The Dresden Files > DFRPG

Learning to play RPGs / Where to Find Players

(1/7) > >>

Chianacat:
I've always wanted to play RPGs but have never known anyone who plays so I've never even gotten to see other people play.  I would love to learn about them and playing, especially in anticipation of this one coming out.  Any suggestions for me, as far as learning how to play and finding people around my area who play?

spycer:
Really depends on what game(s) you are looking to learn, and where in the country you live.

Conventions are good gathering places of gamers willing to teach.  Most schools have a gaming club of some kind, or a bulletin board for games, etc.

TheMouse:
One way to start is to find your local gaming store (often abbreviated LGS) and try to join a game. This has some advantages and some disadvantages. On the plus side, you might end up in a game without needing to invest any money or much time. On the down side, since you're gaming with strangers and don't know your preferences yet, you might end up playing with people you don't get along with or in a game that you don't enjoy.

You could try getting into a play by post game. RPG.net has a play by post forum.  On the plus side, you get to read some threads and see which games look like they might be fun for you. On the down side, PBP lacks the face to face facet of table top role playing.

One way lots of folks start is to look around for a game that looks fun, grab a couple of their friends willing to try something new, and try to teach themselves. I would suggest finding a free game online rather than spending your hard earned cash, as you're not sure yet if it's your thing. I'd also suggest something that's pretty simple; that way you can concentrate on finding you role playing comfort zone rather than the rules. You can find an enormous selection of free RPGs here:

http://www.darkshire.net/~jhkim/rpg/freerpgs/

PDQ and Risus are very light, but I'm not sure how much play advice they offer; both of these are generic systems which allow you to play in any sort of genre and setting you like. Barbarians of Lemuria seems simple enough, and I've heard folks saying they've had a good time with it; this game is a sword and sorcery game which takes a lot of inspiration from Conan. Four Colors is a dead simple super heroes game of the 4 color variety (good guys are good, bad guys are bad, and such).

There are lots and lots of other games and sources of games out there. If you have any idea what type of setting in which you'd like to play, perhaps I could be of further assistance.

finarvyn:
As was mentioned, there are lots of online places where you can talk about gaming or play an online game. (Here, for example, there are many of us who can answer specific questions you might have.)

Many local bookstores and game stores have boards where you can post to find players. Or ask some of the workers -- often they know about the games and maybe can steer you toward someone who plays. Some game stores have back rooms where gamers can hang out and run a game or get into a game.

Also, you might try a game convention. There are really big ones like GenCon in Indianapolis, but there are sometimes local conventions so you might do a Google search on your area to see what you can find. The neat thing about conventions is that you can stand around and watch people play, or many times there are game demos where they will teach you, or you can sign up for a full-fledged game (which typically lasts about four hours).

In general, gamers like to talk about gaming and most of them will be willing to take some time to explain what to do. Keep in mind that in order to play most games you don't need to know much about the rules -- it's the guy running the game who needs how to do that!

Fyrchick:

Lemme check with some of my friends in the area...
I know a few of the local SCA/RPGers who who EVERYONE and stuff. How far are you willing to drive for a game? What's your nearest town?

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page