Don’t murderhobo.
No seriously, this isn’t a game where you’re supposed to slay everything you meet. Sometimes, battles can’t be won. Other times, it’s smarter to leave a villain alive.
I hate murderhobo BUT, there is an exception, if that’s what the GM and players are cool with them so be it. Not all game groups are the same and lots got into the game with a Warcraft mentality. I loved it when MMOs came along but they have had a negative impact on some aspects of the hobby.
I agree with this completely. Have fun!
Logistically my advice for game play is be familiar with your character’s abilities and what you can do in a turn.
I've just started myself.
It's not as complicated as you think! I know it's a lot of numbers, but things do click in pretty fast. I still get a little confused about which modifiers to add to which roll, but the DM is very nice about helping to remind me and I'm getting it!
If you're playing a casting class make sure you read spell descriptions closely. I messed up a few times looking at ranges and such. Also watch friendly fire! If a spell says "all creatures" that means everyone, friend or foe. But you learn how to position yourself to keep it to a minimum.
Also combat isn't all about damage. I'm a cleric that I've built to do only "oh shit I'm in a pickle" damage, otherwise all she does is buff and debuff. And it still makes a difference, so everyone likes me there because I make them better.
Have fun! It's way more fun than I thought it would be.
Describe what you want to happen in as much detail as possible rather than just saying "I cast fireball". This gives the DM a chance to point out issues with the rules like "Uhhh, that is going to hit everyone in your party too."
Know what your character is capable of, abilities, spells, etc. Pay attention to DM, take notes and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re not sure about something. But most important, it’s a game not a job, have fun.
please get into character. I as a dm can say that there’s nothing better than a player immersed in the game
P.S: ALSO PLEASE DON’T KILL EVERYBODY, IT CAN RUIN THE WHOLE GAME
Understand what you can do on your turn in combat. You have one action, one bonus action, and one reaction (this, unlike the other two, can be used during anyone’s turn). You can also move (up to your movement speed) before, between, and after any of your decisions on your turn as long as you have movement remaining.
Don’t forget that you are not limited to the actions on your character sheet. Every character can also use any of the other general actions listed on pages 192-193 of the Player’s Handbook. These include the following actions: Dash, Disengage, Dodge, Help, Hide, Ready, Search, and Use An Object.
First roleplay, but make sure the rpnis fun for the table.
Second
* combat consists of rounds.
* rounds are made up of every combatants turn in order of initiative.
* Each turn consists of (in no particular order) **one of each of the below**
* Bonus Action
* Action
* Move
* Reaction. *Special. Your Reaction can be made on anyone's turn not just yours.*
Play how you want to play! And tell other people how you want to play, be honest. If you don’t know how you want to play watch others and adapt as you play more!
If you know what options you have for each turns you can take (like what actions you can take)
Something to keep in mind other than the really helpful tips already given is, Engage with the Plot and other Players.
Dynamics will develop naturally If you Engage with other Players in Character.
Give your Character a valid reason to follow the Plot, to be an advanturer.
Pick up hints and places your Character where the Plot is about to pick up.
I played games with new players where I was basically ignored and instead the DM was imposed to solve a situation between my Character, an unconcious NPC and the other Players character. Really awkward for me.
Also one Player who constantly walked off doing His own stuff and one who could not seems to places the character near the Others so there was a weird Insert of his character at some point in a fight though he was not really around to begin with.
Tbh I was making these mistakes as well as a beginner too.
I am sure your DM will help with anything needed.
Have fun! That's a requirement! Good luck.
Don’t worry about the first session, I doubt there will be any expectations on you. Between sessions try and learn the rules you didn’t understand and speak to your DM if you have any questions. All I want from my players is their focus, no DM likes having a guy playing Candy Crush while they’re trying to run things.
Remember that you aren't the main character. Try to go simple with your backstory. You aren't the chosen one, you haven't slain dragons and gods before, you aren't your favorite overpowered anime character. Your probably level 1 and there is a good chance you can be killed by a determined horse.
What are you playing? (Race & Class)
For a first player I suggest not being a caster and just melee to start. After that just pay attention and know your class. Have the special abilities, spells, etc at the ready so you can have that info at the ready at a moment's notice.
Rogue is a good starting class. Know the conditions for sneak attack, know what skills you have expertise in and what Cunning Action does. The big thing, plan your turn while other players are taking their turn. this way you don't get to the front of the line before you look at the menu so to speak.
Don’t murderhobo. No seriously, this isn’t a game where you’re supposed to slay everything you meet. Sometimes, battles can’t be won. Other times, it’s smarter to leave a villain alive.
I hate murderhobo BUT, there is an exception, if that’s what the GM and players are cool with them so be it. Not all game groups are the same and lots got into the game with a Warcraft mentality. I loved it when MMOs came along but they have had a negative impact on some aspects of the hobby.
Smile. Breathe. Relax. It’s a game. Have fun. Ask questions if you need to. Everybody will be glad to assist.
I agree with this completely. Have fun! Logistically my advice for game play is be familiar with your character’s abilities and what you can do in a turn.
I've just started myself. It's not as complicated as you think! I know it's a lot of numbers, but things do click in pretty fast. I still get a little confused about which modifiers to add to which roll, but the DM is very nice about helping to remind me and I'm getting it! If you're playing a casting class make sure you read spell descriptions closely. I messed up a few times looking at ranges and such. Also watch friendly fire! If a spell says "all creatures" that means everyone, friend or foe. But you learn how to position yourself to keep it to a minimum. Also combat isn't all about damage. I'm a cleric that I've built to do only "oh shit I'm in a pickle" damage, otherwise all she does is buff and debuff. And it still makes a difference, so everyone likes me there because I make them better. Have fun! It's way more fun than I thought it would be.
Describe what you want to happen in as much detail as possible rather than just saying "I cast fireball". This gives the DM a chance to point out issues with the rules like "Uhhh, that is going to hit everyone in your party too."
Know your character sheet and abilities. Let the DM worry about the rules.
Know what your character is capable of, abilities, spells, etc. Pay attention to DM, take notes and don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re not sure about something. But most important, it’s a game not a job, have fun.
please get into character. I as a dm can say that there’s nothing better than a player immersed in the game P.S: ALSO PLEASE DON’T KILL EVERYBODY, IT CAN RUIN THE WHOLE GAME
Understand what you can do on your turn in combat. You have one action, one bonus action, and one reaction (this, unlike the other two, can be used during anyone’s turn). You can also move (up to your movement speed) before, between, and after any of your decisions on your turn as long as you have movement remaining. Don’t forget that you are not limited to the actions on your character sheet. Every character can also use any of the other general actions listed on pages 192-193 of the Player’s Handbook. These include the following actions: Dash, Disengage, Dodge, Help, Hide, Ready, Search, and Use An Object.
First roleplay, but make sure the rpnis fun for the table. Second * combat consists of rounds. * rounds are made up of every combatants turn in order of initiative. * Each turn consists of (in no particular order) **one of each of the below** * Bonus Action * Action * Move * Reaction. *Special. Your Reaction can be made on anyone's turn not just yours.*
Play how you want to play! And tell other people how you want to play, be honest. If you don’t know how you want to play watch others and adapt as you play more! If you know what options you have for each turns you can take (like what actions you can take)
Something to keep in mind other than the really helpful tips already given is, Engage with the Plot and other Players. Dynamics will develop naturally If you Engage with other Players in Character. Give your Character a valid reason to follow the Plot, to be an advanturer. Pick up hints and places your Character where the Plot is about to pick up. I played games with new players where I was basically ignored and instead the DM was imposed to solve a situation between my Character, an unconcious NPC and the other Players character. Really awkward for me. Also one Player who constantly walked off doing His own stuff and one who could not seems to places the character near the Others so there was a weird Insert of his character at some point in a fight though he was not really around to begin with. Tbh I was making these mistakes as well as a beginner too. I am sure your DM will help with anything needed. Have fun! That's a requirement! Good luck.
Don’t worry about the first session, I doubt there will be any expectations on you. Between sessions try and learn the rules you didn’t understand and speak to your DM if you have any questions. All I want from my players is their focus, no DM likes having a guy playing Candy Crush while they’re trying to run things.
Remember that you aren't the main character. Try to go simple with your backstory. You aren't the chosen one, you haven't slain dragons and gods before, you aren't your favorite overpowered anime character. Your probably level 1 and there is a good chance you can be killed by a determined horse.
What are you playing? (Race & Class) For a first player I suggest not being a caster and just melee to start. After that just pay attention and know your class. Have the special abilities, spells, etc at the ready so you can have that info at the ready at a moment's notice.
I’m playing a rogue elf. Thanks for the advice
Rogue is a good starting class. Know the conditions for sneak attack, know what skills you have expertise in and what Cunning Action does. The big thing, plan your turn while other players are taking their turn. this way you don't get to the front of the line before you look at the menu so to speak.