LetsTalkAboutDnD's recent activity
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Comment on Why don't we have a Star Trek show from the aliens' point of view? in ~tv
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Comment on It's been while since the last one, so players of D&D, Call of Cthulhu or any other TTRPG: What's been going on in your game? in ~games.tabletop
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentThat sucks. Was this a new player who did that? -LTADnDThat sucks. Was this a new player who did that?
-LTADnD
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Comment on It's been while since the last one, so players of D&D, Call of Cthulhu or any other TTRPG: What's been going on in your game? in ~games.tabletop
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentI do have some tips. I go through a checklist: What is the character's social standing? Are they absolutely penniless? Lavishly wealthy with titles? Somewhere in between? This includes ethnic...I do have some tips. I go through a checklist:
- What is the character's social standing? Are they absolutely penniless? Lavishly wealthy with titles? Somewhere in between? This includes ethnic groups if there are any in the setting.
- Who are your family members? What do/did they do and what aspects of your character come from them?
- Where are you from? If this is an established setting, you should do some research. If not, talk to your DM about it. What should be considered is the area's distribution of wealth, quality of life, whether there are guilds or schools of interest, that kind of thing. This can also spark ideas for the kinds of people you'd know outside your family.
- What was your previous occupation?
- Why did you give that up to become an adventurer?
- What are your ambitions?
-LTADnD
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Comment on It's been while since the last one, so players of D&D, Call of Cthulhu or any other TTRPG: What's been going on in your game? in ~games.tabletop
LetsTalkAboutDnD (edited )LinkIt's been a rather long while since I've been active on Tildes. In terms of original content (if you can call conversation starters that) I'm very much a one-trick pony and there's only so much...It's been a rather long while since I've been active on Tildes. In terms of original content (if you can call conversation starters that) I'm very much a one-trick pony and there's only so much that can be talked about in the realm of TTRPGs. Nevertheless, there doesn't seem to have been much chatter on the topic for a while, so I thought I'd throw my hat in again.
The most interesting thing in this realm to happen to me I think, is that I started a new campaign. I've taken a group of beginners who have only played 2-3 times previously and I'm DMing Basic D&D (the '83 Mentzer version). This is my first time DMing (and even playing) this edition of the game. It went very well.
The first session occurred as more of a one-shot, both to allow players to drop out if they had second thoughts (thankfully none did) and to allow me to get acquainted with the rules in play. They slayed some orcs in the forest, defeated their magician leader, and found some treasure - very combat and exploration heavy and not much else, but it served the purpose it was intended for.
The next and latest was the opposite in the best way possible. To put me in the mindset of a pre-WotC DM I decided to use Thunder Rift, integrated into the Mystara setting. I must say: I'm very impressed with that book. I began the session with them approaching the Rift's largest town, Milinir, with a quest hook that would lead them to The Knight of Newts (A book that after reading I'm not nearly as impressed with). Instead they spent the entire session in town, meeting NPCs, exploring and by the end had made their way into the Thieves' Guild - it was brilliant. I improvised Black Thomas the Thief Lord as being impressed by the party thief finding his way in, offering the chance at reputation and wealth in the most aristocratically-sleazy way I could muster. It was the best session I've DMed in quite a while.
-LTADnD
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It's been while since the last one, so players of D&D, Call of Cthulhu or any other TTRPG: What's been going on in your game?
It's been a while since the last one of these, so whether you're providing an update or a brand new story: What's been going on in your game? What excitement has transpired in your life-on-paper?...
It's been a while since the last one of these, so whether you're providing an update or a brand new story: What's been going on in your game? What excitement has transpired in your life-on-paper?
-LTADnD
15 votes -
Comment on What's your game that you'd really like to see made? in ~games
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentSo... D&D in video game form?So... D&D in video game form?
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Comment on "Dungeons & Dragons" and other TTRPGs are pretty misunderstood. What questions about the hobby would you like answered by those who play? in ~games
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentAlthough online may be more convenient, IRL is certainly more fun. If there are any game shops around you, see if they run Adventurers League - the organised system for public D&D games. There's...Although online may be more convenient, IRL is certainly more fun. If there are any game shops around you, see if they run Adventurers League - the organised system for public D&D games. There's no pressure to stick with an AL game so you can drop in and out if you like and an AL character can play at any (level appropriate) AL table anywhere.
Alternatively, if you see yourself more in Matt Mercer's role just get some friends together and DM for them. I talked about DMing in a bit more detail elsewhere in this topic.
-LTADnD
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Comment on In your opinion, why is there something instead of nothing? in ~talk
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentYou already nailed it on the head. It was clearly Gandalf.You already nailed it on the head. It was clearly Gandalf.
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Comment on "Dungeons & Dragons" and other TTRPGs are pretty misunderstood. What questions about the hobby would you like answered by those who play? in ~games
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentI can attest that learning a TTRPG is like learning a foreign language - in that it's very difficult to learn one from a book. You really have to use it in practice to get a hang of it. Furthering...Read the rules later (it will be a lot easier to understand that way anyway).
I can attest that learning a TTRPG is like learning a foreign language - in that it's very difficult to learn one from a book. You really have to use it in practice to get a hang of it. Furthering the analogy: it's also progressively easier to learn more games after you know one.
-LTADnD
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Comment on "Dungeons & Dragons" and other TTRPGs are pretty misunderstood. What questions about the hobby would you like answered by those who play? in ~games
LetsTalkAboutDnD (edited )Link ParentSo there are two roles in D&D - regular players and a special kind of player called the Dungeon Master (DM). There is one DM in each group. They run the adventure and are the arbiter of the rules....So there are two roles in D&D - regular players and a special kind of player called the Dungeon Master (DM). There is one DM in each group. They run the adventure and are the arbiter of the rules. The other players make up the adventuring party of heroes.
Do you really have to read all the rules in order to just attempt to play or what?
No. If you are the DM you need to know the basic rules surrounding skills and combat, but even as DM there are many rules that are just looked up when needed. As a player, you pick up the rules as you play. The Player's Handbook is a reference book to consult, not a textbook to memorise.
So how do you try the game out?
Well, the easiest way is to check out your local gaming shops. Many run something called Adventurers League (AL) which is the official organised play scheme for D&D. Basically how it works is you show up on game night, you'll be helped through making a character (AL gets a lot of newbies, so don't feel out of place by not knowing the game) and that character will be able to play in any Adventurers League game anywhere. You'll be shown the ropes will learn as you play.
If you can't find anywhere that runs AL or you think a public game isn't your cup of tea: Try DMing a game yourself. It's fun, it's creative, and it's not that hard. There are multiple sources of beginner DM help online, including this one which I and many others swear by: Matt Colville's "Running the Game". Watch the first three episodes of that and you'll have everything you need to run a one-shot adventure (for free!).
You seem like you know a bit about the game, but if you haven't actually seen it played before, here are a few sources to give you some insight.
Note about Critical Role: They are professional actors and while they are playing D&D by the rules, they treat it like an improv acting show. Your game probably won't be as professional as their show, so don't set them as the bar.
-LTADnD
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Comment on "Dungeons & Dragons" and other TTRPGs are pretty misunderstood. What questions about the hobby would you like answered by those who play? in ~games
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentHonestly, it 90% practice and 10% talking to other DMs. With the internet, that latter part is many times easier. -LTADnDHonestly, it 90% practice and 10% talking to other DMs. With the internet, that latter part is many times easier.
-LTADnD
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Comment on "Dungeons & Dragons" and other TTRPGs are pretty misunderstood. What questions about the hobby would you like answered by those who play? in ~games
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentThat whole situation was mad, but any publicity is good publicity. The controversy massively increased orders for the game and D&D might not be around today without it. -LTADnDThat whole situation was mad, but any publicity is good publicity. The controversy massively increased orders for the game and D&D might not be around today without it.
-LTADnD
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"Dungeons & Dragons" and other TTRPGs are pretty misunderstood. What questions about the hobby would you like answered by those who play?
Since D&D gained prominence in the late-70s, it's been a game that outsiders to the hobby don't really understand. It has held the stereotype as that weird maths game where kids play as wizards in...
Since D&D gained prominence in the late-70s, it's been a game that outsiders to the hobby don't really understand. It has held the stereotype as that weird maths game where kids play as wizards in basements, or to some: a game that trains you in black magic to be devil worshippers.
D&D is experiencing a boom right now in popularity as the nerdy is becoming cool and many people who would never have dreamt of playing have found themselves with a new hobby. Whether you hold one of those views previously mentioned or are otherwise curious: What would you like to know about D&D and by extension - Tabletop Role-Playing Games?
-LTADnD
31 votes -
Comment on Interrupting a Tender Moment via Improbably Aimed Barrels [D&D Game Tales] in ~games
LetsTalkAboutDnD LinkAbsolutely brilliant. Did the Baron say he was proud because you as DM knew he was about to die, or was that a happy coincidence? -LTADnDAbsolutely brilliant.
Did the Baron say he was proud because you as DM knew he was about to die, or was that a happy coincidence?
-LTADnD
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Comment on Any D&D players around? How'd your last session go? in ~games.tabletop
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentThe only reason I did that was because it was a one-shot, so I didn't mind people dying. If I include a high-level creature in my main game it will typically act blasé towards the weakling party,...I really like the idea of the party being chased by something they can't kill!
The only reason I did that was because it was a one-shot, so I didn't mind people dying. If I include a high-level creature in my main game it will typically act blasé towards the weakling party, rather than be hell-bent on killing them.
As it happened, they activated the mcguffin before any dragon-related deaths. Well - one almost fell to his death from the tower in the ensuing magical effect, but he was luckily grabbed by one of the Kongs.
-LTADnD
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Comment on Any D&D players around? How'd your last session go? in ~games.tabletop
LetsTalkAboutDnD LinkMy previous session went very well. We had a couple players absent and one new joining, so I ran a one-shot. It was set in the middle of a siege on a city by an Elven army and the players had to...My previous session went very well.
We had a couple players absent and one new joining, so I ran a one-shot. It was set in the middle of a siege on a city by an Elven army and the players had to deliver a magic item to determine the fate of their home. It was an action-packed, low-RP session that ended spot on the time limit.
Some highlights:
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One player couldn't think of a personality so he just did an impression of Dr Doofenshmirtz. This culminated in him getting the finishing blow on the Elven Prince, exclaiming "I use my Taser-inator!" and frying him to death with Shocking Grasp.
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A race against time on the top of a tower, trying to use the plot mcguffin while a CR 17 dragon (They were lv 8) tried to stop them.
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Two players being polymorphed into giant gorillas and King Kong boxing this dragon at the top of the tower.
Also, I second the need for a TTRPG-specific sub~. Maybe don't call it DnD though. Something more inclusive of other systems would be better IMO.
-LTADnD
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Comment on Any D&D players around? How'd your last session go? in ~games.tabletop
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentHi again Kom! Unfortunately tags don't notify the user at the moment, but I prowl the D&D discussions. Yeah, one of the things new players do is think "I can do anything?" Then you do something...Hi again Kom!
Unfortunately tags don't notify the user at the moment, but I prowl the D&D discussions.
Yeah, one of the things new players do is think "I can do anything?" Then you do something like teabag someone, pickpocket random people, etc. The novelty wears off eventually, which I'm not sure is a good or bad thing.
-LTADnD
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Comment on Just getting into DnD, tips/help? in ~games
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentAh sorry - I'm an experienced DM; I was specifically asking about running/playing AD&D 1e, as I'm unfamiliar with that system's oddities. That's some good advice for OP though -LTADnDAh sorry - I'm an experienced DM; I was specifically asking about running/playing AD&D 1e, as I'm unfamiliar with that system's oddities.
That's some good advice for OP though
-LTADnD
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Comment on ASL? Just kidding but seriously where are most of you Tildoes from? in ~talk
LetsTalkAboutDnD LinkAge: Somewhere between 5 and 500 Sex: M Location: UKAge: Somewhere between 5 and 500
Sex: M
Location: UK
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Comment on Just getting into DnD, tips/help? in ~games
LetsTalkAboutDnD Link ParentThanks for the shout-out, cfabbro! Unfortunately for these general "how do I get into D&D?" questions, I've resorted to repeating much of my advice, although I'm still happy to pitch in. -LTADnDThanks for the shout-out, cfabbro!
Unfortunately for these general "how do I get into D&D?" questions, I've resorted to repeating much of my advice, although I'm still happy to pitch in.
-LTADnD
And don't forget that 3/5 series Captains became Admirals.
Archer went on to become an admiral, ambassador and president of the world during his life.
Kirk, despite later being lowered in rank, was an admiral for over a decade. During that time he saved Earth and/or the Alpha Quadrant three times.
Janeway also became an admiral, but I'm not convinced she isn't at risk of evil admiral syndrome.
Off the top of my head, Dr McCoy was also made admiral during his life. It's not a stretch then to imagine that most series' crews would also have admirals among their ranks - especially the likes of Riker, Tuvok, Geordi, etc.