Having spent the last year using what little spare gaming time I have to play DnD, I thought i'share some of my journey. Looking at the stories told, as well as what I think of DnD in general - being a total paper RPG noob n all.
A shared experience
I previously spent much of my game/hobby time (pre fatherhood), painting little soldiers and crafting lists of doom to vanquish my opponent. And what I fun I had, and will have again. But it was nice to change the pace to a pen and paper RPG.
One reason is that it's primarily a co-op experience. While beating, or getting beat, was entertaining. DnD allowed me to team up with some of my Infinity buddies, then combine skills to craft a story and over come obstacles together. Then there is story, which is where our group puts it's focus. Min maxing a character is a part, but in general it's a shared adventure where we are telling the story.
The vital component must be the DM, which can make or break a group. Fortunately we have a very good one, who knows the rules and is most importantly well organized. A whole series of articles could be written on the DM role. They really have to want to do it, and have the willingness to grow into it and develop the required skills.
Understanding the people in your group is also important. You might have someone who loves combat and maxing their stats, or another who loves to role play. Everyone will enjoy different aspects of game, and it helps to understand your own preferences and role in the party. And when to shine the spot light on someone else to give them a memorable moment to excel.
5th ed DnD and its mechanics
As a new player, i can't comment on previous systems, or if Pathfinder is better. I know we switched to 5th as it seemed a cleaner more flexible system. Which for me has worked, as i found it easy to get into, and then further discover the intricacies. I built my character with his background being the driving force, and let that dictate what choices I make as he progresses. 5th has some great flexibility, and i feel the rules are providing the materials to build him how i want, rather than capitalize on loop holes. You can of course still break the game, but again that comes back to your DM, as well as the focus of the group.
Looking at my Rogue, at the crucial level 3 I took him into the Assassin archetype. Despite his high end art thief background, he is a character looking to take back his inheritance. Where guile had failed, he now needs to gather resources and apply more forceful means. Plus the fact in order to gain those resources and wealth he has faced great danger in many dungeons. The Assassin archetype was chosen as it's skills align better to the background I created. The Thief has some great perks, but wasn't a perfect fit. The Arcane Trickster makes up the third and final choice, and while great, I didn't want to go down a magical path. Plus we have an outstanding wizard who loves spell casting and does it fantastically well.
In play we've had a smooth time with 5th DnD. No rules situation has ever risen to challenge the atmosphere of the story, or spirit of the group. 5th just ticks away in the background, letting you tell a tale of adventure. The character sheet is well designed and easy to follow. And yes, i've looked at magic, and that too is pretty straight forward for a new player to manage.
Most memorable session…so far
We have had a ton of excellent sessions, but one in particular sticks out that really hooked me in. It was a micro session, just me, a friend, and the DM. A side quest if you will, set apart from the groups main story threads. An old face from my rogues past turned up in town, and was in need of favor. We were tasked with stealing a prized artifact owned by a wealthy aristocrat, which was on display during a lavish evening ball. My rogues partner in crime would be the groups Tiefling warlock, who had a shady charlatan background too. Beyond that we had to figure out how to gain entrance, and steal the artifact in the presence of hundreds of guests. It felt like a brilliant level from the game Thief or Hitman.
It also illustrated our DM knowing how to craft the right kind of adventure for his players. The rogue got to sneak about and impersonate people, while the warlock got to play with illusions skills and manipulate his audience. We did of course pull it off, with every little step and event being incredibly memorable. From the failed switching of the statue, to the desperate smash and grab escape. What's cool is that my character now carries around a sword from that quest, a fine rapier. So I get reminded of the story when ever I use it in battle.
The groups story and adventurers
Pulling together characters in the beginning is always fun. Who doesn't love an origin story? The scene for our groups gathering was a private security firm, hiring the adventuring types for daring missions and escort duty. The Brass Lantern Company had hired us to escort a few dwarven miners and their supplies. Of course things go horribly wrong, and the story unravels into a plot to control a long lost cave full of arcane treasures. If you play DnD then you'll recognize this as the starter quest, Lost Mine of Phandelver.
Using that as base, we have built on that. using the small town of Phandalin as a home. It's developed from it's humble quiet village roots into a town enjoying growth thanks to our exploits. One inn was even renamed after a session revolved around defending it. Thanks to the groups love of gambling, it also has a seedy gambling den where us card sharks swim.
The overall main quest is about locating massive ancient arrows used to fell dragons, terrible weapons lost but now beginning to surface again. Whilst of course lining our pockets with gold, and tussling with all manor of dark creatures (seriously, don't read the bestiary - some crazy stuff out there).
We've ventured to well known places such as Neverwinter too. The big smoke offering it s distinct flavor on proceedings.
So who do we have in our party?
Silver, Half Elven Rogue (Me)
Glim, Gnomish Wizard
Some call him Tim, Tiefling Warlock
Ellywick, Gnomish Shadow Monk
Biblios, Dragonborn Barbarian
Malik, Wood Elf Ranger
Laele, Dark Elf Paladin
Gorum, Human Fighter (retired, but still present as NPC)
Zhan, Dragonborn (retired, but still present as NPC)
Recommended Viewing
There are some really good DnD shows out there. These are two of my faves:
Critical Role - Nerdy ass voice actors play D&D:
Acquisitions Inc -
Still alive and rolling dice! Good to hear you continue to dig the fun of rpgs. Can't say I'm a fan of 5thEd myself, far too simplistic for this old roleplayer. Saying that, at least it's not 4thEd!
ReplyDeleteHope to see some more on your roleplaying exploits mate. My blog will feature some of my own once I start running my own campaign (Mod'd Pathfinder rules) next month.
That is good to hear, look forward to reading about your mod'd adventures. I think with a smart GM you can adapt the rules to what works for you. Either simplifying, or layering in more depth. Matthew Mercer from Critical Role has added in quite a few tweaks to the 5th ed rule set, including classes. You just need to apply sensibility to the changes, to ensure it's balanced and fun. Make changes as you go along.
DeleteI will be dropping in more RPG stuff. We may even try the Infinity RPG at some point. The painting bug may return if/when I get a bit more time.