Hey people, I've been floating around DnD formus for a bit now and I am hoping to get into it. I have been a wargammer for 8 years now and the 'nerdness' of DnD has worn off as I have gotten old and wise (18 ) I have the basic rule books (MM, PH, DMG) plus some others that I have all legally aquired <cough>.

Now here is the question I first pose. I know that DnD has a basic set of rules that teh game is governed by and that the other suppliments help to enrich the game (i.e. such as the Book of Erotic Fantasy .... yeah what teh hell )

But what confuses me is where these adventures take place! I know that there is the ebberon campaign, the Forgotten realms and Dragonlance etc...But which would you recomend for a beginner player to have a go at? I read the Forgotten realms book and I got teh stories behind the regions (on a side note, how do teh regional feats work, that is just confusing), I even have a mild idea I would like to take the campaign (elven lichs in the ex elven city) me and one of the mates I'd like to game with even have our races sorted out.

But is this the best way to start, it there a less 'intrinsic' design to follow or is it best to jump in the deep end and sink or swim .

BTW I HATE DRIZZT, hes so cheesy and lame!!!

Any answers would be appreciated an to applease teh public I sacrifice a muffin and a Penguin to the evil dice gods and will be including SEX in the campaign, just for kicks and to see a mate impliment the 'its not mine' excuss.

Cheers,

Commander Sausage (hopefully making a Half-Drow Druid)

---

I used to hate elves, I then met Tegan, now I want to have a half-drow character...Bastards..hehehe 'strawberry blonde'

The default world setting for D&D is Greyhawk. Information on which is available on the net or in the Greyhawk Gazeteer. Failing that, making up your own world works well. Start small though and low level until you are experienced at pacing the game.

Drizz't fine as a character, to my mind, its his clones that cause problems.

Sex can be a part of a roleplaying game if it is treated in a mature and responsible manner. Having your elf monk bonk the half-orc barbarian cause the dragon tore off all her clothes... There are many degrees of wrongness open to a novice DM.

---

Nihil est ab omni partum beatum.
(Nothing is an unmixed blessing)

You can simply create your own world if you wish, it's not all that hard and can construct it as the campaign progresses. I guess if you're only doing a few quick adventures rather than an entire campaign you're better off with a pre-made world.

---

Scratchit: But he's a cripple!
Blackadder: He's not a cripple, Mrs Scratchit. Occasionally saying "Phew! My leg hurts!" when he remembers to wouldn't fool Baldrick!

The setting matters less than what you plan on doing with it.

If you pick up a two page description of a world and it inspires you to create a story for your players that lasts months of real time, it's far superior an experience than picking up a crate of source books that only drive you to make a half-assed adventure that peters out after a few hours.

I personally enjoy the hell out of Forgotten Realms, but it's all up to you and your preferences. Pick which setting you feel most comfortable in or make it up yourself.

I would avoid using sex in a D&D game, especially starting out. It's far too easy to get into a trap of just going overboard with goofiness.

---

Thanks for the replies guys, mmm many things to think about. Cheers.

I might have to make up my own world. To get things rolling with my mates.

Don't worry, there won't be sex in game, it was a joke

Any suggestions for a beginners setting? (looks like I'm DMing )

 

---

I used to hate elves, I then met Tegan, now I want to have a half-drow character...Bastards..hehehe 'strawberry blonde'

Start small.

Your players are going to initially be just another band of adventurers without any reputation. They're going to be starting off small and doing minor things. Focus on that. What sort of people will beginners run into? What sort of things do people need done that they will need to contract with a wandering band of sell-swords? Is there anyone interesting that they may just bump into? What happens after the job? Will anyone care if there are any loose ends? Will someone care if the job is completed totally successfully?

Where are they going to stay during the job? Is there anyone interesting there? Is there any music playing there? What sort?

If you can answer just half of those question, you're already well on the way to creating a living breathing world for your players' characters to live in.

Remember, it's not how many monsters you kill or how much gold you earn, it's how much fun you have along the way.

---

It's best to start out very simple. A lot of first time DMs will try too much too soon. Start it very simply. There are quite a few pre-made adventures online. I believe Wizards.com has a few good ones.

---

Scratchit: But he's a cripple!
Blackadder: He's not a cripple, Mrs Scratchit. Occasionally saying "Phew! My leg hurts!" when he remembers to wouldn't fool Baldrick!

Thanks for that link VKM, It was really enlightening. I'm thinking that I might just alter the burning plague one to be a little more undead...though the pirates are cool...mmm I think I might be getting a brainwave SCOTTY!!!

I'll knock over these exams and get to work on it (damn real life!)

---

I used to hate elves, I then met Tegan, now I want to have a half-drow character...Bastards..hehehe 'strawberry blonde'

Good plan. It's always best to start off simple and slowly increase the complexity of the quests as you know how to do it. Tell us how the game went.

---

Scratchit: But he's a cripple!
Blackadder: He's not a cripple, Mrs Scratchit. Occasionally saying "Phew! My leg hurts!" when he remembers to wouldn't fool Baldrick!