Tips for New Players

It often helps for beginning players to have advice on how to play Dungeons & Dragons. Many points are overlooked by novices in their eagerness to get on with the adventure. The following points are given to help these neophyte players.

Most importantly, players should be organized and cooperative. Each player should have complete information on his or her character easily on hand and should supply the Dungeon Master with this information quickly and accurately if asked. An adventuring party will usually involve a variety of alignments and classes (Evil PC's will not be allowed as the goal is cooperation), so players should work together to use their abilities effectively. Arguing among players can cause delays, attract monsters, and often result in the wasting of precious resources or even the deaths of some or all of the members. While disagreements about a course of action certainly arise from time to time, players should quickly discuss their options and reach a consensus in order to proceed.

Cooperation should also be given to the DM. He or she is the judge of the game and his or her decisions are final. If a player disagrees, he or she should calmly state why, but accept whatever the DM decides. If necessary, the topic can be discussed outside of the game, but for the sake of all players, avoid prolonged disruptions of play. Shouting, crying, pouting, or refusing to accept decisions only angers the other players. The game should be fun for all involved. Not everything will go the way players want it. As such, the DM deserves the continued cooperation, consideration, and respect of all the players. Above all, remember that this is just a game and a little consideration can go far toward avoiding any hard feelings.

Planning is another important part of play. Players should be well equipped, comparing each member's List and balancing the items on each. No character should be overburdened nor under-equipped. This may mean sharing the costs of extra items. Rope, oil, torches, spikes, and other useful items should always be carried. Plans should be considered for encountering monsters and casting spells.

Caution is also necessary and is a part of planning. A party that charges forward without preparation is almost certainly doomed. Danger should be expected at any moment and from any direction, possibly even from one's own party. Lying and trickery are not unknown. Cautious play will help avoid many (but not all) tricks and traps and may save a character's life. However, too much caution is as dangerous as too little. Many instances will require bold and quick actions on the part of the players, before all is lost. As you gain playing experience you will learn the proper pace, but often it is wise to rely on your DM for guidance.

Treat any nonplayer characters, hirelings, or followers fairly. If you reward them generously and do not expose them to great risks of life and limb that your own character would not face, then you can expect a continuing loyalty. Although there may be exceptions, of course.

Know your character's limits. Your party may not be a match for every monster you encounter, and occasionally it pays to know when and how to run away from danger. Likewise, a dungeon adventure may have to be cut short if your party suffers great adversity and / or depleted resources. Often it takes more than one foray to accomplish certain goals, and it becomes necessary to come back out of a dungeon to heal wounds, restore magical abilities and spells, resupply with equipment, and reinforce a party's strength. Plan accordingly for such retreats.

Above all, a player must think. The game is designed to challenge the minds and imaginations of the players. Those who tackle problems and use their abilities, wits, and new ideas will succeed more often than fail. Many of the characters' goals in the game can be accomplished through the strength of arms or magic. Others, however, demand common sense and shrewd judgment as well as logical deduction. The most successful players are those who can effectively use both aspects of the game to their advantage. The challenge of thinking is a great deal of the fun of the game. Be on your guard. Don't be overly cautious, but be advised that some enemies may try to hoodwink you, PCs may double cross you, and while adventuring, tricks and traps await the unwary. Of course, you won't avoid every such pitfall (dealing with the uncertainties is part of the fun and challenge of the game), but don't be surprised if everything is not always as it seems.

The fun of a D&D game comes in playing your character's role. Take on your character's persona and immerse yourself in the game setting, enjoying the fantasy element and the interaction with your fellow players and the Dungeon Master.

Remember, this is a game, and the object is for all to have fun.

Approved Source Books

Player's Handbook

Character Advancement