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Any suggestions for getting into DnD?
I've been interested in getting into it for the last few years but haven't managed to get started, no one I know personally is into it, and within online communities I'm a part of I sometimes miss dates for campaigns, often due to my work schedule.
Looks like you're having a schedule issue more than a DnD issue.
There are adventures meant to be played on a single day, they are called one shots. You'd probably need to take some measures to simplify and expedite character creation, but I think it's doable. People do that at conventions.
Another alternative would be to find a group of players that are just as busy as yourself, with a flexible schedule and less frequent sessions.
You could also play a game that is similar to DnD, but simpler and faster. Worlds Without Number might be a good option. It's focused on on-the-fly generation so less preparation is needed for the DM.
I agree with this. Whenever we get new people into tabletop role-playing, we just do one shots. Sometimes the one shots extend to 2 or 3 more sessions if things drag on a bit. But most of them are meant to be done in a day.
It's also great for you to figure out whether you do actually like playing, and whether the group's dynamic fits you.
That's kind of how I found my current group. We've been playing together for about two years now. But before that, we played one shots on and off with various other people.
Then a small group of us realised our schedules and play styles matched up, so we started a longer campaign.
Emphasis on the schedule bit. We worked out how often we would play and had more flexible schedules for players whose schedules were unpredictable.
This is the biggest impediment. No matter the medium, the most important thing for a DnD group to stick around is that everyone shows up every time. Not literally every time, but there should be minimal flaking. Flaky members is the #1 doctor recognized reason for DnD group death.
Other than that, if you're going for online games, I'd try paid games. They're not expensive or anything, but they're much less flaky than any other form of online game, which tend to immediately disappear into the wind after the first session. Having invested $5, $10, $15 into it people have more of an incentive to show up.
I feel like it works best if you have a group minimum, like if you have a party of 5 or 6, and 3 can show up, you run the session with a plan for what to do with the characters who are absent.
Does the DM run their character? Does another player? Do they get sent off to other tasks while the present adventurers continue?
It can be situational, but if the players agree, the campaign continues. This helps with busy players.
it’s not for everyone but i really enjoyed going to Adventurers League sessions at a local board game bar. it’s pretty structured play but there are usually players of all experience levels and a great way to get to try a bunch of campaigns with quality GM/DMs
I was going to mention D&D Adventurer's League as well - it's not something I've tried, but my understanding is that it's designed with single session adventures and allows for interchangeable dungeon masters (since sessions don't end in the middle of the adventure).
exactly. sometimes they do multi-session runs if the group is consistent enough but the DMs do a great job accommodating the fluctuating attendees week-to-week.
I find it's very easy to rope friends and newbies into a game if you're willing to be the Dungeon Master. That's how I started "playing" D&D myself, and I still enjoy being a Dungeon Master more than being a player.
Dungeons & Dragons 5E has a starter set that will give you everything you need, including the core rules, an adventure module, and some guidance to run it. Eventually you can buy the full rulebooks, which add more content for higher levels of gameplay.
Have fun!
I've still struggled to keep a group together despite being the GM and having a regular schedule.
lol, and here I am posting because my pathfinder session fell through again with too many players not making it. I need to get a one-shot prepared so I have something ready next time this happens.
Perhaps an asynchronous campaign is for you? Play-by-mail still exists on various forums and Discords, though I personally couldn't point you towards any.
Gamersplane is a nice place for play-by-post games, with an assortment of systems that include 5e (presumably what OP's referring to).
I'll look into it, thank you!