Rules, which ones to use?

Hi We are a small group, that would like to use Roll20 to play some D&D. But what rules do people use when playing? Found these books by wizards of the coast: Dungeon masters guide 1+2 (2008) Monster Guide (2008) 1+2 Players handbook (2008) 1+2 They look good, but what do you guys think? :) Knud

If I was held to an edition that was currently available, I would play 1st edition or old red box. &nbsp;Having said that, you should check out the current playtest for the next version of DnD. &nbsp;My old school group has been playing it for awhile and it feels like DnD. &nbsp;You can find it at <a href="http://www.dndnext.com" rel="nofollow">www.dndnext.com</a> if you are interested.

Knud H. , you can play almost any game you want on Roll20. RPGs, Wargames, Board games, and Card games are all possible. :) Currently the most popular RPG games on Roll20 are D&amp;D 4th edition, D&amp;D 3.5 edition, and Pathfinder (a variation on D&amp;D 3.5). You can use the SRD's and PRD's for 3.5 and Pathfinder so that basically makes them free although you can buy Pathfinder PDFs and books and you can probably find used 3.5 books.&nbsp; WIth that said, you don't have to limit yourself to D&amp;D type games if you don't want to. There are many other games being played on Roll20.&nbsp; Here are a few links to the SRD/PRDs 3.5:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.d20srd.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.d20srd.org/</a> Pathfinder:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.d20pfsrd.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.d20pfsrd.com/</a> &nbsp;and&nbsp; <a href="http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/" rel="nofollow">http://paizo.com/pathfinderRPG/prd/</a> - Gauss

People play so many different kinds of D&amp;D from basic D&amp;D all the way through to D&amp;Dnext. I would suggest finding a group to join with or finding a single version you like yourself and playing that. Like Gauss stated there are a lot of other games out there as well, so you may end up finding one of those works for you or even a house rules version of an existing game. Can I ask you a couple of questions... Have you played an RPG before or will the experience be completely new for you? Do you want to play D&amp;D specifically or are you more interested in just trying our RPG's in general? Do you have a group already or do you want/need to find one?

rules? I just make this shit all up as I go. I have a story to tell :D

William P has a point.&nbsp; If you want, you can just start without rules except some basic ones from the books you mentioned, such as "higher then ten succeeds." And "Warriors can swing swords and wizards can shoot missiles". Rules for beginners can definitely complicate things.&nbsp; Some people in dnd would tell you that for new players it is best not to explain the rules except when they come up in game.&nbsp; Some like simple rules, so simple rules in combat and out of combat could really benefit your group. Many people use hybrid rules as well.&nbsp; Some from this system and some from that. However, what I would recommend since it is a group of friends that are interested - meaning long term and looking for real good fun- is to start doing it as soon as you can (meaning just play however and whatever).&nbsp; You can discuss and plan in these types of games until it rains cats and dogs but it won't mean much until you meet for a session and sessions can - depending on the group - last for a long time.&nbsp; You can also figure out by talking to the friends what type of rules they want. Some would say the best advice for newcomers is just do it.&nbsp; Right now that is what I would like to say to you.

Knud H. said: Hi We are a small group, that would like to use Roll20 to play some D&amp;D. But what rules do people use when playing? Found these books by wizards of the coast: Dungeon masters guide 1+2 (2008) Monster Guide (2008) 1+2 Players handbook (2008) 1+2 They look good, but what do you guys think? :) Knud If you want to buy them and stick with that system then go for it. If you want a simpler system then take a look at some of the retro-clones like Swords and Wizards, Labyrinth Lords or (my favorite)&nbsp; <a href="http://www.basicfantasy.org/index.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.basicfantasy.org/index.html</a> . Everyone will have their opinion of what you should do but keep it simple to start out with no matter what. Robert Towell asked some very good questions that will help people help you. Depending on how you answer those beginning questions will direct people in how they should answer you. His last question you answered in your original post as&nbsp; Knud H. said: Hi We are a small group, that would like to use Roll20 to play some D&amp;D.

The other two will point which direction of how we can help you Robert Towell said: Have you played an RPG before or will the experience be completely new for you? Do you want to play D&amp;D specifically or are you more interested in just trying our RPG's in general?

look, all kidding aside I would start off with the basic core rule book and monster manual. Be familiar with whats in the DMG and use it if it comes up. Don't let the rules bog down your fun. If you guys are 100% new to dnd and want a kicking off point i'll run a quick (I mean very quick) one shot to help point you in the right direction. (again i will probabaly be making it up as I go.)

Have already started reading the rules mentioned, and they seem quite alright. We could just start like you guys say, but I like to know the basic rules before starting, and got a feeling the other do too ;) @Robert Towell Have you played an RPG before or will the experience be completely new for you? yes I have played a little D&amp;D and Firefly some years ago, but the others haven't. Do you want to play D&amp;D specifically or are you more interested in just trying our RPG's in general? We all love the medieval D&amp;D universe Do you have a group already or do you want/need to find one? Got a group ;) Thanks a lot guys :)

If you want to be strict, know all the rules regarding particular roles.&nbsp; If you are loose about the rules like I am, then just take the skill required for the task the character is rolling for and judge it.&nbsp; If it's simple either just allow it without rolling, or allow lower numbers to pass.&nbsp; Difficult task require higher DC to approve. These are examples of how I do it, but that's not how you should.&nbsp; You are the DM.&nbsp; It's your game. Character is jumping over a rock about the size of a medium dog.&nbsp; No roll.&nbsp; Seems like a waste. Character is jumping over a rock the size of a very large dog and stabs a goblin.&nbsp; Yeah, I wanna see a roll. DC would probably be somewhere around 15.&nbsp; Then an attack roll vs AC. Character is wearing heavy armor jumping over cliff two spaces wide.&nbsp; Standard action requiring a high DC probably around 20. I don't know exact rules. Someone else might burn me for the loose interpretation, but I care not. The best experience is by doing. Correct mistakes later.&nbsp; The most important factor is have fun .

Michael is very correct about a few things. Having fun is the most important factor but knowing roughly how to judge a DC and when to roll for &nbsp;things like the jump is also important. The other stuff I don't know the system so I will take his word at it.

Drop me a line if you want me to run that one shot. Its fun getting new guys into my life draining hobby :D