New to Gaming


Lost Omens Campaign Setting General Discussion


Hey,

I'm pretty much a newbie gamer, but a long time fan of the mythology surrounding RPG's in general. When I've gamed in the past, I usually am the one in the group who draws while everyone else is playing ;) I was curious if there were any suggestions as to what would be good for a beginner gamer without a ton of time or a lot of RL friends to play with- or if I'd just be better off sticking with my art?

Thanks!
Char
charrartist.com


I'd try the Pathfinder Society. You don't need to know anybody. Just find out where they're playing in your area. The modules take about 3 1/2 hours, I think. Look on the lefthand side of this screen, and click the third link under the 'Paizo' one in the top corner for info.


Char Reed wrote:

Hey,

I'm pretty much a newbie gamer, but a long time fan of the mythology surrounding RPG's in general. When I've gamed in the past, I usually am the one in the group who draws while everyone else is playing ;) I was curious if there were any suggestions as to what would be good for a beginner gamer without a ton of time or a lot of RL friends to play with- or if I'd just be better off sticking with my art?

Hrmm... World of Warcraft? Okay, I'm joking there. I would suggest visiting your Local Gaming Store, usually they have a bulletin board where groups looking for players can post ads. I'd recommend replying to one of those as most groups are quite welcoming of beginners. (Just be prepared to put a little of your own effort in to learn the chosen game system).

If you were normally drawing while playing, you probably didn't have a great DM. I've got a little bit of that ole' attention deficit disorder, but when I game with a DM who's really descriptive, creative, motivated and prepared -- well heck I really get in the game and don't find myself loosing focus.

A good DM who can really foster a creative mood in game sessions will most certainly bolster your artistic inspirations.

As for what to play, there's a lot of good games out there. D&D, Pathfinder, Shadow Run, (Anything in the World of Darkness line, such as Scion, Vampire, Werewolf, etc). The list goes on, but regardless of the game, I would concentrate on finding a good gaming group that meets regularly and has some good creative / motivated DM's.

Sovereign Court

Char Reed wrote:

Hey,

I'm pretty much a newbie gamer, but a long time fan of the mythology surrounding RPG's in general. When I've gamed in the past, I usually am the one in the group who draws while everyone else is playing ;) I was curious if there were any suggestions as to what would be good for a beginner gamer without a ton of time or a lot of RL friends to play with- or if I'd just be better off sticking with my art?

Thanks!
Char
charrartist.com

I can't really make any better recommendations but thought I would say that mythology is how I got into rpgs and with some systems and settings it has really allowed me to get what the designer or games master is creating: so you've got a good starting point.

I like your art too, especially the three-headed jackal-ish thing.


Kor - Orc Scrollkeeper wrote:

A good DM who can really foster a creative mood in game sessions will most certainly bolster your artistic inspirations.

I very much agree to that. but yea, the best and easiest way to find a way to get into it better would be to find your local game/hobby store. your best bet would actually to go to a comic/card shop. just look up any stores online or (please don't smite me great gods of paizo) go to wizardsofthecoast.com and they have a shop locate option there. that's how i found the group i eventually will begin playing with when i get back stateside. trust me, being in the military and trying to game is much easier when you locate the local comic store. (btw, anybody else in el paso that games and reads this, a very rare occurrence i know, let me know and i'll get something up when i get back!)


Nothing to add to the previous suggestions. I checked out your art, and liked it. It's quite varied!

I remember playing with a DM who was a good artist. He often drew battle scenes of some of our best fights. There was one with our characters facing off against a chimera that was particularly cool.
It really helped us visualize the scenes, and added to the experience.

I doubt you'll have any trouble finding a group to play with. Groups vary a lot, so you might want to play with a few to find a good fit for your personality. Gamers tend to be pretty imaginative in the first place, so you've got some kindred souls out there.

Don't be surprised when everyone at the table wants you to draw their characters! I certainly would.

Okay, my guys's a half-elf arcane trickster. He's real mysterious, and he wears black and dark gray clothes, and he's got a real wicked-looking rapier...

Just kidding. let us know if you find a game, and save the drawing until afterwards. GMs want you to pay attention. If you're new to a game, you need to, anyway.

Actually, even if you're not new, you have to pay attention...

Liberty's Edge

Char Reed wrote:

Hey,

I'm pretty much a newbie gamer, but a long time fan of the mythology surrounding RPG's in general. When I've gamed in the past, I usually am the one in the group who draws while everyone else is playing ;) I was curious if there were any suggestions as to what would be good for a beginner gamer without a ton of time or a lot of RL friends to play with- or if I'd just be better off sticking with my art?

Thanks!
Char
charrartist.com

I'm assuming "what would be good" means, "what would be a way of getting into active gaming?"

There are a couple of key points:


  1. It has more to with people than 'rules'. Some people and/or groups are good at introducing new players to the game (as rules) and the game (as setting/story). Others are really bad at it. So take your time and check several groups in your area out. Make sure you get along with them, and they with you, before committing time or money. Be sure that they know you need to take it slowly, and may need gentle guidance.
  2. If you already have a group of gaming friends, ask them to teach you what's going on. If they stick a rulebook at you, ask politely, "I need someone to walk me through this."
  3. As part of the above, there are games with simple rule sets. If your friends play multiple types of games, they may already have one of these in the pipeline, or be open to suggestions. Games like Spirit of the Century, The Shadow of Yesterday, or Burning Wheel might be easier to 'access' than Pathfinder.
  4. If Pathfinder is your groups choice, then tackle it as one would eat an elephant using a plastic spork: slowly, and one bite at a time.
  5. You can also approach Pathfinder from the perspective of learning Golarion, by starting with the Campaign Setting book. That explains the peoples, countries, and gods of the world. That may work better for you.

Let us know what other questions you have!


You could also try Play By Post (PBP) games so that you can look up rules when they arise without slowing down the game.

Sovereign Court

If you are trying to find groups in the first place, another avenue I've found helpful is posting in forums in the "meet other gamers" section (Gamer connection here), and Meetup.com (look for roleplayer groups in your area).

When meeting people online, try to attend meetings in a public place at first, of course, and all that jazz.

Finding groups online can be a little hit or miss, but in all I've had good luck!


I guess I should have clarified that I was more curious about online or forum-run games (if there are any good ones) only because I have this tendency to move from continent to continent once every 3-4 months and setting up a real life group is pretty much impossible. Unfortunately, online is the only way I could contribute.

I know WoW was suggested jokingly, but I find MMO's rather impersonal and boring unless you know people in RL to play with. I'd be most interested in a forum format, where you can interact with people more directly, also I think that could be the best balance between my artwork and gaming. Since I'm a freelance artist, I generally draw 10+ hours a day, so gaming will have to take a backseat compared to my job ;)

Does anyone specifically know any good Play By Post (PBP) games? (Thanks CourtFool for the suggestion and terminology!)

I appreciate everyone who checked out my art :) I work really hard on it, so it means a lot. ::Shameless plug- I'm open for character commissions! Feel free to email me:: :D

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!

Char
char.reed@gmail.com
charrartist.com


There are lots of PbP games right here, as you know. I just joined one, and it filled up fast. Lots of people want to play this game!
Look under community, then look at play by post discussion.
Some generous people put out calls to play Golarion-centered games, and they get players right away. I got lucky. You could, too! :)


I'm actually looking for a player right now in a PbP of the Legacy of Fire adventure path (Golarion-based, think Arabian Knights) over on the Myth Weavers site. You're welcome to drop by and see if it's to your liking:

erian_7's Legacy of Fire


Dave Young 992 - Thanks for the tip, I didn't know of the games actually. I find myself getting a little lost on this site at times, but now I know where to look so that helps out a great deal.

erian_7 - I'll look into your game, thanks for the link!


Welcome, Char Reed. The best of luck for you to find the right fix(es) for yourself!


Hi am new to pathfinder so i got my book what do i do now. there is a home group that i can join. but what else do i need to learn the game.

Liberty's Edge

Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber
sora3456 wrote:
Hi am new to pathfinder so i got my book what do i do now. there is a home group that i can join. but what else do i need to learn the game.

Read and digest the book.

Discuss with the group your joining.

Come here and ask questions as everyone is pretty happy to explain things.

Create a few characters to get the hang of the system and run them against each other in small groups so you've got the basics of the combat down.

Buy a lot of dice. You'll need them.


Char Reed wrote:

Hey,

I'm pretty much a newbie gamer, but a long time fan of the mythology surrounding RPG's in general. When I've gamed in the past, I usually am the one in the group who draws while everyone else is playing ;) I was curious if there were any suggestions as to what would be good for a beginner gamer without a ton of time or a lot of RL friends to play with- or if I'd just be better off sticking with my art?

Thanks!
Char
charrartist.com

Charr there is a Pathfinder Society in Apex.

I will get you the information in my next post.

By the way, great art work... :)


Anderlorn wrote:
Char Reed wrote:

Hey,

I'm pretty much a newbie gamer, but a long time fan of the mythology surrounding RPG's in general. When I've gamed in the past, I usually am the one in the group who draws while everyone else is playing ;) I was curious if there were any suggestions as to what would be good for a beginner gamer without a ton of time or a lot of RL friends to play with- or if I'd just be better off sticking with my art?

Thanks!
Char
charrartist.com

Charr there is a Pathfinder Society in Apex.

I will get you the information in my next post.

By the way, great art work... :)

Here it is -

PF Society in Apex

All Fun & Games 958 U.S. Highway 64 Apex, NC

Steve Miller is the lead.


You can play by post too.

I play PbP at The Only Sheet

And actually The Only Sheet would be a good investment if you plan to play Pathfinder.


sora3456 wrote:
Hi am new to pathfinder so i got my book what do i do now. there is a home group that i can join. but what else do i need to learn the game.

Sora

Any of Paizo PF gaming aids and here Pathfinder Wikia


Char

Great sketch of the Mark 19, it is more like a grenade machine gun launcher, and it is great to fire until you have a misfire then you run... ;)

Just kidding but it is scary.

It is planned to replaced by something better.


Char Reed wrote:

Hey,

I'm pretty much a newbie gamer, but a long time fan of the mythology surrounding RPG's in general. When I've gamed in the past, I usually am the one in the group who draws while everyone else is playing ;) I was curious if there were any suggestions as to what would be good for a beginner gamer without a ton of time or a lot of RL friends to play with- or if I'd just be better off sticking with my art?

Thanks!
Char
charrartist.com

With regard to art, if you are at liberty to be generous with your time and resources, Lilith and Butterfrog are currently co-ordinating artists and writers for Wayfinder #2; Whilst technically accurate to call it a fan-mag, that is really to belittle the amazing work they and their crack team of editors/artists/stat-block builders/writers put in. *link*


Paul Watson wrote:
sora3456 wrote:
Hi am new to pathfinder so i got my book what do i do now. there is a home group that i can join. but what else do i need to learn the game.

Read and digest the book.

Discuss with the group your joining.

Come here and ask questions as everyone is pretty happy to explain things.

Create a few characters to get the hang of the system and run them against each other in small groups so you've got the basics of the combat down.

Buy a lot of dice. You'll need them.

In addition to what Paul has said, if they don't mind then I would add watch at least one game going on first, to get an idea of the flow of the game and what happens. If they okay it beforehand, ask questions during play about what's going on, or if they'd rather not be interrupted, save questions up for the end.

And welcome to the global community that is the Paizo Messageboards.

PS
Watch the word 'smurf' in posts (or even quotes of posts) as it hits your avatar with a random picture of a smurf (unless you happen to be a poster like Kobold Cleaver, who has his own personalised smurf courtesy of the PostMonster General).

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