to run a game and populate worlds with interesting people. A great site for cheap premade adventures is the DMs Guild (formerly D&D Classics).

http://www.dmsguild.com/

Quick note: assuming you can wrangle a group of friends into playing, if you're the one putting in the most work at the outset you'll almost certainly be the de facto Dungeon Master. Just be ready for players to not put in the effort as much.

u/planet_irata · 3 pointsr/DnD

I recommend 5th edition starter set, hands down. It has (IMO) the best starter set adventure of any of the previous starter/basic sets.

Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1427161703&sr=8-1&keywords=d%26d+starter+set+5th+edition

u/TiSpork · 3 pointsr/dndnext

Also, the D&D 5e Starter Set is only $8. right now!

u/LordFluffy · 3 pointsr/dndnext

It should be noted that the starter set, which is an excellent introduction, is on sale today.

u/Curtofthehorde · 3 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

I bought the Lost Mines of Phandelver as a new GM with all new players. The book spells it out for you on how to DM. You might also want to check out Matthew Mercer's Critical Roll . He even did a special with Vin Diesel ! Also check out Matthew Colville on youtube.

u/lediath · 3 pointsr/dndnext

The 5E Starter Set is currently $14.20 on Amazon. Premade adventures are a god send for new DMs just because it lays out everything for you. There is very little prep work besides reading the actual adventure. The adventure included with the starter set is quite good and offers at least a few sessions of play.

Instruct your players to download and read through the Basic Rules as well as the Pregen Characters, both free on the D&D website. Besides getting familiar with the mechanics of play, Basic Rules also provide guidelines for character generation. If they don't have time they can take one of the pregens and if they choose to, they can use the Basic Rules to create their own characters.

Links:

u/erbush1988 · 3 pointsr/gamingsuggestions

> And how strict are they when it comes to role playing your characters?

I've been a dungeon master for an in person group going on 2 years (same group) and been a DM for near 8 years all together. It's about setting expectations. We don't do voices or any of that. Our first game we played (for nearly a year) nobody was in character. This game, everyone wanted to step up and try more RP, it's working well.

> But how welcoming are they to new dnd players?

It's VERY accepting of new players. /r/dnd is VERY open to new players as well.

I suggest you pick up the starter set which guides you and the players through your first adventures.

Many people write their own adventures, which is not what I recommend for a new player. There are MANY pre-written campaigns / modules out there for you some of which take years to play through. I read that if you played through all of the official books, it would take something like 12 years or something crazy.

Edit: a link to the getting started guide on /r/dnd:

https://www.reddit.com/r/DnD/wiki/getting_started

u/TenThousandKobolds · 3 pointsr/DnD

Welcome! It sounds like you have enough friends to start your own group. The Starter Set is highly recommended for new players- it comes with pregenerated characters, an abbreviated rulebook, dice, and an adventure to run. If you want more after that, you can dive in to the full rule books. The Player's Handbook is the most useful, and the Monster Manual and DM's Guide are helpful for the DM.

You can take turns being the DM for short campaigns or one-shots, or you can run a longer campaign if you (or one of your friends) is interested in running the game long-term. You can make up your own story or you can run a pre-made adventure (there are some published by WOTC, and there are also some available online- DM's Guild is a good online resource).

Don't stress out too much about knowing every rule- in the end, you're telling a story with your friends. If you don't know the rule, make up something that seems reasonable and look it up later.

u/basketball_curry · 3 pointsr/boardgames

Unfortunately no, there is no way to play the game solo. I've heard there are a ton of ways to play with strangers online but I haven't tried any.

What drew me in was I started watching/listening to Critical Role season 2. It's a podcast with a bunch of video game voice actors playing. It's a far more roleplaying version of the game than what I play but it's still great for teaching new players the ropes.

If you want to just dive in, basic versions of the rules can be found here for free or if you want to see what a proper adventure looks like without buying the $50 book, the starter set is a phenomnal introduction that takes about 30 hours to play through and gets you to level 5 (max is 20). Check some of those and if you're still interested, find a meetup near you. You won't regret it.

u/ameoba · 3 pointsr/DnD

$50? Ouch.

I guess it's not too surprising since 4e is out of print.

Your best bet would be to go for the 5e starter set - it's the current edition that will be actively supported with new content and it's only $12 on Amazon

u/James_Jamerson · 3 pointsr/DnD

Gonna do you a favor and drop this link here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-YZvLUXcR8&list=PLlUk42GiU2guNzWBzxn7hs8MaV7ELLCP_

While I encourage you to watch all of those videos, the first 4 should be sufficient to help get you going.

You mentioned running an official adventure. I'd highly recommend checking out the adventure The Lost Mine of Phandelver. It's part of the Starter Set for new players and new DMs. It costs about $13 on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P8S6ENFX9PT6&keywords=dnd+5e+starter+set&qid=1555389927&s=gateway&sprefix=dnd+5e+starter%2Caps%2C158&sr=8-1

As far as tips/advice: You are going to make some mistakes; Its ok. We all do. Don't over-prepare but rather be willing to adapt when players do things you don't expect - which I promise you will happen. Most importantly, have fun!

u/poseidon0025 · 3 pointsr/mildlyinteresting

Then play some fifth edition dnd! Easy enough to pick up, all you need is 15 usd and 3 or 4 friends! Hell, I can be a stand in friend if you need the numbers, as long as time is OK. The starter set can be found at many stores or [HERE] (https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592) and if you want, grab a dice set for yourself, as it's generally acknowledged that the starter set dice are cursed. There's many different colors

It's actually really easy to play and learn how to. I picked it up in a week. After that it becomes super rewarding if you get it going, and my first campaign just recently celebrated the one year anniversary. (generally the person that runs it spends more time/souls/energy/money/etc on it but gets to claim ownership of it)

u/MetzgerWilli · 3 pointsr/DnD

I don't know about 4e, but 5e books are not available for free as pdfs. The Basic Rules, however, are. As are some short adventurs, such as the Death House part of Curse of Strahd.

If you are completely new to the game and you are not only running a One-Shot, I highly recommend playing the Starter Set adventure, as it eases new DMs (and players) into the game. You can always include your own stuff if you want to give it a personal touch.

u/bleuchz · 3 pointsr/boardgames

So you can use the minis in D&D for sure. I actually traded for all of them for this exact reason.

The game itself, however, doesn't really help ease you into D&D proper at all.

That being said you don't even need minis to play 5th edition.

I would recomend grabbing the starter set. It comes with pregen characters, basic rules and an excellent intro adventure.

u/Rammite · 3 pointsr/nextfuckinglevel

There are two starter packs that give you absolutely everything you need to play, and they're both under $20.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Essentials-Kit-Boxed/dp/0786966831/

Pick one, grab some friends, pick a day, bring some snacks, and you're already well on your way. They come with dice, pre-generated characters, a full story to play along with, and instructions on how to be the DM. It is literally everything you need.

u/charthom8 · 3 pointsr/DnD

5th edition is the most streamlined version. [DnD Starter Set](Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TosKzbBFDAP6E) is about $16. It's plenty to get you going and to find out if you like it enough to save up for more books.

u/Ashenrohk · 3 pointsr/DnD

Try the starter's set if it's your first time, it's got the basic classes as well as a 3-4 session adventure that will take you up to Level 5 ish.

Note: If it's your first time you don't want to dive in at higher levels that mean you have more abilities/spells to manage on your first go through. Start at level 1 and work up from there.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Boxed-Game/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453819787&sr=8-1&keywords=d+and+d+starter+set

u/Hylric · 3 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

To answer your second question: If you have a group of friend and none of you have ever played any tabletop roleplaying game then I recommend getting the starter set. The starter set has an introduction adventure for 5-6 people, one of which is the Dungeon Master and the rest are characters. The set also contains pre-made characters, a set of dice, and a short rules book. (To answer your first question you'll need a 7 dice set of polyhedral dice. The prices range based on how fancy they are, but they all work the same.)

If you have a friend that has played an RPG before then ask them to run one or to join their group. Ask them if it's okay to borrow dice and stuff for the session to see if you like it or not.

If none of your friends are interested then look for a group online and let them know you're a beginner. I occasionally see people offering to teach beginners.

To answer your last question, I tried to make an informative imgur album a while ago but I dunno how useful it is. http://imgur.com/a/bqOI9

u/Bewbtube · 3 pointsr/DnD

5th Edition is super user friendly. I'd suggest picking up the Players Handbook as well as The Starter Set, which is a great module for your first adventure and has everything a DM needs to learn the ropes and run the module.

u/daren_sf · 3 pointsr/DnD

Go, buy this now: 5e Starter Set. It has everything your group will need.

You can probably get a copy quicker at your local gaming store.

Come back here with any questions!

u/baktrax · 3 pointsr/DnD
  1. No, 5e is just a shortened way of saying the 5th edition of D&D. There are previous editions, but 5th is the current one and is a great edition for new players to start on. This is the starter set I'm talking about.

  2. The core 5th edition D&D books are the Player's Handbook, the Dungeon Master's Guide, and the Monster Manual. The Player's Handbook contains all of the player options (like how to make a character with different classes and races) and the rules of how to play and is a good book for both players and DMs to have. The Dungeon Master's Guide is good for a DM to have and includes a lot of information and advice on how to run the game and make a campaign, and it contains tables for things like treasure, encounters, dungeons, etc. The Monster Manual is also good for a DM to have and includes the stats for a ton of monsters to use in encounters.

    There are also more supplementary books that were released later (Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide, Volo's Guide to Monsters) and campaign books, but I wouldn't consider them part of the core set of D&D books. I would recommend you go 5th edition starter set --> If everyone's excited and interested in continuing to play, then look into the core books (Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, Monster Manual) --> If you want more options, resources, or a full campaign to play through, look into some of the other published books.
u/He_Himself · 3 pointsr/DnD

Download the free basic rules from Wizards. Read it. Order Lost Mines of Phandelver, the 5e starter set. It's cheap and comes with everything you need to start playing, including dice and pre-generated character sheets. It also serves as a walkthrough to the game for both the DM and the players. You won't need the core books until after you finish LMoP, so you can save some cash and see if you guys enjoy the game before you commit.

People are downvoting you because all of this is spelled out on the sidebar, which has a ton of other resources that will help you.

u/slparker09 · 3 pointsr/DnD

If you can, the Starter Set can be picked up pretty cheap now-a-days (it wasn't expensive to begin with).

Here and here.

Wizards provides the basic rule set for free here.

Beyond that, buying the PHB, DMG, MM, and any other campaign book or supplement is the only option. Wizards doesn't release PDF versions of their books for purchase.

You can also check the side-bar for info, and ask questions here anytime.

u/distilledwill · 3 pointsr/DnD

> Do I need to read the whole thing

No.

If you want to learn DnD the fun way then watch the following:

Matt Colville Running the Game


Critical Role: Season 2 (I say season 2 because whilst season 1 is good, and you should totally watch it, by season 2 they are experienced players and the set-up is so much smoother)

I'd recommend looking at the SRD (Systems Reference Document - catchy name!!) its a condensed rules and its completely free online, it cuts it down to absolutely the bare minimum you need to know to get a game running.

And finally, if you are willing to invest 15 bucks (or your regional equivalent) then pick up the Starter Set which is a great little book which properly introduces you and your players to DnD. It ASSUMES you've never played before and as the adventure guide progresses it gradually lets go of your hand and lets you DM the normal way - it was the first campaign I ran and it was a great introduction.

u/brambelthorn · 3 pointsr/DnD

Players hand book has the rules, they are also in the system reference guide (think thats the name of it) which is free, online, provided by WotC. If he's not played before you can get LMoP for 15 bucks which has a subset of the players hand book, all the important rules, and a premade campaign. thats enough to get you started and would let you then run a home brew when the reach level 5 and finish the campagin (LMoP is balanced for 4 players 1 DM, so you would need to change the encounters to make them easier if you only have 2 players)

u/BCM_00 · 3 pointsr/pics

It's very easy to get into these days. The fifth edition streamlined a lot of the rules, and online communities make finding people easier than ever. You can get the Starter Set on AMazon which has everything you need to start playing, including dice, an adventure, and pre-made characters (if you don't want to make your own).

u/ChristophColombo · 3 pointsr/DnD

There are tons of premade campaigns out there. I'd recommend kicking off with either the Starter Set or the Essentials Kit. They include basic rulesets, dice, and a short campaign. You can get started with just one of these sets just fine.

If you want to get more into the rules, I'd strongly suggest picking up the Player's Handbook at a minimum - it goes more in depth on the rules and lays out more race and class options for your players than the limited ones in the starter sets.

After that, whoever ends up as the DM may want to pick up the DM's Guide, which gives tips on how to run the game, random tables for lots of stuff (items, encounters, etc), and suggestions on how to make your own world if you're interested in that in the future. If you want to run other published campaigns or build your own homebrew setting, you'll also want to pick up the Monster Manual- the starter set rules only include stat blocks for the monsters that they use.

There are several other published sourcebooks out right now as well that add additional monsters, playable races, and class options to the game, but the three core books get you the vast majority of the content.

u/ExcitedForNothing · 3 pointsr/Roll20

This one is going to be long-winded so I apologize in advance :)

I have been DMing D&D for a really long time. I have been DMing D&D and Pathfinder on roll20.net for a while as well. I dumped all other versions of tabletop (at the moment) for D&D 5e. D&D 5e moves away from the spreadsheet stat crunching type of play that D&D 3.5 and Pathfinder embraced. D&D 5e also departed the mechanical MMO style play of D&D 4e. I think you are making a good choice in choosing 5e especially being a group of new players & new DM.

Here are the things you'll need to make roll20.net work well:

  • Everyone will need a free roll20 account
  • Everyone will need skype,teamspeak,ventrilo, or google+ hangout capabilities to talk. Trust me voice chat is much easier to interpret than typed chat available in roll20.
  • Everyone will need a really good imagination and patience as you all learn the ropes

    Since you are all new, I would recommend running the Lost Mines of Phandelver. It is included in the D&D Starter Set (On Amazon for $12). It is an adventure that will take a group of 4-5 players through level 5 (roughly). I ran this for a group of newer players and it took us roughly ten 4-hour sessions to complete. The set comes with some helpful things for you as the DM and them as the players. It comes with the basic rules for both the DM and the players. These are also available and updated through Wizards of the Coast for free as PDFs and browser-friendly sources. It also comes with some pre-made character sheets. These are handy as they can save you time (and money) from generating your own characters. Usually for 4 players, it can take an entire session to plan out a character for each of them if you are new. This can give you all a taste of how the game works, how characters work, and if everyone is on board. Totally optional though! The adventure itself contains a DM booklet that gives you tips as a new DM as well as maps, layouts, monster stats, and descriptions.

    On the subject of maps and roll20. Roll20 gives you a graph-paper view that takes up most of the layout of the app. There aren't many gridded, digital versions of the maps for 5e adventures that I have seen. The ones that do exist will cost a little bit of money. This artist sells both player and DM versions of the maps for the adventure, but leaves some of the smaller encounters out. 5e relies on a lot of mind theater and imagination on both the players' and DM's part.

    What I tend to do for maps is, use the graph paper and draw on it using the simple controls roll20 provides. I tend to do this when I can't accurately describe the way things are laid out. For instance in the Lost Mines the first encounter can be tough to explain so I drew a rough outline of how the map looked while explaining to the players where they were, and where what they saw was.

    I'd highly recommend you get a free account at roll20.net first and then log in and play around with it, just to see what it handles like. It has its quirks for sure.

    Aside from the Lost Mines of Phandelver, there is one other official campaign called the Tyranny of Dragons. It contains two adventure books, Hoard of the Dragon Queen and Rise of Tiamat. They take a party from levels 1-8 and 8-16 respectively. Hoard takes a lot of skill to run as it is a bunch of loosely related occurrences that clever or adventurous players might want to explore outside of. It doesn't provide much support to a new DM for handling this. Rise of Tiamat opens up a little more and is easier to run but without Hoard, it can be confusing as to what is going on.

    Drivethrurpg has some smaller 5e adventures available. I haven't played any myself, but I have heard some good things. They are located under their D&DNext/5E heading.

    If you decide you do like 5e or are really committed to the cause from the get-go, I would recommend any player and the DM get the Player's Handbook (Amazon). This contains the rules governing attributes, player creation, combat, downtime, and a full description of all spells and spell casting classes. It goes well above and beyond the basic rules for players and I feel it is truly necessary to having the full experience. It can be pricey if you end up not liking it though.

    The DM additionally should consider the Dungeon Master's Guide. It really helps in running adventures, giving good flavor to the game, and creating your own campaigns. The Monster Manual is an optional buy, but helps by giving a large list of classic D&D monsters to populate your game with.

    I'm guessing you have already found /r/DnD, but for 5e you might want to consider /r/dndnext which has weekly question threads and is more focused on 5e (which was previously codenamed next).

    tl;dr: Whatever you end up doing, just make sure you and your friends agree that it is to have fun. You don't need to be perfect with the rules and you can feel free to make mistakes along the way as long as you all agree to laugh it off. You are playing with your players as a DM and not against them! Good luck.
u/Nundahl · 3 pointsr/DnD

/u/Vagabond_Sam is right overall, but I'd argue you could go slightly more "barest essential" with the Starter Set, which I think might suit you best right now:

http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421892837&sr=8-1&keywords=D%26D+starter

Granted if you love the game as much as I'm sure you will once you start getting into it then there's a good chance you'll buy the Player's Handbook, Monster Manual, and Dungeon Master's Guide after this anyway which repeats a lot of the same information (minus the adventure). This just gives you a cheap entry-point.

u/Ottergame · 3 pointsr/boardgames

I'll toss my vote for the D&D 5th edition starter set as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1419434231&sr=8-4&keywords=5th+edition+dungeons+and+dragons

It's a fantastic starting point, and it's a smoother game than Pathfinder, or the ilk. It's also a game people actually know of any play, so you are not going to have any problems finding people who can help you find more stuff in the future.

u/Bummer420 · 3 pointsr/DnD

I think the starter set would be good. I'm a very new player/DM and it gave me an adventure to run with my friends, who also had no experience playing. It was a lot of fun.

As for the math, it's really not terrible difficult, mainly just simple addition and subtraction, which would be great for the kids IMHO.

I plan on getting my two year old into D&D ASAP personally. It's something that both her mom and I enjoy so it's something she can be involved in, and the math part, as I stated before, is pretty simple. Just have them add the modifiers and you tell them the outcome, there is no need for them to remember everything.

Now, if you're asking which edition to go for, 5e is probably the easiest for new players to understand (also it's the most recent edition, with the DM Guide having come out online only 3 days ago).

http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418417769&sr=8-1&keywords=starter+set+dnd

That's the link to buy the starter set on Amazon. It's very fairly priced. Give it a try, I'm sure you and your kids will love it. If not, it'll give you somewhat of a base to build your own world that your kids will love. :)

u/Kraggs-bar · 3 pointsr/Dungeons_and_Dragons

starter kit
This starter set is a fantastic place to begin.

u/HighTechnocrat · 3 pointsr/DnD

Historically, yes, that has been the case. The core rulebooks will currently set you back $150 unless you get them on sale (they're basically always on sale on Amazon).

BUT

You have cheaper options:

The Starter Set is roughly $20. It comes with a pre-written adventure, simplified rules, dice, and 5 pre-made characters that you can play from levels 1 to 4 with just the stuff in the box.

If you're not ready to spend money, Wizards of Coast published the "Basic Rules" for free. It's everything you need to play except dice (and you can get a free mobile app for that) and people. It doesn't have all of the content of the core rulebooks, but it has the most iconic monsters and character options, and you could still play for years using just what's in the basic rules.

http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

Like I said: It has literally never been easier to play.

u/LyschkoPlon · 3 pointsr/DnD

tl;dr: Get the Starter Set, get the Player's Handbook, get some Dice and go wild. Don't worry about asking for advice on here as well.

There's actually a Getting Started Guide in the Sidebar of this Subreddit; it's a very nice comprehensive list of what to do.

For home games, I would heavily encourage you to get the 5e Starter Set which comes with a Quickstart Rundown of the Rules, Pregenerated Characters, Dice and a really great Adventure. It really is a perfect start.

As for "Adventurer's League", that is the Official D&D 5e game-style; it uses specific adventures and a certain set of rules that is consistent between stores and events so you can theoretically take a character from one Store/Event and play it at another place without problems. It follows a couple of specific rules, and is mainly a way for people to play that don't have a consitent home group to play with. It's fun, and if the Store does have an AL table for Children specifically, that is great; without much knowledge of the rules yet, AL may be overwhelming though.


If you are serious about starting, get the Starter Set, an extra Set of Dice (usually called a "Polyset"), and maybe the Player's Handbook, this will last for the first couple of Months I'd wager. Getting the Player's Handbook is great for when your Boys want to make their own Characters instead of using the Pregenerated ones, as it has all the standard Race and Class options, equipment for characters, and all the other things you need for playing.

The other books, like the Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual are nice to have, but not a necessity. The DMG goes into a lot of detail on how to make your own worlds and adventures and lists a lot of magic items; good to have, but not a necessity I'd say.

The MM has the stastics and information on Monsters; a lot of those can be looked up via the 5e System Reference Document or the Roll20 Compendium. More monsters are always nice to have, but again, not necesarry for when you're starting out.

There's other books as well - Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide, Volo's Guide to Monsters, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes..., but all those are Supplement Books that offer Information on Campaign/World Settings, have new Monsters or more Player Options in terms of Races and Classes, but they are also entirely optional and a little more "advanced" content, so to speak, so I wouldn't pick them up right away.

u/Im_a_shitty_Trans_Am · 3 pointsr/fountainpens

Amazon is the cheapest, but if you have a local brick and mortar store, go and look there. Though here's some amazon links.

Starter set.

Cheap but good dice.

u/skitzokid1189 · 3 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

I would highly recommend buying the 5th edition starter kit. Being the newest D&D edition available, you'll find a lot of official support for it. Wizards of the Coast is even releasing a Ipad/Android app sometimes soon.

The starter kit comes with a pretty sweet adventure, all the basic rules you need (except the character creation section which is free online), pre-made characters, a blank character sheet you could photocopy or download form-fillable and printable pdfs from wotc website, and even a set of dice.

relevent links:

5th Edition Basic set on Amazon

This page has free pdfs of character sheets, basic rules and some supplements for available adventures. Def worth checking it all out!

WotC Resources Page

u/rolls_for_initiative · 3 pointsr/army

'Tis never too late to begin!

r/lfg is also a wondrous resource for the errant knight in need of companions!

u/GullibleCoffee · 3 pointsr/Calgary

Your biggest hurdle is going to be finding a DM. Everyone wants to be a player.

I would suggest picking up the Starter Set and taking a chance at DMing. You don't need to do voices, have elaborate set ups or be perfect. If you get a group of new players then it's a learning experience for everyone and that should help with any anxiety over not knowing what to do because everyone is new.

I'd be more than happy to help you get started. I even have an extra set of books (DM's Guide & Monster Manual) I'd be happy to lend you to get started.

u/protectedneck · 3 pointsr/dndnext

I agree with everyone here. If they are friends/friendly already then that makes things easier.

I would say that you want to remember that you're the adult in the situation. So you're going to have to be patient. They're teenagers who might get side-tracked or not having the same expectations that you do for the game. So all the normal advice of "talk with your players to resolve problems" goes doubly here, since you have that extra layer of being the "mature one" in a position of power for the group.

Make sure you schedule times. Find out when everyone wants to play and what times work for them. Average sessions are between 2-4 hours. I like 2 hours for weekly games. Try to be flexible, since ideally this is a fun event and not a second job. But it's important to be firm about things like "if you can't make it to the game, you have to let me know at least a couple hours in advance." You might have to figure out ride situations, which means potentially coordinating with other parents. You might have to explain what it is that you're inviting their child to do with you. Some people are touchy about their kids playing D&D for a variety of reasons.

As far as the game is concerned, the D&D starter set has a great intro adventure and is basically all you need to start playing. Give everything a read a couple times to really familiarize yourself with the rules and adventure. You might want to pick up the Player's Handbook (PHB), Monster Manual, and Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG), but I would hold off until you have at least a couple sessions played. You will likely need more dice. I recommend the Chessex Pound-o-Dice. I have a big bowl filled with dice on the table that people can use.

You can get pretty deep down the rabbit hole as far as other accessories go (figures, terrain, dice sets, extra books, DM screen, playmats, custom minis). I find it's best to just play with what you have and then pick up more things as you find them useful ("oh, I wish I had a dry erase mat for that combat, let me pick one up for the future").

As far as play goes, modern D&D is much more narrative. Player characters tend to be more hardy after a couple levels than in older editions. There's less emphasis on plundering dungeons for treasure and more emphasis on telling a combined story (that sometimes involves plundering dungeons). Characters are less likely to die and have a lot of resources at their disposal to succeed.

If you haven't already, I recommend checking out youtube to get an idea for how modern D&D looks when its played. Youtube channels like WebDM and Taking20 have lots of tips on running D&D. There are LOADS of live-play D&D games that you can watch. Something like Acquisitions Incorporated or Force Grey are worth a watch, if only to get an idea of the pacing of a typical D&D session.

Other than that, just have fun man! There's a million different ways to play D&D, and it's nice that you've got an opportunity to use this to connect with your daughter and her friends. You will encounter lots of individual problems as they come up, but that's normal. Being the DM is about being flexible and creative and solving problems. Thankfully there's a lot of resources out there these days for finding how other people handle their issues. A quick google search will provide all kinds of info :)

u/Trigger93 · 3 pointsr/AskMen

> getting started is so complicated and intimidating.

laughs in nerd
Nah bro, it's so easy to get into. 5th edition was streamlined to make it easy for new players. There's a Starter Set that literally teaches you everything and makes it super simple.

The hardest part of getting into it is finding a group to play with, but there's Adventures League nerd shops in every city if you're willing to google around. What I've found is that if you're willing to run a game it's easy to find a group, but if you just want to play in one it's difficult.

u/kaptain_carbon · 3 pointsr/Metal

Do you have a group you can play with? If not, you can play online with things like roll20 though it sort of is a last result. I have come to the judgement that D&D5 is the perfect start for Tabeltop RPGs and then after doing that, based on your likes and dislikes, you can move onto other systems.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592

I would get a group together and play through this. This is literally everything you need with an adventure that would probably take 4-6 sessions to get through. After that you could buy books if you are interested or move onto another system.

u/LF1MUBRSneedtank · 3 pointsr/childfree

Amazon.ca has them for less than that, and it qualifies for free shipping. Unfortunately, with the way our dollar is right now, the books have gone up in price recently... But it's still a better price than pretty much anywhere. You could also go on the official site and download the basic rules and basic DMG for free if you just want to try it out.

PHB $42.34 CAD

Stater box $18.35 CAD


And then there are the... ahem digital offerings ^^if ^^you ^^know ^^what ^^I ^^mean.

u/chaoticgeek · 3 pointsr/criticalrole

For question two I would say no it isn't. Much of their game is abstracted out of the way of your view. Leveling, experience gain, Matt's behind the scenes work, and class and ability mechanics (spells, skills, feats, etc) . What you see is a very streamlined version. Also house ruled and somethings are forgotten.

I suggest more of looking over the OGL rules (free, contains enough for people to play) here. Then if you have enough friends and someone who wants to run the session pick up the starter box. If you don't go look for some Adventurers League where you can possibly find a game you can drop into and see if you like it.

u/PsycoticANUBIS · 3 pointsr/DnD

It's the module that comes in the 5th edition starter pack. It also gives you short rules on playing the game, a set of dice and some pregenerated character sheets.

This is it https://www.amazon.ca/Dungeons-Characters-Character-Rulebook-Adventure/dp/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=dungeons+and+dragons+starter+set&qid=1567623376&s=gateway&sprefix=dungeons&sr=8-1

You can also find it at most hobby shops and many book stores

u/Slaterius · 3 pointsr/DMAcademy

Matt Colville has some great tips for new players: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-YZvLUXcR8

I would recommend picking up the Starter Set (not the "Essentials Kit" they recently released, which isn't as newbie friendly): https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592

It has a set of dice, some starter characters and a mini adventure with a lot of good information.

u/drunkengeebee · 3 pointsr/dndnext

Buy the starter set.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592

Buy a pound of dice

https://www.amazon.com/Chessex-001LBCHX-Pound-O-Dice/dp/B008C0KXYS

Buy 18 sets of dice

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FRQI6CA

Buy a battlemat

https://www.amazon.com/Chessex-Role-Playing-Play-Mat/dp/B0015IQO2O

That's all you need to get started. Don't spend $300 buying EVERYTHING. That's just a silly thing to do.

u/LawfulStupid · 3 pointsr/DnD

The absolute best way to get started is the Starter Set. It's everything you need to get started including some dice and an adventure. As you get more into it, you'll want to pick up the Players Handbook, the Monster Manual, and the Dungeon Master's Guide (If you don't want to get them all at once, I recommend getting them in that order.) Also very useful is a Dungeon Master's Screen. Moving into more advanced stuff, Xanathar's Guide to Everything is a book full of a bunch of optional rules to spice up the game, and Volo's Guide to Monsters gives more monsters for players to fight, and some you can actually play as. If you need more adventures to run, Tales From the Yawning Portal is a nice big book of dungeons.

u/Dng52 · 3 pointsr/DnD

I would suggest picking up the starter set because it really is exactly that: a starter set. It has a small rule book, dice, premade characters, and best of all Lost Mines of Phandelver which is a great adventure for beginners. You can PM me if you want any more help!

u/blaek_ · 3 pointsr/mattcolville

Of course the best starting place is with Matt's Running the Game series, and specifically the Delian Tomb.

I made this for my friend a few months ago as a sort of accompaniment to the series: The Delian Tomb Module.

I started running the game with the Delian Tomb, and then moved into the Starter Set by setting the Tomb in the woods near Phandalin.

I have my issues with the Starter Set, primarily that the adventure is not written as an entry point to TTRPG -- there is a lot left unsaid and the motivations of the antagonists are weak.

As a first time TTRPG player and DM I felt like I had to stick to the book 100% or I would ruin the fun for the players... This is not, in fact, true.

The published stuff should be looked at as guides, not playbooks -- and the Running the Game series is invaluable. Good luck :D

u/jbradfield · 3 pointsr/DnD

The 5E Starter Set is a campaign that runs from level 1 to 5 and is designed for new players.

u/oneplusoneisthree · 3 pointsr/DnD

Even if you have the books already, 4e is a complex strategy game. There are a whole host of statuses, conditional bonuses and varying roles players have to constantly think about. It is also infamous for requiring many on the fly calculations. It takes higher level, chess-like thinking that while very fun, would probably be beyond 2nd graders.

Their new edition is much simpler, can be done verbally and has both the rules and a small variety of races and classes freely available. If you're looking for a pre-made adventure to use, the starter set is meant to introduce new players to the game. It's currently like 13 dollars on amazon right now and so far both fun and easy to pick up. Also, if you want to see the first little part of the adventure being run, some of the people at wizards put a video of the first few encounters up on youtube here.

If you begin with the starter set now, they're planning on updating the (free) basic rules with monsters in about a month, so you should have everything you need to run your own campaigns after finishing the pre-made adventure.

PS, I just want to commend you for going the extra mile for your students. Good on you, I hope everything goes well.

u/Oloian · 3 pointsr/DnD

The Starter set is currently a pretty good price for what it offers but the rest of the 5e material will be pretty expensive, but will be needed to adventure past level 5

u/Jaged1235 · 3 pointsr/boardgames

If I had to guess, of the D&D products popular in stores now, that would probably be the 5th edition Starter Set. Unlike the normal D&D books it is sold in the kind of box you would expect a board game to come in. The rules are amazing (my favorite edition so far), the adventure it comes with is great, and I would highly recommend it, but it is an RPG, not a board game. You would need someone to DM and such. Again, that's just a guess based on the description you gave.

If you are at all interested in D&D, I would recommend getting it. There's also a free PDF that gives you all the rules you need to play, but the starter set is a bit easier to understand and comes with dice, pre-generated characters, and a pre-written adventure. The basic rules are also missing monsters and magic items, which will be added eventually, but for now are only in the starter set.

u/ckohtz · 3 pointsr/DnD

If you're just starting and have no money, download and print out the basic rules for free. You can find them here.

http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

You're also going to need some dice. Dice run about $9 per set. As an alternative, you could buy a couple basic starter sets for $12. They have dice, the basic rules printed, as well as a starter module called the Lost Mines of Phandelver which is a great way for players and DMs to learn. This would be great for starting a club.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1474379491&sr=1-1&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons+5th+edition+starter+set

If it were me, I'd buy about 3 starter sets. You'll have 3 printed handbooks, a set of dice for the DM and two sets for players to share. Plus the three LMoP modules that comes with it. You could start by running a single session. With more dice, you could run up to 3 sessions at once.

No idea on the best way to raise money for this. But the cheapest place to buy the actual books is probably Amazon.

Hope this helps! Good luck.

Edit: removed light hearted suggestions of piracy. it's bad kids. it's just like drugs, don't do it.

u/namer98 · 3 pointsr/Christianity

There is a very super basic ruleset that is free so you can sample a few classes for a few levels.

And this is a low cost risk.

u/mrmagoo00 · 3 pointsr/Roll20

I think /u/NecronosiS nailed most of the important stuff, but I'll add some things I've picked up as well.

  • When it comes to DMing I've found that I take bits and pieces from each person that throws suggestions my way. I like the way this person does this particular thing, and the way this other person handles this particular aspect of the game. When to and not to use things, how to handle situations, the game is so much in your hands that each DM is a very individual beast.

  • When it comes to deciding on how to read a rule, there are times where as the DM I just decide this is how it is and stick with that. There are other times I ask for a consensus from the players on how they want to play it, making sure they know that it will work this way for both players and monsters so that if they just choose the most favorable outcome for them it could come back to bite them in the ass later.

  • As for which adventure to start with, I've found that the Lost Mines of Phandelver that comes with the Starter Set ($13.50 on Amazone right now) is great at giving players and DM's a window into all the various aspects of D&D 5E. After they play it for a little bit they'll be able to know which aspect they like better and that can guide you on what adventures to run in the future.

    **Ninja Edit
u/MmmVomit · 3 pointsr/DnD

> As much as I would like to be a player I think our best bet would be for me to DM, only I really don't know where to start.

Before you buy anything, make everyone read the basic rules.

Once everyone has at least glanced at that, start with The Starter Set.

If you're the DM, I recommend anointing one of the other players as Chief Cat Herder, and have him or her be in charge of organizing when and where to play. You will have your hands full preparing the adventure.

u/PeasantKing5 · 3 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

I️ would recommend the Starter Set. I️t comes with basic rules, premade character sheets, dice, and an adventure they can play.

u/Sparkasaurusmex · 3 pointsr/DnD

I suggest running Lost Mines of Phandelver from the starter set. It should only take a few sessions, then go off what you've learned and your PCs' background and just continue with your own material.

I wanted to link to the Starter Set on Amazon, but for some reason the price is ridiculous. Retail is $19.99



here it is anyway: https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/B00SI774U6

edit: here is a better price https://www.amazon.com/dungeons-dragons-starter-set-roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=pd_sim_21_4?ie=utf8&dpid=51ykm93

u/SUSAN_IS_A_BITCH · 3 pointsr/DnD

One feature of Reddit that a lot of subreddits take advantage of is the sidebar on the right. If you take a look under Resources you'll see some helpful links, including this Getting Started page.

I'm also fairly new to the game so I can't really offer answers to your specific questions as well as others can, but I would recommend the Starter Set. It's written by the creators of the game and it's meant to be an introduction for new players and new DMs. It has a premade story, premade characters, and goes over all of the basic rules.

It'll take a lot of the pressure off of you guys to create your own characters, stories, battles, and dungeons and let you get a feel for the game. Once you've got the basics down you can choose to finish the starter set story or start working on your own characters and story.

u/SargonTheOK · 3 pointsr/rpg

Easiest place to start would be a 5e starter kit. Why? They are cheap entry points to the hobby, they include an adventure module (this is a big deal, it makes the GM’s first go at things much easier), it’s in print, they have shorter manuals to read (which will get you right into playing to see if you like it) and frankly, 5e is a pretty approachable edition and is currently the lingua franca of the broader RPG community.

There are a couple of starter options:

Essentials Kit: the newer version, includes character creation options out of the box. I don’t know much about the included adventure module, but look around and you’re likely to find reviews.

Starter Set: the older one of the 5e starters, but well worth considering. It’s dirt cheap and I’ve heard lots of praise for the supplied adventure module “Lost Mines of Phandelver.” The only downside would be no character creation options out of the box (it comes with pre-gen characters which work fine but aren’t everyone’s thing), but this could be supplemented with the free Basic Rules which would let you generate characters with the “classic” race and class options as well.

If you like it, then consider picking up the core book set (Players Handbook for the big set of character options, DM Guide, and Monster Manual). If you don’t like it, come back to this sub with specifics on what you did and didn’t like: you’ll get hundreds of new suggestions that will point you in the best direction from there. Happy gaming!

u/yogoloprime · 3 pointsr/DnD

The Starter's kit for 5e has a cheap campaign that is relatively low level. https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0


http://www.dmsguild.com/ is another place to find player made content.

u/bdesu · 3 pointsr/DnD

I would start with the free D&D Basic Rules. These are from the most recent edition and include the core races and classes. The Starter Set has a pretty good adventure and is written to introduce both new DMs and players to the game. The Starter Set is only 12 bucks on Amazon at the moment and it comes with a set of dice, so I think it's a pretty good deal.

From there get a group of friends together and see what happens! Best of luck to you!

u/DG86 · 3 pointsr/DnD

Grab the starter set. For less than $20 it gives you everything you need to play for a while--even an adventure. If you like the game, you will need at least one Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide, and Monster Manual. (You can benefit from having more Player's Handbooks to pass around the table.)

Here is a link to the starter box

u/SoupOfTomato · 3 pointsr/boardgames

If you have a friendly local game store (FLGS) near you, they likely have it as well as the right dice. With any luck, they'd even have staff that are knowledgeable enough to help further.

If you don't, there's several online outlets, with amazon being the most obvious. Internet stores tend to have the advantage of a significant discount, but of course require waiting for the things to ship and arrive.

The absolute simplest way to get into it would be purchasing the Starter Set. It comes with simplified rules, one set of dice, and an adventure you can run.

If you enjoy that, or are just absolutely certain you will like the game and want to go ahead and get it all, there is the Player's Handbook. That is the only essential, but you will want sooner than later the Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual.

As for dice, there are tons of ways to go about that. There are phone apps that can do the job cheaper, which you can find with a quick search. Most groups I think will find they prefer using physical dice. It's more expensive but also just that much more fun.

The correct type of dice come at a variety of costs and qualities, but the only necessity is that you have all 7 types of dice available. That is, you want a 4-sided, 6-sided, 8-sided, 10-sided, 12-sided, 20-sided, and percentile die.

Chessex is the most popular dice company and has an absolute ton of varieties. Here's just one example and luckily it is standard to sell all the necessary dice in sets together.

There are also various bulk sets which make up in volume what they lack in choice, and are good for getting started.

Last but not least, you'll need friends willing to play with you. But that's true of any tabletop game.

That was longer than I anticipated, but I promise it's not too hard. There's a bit of a learning curve with any game, but RPGs are a lot of fun once you get comfortable with them.

u/CritFailD1 · 3 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

One of the cheapest ways to get into D&D 5e is to but the starters kit (link below). It contains one set of dice and enough information to run a premade adventure with premade characters. From there if you enjoy yourself I recommend buying the Players Handbook.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474925689&sr=8-1&keywords=dnd+5e+starter+set

u/CommissarPenguin · 3 pointsr/DnD

Best option:
You can buy the starter set, as it comes with basic rules, a low level campaign, some pre-made characters, and one set of dice. That's enough for you and a couple friends to play together for several weeks. It generally costs less than 20 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592

Second Best Option:
You can get the basic rules for free from Wizard's page. http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules?x=dnd/basicrules
Make yourself up a few characters to see how it works. http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/character_sheets
Buy yourself some dice: https://www.amazon.com/Elven-White-RPG-Dice-Set/dp/B015GE9PP0/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1484696538&sr=8-14&keywords=rpg+dice

And now go on meetup.com and find a group. Or hit up your local game stores and ask if they have adventure's league (a semi-official dnd local club meetup).

u/4r7ur_IXI · 3 pointsr/DnD

Run Lost Mine Of Phandelver, it's the adventure that comes with the starter set.

u/kyle273 · 3 pointsr/DnD

Hello! Glad to see you're interested in playing.
Take a look at the subreddit's Getting Started page for some tips on getting going.

If you're completely new, i'd recommend grabbing the DND 5e starter set (Amazon) from your local game shop, or from online.
For your first time playing, I'd recommend the following:

  • Make sure you pick a Dungeon master (DM) in advance. They'll be in charge of running the adventure, and should probably be most familiar with the rules.
  • Don't sweat too much about getting the rules absolutely correct the first time. Most of D&D for me is having fun, rolling dice, and eating food. (Of course, this differs per group).
  • One of the biggest draws for D&D and tabletop RPG's for me is the rollplaying aspect of it. Encourage your friends to spend some time writing characters, or if you're using the characters in the starter kit kit, learning a bit more about their characters. I've had DM's hand out small bonuses on rolls (+1 or +2) for good rollplaying.
u/DnD_SS · 3 pointsr/SubredditSimulator

It assumes I roll above average so if I try to add some other monsters, a lot of battles and adventures happen in buildings/dungeons/tunnels. [The Starter Set] (https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480871488&sr=8-1&keywords=D%26D+starter+set) is exactly what you want and have fun telling stories together.

u/CitizenKazr · 2 pointsr/DnD

Lost Mines of Phandelver is the official starter set for dnd 5th edition. It's a well put together adventure and has everything you need to start playing. The best part is its 16 bucks on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0786965592/ref=cm_cr_arp_mb_bdcrb_top?ie=UTF8

u/tomedunn · 2 pointsr/DnD

If you don't have an idea already in mind for creating your own campaign then I would go with a published adventure. If you are playing 5e then the starter set adventure, Lost Mines of Phandelver, is a great place to start.

u/tabletopgames · 2 pointsr/Random_Acts_Of_Amazon

How much experience do you have with D&D?

Edit: The company just released a new edition a few years ago that is great for introductory players Here is a link to a starter pack to see if he likes the experience. It comes with pre rolled characters which makes the learning experience streamlined.

u/Drondol · 2 pointsr/DnD

The starter set is the best start - will introduce you to D&D with a good campaign for both new DMs and new players with just the right amount of rules to help you get started - it's also cheaper than getting all the other books so is a good investment to see if D&D is actually for you. Here's the link if you're interested: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486601556&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=d%26d+starter+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51Ykm93n8ML&ref=plSrch

u/cesarfr · 2 pointsr/DnD

Hello, you can always check the starter set


https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1486622495&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=dnd+starter+set&dpPl=1&dpID=51Ykm93n8ML&ref=plSrch

This is a fairly short adventure that asumes is your first time playing, the set also comes with a pretty handsome set of dice a couple of pregrnerated characters (not needed but helpful in case your players or you are not confident in creating your own characters) and a skiny version of the rules

u/ymmaviary · 2 pointsr/rpg

If you can, I would recommend playing at least a few sessions of a game with folks who have experience. Do you have a local game or hobby store that hosts open RPG events? If not, I would check Meetup.com for local RPG groups. It's an easy and generally very welcoming way to enter the hobby.

If you do want to try teaching yourselves without any prior play experience, it's difficult but doable. If you want to play a fantasy RPG with a strong combat system, Fifth Edition D&D is a good starting place. You can check out the basic version of the rules for free, though the $12 Starter Set is also a very convenient way to get going (and includes a sample introductory campaign).

Savage Worlds is also a great choice. I would avoid GURPS as a beginner - probably a bit too complex as a starting point. I'm not a fan of FATE, personally, but FATE Accelerated is very easy to learn and only $2.50 for the PDF to get going. This may be one of the better newbie-friendly options out there, and it's highly adaptable to any world setting. It does, however, require a certain flexibility and fast-thinking on the part of its GM (game master), so running it as a first-timer might not be the easiest thing in the world.

I'm not particularly enthusiastic about Dungeon World but it is hugely popular around here and on the rules-lite side, so it or another Powered by the Apocalypse game could be a decent place to start.

A lot of this is going to boil down to personal preference, and if you have no experience whatsoever with RPGs it's hard to guess what your preferences might be. Because of this I again strongly recommend playing at least a game or two with an experienced player, but if that's not an option don't be afraid to read a couple different systems and figure out what you like for yourself.

u/Hey_Neat · 2 pointsr/DnD

I play second edition since you can get a lot of the information you need for free. I may look into getting into fifth edition with this.

u/Windchaser45 · 2 pointsr/DnD

Lost Mines of Phandelver is great in my opinion.

Pretty straight forward, room for improvisation/exploration, and the included materials are helpful for new players. Also, it ends around 5th level so your players are free to move on to bigger things story wise afterwards.

I'm currently running a group of players with ~2 years experience through it, and we are all enjoying it.

u/dubiousmage · 2 pointsr/DnD

The starter set is literally built for that. $13.50 on Amazon.

It's a level 1 to level 5 adventure, well written, and written with consideration for learning how to DM. And a booklet of the fundamental rules of playing, a set of dice, and some premade character sheets (which are good for new players, so they can learn how to play before trying to make the big decisions involved with character creation). All in all, it's an awesome value.

While you could theoretically just hop right in, open the box and start playing, you'd be better off doing the following:

  • Read the rulebook and try to get the mechanics figured out as much as you can: how you make ability checks and saving throws, and how combat works.

  • Read the first section or two of the adventure, to figure out what you'll be running. The first dungeon, maybe the town. That should be easily enough for your first session. But basically, the point of that is to kind of have an idea of what's going to happen, so you don't have to pause during the game to study it, and you know approximately where to find the information you need to look up.

    Then grab players and get playing. Try to stay at least one session ahead of your players as you read through the adventure.
u/DungeonsnDragonThing · 2 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Agreed. I wasn't qualified when me and my buddies bought our first kit at 13. I guess no DM is their first time. But beginner DMs work GREAT with beginner players.

If you guys do it yourselves, I'll guarantee there's at least 1 great Dm in your crew already. If the first person isn't great, someone in the group will be more than eager to try their hand.

Amazon - DnD starter kit has everything you need.

u/sudz3 · 2 pointsr/DnD

Ok, Bought the starter kit.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0786965592/

I'll read through it a few times and get it going.

I think I've just psyched myself out way too much. I want it to be "ruddy mysterious" and really get them hooked.


u/11_25_13_TheEdge · 2 pointsr/neverwinternights

I have a copy of the Players Handbook on pdf I can give you if you'd like. That has all the rules (I will tell you that buying a copy of the books benefits the hobby and it's really rewarding to flip the pages of the book instead of swiping up and down on a tablet). Or you can start a little simpler and download the basic rules for free, directly from Wizards of the Coast. It will take you only a couple of hours to learn the basics and roll a character. From there I'd just recommend playing with a group that knows you're new. You'll pick things up as you go along. There's even a Starter Set that you can find at your local gaming store or a Barnes & Noble. It has a synopsis of basic rules and a guide for beginning your own campaign in the Forgotten Realms.

Check out /r/dnd while you're at it. It won't teach you how to play obviously, but there is a lot of cool related stuff and people who will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Good luck!

u/NintendoGamer88 · 2 pointsr/DnD

For a crash course watch the first 4 episodes of Matt Colville's Running the Game series.

Either buy the D&D starter kit it comes with basic rules, premade character sheets, a starter adventure, and a set of dice. If you have primer or can wait for shipping you can buy on Amazon for $13. Or do a Google search for local game shops or comic book stores. Most stores will have everything you might want to buy, tables to play at (great if you leave in a small apartment), and you're supporting a local business.

DMing isn't hard. You don't have to know all the rules. When a player has a question about their character ask them to read the rule on their character sheet (or in the rules) then you as DM decide what that means. If they want to do something not in the rules (like try and make peace with goblins) look for an appropriate skill (like persuasion) make up a number (if you think goblins should be hard to persuade so 18) and roll for it.

And remember it's a game. If you don't know what to do, say screw the rules and come up with an idea/compromise that's fair for everyone.

u/OnslaughtSix · 2 pointsr/DnD

You seem ready to jump in, so I won't dissuade you from buying any of the core books. But I will throw out some stuff:

The Basic Rules are all you need to play (although they come at reduced number of classes and races), but they will help you understand the rules while you wait for a PHB to come in the mail:
http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

(You can also use DNDbeyond or the SRD to get more classes and races but let's be real, at that point you may as well start buying stuff.)

In addition, if PDFs aren't your thing and you want a (really good) adventure to run out of the box, the 5e Starter Set is highly recommended. It comes with a version of those same basic rules, plus 5 pregen characters you can run out of the box without creating anything. It retails for $20 but routinely goes cheaper (it's $12 on Amazon right now):
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=241949512490&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9006152&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14664031953392712194&hvtargid=aud-649564993678%3Akwd-156503426224&keywords=5e+starter+set&qid=1555252914&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Now, your main question: Do you need a PHB and a DMG? Can you get by with just the PHB, or just the DMG?

As an experienced DM, what I have to say is: Buy the PHB, buy the Monster Manual (you can get by without it; the starter set has a bunch of monsters in the back and the SRD contains almost all of them that aren't "product identity" like Beholders and Mindflayers), skip the DMG for now--especially if you're going to run an adventure.

The PHB is like a souped up version of those basic rules--it has all the necessary rules to run the game, including mundane stuff like travel and item prices etc. But the main thing it has is all the core player options--races, all classes, and 2-3 subclasses per class. You can get more races and subclasses in other books (like Xanathar's Guide to Everything) but they aren't necessary to play.

But do you need a DMG? IMO, no, you don't. It mostly contains optional rules and a bunch of advice and tables. When someone says, "Do I need a 5e DMG?" I point them to the table of contents. Read the table of contents. If these are tools you think you would need, then by all means, buy one. If they are things you think you can skip (especially if you run pregenerated adventures like Storm King's Thunder, Curse of Strahd, Tomb of Annihilation, etc.) then hold off on a DMG until you feel like you need it.

Caveat: It also has almost all the magic items in the game. But you can find many of them in the SRD, or look them up online.
http://www.enworld.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=64732&d=1414184488&stc=1

I don't own the DMG. Hell, I don't even own a Monster Manual because I'm cheap. But I've been running 5e for six months.

u/GetSchooled · 2 pointsr/DnD

The starter set of course!

>Get started playing Dungeons & Dragons with the Starter Set! Containing everything you need to leap into a D&D adventure, this boxed set is designed for five to six players, with one of you taking on the role of the game’s lead storyteller, the Dungeon Master.
Join thousands of other D&D players who have experienced the exciting adventure in the box: 'Lost Mine of Phandelver,' a 64-page booklet for the DM to read.
If you’d like to learn even more about D&D, the Starter Set is a perfect jumping-off point, leading next to the main Dungeons & Dragons books: the Player’s Handbook, Monster Manual, and Dungeon Master’s Guide.

Also, the Player's Handbook mentioned above is a great first purchase if you don't want to rely on the SRD stuff (which is free online).

u/cryrid · 2 pointsr/DnD

I'd start with the free basic rules, available here in browser and pdf formats. You'll want to read through the Player's Basic Rules first since that contains the rules and player creation guidelines. The DM's Basic Rules contains monster stats and rules specifically for the DM to use to keep things balanced.
You can also find the free System Reference Document, which contains even more class options, spells, and monster stats.

The $15 Starter Set is a great adventure for new DMs and players, and also contains a printed version of the basic rules.

If you know for sure you like the game, then you can buy the Player's Handbook (which contains the same rules, and even more options for creating characters). If you are the Dungeon Master then you may want to purchase the Monster Manual, and maybe the Dungeon Master's Guide.

The Dungeon Master's Guide (and the free DM's Basic Rules) will provide information on how to make sure the world is balanced for the player levels. There's quite a bit of math involved, so you may want to use a tool like Kobold Fight Club to help speed up the process. Also let the players know that they might stumble across very deadly monsters as they wander the land, and that its ok to flee or try non-combat approaches.

u/V2Blast · 2 pointsr/dndnext

There is an affiliate tag in that URL (and a bunch of other unnecessary parameters). If you edit it to just the base link (https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592), we can reapprove it.

u/Lord-Pancake · 2 pointsr/DMAcademy

Its not the same thing. There are TWO introductory box sets, so I can see where the confusion is from. The first and original is the DnD Starter Set which is this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Boxed-Game/dp/0786965592

This was released quite some time ago and contains a cut down set of rules, pregenerated character sheets, dice, and the Lost Mines of Phandelver short campaign. The box as a whole is enough to run LMOP all by itself, and LMOP is regarded as a very high quality introductory campaign and is a huge amount of help to a new DM.

The DnD Essentials Kit is a new thing that released only this year:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dungeons-Dragons-WTCC70080000-Essentials-Kit/dp/0786966831

This was created by request and in collaboration with a US retail company, as I understand, to basically fill what they saw as a gap in the market for people wanting to take the next step but without fully buying into all of the books, etc. Its very similar in design being a box containing a bunch of material to run a campaign (it has some extra bits over the original Starter Set such as including a cheap DM screen and cards for NPCs and items). The included campaign book is Dragon of Icespire Peak; which, as I understand it, is designed to be run either by itself or as a supplementary addition to Lost Mines of Phandelver.

From what I've read about it, however, and someone can correct me if this is wrong, DoIP isn't as good as a "coherent campaign" for new DMs as LMOP is. Because its really a series of loosely tied together mini adventures based on a kind of job board system. But I can't comment directly here because I don't have it.

u/UnfortunateTruths · 2 pointsr/boardgames

If you're interested in D&D, the starter set for the newest edition is a great deal. It's only 15 dollars here on Amazon. It comes with a guide to get you through level 5, a set of dice, pregenerated characters, and a premade adventure for you to run. It's definitely worth a look.

If you're worried about complexity though, my favorite game to pick up and run with newbies is Savage Worlds. It is 9 dollars right now on Amazon for the entire rulebook. You'd just need a set of dice. Its focus is, "Fast, furious, and fun," and it does it pretty well. The best part is that it's only 150 pages or so instead of the hundreds upon hundreds that most people use for D&D.

Either way, I'd encourage dropping by /r/rpg if you're at all interested. The community is super helpful and there are countless RPGs out there that are tons of fun to run and play.

u/CrippleHook · 2 pointsr/dndnext

The three books you mentioned are the Core books. Yes, they're a bit pricey compared to some other systems out there, and that's something to consider then investing in a new game system, but you can sample what this edition has to offer via the basic rules. If you find you like it, or are interested in learning more, try the Starter Set. If your impression is still positive, that's when you can shell for the books.

u/papyrus_eater · 2 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons
  1. Check some videos of real sessions so you know what it is. SOme are:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-p9lWIhcLQ
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJN1JvnRGWE&list=PLZoi2erIV05CGoKVXtHElCcpE9Hk-5hwe
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLEMb_RIZ3o

  2. Download and read the free manuals from wizards
    https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

  3. Locate a store when you can signup for weekly D&D Encounters and try it!
    http://locator.wizards.com/#brand=dnd

  4. Buy a starter (it's cheap) and try to find at least three friends who culd be interested in playing
    http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449051385&sr=8-1&keywords=starter+dungeons
u/Werspfed · 2 pointsr/DnD

Maybe dtar with this. The 5e starter kit is on amazon for... wait... here

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1ApOAb6W0W61T

Literally the cheapest/easiest entry into the game id say. Its got dice, premade characters, rules and info plus an adventure. Now just find a hand full of homies or go make some friends :) good luck!

u/farkdog · 2 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Hey, that sounds great, do you have a link for that? Or what is it called besides "Starter Set"? Is it "5E Starter Set"?

Is this it?

http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592

u/ilikpankaks · 2 pointsr/DnD

I also recommend 5e and the starter set. It's perfect for getting started without too much hassle, and the included campaign makes DMing really easy and fun. It's also a super fun adventure. Here is the link, it's only $12! http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592

But I'll let PriceZombie confirm that.

u/LBriar · 2 pointsr/rpg

By Starter Kit, I'm guessing you mean this? If so, it's going to have an adventure along with the rules and whatnot, as well as pregenerated characters for you to pick from. The adventure, Lost Mine of Phandelver, also has lots of advice for whomever's GMing the game. It is, after all, a starter set for them as well :)

For a more complete game, you'll need to drop some doss on the holy trinity - Player's Handbook, Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual. All in, around $100 new, a bit less used. The PHB is going to outline most of what you need to run the game - character creation (all the options for races and classes and spells and whatnot), the rules for task resolution and combat, equipment, spells, and a lot of miscellaneous bits and bobs. The Monster Manual has a bunch of monsters in it, without which it'd be pretty boring to roam the world. The DMG is sort of a catch-all of everything else - magic items, extra/alternate rules, and a lot of generally helpful advice about things like what to do when the players go off the beaten path and designing worlds and campaigns. While it's helpful, I'd say it's the least crucial of the three to actually playing the game.

There's also a bunch of adventures and campaigns, published by both Wizards of the Coast and third party publishers. You might check some of those at as a good starting point for your adventures. While it's probably not as fun as making everything up yourselves, it'll be handy to play for awhile with the safety net of "here's what comes next" laid out in print.

You might check out Geek & Sundary's Critical Role, which is actual D&D being played by actual overly attractive people in a manner which is both fun and informative. Matthew Colville's channel has a lot of really great advice for people just starting out, especially related to running the game.

Hopefully that answered some of your questions. If you have anything specific, toss it out and I'll see if I can answer it.

u/LKTrashmouth · 2 pointsr/boardgames

https://smile.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520274900&sr=8-1&keywords=DnD+Beginner+box

You want to look into this.

This has some basic rules for character creation and an overview of how to play the game without being totally overwhelming.

It also includes a mini-campaign that I suggest you use as a starting point if you are a first time DM. You can change every name, every location, every single thing you want to in order to cater it to your friends, but I strongly suggest reading it start-to-finish so that you get an idea of how to structure challenges the players will face as a DM.

u/mm233 · 2 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Well, If You don't have the money, then getting the starters set is really good, it has character sheets, sample adventures, and a basic rulebook for levels 1-5. I'll Put a link to the Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502026751&sr=8-1&keywords=d%26d+5e+starter+set
If you Buy it used it's only about ten dollars, but there really is nothing like flipping through the player's handbook and learning a lot more. Happy to help!

u/sssdigger · 2 pointsr/Roll20

We started about a year ago with the D&D Starter Set. It has an abbreviated version of the rules and DM Guide, some dice, some pre-made player sheets, and a campaign that you can do to learn the game. It's been a great experience.

Good luck!

u/RJFlash · 2 pointsr/DnD

Since you are all new I would go with the starter kit. It’s about $12 on Amazon and comes with a shorter pre-made adventure with some of the basic rules and 1 set of dice.

If you guys enjoy it I recommend for all the players to pick up the Player Handbook which goes further into the rules and character creation. If you plan to continue to DM, I suggest still picking up the Player Handbook along with the Monster Manual and Dungeon Master’s Guide, and also a couple extra sets of dice.

After that you can start making up your own adventures or buy more of the pre-made adventures in any of their other books.

Have fun!

Link to Starter kit on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=3O0S5P31QPRX7&keywords=dnd+starter+set+5th+edition&qid=1555591640&s=gateway&sprefix=dnd+starter&sr=8-1

u/GunnerMcGrath · 2 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Yeah pick up the Starter Set:

http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592

Everybody can download a copy of the Basic Rules:

http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

This is enough to get going, but if everybody wants to make their own character from scratch and don't want to be limited to what's in the basic rules, then you should pick up the Player's Handbook:

http://www.amazon.com/Players-Handbook-Dungeons-Dragons-Wizards/dp/0786965606

That should be plenty to get you started. Also you might want to get more than just the dice that come with the starter set, which can be found in any game shop or online in lots of places, but there are online die rollers that work just as well. I use this one:

http://www.brockjones.com/dieroller/dice.htm

Or you can find apps for your phone as long as you trust each other not to cheat =)

Most importantly, one of you will have to be Dungeon Master (DM), who should probably be the person with the most creativity, but should definitely be the person who is most willing to put extra time into preparation and will have fun by creating fun for his friends. The DM is not the enemy of the players, think of him as the narrator of the story and each player is one of the characters.

u/Giric · 2 pointsr/rpg

Just my opinion, but the beginners boxes for games are helpful for introductions. I know you can get a D&D starter box (http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/) with some basic rules, dice, and such for getting your feet wet.

Alternatively, Steve Jackson has some things for free, like GURPS Light and some free modules compatible with that system. (http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/details.html)

Atomic Sock Monkey has some freebies there (http://www.atomicsockmonkey.com/freebies.asp) including simple games with some mods, I think.

I haven't played Pathfinder, but that wouldn't be bad for the more complex side of things.

Dungeon World is good for a little less complex action: http://www.dungeon-world.com/

Apocalypse World is based on Dungeon World for a post-apocalyptic feel. Has a world-building element to it, or at least that's how my group played last. http://apocalypse-world.com/

I hope these help.

u/Lu44y · 2 pointsr/DnD

[?] Hello guys, I just wanted to ask for some advice. Fairly soon, I will play DnD for the first time and our Dungeon Master only has a normal game as a character under his belt. He bought this version and I wanted to know if there is some decent VOD for new players or general tips so I won't be a complete disaster.

Edit: Ofc I read the "Getting Started Guide" but I feel like im not really prepared

u/mcveigh · 2 pointsr/de

Also ein sehr einsteigerfreundlicher Weg ist es, die Basic Rules der aktuellen D&D Edition (5th) zu benutzen. Diese sind nämlich kostenlos als PDF verfügbar auf der Herstellerseite:

https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

Da drin ist für eine erste Runde alles enthalten was man braucht und es wird auch ganz gut erklärt wie man einen Charakter erstellt, was ein DM (Dungeon Master) ist und macht und wie man Aktionen durchführt, wie zum Beispiel eine Attacke usw.

Und dann kann man überlegen, ob man einen GM findet, der sich eine Welt ausdenken möchte und kann in welcher die Spielercharaktere spielen, oder ob man zu Beginn lieber ein vorgefertigtes Adventure spielen möchte. Bei Anfängern würde ich das empfehlen, auch wenn ein Starterset ein paar Euro kostet. Sich selbst eine Welt und Dungeons etc. ausdenken ist natürlich preiswerter, aber man investiert halt Zeit und kreative Energie da rein.

Das Starterset ist das erste vorgefertigte Adventure und das findest du für unter 20€ und es bietet ein komplettes Abenteuer in 4 Akten, inklusive Karten, Zeichnungen, Monsterstats etc. Damit kann man für einige Stunden Spaß haben und muss als Game Master nicht so viel Vorarbeit leisten. Durchlesen und verstehen sollte man es, aber das wars schon ;)

https://www.amazon.de/Wizards-Coast-WTCA92160000-Dungeons-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493747690&sr=8-1&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons+starter+set

Und wenn man Lust auf mehr hat kann man sich das Player's Handbook zulegen, in welchem erweiterte Regeln sind oder hier auf https://www.dndbeyond.com/ (erfordert Twitch-Login, in Beta-Phase... heißt momentan kostenlos, wird irgendwann etwas kosten, wie viel ist noch nicht bekannt) sich erweiterte Regeln angucken.

Falls du weitere Fragen hast, her damit :)

u/meretalk · 2 pointsr/boardgames

I like them, and I got into them for about the same reason you are looking to. They echo the 4th edition rules pretty well.

Are you looking to play solo or with people? If with people, you do probably have the makings of a small game group. Buy the 5th Edition starter kit for really cheap and go from there. If solo, they are a good stand in. I have heard from some people that for the same experience but done better they prefer Myth, but I've never played it.

u/ztherion · 2 pointsr/DnD

Find four or five other people who are interested, then buy the following:

Dungeons and Dragons Starter Set - $12, contains the basic rules and an adventure to get you started.

One pound of dice - $20. Enough for your whole table to have two or three sets of dice each.

This should get you started with several session's worth of content for well under $50. If you and your friends decide to continue playing, you can then split the cost of the Player's Handbook and either more modules or a Monster Manual.

u/DerekStucki · 2 pointsr/DnD

www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ Is what JoDug means.

u/xDrSchnugglesx · 2 pointsr/IWantToLearn

Cool, that Matt guy is excellent. I'll watch all his videos in the coming weeks.

As for the starter set, is that this? I googled it and it brought me to the WOTC page, with a link to that Amazon page. I assume it's right but just wanna double check with someone to be sure. I don't see 5th edition written anywhere, but maybe it doesn't matter since I'm just trying to learn mechanics and character building basically.

u/impediment · 2 pointsr/DMAcademy

You can get the book on Amazon for thirteen bucks.

u/Preparingtocode · 2 pointsr/shittybattlestations

As a new starter, I'd highly recommend the D&D Starter Set - Comes with a lot of what you need without over loading you with information.

I would then recommend if you want to create a character taking a look at dndbeyond who allow for creating up to 6 characters for free, gives you a tonne of helpful info and helps calculate stats. Especially helpful for leveling up.

And if you just want to chill, see how the game works and unfurls, take a look at Critical Role who have episodes from their campaigns.

u/elways_love_child · 2 pointsr/DnD

I was actually just looking around and saw this: https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592

Looks to be just about perfect. Thanks for the help

u/twotonkatrucks · 2 pointsr/DnD

as others have recommended. i'd definitely recommend the starter's set. it includes the basic rules (which you can also download for free from WotC) and also a quality starter adventure module. since your boys are young, i'd highly recommend you learn the rules yourself and run the game for them (called Dungeon Master or DM - a person that sets up the scene/story and adjudicates the actions of the players).

the starter's set really is bang for your bucks. and if you guys enjoy it enough, you can buy the full rulebooks (player's handbook, monster's manual, and dungeon master's guide - the first two are essential. DMG is also excellent and i'd consider it essential but you don't necessarily need it to start playing - and if you're on a budget, get the player's handbook first out of the three).

u/Randeth · 2 pointsr/DnD

Can't help you with the DM. But here's the link to the free basic rules.

http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/basicrules

Just get some dice and dive right in. If you can afford it the D&D starter set has an excellent starter adventure and the dice you need.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592

u/The_Coati_Kid · 2 pointsr/Documentaries

It looks like it's the adventure that comes with this starter set?

u/Conchobar8 · 2 pointsr/DnD

I don’t think I’ve seen the for kids version. So I can’t give advice there.
I’d avoid home brew to start. Too easy to misjudge how tough to make it.
Here’s the starter pack I mentioned

u/Manwards84 · 2 pointsr/crossdressing

I'm afraid I'm already in a relationship (coming on nine years now), but thanks for being so kind. \^_\^

I have a DeviantArt with a bunch of photos of how I usually look. Strong NSFW warning because I did a lot of nude modelling over the past couple of years!

That's too bad about your DM. Have you considered DMing yourself? I'm the DM for my group of friends, and while it's a lot of work, it's incredibly satisfying to see a story come together and see everyone get really invested in it. Grab the 5th Edition Starter Set from Amazon; it's cheap and it'll teach you everything you need to know.

u/monoblue · 2 pointsr/DnD

This is the best way to get started. Grab that, between 3 and 5 friends, and you're on your way to being the next Critical Role.

u/DavefaceFMS · 2 pointsr/DnD

Hey buddy, this is my standard new DM guide. I started after having watched only Critical Role with a bunch who had never played before. A year on and I was running two campaigns somehow. It's 100% doable, I recommend the starter set which gives you all the tools you need and a great adventure to get everyone feet wet. Possibly looking at another streamed game first, just so you can see the variety of style. I link to loads at the bottom fo that doc.

u/Raven_Crowking · 2 pointsr/dccrpg

5e has a starter set that is much cheaper on Amazon.

Walk down that road, though, and the "Frequently bought together" down below is just the start....

Basic Fantasy is also a good choice.

u/TragicMissile · 2 pointsr/DnD

Get the starter kit, and since you have a small party consider running this free prequel adventure beforehand.

u/buescherb · 2 pointsr/DnD

I got the starter kit for 5e a few months back and after a few months of somewhat regular sessions my group of friends finished it. Pick it up. Buy some more dice and have fun. It's a great game and not as intimidating as I thought it would be. It will take a few sessions to get things in a good rhythm but we had a blast.

It has pre made characters and all the monsters you'll come across in the campaign so there is no need for all the other books. But if you're into it then there is a rather deep rabbit hole to fall down.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592

And it's only $13!

u/Goliath89 · 2 pointsr/DnD

Buy the Starter Set. It literally has everything you need to get started and learn the game. Also download the Basic Rules PDFs, for things like spell effects. Then all you have to do is find four or five other people to play with, maybe a few sets of dice (The Starter Set only has one set, so it can be a bit tedious to pass them around every time someone wants to do something.) and you're all set.

NOTE: Make sure that you purchase the Starter Set that I've linked to. There's a different starter set out there, but it's from a previous edition of the game that wasn't very popular.

NOTE THE SECOND: If you decide you want to invest in any of the hardcover books, make sure that you only pick up stuff for the 5th Edition rules (5e for short). It's the most recent version of the game and the only one currently being supported. While there are certain unifying concepts across all versions of D&D, each edition is basically like it's own game in and of itself.

u/McDie88 · 2 pointsr/rpg

will second others here

and there are many (SO MANY) rpg's out there

but Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition starter box set is really tight intro to the hobby

(here https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497255301&sr=8-1&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons+box+set )

has everything you need to play in that box (including dice!)

it also has a striped down version of the rules, a starter adventure (that is fantastic and can last multiple sessions) and pre-made characters that you can choose from (so players can jump right in!)

grab the box set, read up on it, and grab a few friends (plays best with 4 players and 1 GM)

and just relax and enjoy it, you will make mistakes, you will get a bit lost but thats part of the experience of learning table top!

once you've caught the bug, pick up a players handbook, dungeon masters guide and monster manual (make sure all 5th edition haha!)

and you are set for YEARS of adventure

and if you want more tips and tricks

youtube up

"Geek and sundry GM tips"

"matt colville"

both will give loads of advice for GM's and players

u/OnlyARedditUser · 2 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Fantastic. Looks like the starter set goes for just over $13 US (https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592)

Also, though I can't find the link offhand, there's the SRD for 5e that has more of almost everything and could help you bridge that gap until the starter kit arrives.

u/SweetKenny · 2 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Check out local game store. A lot of places run what's called Adventurer's League; basically "official" gameplay. It's a great place to learn from some more experienced players and is available pretty much anywhere you go.

D&D Starter Set

Edit: got rid of the friends comment because I'm an idiot who can't read. But left the starter set link because it's nice to have if you want it.

u/SharurScorpion · 2 pointsr/DnD

First off, welcome to our hobby.

When you say "starter box", I assume you mean this (https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=RF560H7GDB0W59TB418R). These are an abridged subset of the full rules, because many people who weren't into the hobby would balk at the cost of the core books, or would want to play right away rather than going through the process of creating characters. Originally, I think that they were around $60 or more for each of the three core books, although you can get them used now on Amazon for $25-35 each (I would also recommend). (I've also found some in my local library's reference section ).

The three core books in D&D 5th edition are:

-The Player's Handbook (PHB)

-The Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG)

-The Monster Manual (MM)

If you enjoy the game, as a player, I would recommend investing in the Player's Handbook. It has rules for playing characters up to level 20, 12 classes with all of their options and subclasses, equipment, feats, and spell rules.

If you would like to try running the game, as the Dungeon Master, I recommend getting the Dungeon Master's Guide and the Monster Manual. The former has advice and guidelines for running the game, while the later has a plethora of ready made creatures. (I've heard some complain that the Monster Manual's creatures are too week, but personally, I think that is to its benefit: it is far easier to add features than it is to remove them).

You can also get advice for more specific questions either here, or (probably a better location) is the /r/Dmacademy/ subreddit, which is built around helping DMs, especially new DMs.

u/fuego5 · 2 pointsr/nfl

Go to your local game store, ask if they have any games going on.

Even better, go pick up a starter set, grab some friends, and go fucking nuts.

Slide into my DMs if you have any questions, or go visit r/dnd (or one of the multiple dnd subs), they're super helpful.

The newest edition is also very beginner friendly! And a TON of fun.

u/Rithian · 2 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

If you shop online, likely amazon is a competitive price.

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gpFKBbBE2QVSE

If shopping local find a local game store or even target now sells the starter.

If nobody else has supplies, you’ll want to buy a pack of dice. Something like this for players to share:

6x Sets of 10 Polyhedral Dice: Half a Pound of RPG / D&D Dice! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JNV7QG8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FqFKBbG97FJJC

Stay laid back and enjoy it.

u/KoroGamer · 2 pointsr/DnD

New person to D&D 5e

So I Have read about D&D and i have been meaning to get it. I looked around in amazon and found these 2 5th edition start kits at different prices

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=zg_bs_4441_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=TR43C7FKC7WK0PE7DBGB

regular 5th edition starter kit

and

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Board-Games/dp/B07D5ZL8WB/ref=pd_sbs_21_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07D5ZL8WB&pd_rd_r=9ad05b66-c331-11e8-82f0-0d90845ff108&pd_rd_w=mDUVb&pd_rd_wg=304Az&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=0bb14103-7f67-4c21-9b0b-31f42dc047e7&pf_rd_r=11FT2CC4AQZPS19BV3YW&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=11FT2CC4AQZPS19BV3YW

this includes a 6 different die sets also a lot of printable stuff that get emailed to you

i also heard that i could get character sheets at the coasts of wizards. so i have been wondering which one should i get as a start into this game

The first asks for 20$ and the other asks for $40. The 40$ one looks interesting due to the printable stuff. but is it worth the money? or should i just buy the 20$ one and print stuff from the coasts of wizards. idk tbh. help would be appreciated

u/Erlox · 2 pointsr/DnD

$13 for the starter set is overpriced? That's like an hour and a half at minimum wage for something that supposedly has 40 hours of playtime for you and 4-6 other people? Not to mention the ability to run games outside it with the basic rules included within. I don't mean to attack you, but that's a big claim.

I don't play it because I prefer making homebrew to playing in someone else's world, but that's another story.

u/enatiello · 2 pointsr/DnD

Are you going to have the same kids every session? Drop the 4th edition stuff, at least at first. It's more complicated to learn and run than the newest version, 5e. Get the starter set. it's 15 bucks on amazon and comes with everything you'll need to run quite a few 1 hour sessions.

https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?crid=93KLN71UWSW&keywords=starter+kit+dungeons+and+dragons&qid=1567652267&s=gateway&sprefix=starter+kit%2Caps%2C380&sr=8-1

u/AdmiralCrackbar · 2 pointsr/tabletop

Buy some dice.

Buy some books.

Honestly, it depends what kind of game you want to play. I think here you're going to get a lot of weird niche games suggested but for starters you're better off sticking with the a more 'traditional' experience. D&D is an excellent starting point if you want to play a fantasy game, you can even pick up one of their adventures if you don't want to write your own material.

If you're unsure about spending that much just to get started you can pick up this starter set that will include the basic rules, a set of dice, some pregenerated characters, and a short adventure. From there, if you like the game, you can pick up the full rulebooks and some more dice and whatever else you like. Alternatively you can try out the free basic rules by downloading them from the Wizards of the Coast website. All you'll need is a set of dice to get started.

If you don't like or don't want to play D&D you can check out a bunch of other systems that will let you play other games or settings. [Edge of the Empire] (https://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Edge-Empire-Rulebook/dp/1616616571/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=edge+of+the+empire&qid=1563883870&s=gateway&sr=8-1) is a really cool Star Wars game, but it requires custom dice. My personal favourite sci-fi rpg is Traveller though, and it has the advantage of only requiring six sided dice.

A lot of people really like Savage Worlds, it's fun, it's cheap, and it's generic enough that you can run almost any setting you like with it. Unfortunately there's a new edition due out really soon so take that in to consideration. If you want a more in depth generic system then I can recommend GURPS, although you'll also need the Campaigns book. This system is absolutely not beginner friendly, it slaps you in the face with tables and rules for all sorts of scenarios, but I adore it and it's not really all that hard to figure out.

If you want an alternative to D&D Green Ronin has the "Age" series of games, starting with Fantasy Age, continuing with Modern Age, and the recently released The Expanse RPG covers Sci-Fi. I will admit that I've not actually had a chance to play any of these games, but I've read the rules and like the system.

Honestly you can find a game to cover practically any genre you want, whether it's Grimdark Fantasy, Martial Arts, Space Exploration, Lovecraftian Horror, Anime Cyberpunk Space Opera, or almost any other thing you can think of.

Don't fall in to the trap of playing a game because someone suggests it's 'easy', play something that really grabs your interest and inspires your imagination.

u/Aeristoka · 2 pointsr/DnD

I started DMing on Lost Mine of Phandelver, and it's absolutely fantastic to start with. It gives you (as a new DM) tons of helps and prompts for things that can be done, how to RP NPCs, etc. It's also fairly open-ended, so the PCs can choose where to go, what order to do things in, etc., and feel well-rewarded with a good number of magic items. https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=lost+mines+of+phandelver&link_code=qs&qid=1563799608&s=gateway&sr=8-2

I've also heard (though just in passing) good things about the newer Starter Set, Dragons of Icespire Peak, which is currently only available at Target (strange decision by Wizards).

Lost Mine was how I learned to DM, so it will always hold a special place in my heart, and I would highly recommend it. I've now moved on to Tyranny of Dragons with my now more experienced group wanting to start with new characters.

Feel free to DM me for some resources to help with Lost Mine as well.

u/NetaliaLackless24 · 2 pointsr/Eugene

You know, I was wondering the same thing! Crazy idea, include a link to what it is in the post!


I'm assuming it's this "best seller" on Amazon. I don't get it though. It's not released yet and there are zero details about what's in it besides a 96 page book. It says choking hazard, so I'm assuming there are at least dice and maybe some figs.


MAYBE /u/SILVERWOLFER CAN SHED SOME MORE LIGHT?

u/[deleted] · 2 pointsr/DnD

In case your friendly local gaming store does not have a copy, you could always pre-order from amazon.

u/darksounds · 2 pointsr/DnD

Couple directions you can go. If you want to learn it and get some friends involved at the same time, you can get the 5th Edition Starter Set and run that adventure for your friends. The player's handbook is also a must-own. The dungeon master's guide and monster manual are great, but not mandatory.

If you want to join a game, pick up a player's handbook and a set of dice, hit up r/lfg, local gaming stores, or other places around you. Reading the rules is not 100% mandatory, but it is highly recommended. The PHB alone will be enough to get you 100% ready to play if you read it fully.

5th edition is the easiest to pick up, and has a lot of flexibility, allowing you to make it what you want it to be.

3.5 or pathfinder has a lot more number crunching and a larger focus on designing the mechanics of a character throughout levels. If you love minutiae, planning ahead, and keeping track of lots of data, you might enjoy it quite a lot. I personally love it, but no longer play it, because 5th edition allows me to get my slightly more casual friends to the table for a good time.

u/Barantor · 2 pointsr/DnD

Starter Set is a boxed set that has pregenerated characters and a set of dice as well as an adventure for levels 1-5. Here it is on amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592

Only $12 now, pretty good price for what a lot of folks consider a really good adventure.

u/MisterDrProf · 2 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

Well you could ask your friends if they'd be interested in playing. Then all ya really need is the book and some dice. There are plenty of places that can help you DM and there are premade campaigns for you. You could get the D&D starter box that has a ton of stuff for a first campaign. The best way to start is to just dive in! Oh, and you could check out roll20.net which does dnd over webcam. Your friendly redditors will be here to help :D

http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407303094&sr=8-1&keywords=dungeons+and+dragons

u/Chance4e · 2 pointsr/DnD

Everything you need to start is on this page.

You guys need to read through the basic rules before you play. It's a good idea to print it out and keep a copy or two at the table.

The starter set has everything you and your friends need to play today. You can pick this up at any gaming shop and plenty of bookstores.

All you need is for your DM to read through the book before you start. He should need about an hour to read it.

u/Nodonn226 · 2 pointsr/DnD

For learning how to play I'd recommend watching Acquisitions Inc. and maybe Critical Role. However, neither is really a guide so much as people just playing.

To teach yourself I'd recommend getting you, your girlfriend, and at least two friends and playing through something like the starter set.

I recommend buying some additional dice as well (it comes with one set).

You can also check out the free rules here.

u/spvvvt · 2 pointsr/DnD

If you want to get right into playing without too much work, you should purchase the 5ed Starter Set.

It has everything you need to have many hours of play. It was made for people like you who want to get into DnD. It lets you get into the world and rules of playing without overwhelming you with too much information.

In addition, you will want some pencils, plain paper, graphing paper, 3 to 5 friends, snacks, and maybe some extra dice. The set comes with one set of dice so you will be able to play. Many people like to have their own set, though, so you may want to tell your friends to bring their own dice.

u/KingDalma · 2 pointsr/DnD

If you have a good group of friends with similar schedules the beginners set works great. Comes with a short (3-4 session) plot that with some homebrewing I've been running for close to 7 sessions. Also comes with pre-made character sheets, but my players wanted to design their own characters so we used the free download of the player handbook and printed out the included empty character sheet.

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nG4gAbHD54674

u/wilk8940 · 2 pointsr/DnD

If you are looking between these two (17.99 & 29.99) then the 17.99 one is just the book whereas the 29.99 is the entire starter set. I'm not aware of any others.

edit: Saw your edit and yes, the cheaper one is just the book.

u/BlackBiblio · 2 pointsr/DnD

Ok, well let's do it this way:

DnD is you gathering a group of friends (unless it's easier for you to play at a local game shop with strangers) and one of you does a bunch of work that proves mostly fruitless because sonovabitch they did the thing again and now you have to scrap 4 pages of notes... Which is why you do it with friends.

But in all seriousness, sit down for an episode of Harmonquest or a DnD stream. A lot of people will say critical role (do episode 12 it is a one shot that explains it better than just dropping in), Acquisitions Inc, or Force Grey for live stream/YouTube posted games.

If you want to get started, best option is grabbing the 5th Edition Starter Set and a few friends, coworkers, or classmates... Depending on where in life you are. One of you will need to be the Dungeon Master (or Game Master if you prefer) and they will need to read the rules a bit before starting the game. They may also wish to check out the GM Tips for a little more direction.

You may also want to set things up as a party for the first adventure; get some food and drinks, get a set of extra die (starter set comes with 1 set of polyhedral dice, you'll likely want a set for each player at the table... But he careful, collecting dice becomes a bad habit fast... I bought like 6 sets after my first session of DnD...), and figure out a spot to host your game. Expect to run a minimum of two hours, but prepare for up to 6-8. You'll want at least 2-4 players and the DM for best results.

OR as a last option, you could post in r/lfg, stop by your local gaming shop (sometimes also comic shops), or check out one of the many online services where you can get a GM to stop by and run a session. Though it has only just launched, lookingforgm.com is a decent choice for that last one.

u/RandomDwarf · 2 pointsr/DnD

I have heard good things about the Starter Set. It comes with some basic rules, pre-made characters, an adventure (Lost Mine of Phandelver) and a set of dice. Although I personally haven't played it. For the more savvy players, they can of course roll their own characters.

I personally like the Sunless Citadel module, found in Tales of the Yawning Portal. It's a bit tougher for the PCs, but it's a solid two or three session adventure which will start the party at level 1 and go to about level 3.

I think these shorter adventures are the best place to start as a new group. Once your group tackles a few of these shorter adventures, maybe try an official campaign or homebrew your own.

u/gboehme3412 · 2 pointsr/DnD

No worries, we were all new at some point. I recommend getting the starter kit. It's got everything you need for 6 people to sit down and run a small campaign, plus it teaches everyone the rules as you go.

u/miqued · 2 pointsr/DnD

You can buy Lost Mines of Phandelver here

u/JakeEkiss · 2 pointsr/DnD

Amazon has a full table set of dice for CHEAP if you need it. In terms of books, the basic ruleset is available from Wizards of the Coast for free online, and you can grab the essentials kit or the starter kit which will each have those rules and a single set of dice included.

In terms of the main core books, think of this as an order of operations. The Player's Handbook (PHB) is the primary book you will 100% need if you want to have a game with the normal range of player options (the base rules have limited player class options). Most folks will tell you to get the Monster Manual (MM) next as it's basically a quick reference for your table and all the things your players can fight or argue with or look awkwardly at across a tavern. Personally I'd consider the Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG) as well because it gives you a lot of tools to customize your game in terms of mechanics, tone, combat, and setting, as well as having all the magic items your players will want to get their hands on. I personally think the DMG is the second most important book (because it can radically alter your games), but literally nobody agrees with me, so take that for what you will.

u/DougieStar · 2 pointsr/DMAcademy

Pick up the starter set and run the pre-made scenario contained within. https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Wizards-Team/dp/0786965592/

u/AeoSC · 2 pointsr/Dungeons_and_Dragons
u/thavirg · 2 pointsr/Harmontown

Get the 5e starter set. Costs $12 and will be at your door within the next couple o' days. It runs you through the game basics. It slowly exposes you to character sheet changes without dropping you into a boiling pot of water. It has enough monsters/enemies to not require a monster manual. It has a whole, decent story which doesn't require a DM manual.

The starter set is solid for ~3-5 players and a DM. Give the DM a week to read over the story / character backgrounds and get together with some quality beer. Keep us posted!

Also, check out /r/dnd/.

u/Canadians360 · 2 pointsr/DnD

So a couple of things. Are you going for homebrew or are you running an adventure book?


I've started DMing quite recently, 5 sessions in.


These videos were a big help. Matt Colville Running the Game


The starter set is $12 and from what I've heard is an amazing bang for buck for newbies. woo cheap stuff


I'd expect them to have lots of combat rules and class specific questions out the gate. The preset characters will let you know almost all the answers ahead of time as you'd know what they're playing. Then again if you've played most classes and have a few campaigns under your belt... you probably have that handled for custom characters.


I think my best advice is to overplan but not to overworry, I got pulled into DMing with 3 hours notice with little to no prep and now I've got a solid world, a great BBEG, and happy players. It all tends to work out so long as everyone's looking for fun.

u/REdEnt · 2 pointsr/boardgames

If you're looking to add some pen and paper rpg, DnD 5e is pretty cheap to get a good starting point.

You could honestly run a good game with just the starter set (it includes one of my favorite starter campaigns, very good for new players). It's just around $13.

But a pretty necessary purchase, especially if you want a bit more for your players to work with. You can get that for $30.

If you want to give your DM a bit more to work with the Monter Manual (~$27) and the Dungeon Master's Guide (~$28) are a must.

Dice are pretty cheap too if you want to get a few sets for the club or enough for you're players to take some home. (The starter set comes with one set of dice)

u/MadGort · 2 pointsr/DnD

Buy this:

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set: Fantasy Roleplaying Fundamentals (D&D Boxed Game) by Wizards RPG Team http://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_eb70tb1BXG6AJ

Buy some extra dice.

Buy some mechanical pencils.

Get 4-5 friends to meet up on the same day.

Take it slow and remember that having fun is the only real rule and the only limit is imagination.

That's it. That alone will provide several sessions of fun. Still interested after you're done? Come back here and take it from there.

u/Comaburr · 2 pointsr/DnD

I checked the Getting Started/Learning to Play thread and he recommends starting out with the Red Box starter set since it's only $20 but it's actually $90 on Amazon. (I PM'd him about it.) He recommends 4e or Pathfinder. The thread is old but it was updated 12 days ago.

Is this an okay alternative?: 5e D&D Starter Set

Or perhaps I should start out with the Pathfinder Beginner Box? as mentioned in the Choosing an edition thread.

I have 4 players and I would be the DM. Their attention spans tend to drift if things get TOO complicated and they are better at keeping up when someone already knows the rules instead of everyone learning at the same time. That being said, I want to be able to jump into something that will basically introduce us to the game mechanics in an easy and smooth as possible kind of way.

I really want to get into D&D with this group of friends and they already like some of the more "involved" board games in the world. I just need to keep them captivated. It might be folly to try but I want to give it a shot. I feel like there is a whole world of gaming that I am missing out on.

Thanks for the advice.

Edit: Sorry to drop this on you in this thread but I figured it was as good a place as any...

Edit: My fear is that the 5e will be overcomplicated and using Pathfinder would be easier... I don't know. Ahhh.

u/Squigles · 2 pointsr/DnD

Which exactly are you trying to purchase? I presume you're wanting this.
http://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Fundamentals/dp/0786965592

u/ironhide_ivan · 2 pointsr/Dungeons_and_Dragons

Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/0786965592/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_WmlkDbCM6E0HD

$13 according to amazon

u/highlandertr · 2 pointsr/DungeonsAndDragons

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Boxed-Game/dp/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=dnd+starter+set+5e&qid=1563332066&s=gateway&sprefix=dnd+starter+set&sr=8-1

That one is the one I was thinking about. It come with pre made characters with options for homemade ones if you prefer. Great price for a starting point to see if you are into it as a group.

u/DonCallate · 2 pointsr/boardgames

I would recommend grabbing the D&D Starter Kit and trying that out to see if you like it. If you don't like it, it's only $15 so you aren't out a bundle of money.

There are also free Basic Rules for D&D available online.

I would also note that D&D is only one of dozens of mainstream games and hundreds of lesser known ones, all of which have something to offer. If you don't find yourself enjoying D&D, you might come join us at /r/rpg to find a better fit for you and your group.

Have fun!

u/MarkOfTheDragon12 · 2 pointsr/DnD
  • A DM can be anyone willing to learn along with you just as well as an experienced person who's been running games for years.

  • D&D 5e Starter Set Amazon Link

  • The amount of setup is entirely dependent on how much you (more specifically the DM, typically) want to avoid delays mid-game. The "Prep" that a DM does before hand that you always hear about, are things like reviewing the story, pre-drawing maps, gathering monster stats for convenience, etc. Player Prep is more or less just making sure your character is leveled to where they should be, and show up. That said, a typical session usually runs about 3 hours give or take, though this can vary greatly.

  • Far far far far too many to list :) I primarily play Pathfinder, with a bit of Starfinder and D&D 5e on the side. I've been playing tabletop rpg's for about four+ years now. (Computerized D&D for something like, 30 years)

  • Advise? Google and YouTube are your friends. There are COUNTLESS guides on how to play, how to get started, how to dm, how to create a character, etc. You just need to absorb it. The Starter Kits are a great place to start out as they're written with extra explanations and tips for the DM on how to run an adventure. Just find a group of friends; ideally five all together, and have one person DM while you're ALL learning the game together.
u/redepenning1 · 2 pointsr/lincoln

Like the other people mentioned Gauntlet Games is the place to go. I'd recommend starting with this [mini-campaign.] (https://www.amazon.com/Dungeons-Dragons-Starter-Set-Roleplaying/dp/0786965592)

It comes with a story that the DM (Dungeon Master) uses to help run the sessions. It also has 5 pregenerated character sheets and a basic rule book.

For more information about D&D, check out /r/DnD

u/forgottenduck · 2 pointsr/DnD

Honestly I'd say go with Lost Mines of Phandelver, the starter set adventure. It's not too heavy or loaded with intrigue, the plot hooks are clear, and kids will have no trouble following. Most of the bad guys are goblins and obviously bad people for the majority of the adventure. The adventure is also written with new DMs in mind so it has a lot of helpful info to work with. I would suggest picking up the starter set and reading through the adventure to make sure there's nothing you think is inappropriate and then just run with it. The starter set comes with the basic rules, a set of dice, the adventure, and premade characters. It doesn't give you all the classes and archetypes that the full Player's Handbook does, but it really is everything you need to get started (although it does not come with miniatures or a battle grid, which are not completely necessary). You'll have to be the judge of whether you want to guide your kids through character creation or just go with the premades, but I have heard many people suggest using the premade characters for a first adventure. Maybe though if you're interested in letting them create their own characters you could go to a local game store with them and let them pick out a miniature for their character, most stores carry Reaper Miniatures which are very reasonably priced, though are unpainted.

Your players are your kids and you're their dad, they're probably going to love how you run the adventure even if you stumble through it, but trust me running D&D is easier than you would think. Maybe check out some of Matt Colvile's videos if you want some DM tips, but again with your players being kids I think you could just dive in without much trouble.

The community here is pretty helpful in my experience so if you have additional questions feel free to post a topic, or post in the Weekly Questions thread posted every Monday. Good luck!

u/gcThrizzle · 1 pointr/DMAcademy

I would suggest the D&D 5e starter set. https://amzn.com/0786965592

It's got very clear instructions for DMs about what they can typically expect and how to run the encounters. It has all the content you need for all of you to be able to play the game even without the core books. And, it's an actually fun adventure that has a wide variety of challenges and NPCs.

The starter set ends around level 4 or 5 which means you'd be perfectly set up to start most of the other printed books from WoTC afterwards like the recent Storm King's Thunder.

u/EpicArtifex · 1 pointr/DMAcademy

If you have literally zero funds then fair enough, but the starter set is extremely cheap on amazon and if all of you chipped in it would set you back barely anything. I believe it includes the basic rules and all rules necessary for running it, as well as some example premade characters for the lazy, and an adventure that takes you through levels 1-5.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526656075&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=lost+mines+of+phandelver&dpPl=1&dpID=51Ykm93n8ML&ref=plSrch

I know some of the main books can be a pricey investment if you're unsure, but the starter set is cheap and, well... A good starter set.

u/hovding · 1 pointr/DnD

The Starter Set contains the bare minimum of rules to run the adventure that also comes with the box. Included are pregenerated characters. A small sample of classes.

The Players Handbook contains all classes, races, spells and rules.

The Monster Manual contains the monsters.

The Dungeon Master Guide is a tool kit to help run the DM to run games. Also contains the magic items.

Those three books are the core ruleset. Nothing more, nothing less. I'm taking an educated guess, but there will probably come future publications of settings and other goodies that expand the selection of races, classes and spells among other things. They will only add choices, not become necessary to run the game. Those three books are the complete rules.

The PDF is a more updated version of the rules from the starter set, but no where near as complete as the players handbook.

u/Lyrical_Cleric · 1 pointr/DungeonsAndDragons

If you're wanting a full adventure with prebuilt characters and lots of new-player-support, check out the Starter Set:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0786965592/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482462550&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=lost+mines+of+phandelver&dpPl=1&dpID=51Ykm93n8ML&ref=

It contains the intro dungeon "The Lost Mines of Phandelver," really easy to run for complete newbie players and DMs.