TOTAL beginner wants play Dungeons & Dragons where to start? Is it possible to learn it for free? so confused?

Question

I live in Latvia where no such a ting like Dungeons and dragons exist. So i dont even know where to start. I firstly would like to understand game for free, i would like to see how game is played, learn basic mechanisms and what exactly is this game. reference documents are deadly hard, id like to see some help for noobs and read how game session goes. You get the point ^^

Im actually so confused. Im afraid that game is way too hard to to even play. Is it possible to learn game this way for free or i will get more confused? If it is please point in internet where i can get some handy info.

Also im able to get only books from amazon. but im not willing to spend all precios money. When i somehow will learn game for free i think i will buy some books. theyre more handy than tons of pages, right? please could you point which books i need and with what version i should start. ^^

~Terribly confused girl (so many numbers *_* ...)

Answer 1

Try a few others first that are completely free listed here:

http://www.darkshire.net/~jhkim/rpg/free...

You can pick the fantasy link near top of page or pick another genre. (this exact page is to "ruleslite" easier to learn but fun rpgs)

Once you try a few RPGs Dungeons & Dragons will be easier to learn and play!

Then take a look at:

http://www.trollandtoad.com/Dungeons-%26...

Here you can BUY D&D online. But the great thing about this "store" is that they sell 1st,2nd,3rd,3.5,and 4th edition!

And many other rpg systems old and new.

Answer 2

Well, D&D does have a LOT to it, though its a lot easier than it looks after you start learning how the game works.

Its a game that mixes storytelling, a bit of acting, and action packed gameplay.  Most players in a group control characters in a fantasy world.  Numbers and abilities describe what a character is able to do.  One player is controls the rest of the world, the monsters they fight and the people they interact with.

You are looking at starting the game at a good time - the new 4th edition just came out, and its being very popular.  There are three main books; the Player's Handbook, the Dungeon Master's Guide, and the Monster Manual.  Someone who wants to run a game probably wants all three; someone playing with an existing group can do fine with just the Player's Handbook (and even then, you really don't need one for EVERY player in the group).

By far the best way to play D&D is to find a group to join in.  Often, you can get started without any needing materials (though you may want to buy a Player's Handbook if you like the game).  However, that doesn't sound like an option.

Some people play online.  Over at www.wizards.com/dnd, they have a weekly beginners online game in the chatroom.  The forums on wizards.com are also a great resource, and include game group locators for different areas - you can try posting there to find people in your area.

The game reference document you mention was a free online resource for 3rd edition.  It described all the game mechanics, but not necessarily in a nice way for learning the game; it was designed for people writing game supplements.  And I'd try 4th edition over 3rd anyway.

If you are interested in 3rd edition, you can head over to paizo.com and download (free) the complete playtest edition of their Pathfinder game, which is a slightly upgraded and improved version of D&D 3.5.  3rd edition was a bit more complicated and clunky than 4th, but many people prefer it.

Also keep in mind there are lots of other roleplaying games out there.  Savage Worlds, for example, is a complete generic game system for only $10!  You can also find adventure board games like Return of the Heroes or Dungeoneer.

Good luck - happy gaming!