Aging old-hat noobie - where to start? - Pathfinder, D&D4e, or Fantasy Hero / Champions

New here, new to the idea of tabletop online. But old to RPGs - started in 1982 with a little red box. But I've been away from 'table top RPGs' since about 2006. I've been heavily in MMOs since that time. Back in the day I was usually the GM - but never quite felt my skills were up to the task (my plots always seemed disjointed to me - I ad-lib too much). What should I do or be reading / following to get myself up to speed here? Technology wise I'm on an 2011 iMac - anything I need to know to get the video side working for the tool here? Games wise I'm interested in Pathfinder and D&D4e, or Hero System as used for Fantasy or Super heroes. Also open to Mutants & Masterminds or the New Marvel game - but less informed on those. However I'm wondering if I should first just be 'lurking about' or not to figure things out. Character wise I tend to prefer playing things like 'Orcs' / 'half-Orcs', 'Kobolds', 'Minotaur', etc... but as good ethos (yet often disdainful of the 'good-stamped races'). The write-ups for Kobolds and 1/2 Orcs in Pathfinder, and Minotaur in 4E D&D looked very appealing on 'first-read' in a few books I've purchased. Like to go for something frontline bruiser. Years in MMOs have retrained me from my original days of playing the magic-user over to thinking like a 'tank' / melee. About me: San Francisco native, 42, male, married to non-gamer, multi-racial, web-developer with poly-sci / law education, liberal. Formerly 3D artist.

I would say start by reading the main book of the system you'd like to try first, if you think you're rusty. If not, post your timezone, availability, and which system you'd like to play. I have not used the video component, and all of the campaigns I've been in have been voice+text only (either through roll20, or roll20 and G+/Skype). So I'd say get G+ and/or Skype if you haven't yet. As for what you need to know technology wise, I would suggest using Chrome for all of your roll20 campaigns and disabling 3D dice. To join any game, just look at all the threads here and leave a reply if interested, or check out the Looking for Group section.

Kichwas - since you've got a wide range of games you're interested in, I think you should probably focus on finding a group that matches your preferences first rather than the details of any game system.  It's often more difficult to find people who share your outlook on gaming or availability than just a preference for systems.  So, browsing the LFG forums here and then the  LFG Search app  are good starts.  There's quite a bit going on over on Google+ for gaming as well. Most importantly:  welcome back and good luck!

Chances are Pathfinder and D&amp;D 3.5 will be the easiest for you to slide into due to close familiarity with original D&amp;D and the fact that these game's rules and resources can be found for free online. Pathfinder: <a href="http://www.d20pfsrd.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.d20pfsrd.com/</a> d20/3.5: <a href="http://www.d20srd.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.d20srd.org/</a>

Kichwas, A friend and I are in the same position you are in here. &nbsp; Old time gamers, new to this method of playing. &nbsp; We are both also greater bay area like yourself. &nbsp;Basically looking for a way to play games without the traffic. &nbsp; We are looking at friday nights, are you good for that time period? Jim

I am super interested in Mutants and Masterminds Third Edition! You can read up on the bare bones of the system over here at: <a href="http://www.d20herosrd.com" rel="nofollow">www.d20herosrd.com</a> &nbsp;for the Full version complete with officially licensed DC Comic book characters, look for DC Adventures at your local store.

M&amp;M is a great game, but I must admit I really would love to play or run a good and ole Hero System 5th or 6th ed game.

Kichwas, if you return to see this thread, do contact me. &nbsp; A group of local friends are talking about starting up a group and sharing some of the GM jobs. &nbsp; Most of the systems you mentioned are systems this group has already played games in. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Eavatar! *shakes fist*

My suggestion is Savage Worlds, and possibly FATE (like Dresden Files or Legends of Anglerre). Both are pulp-y, with little book keeping (unlike recent d&amp;d based games). Savage Worlds Deluxe Explorer's edition is also very inexpensive (10 USD) and very flexible and useful for many genres. For more indie stuff, try Apocalypse World (or Dungeon World).