Hey everyone! I hope I'm posting in the right spot for something like this.
I've been considering playing a PBP game for a while now, given that I'd like to think that I am fairly well-versed in playing face-to-face Pathfinder and conventional forum-based roleplaying, and PBP seems like an interesting mixture of both.
I've been poking around some of the guides here and admittedly I'm still in the process of reading some of them, but I did want to have a place that I could ask some specific questions and receive some general advice in the meantime.
Most of the advice I'm seeking is probably just common knowledge I haven't stumbled upon yet, so please bear with me. Mostly it pertains to just "getting started," as in, what should I be doing as someone who just signed up and made their profile?
Additionally, I noticed there are some specific "types" of campaigns. I've only ever run with friends face to face to play, and they've always done their own custom-made settings and stories. Is there a specific name for that on here? What qualifies as a "Classic Dungeon Crawl?" Etc.
I'd also like to know about some of the common abbreviations stand for.
WBL and AP, for example (though I'm assuming WBL means Wealth By Level?). I'm sure there's others, too.
Lastly, I think my largest concern is where should I start as a new member to the site? I noticed several recruitment posts have asked that potential players be able to demonstrate that they're active posters. Of course, considering this is my very first post, it's doubtful I could actually prove that just yet. Am I just SOL until I find somewhere that's fine with people with no experience on the site itself, or is there something else I can do in the meantime?
Thank you in advance for any help or advice you can give. I'd really appreciate it. ^^
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Hola. Welcome to the site. I'm Jon, I've been kicking around for a couple of years, played in and run a few games, so I'll see if I can help.
Most of the advice I'm seeking is probably just common knowledge I haven't stumbled upon yet, so please bear with me. Mostly it pertains to just "getting started," as in, what should I be doing as someone who just signed up and made their profile?
Reading, mostly. Head over to the Recruitment board and look for what you want. It might take a bit of clicking and hunting to find a game that fits you, but don't worry too much. Just look for something you like, see what the GM wants in terms of an application (not all GM's want a full sheet...make sure you read exactly what they're after, as a lot of GM's will dismiss someone who misses basic information) and do it. We're not very formal here, really.
Additionally, I noticed there are some specific "types" of campaigns. I've only ever run with friends face to face to play, and they've always done their own custom-made settings and stories. Is there a specific name for that on here? What qualifies as a "Classic Dungeon Crawl?" Etc.
Again, it varies from GM to GM. Most of the wise ones will add something to there title to give a hint. One thing you might want to do is gain a passing familiarity with Paizo's Adventure Paths, which are probably the most commonly run type here. If you see names like Jade Regent, Carrion Crown, Rise of the Runelords or such over and over it's most likely that. Here are a few keywords you can keep an eye out for.
Homebrew - This mean's it's an original adventure, not a pre-written one. Often, but not always, set in an original world and setting too.
Mythic - These are the Pathfinder's take on Epic level games. They tend to be higher powered games.
Gestalt - A Popular alternative rule. Essentially your character gains the abilities and better saves, Base Attack and HP of two classes. Again, powerful, but quite unique and fun.
Classic/Old School/Dungeon Crawl - The more 'kick in the door, slay the Orc and take there stuff' style of adventure.
I'd also like to know about some of the common abbreviations stand for.
WBL and AP, for example (though I'm assuming WBL means Wealth By Level?). I'm sure there's others, too.
WBL is indeed Wealth by Level.
AP usually means adventure path.AC means armour class.
BAB means base attack bonus.
It's been a rough night, so if you have any others ask away.
Lastly, I think my largest concern is where should I start as a new member to the site? I noticed several recruitment posts have asked that potential players be able to demonstrate that they're active posters. Of course, considering this is my very first post, it's doubtful I could actually prove that just yet. Am I just SOL until I find somewhere that's fine with people with no experience on the site itself, or is there something else I can do in the meantime?
Most GM's don't ask for this, honestly. I know I didn't. You can send something to the GM in question and explain the situation but yeah, mostly you're gonna have to find other games.
Thank you so much for taking the time to toss out a response, it was very informative.
I've been doing more reading and now, with your explanation, I think I'm starting to get a hang of how things work here a bit better. For now, I think that's all my pressing questions that I haven't been able to figure out quite yet, but I'll be sure to post more if I come up with any.
Thanks again, and I hope your rough night gets a little better :3
It...did not, but thank you for the well wishes. If you need anything else, just give me a bell.
I hope you're alright :\
But okay, I'll shoot you a PM if I have any new questions. Thank you!
RPG Superstar 2015 Top 32, RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
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Hey everyone! I hope I'm posting in the right spot for something like this.
I've been considering playing a PBP game for a while now, given that I'd like to think that I am fairly well-versed in playing face-to-face Pathfinder and conventional forum-based roleplaying, and PBP seems like an interesting mixture of both.
Welcome! I'm relatively new to PbP myself. It's definitely an interesting twist, with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Mostly it pertains to just "getting started," as in, what should I be doing as someone who just signed up and made their profile?
Peruse the Recruitment threads. :)
Additionally, I noticed there are some specific "types" of campaigns. I've only ever run with friends face to face to play, and they've always done their own custom-made settings and stories. Is there a specific name for that on here? What qualifies as a "Classic Dungeon Crawl?" Etc.
A "dungeon crawl" generally means a situation where the PCs go to a location that's inhabited almost entirely by monsters/villains/traps, and systematically go from room to room overcoming obstacles and obtaining treasure. Generally little to no story, and anything that moves either needs to be killed or is tied up and needs to be saved. Some campaigns are just a dungeon crawl, other (typically longer) campaigns will often include segments that could be described as dungeon crawls.
I'd also like to know about some of the common abbreviations stand for.
WBL and AP, for example (though I'm assuming WBL means Wealth By Level?). I'm sure there's others, too.
As you've already learned, AP is Adventure Path and WBL is wealth by level. Feel free to post any others you encounter and you'll probably get answers rather quickly. :)
Lastly, I think my largest concern is where should I start as a new member to the site? I noticed several recruitment posts have asked that potential players be able to demonstrate that they're active posters. Of course, considering this is my very first post, it's doubtful I could actually prove that just yet. Am I just SOL until I find somewhere that's fine with people with no experience on the site itself, or is there something else I can do in the meantime?
People actually ask for that? Huh. I'm on my second campaign as a GM, and didn't ask for that in my recruitment threads. I also recently joined a game as a player, and that GM didn't ask for it either. I wonder if those GMs might be the exception rather than the rule, so keep looking. You'll find something eventually. :)
Also, remember: every recruitment thread gets more applicants than there are spots, so don't feel offended if you don't get picked for a game. GMs have to make some tough choices sometimes. I've left out my own brother twice now. :/
While not specifically designed for new people, with my game I am trying to get some new people to try and grow the community.
