Hello, I have never played D&D but I have heard of it and my friend and I are looking into it just to try it out if only once. Just to try it out. What do I need/would you recommend I purchase to play the game for the first time? The more help I can get, the better.
I remember when I was in elementary school, in first and second grade, at the edge of the school property were some tall trees. My friends and I would always pick up some sticks and role-play battles XD
i have been interested in D&D for quite a while.but never actualy got into it. recently i got a set of rulebooks (still have to buy dice and possibly figures) and have found a few friends actualy willing to give it a go with me. from the massive rule books it seemed quite complicated, and since i started the motion i will probably be DM. and thanks to this video. i will probably feel a little bit more confident on my 1st time being DM. so thank you.
I keep hearing how hard running a game is and so many people make it sound like some mountain they climbed and triumphed. Such a difficult task I'm told...over and over. Then this video explains it is sooo easy. Then a promise of players knowing how to make a character. That is the hard part. Getting a person to pick up that book and reading it. How many times do I have to make a damn rogue for another player!? I said enough make your own character. Now every one wants to be a fighter! >.<
One of the things I have run into a great deal is favoritism on the part of the DM. When teaching a player the ins and out of DM'ing, I strongly caution them about this. It nearly ruined me on D and D, something which, once past that aspect, has been a wonderfully fun experience for me and my family.
An excellent and intelligent view of dungeons and dragons dming. Thank you Repsesper, I was considering getting into this game with my son and after listening to you I know I will. Excellent advice and an excellent delivery of it.
@repsesper Before my daughter went off to college, she, her mother and I used to play together. Now my wife and I play together running each other back and forth on tasks, adventures and sometimes, just roleplay. We've built quite our own little world over the years.
I'm a new DM for a group I've brought together, I came across the game accidentally and haven't memorized a lot of the monsters. I know the basic rules but as far as the monsters would you advocate giving monsters my own personal stats, along with my own personal xp for their encounters?
Hey I'm a new DM working with a nearly completely inexperienced group, at the moment my camping revolves around the fact that it takes place in the early days of the 4e world, while the Dawn War is still raging. After watching your videos I've decided to follow your advice on keeping things simple to start and the heroic lvs will focus on a small local controlled by Io (who hasn't been split yet). Do you have any tips for running a world in this setting, or working out nuances of the early gods?
@5940David It would be a time of great uncertainty, for the gods and the primordials wage intense wars across the planes. The world is a battlefield in places. The primal spirits have not yet made their decree to banish immortals and elements from the World (though they would be fighting on the same side as the gods, more or less). The gods' have not yet learned as many lessons (their are tremendously powerful, but not omnipotent).
@repsesper Thanks for your reply, I hadn't thought about what lessons the gods may or may not have learnt. My core problem is trying to fine (or create) monsters that fit a heroic level party but keep up a theme of the elemental chaos (they have an army of followers). I'd love to hear any ideas or recommendations you have as to what monsters to use.
Thanks for the great videos, btw, they have been immensely helpful and encouraging with forming my game.
hey I have never played DnD and I heard it is a bit nerdy (but i dont really care :P) where can I find a kit to create my character, and where can I find a nearby DM :P
Well you can go to the nearest tablestore rpg buy the player's handbook to make your character and maybe find a DM. College usally have a rpg club where you could find a dm.
I created a quite efficient way of progressing characters. Make them pass a somewhat difficult challenge, and then if they pass the challenge, they'd at some point later on get an item that would make it easier to complete similar challenges in the future. That way they have to figure out how to survive the challenge on their own before making it easier. But there would still be a challenge in getting the item itself, such as plans for something such as a construct, or temporarily enchanted
@repsesper your vids are always informative and usefull. I have taken all the advice u have given thus far and applied it to my games. So thank you for all your tips and keep them coming!
I am a first time player in addition to being a first time DM for a group of my friends that are also total n00bs when it comes to D&D. But you sir, have opened my eyes and I am no longer so doubtful about my campaign. Thanks a lot, I can't wait to play.
@assassian451 The dungeon masters kit and the monster vaults have really nice tokens that come with the books. if i didnt have the miniatures i would definetly use them. they also contain maps and adventures that you could use.
This is helpful. Me and a few friends are thinking about playing DnD and most of them are saying that I should be DM since I have the most DnD knowledge(though I have yet go the chance to play it :( ) but this video helped me ease my stress alot and more confident on how to do this. Thanks.
@Kain5th Absolutely! You could easily build an orc dragon sorcerer or some sort of demon-infused orc. Customization and imagination are two of D&D's main strong points.
resper i have a problem two of my players (a gnoll ranger,and a kobold wizard) want to fight the other players. The other players are okay with the sudden attacks it does provide a great rolplaying oppurtinity but last time it was almost a TPK. what should i do
@gaytar1 You should definitely explain to the players that this player vs. player style is not enjoyable for you. You don't have to be rude, just be honest. Later on, you might design a town that has an arena in which the players can battle each other and other NPCs, it doesn't even have to be lethal combat.
I've watched a large number of your videos over this weekend and just wanted to say thanks as I'm thinking of picking up 4e and the advice you give over all aspects of the game is solid.
Great vid. I think it would be great to include a video walking us through how you personally put together your encounters, specifically the battles. I know the DMG has a guide for it but some simple explanation here would be great. :)
I actually have an odd question. There have been times where I have put a group in a situation they overcame very easially. Little to no challenge was involved in it. So my question is how bad is that? If my players breeze through things I expected to be very meaty encounters should I accept that some characters are a bit "twinked" and that there isn't a decent way of combating that? Or do I up the challenge with the possibility of overpowering them and not making it fun.
@Arufonsa1 This is a complex issue to address, but one which needs to be. I don't know if I can tackle it in a comment, but here is something worth looking at. Are you including a variety of monster roles in the encounters? Are you using a robust terrain setting that can give advantages, disadvantages and challenges?
I'm really looking forward to these series of videos. "If they know how to talk, and can hold a basic conversation, they know how to role-play." Well said. :) I think a vague way to tell GMs to behave is encapsulated in the phrase, "Don't be a dick." I love incorporating player ideas into my games (I've built my GMing style around it in fact). I'm definitely not a control freak GM. :) I do reserve the right to say no for those rare situations when it is called for. I love consequences.
Great video, Esper. There's another bunch of websites in the online D&D 4E community, and I recommended your video(s) to Mike Shea on twitter (AKA Slyflourish). I've DM'd about 9 sessions with my group now over the course of the past few months, and I still find your stuff very useful and helpful. Thankyou.
@windmark8040 I am glad to be a part of that community. People need all the support they can get (including me).
I just use some of the basics. Garageband (along with a basic mixer and condenser mic), iMovie, Photoshop for art sometimes (I didn't tamper with the artists' amazing work in this video).
Giving away trade secrets! Great stuff man. Looking forward to your next video.
"Sure you can leap off the cliff (stiffled laughter)... Was this a real example of game play from one of your games or perhaps just a funny image in your minds eye? The hint of laughter in your voice made me actually laugh out loud.
@repsesper
Hello, I have never played D&D but I have heard of it and my friend and I are looking into it just to try it out if only once. Just to try it out. What do I need/would you recommend I purchase to play the game for the first time? The more help I can get, the better.
qwertyb18 1 week ago in playlist D&D Tutorials 2011
I LOVE your narration style xD
AtlasSniperman 2 weeks ago
Best example of when to say "no". With the best comeback!
14:05
BlackDragonIVvids 1 month ago in playlist D&D Tutorials 2011
Wow man....just wow! Thanks, this is very helpful for a first time DM. Are you in Colorado? I would love to campaign with you
Jabrien421 1 month ago
I remember when I was in elementary school, in first and second grade, at the edge of the school property were some tall trees. My friends and I would always pick up some sticks and role-play battles XD
xXxIndestructablexXx 2 months ago
@xXxIndestructablexXx Lol, yes, now they call that LARPing
Jabrien421 1 month ago
i have been interested in D&D for quite a while.but never actualy got into it. recently i got a set of rulebooks (still have to buy dice and possibly figures) and have found a few friends actualy willing to give it a go with me. from the massive rule books it seemed quite complicated, and since i started the motion i will probably be DM. and thanks to this video. i will probably feel a little bit more confident on my 1st time being DM. so thank you.
dofus1224 2 months ago
I keep hearing how hard running a game is and so many people make it sound like some mountain they climbed and triumphed. Such a difficult task I'm told...over and over. Then this video explains it is sooo easy. Then a promise of players knowing how to make a character. That is the hard part. Getting a person to pick up that book and reading it. How many times do I have to make a damn rogue for another player!? I said enough make your own character. Now every one wants to be a fighter! >.<
tornadostorm18 2 months ago
can i use Nicromorphs from Dead Space in part of my story?
legendarywerewolf206 3 months ago
One of the things I have run into a great deal is favoritism on the part of the DM. When teaching a player the ins and out of DM'ing, I strongly caution them about this. It nearly ruined me on D and D, something which, once past that aspect, has been a wonderfully fun experience for me and my family.
Maestrp37388 3 months ago in playlist More videos from repsesper
Repsesper I blame you for getting me to play what is now one of my favorite hobbies of all time. For that I shall hug you and give you five gold.
ThatGamingRedmage 3 months ago
Intro is boring but the rest is awesome :)
allegraissmart 4 months ago
An excellent and intelligent view of dungeons and dragons dming. Thank you Repsesper, I was considering getting into this game with my son and after listening to you I know I will. Excellent advice and an excellent delivery of it.
1kfetz 4 months ago 7
@1kfetz I have never seen a father and son playing D&D together, but it sounds like such a cool thing to share in common.
repsesper 4 months ago 5
@repsesper Before my daughter went off to college, she, her mother and I used to play together. Now my wife and I play together running each other back and forth on tasks, adventures and sometimes, just roleplay. We've built quite our own little world over the years.
Maestrp37388 3 months ago in playlist More videos from repsesper
@repsesper Can the DM alter rules like changing what die you have to roll to do something or adding custom monsters or races? Thanks.
Nintenpwn 2 weeks ago
@Nintenpwn you can, its called making "house rules"
SmurfiestGuyAround 1 week ago
@SmurfiestGuyAround Thanks dude
Nintenpwn 1 week ago
"i push the goblin into the hole".... "then roll a strength check".. on a success goblin says"THE IRONY - YOU WERE MEANT TO FALL IN NOT MEEEEEEEEEE!"
doombybbr 5 months ago 2
I'm a new DM for a group I've brought together, I came across the game accidentally and haven't memorized a lot of the monsters. I know the basic rules but as far as the monsters would you advocate giving monsters my own personal stats, along with my own personal xp for their encounters?
aardvarkjon94 5 months ago
Hey I'm a new DM working with a nearly completely inexperienced group, at the moment my camping revolves around the fact that it takes place in the early days of the 4e world, while the Dawn War is still raging. After watching your videos I've decided to follow your advice on keeping things simple to start and the heroic lvs will focus on a small local controlled by Io (who hasn't been split yet). Do you have any tips for running a world in this setting, or working out nuances of the early gods?
5940David 5 months ago
@5940David It would be a time of great uncertainty, for the gods and the primordials wage intense wars across the planes. The world is a battlefield in places. The primal spirits have not yet made their decree to banish immortals and elements from the World (though they would be fighting on the same side as the gods, more or less). The gods' have not yet learned as many lessons (their are tremendously powerful, but not omnipotent).
repsesper 5 months ago
@repsesper Thanks for your reply, I hadn't thought about what lessons the gods may or may not have learnt. My core problem is trying to fine (or create) monsters that fit a heroic level party but keep up a theme of the elemental chaos (they have an army of followers). I'd love to hear any ideas or recommendations you have as to what monsters to use.
Thanks for the great videos, btw, they have been immensely helpful and encouraging with forming my game.
5940David 5 months ago
hey I have never played DnD and I heard it is a bit nerdy (but i dont really care :P) where can I find a kit to create my character, and where can I find a nearby DM :P
JeffandBCProductions 5 months ago
@JeffandBCProductions
Well you can go to the nearest tablestore rpg buy the player's handbook to make your character and maybe find a DM. College usally have a rpg club where you could find a dm.
MrMelick 4 months ago
items.
TheTfreviewer 6 months ago
I created a quite efficient way of progressing characters. Make them pass a somewhat difficult challenge, and then if they pass the challenge, they'd at some point later on get an item that would make it easier to complete similar challenges in the future. That way they have to figure out how to survive the challenge on their own before making it easier. But there would still be a challenge in getting the item itself, such as plans for something such as a construct, or temporarily enchanted
TheTfreviewer 6 months ago
Awsome thanks to you I really got into DnD and now im DM of a weekly group :D
BadMrPumpkin 6 months ago
@BadMrPumpkin That is great to hear! Let me know you post anything of your adventures.
repsesper 6 months ago
@repsesper definitly I will try to get some stuff thanks for showing intrest :D
BadMrPumpkin 5 months ago
@repsesper your vids are always informative and usefull. I have taken all the advice u have given thus far and applied it to my games. So thank you for all your tips and keep them coming!
nrhoare24 6 months ago
yes, my master!
toxicgabz 7 months ago
I am a first time player in addition to being a first time DM for a group of my friends that are also total n00bs when it comes to D&D. But you sir, have opened my eyes and I am no longer so doubtful about my campaign. Thanks a lot, I can't wait to play.
MasterSoraXIII 7 months ago
This is brilliant.
Genkaiman 7 months ago
I always have problems with making the maps and i dont have the money to buy the miniatures. do you have a tips that could help.
assassian451 7 months ago
@assassian451 The dungeon masters kit and the monster vaults have really nice tokens that come with the books. if i didnt have the miniatures i would definetly use them. they also contain maps and adventures that you could use.
intensetional 6 months ago
This is helpful. Me and a few friends are thinking about playing DnD and most of them are saying that I should be DM since I have the most DnD knowledge(though I have yet go the chance to play it :( ) but this video helped me ease my stress alot and more confident on how to do this. Thanks.
marvel672 7 months ago
dude your awesome
ZecoHumano28 8 months ago
Can you add or take away a skill from a monster? Say i wanted to give an orc a breath fire ability?
Kain5th 8 months ago
@Kain5th Absolutely! You could easily build an orc dragon sorcerer or some sort of demon-infused orc. Customization and imagination are two of D&D's main strong points.
repsesper 8 months ago
your such a fucking motivational speaker! hahaha
slappythehuman 8 months ago 3
Never felt the need to comment on a video before this, despite my infatuation with your D&D adventures. This was a truly inspiring video
kacpulliamjuno 8 months ago
This is just great! Thank you so much! :)
neler93 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
awsome stuff man! Very helpful!
DDFANATIKZZZ 8 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
awsome stuff man! Very helpful!
DDFANATIKZZZ 8 months ago
awsome stuff man! Very helpful!
DDFANATIKZZZ 8 months ago
awsome stuff man! Very helpful!
DDFANATIKZZZ 8 months ago
YOU ARE OFFICIALLY MY HERO
CFSRproductions 9 months ago 4
@CFSRproductions Does that mean I get to wear a fancy superhero costume now?
repsesper 9 months ago 16
@repsesper Yes. Yes it does.
TheTfreviewer 6 months ago
resper i have a problem two of my players (a gnoll ranger,and a kobold wizard) want to fight the other players. The other players are okay with the sudden attacks it does provide a great rolplaying oppurtinity but last time it was almost a TPK. what should i do
gaytar1 9 months ago
@gaytar1 You should definitely explain to the players that this player vs. player style is not enjoyable for you. You don't have to be rude, just be honest. Later on, you might design a town that has an arena in which the players can battle each other and other NPCs, it doesn't even have to be lethal combat.
repsesper 9 months ago
another great vid, with excellent points
YourDungeonMaster 10 months ago
Your passion for the game really comes through in these videos. Can't wait to see more.
ibeholder12 10 months ago
Have you considered a job with WotC?
And you have enlightened me to do so much with my campaign. Thanks so much!
megamonstercookies 10 months ago
Have you considered a job with WotC?
megamonstercookies 10 months ago
I've watched a large number of your videos over this weekend and just wanted to say thanks as I'm thinking of picking up 4e and the advice you give over all aspects of the game is solid.
TheFold25 10 months ago
Great vid. I think it would be great to include a video walking us through how you personally put together your encounters, specifically the battles. I know the DMG has a guide for it but some simple explanation here would be great. :)
nickarnold1985 10 months ago
This would be a great Podcast.
xshredder01x 10 months ago
Thank you good sir. Thank you.
sniperspriggs 10 months ago
I actually have an odd question. There have been times where I have put a group in a situation they overcame very easially. Little to no challenge was involved in it. So my question is how bad is that? If my players breeze through things I expected to be very meaty encounters should I accept that some characters are a bit "twinked" and that there isn't a decent way of combating that? Or do I up the challenge with the possibility of overpowering them and not making it fun.
Arufonsa1 10 months ago
I can say honestly I am not having fun and I don't know how important that is.
Arufonsa1 10 months ago
@Arufonsa1 This is a complex issue to address, but one which needs to be. I don't know if I can tackle it in a comment, but here is something worth looking at. Are you including a variety of monster roles in the encounters? Are you using a robust terrain setting that can give advantages, disadvantages and challenges?
repsesper 10 months ago
repesper i started dm 2-3 weeks ago so this seires will hopfully will help i have to say thank you so much for helping me with dnd
ryan239ion 10 months ago
I'm really looking forward to these series of videos. "If they know how to talk, and can hold a basic conversation, they know how to role-play." Well said. :) I think a vague way to tell GMs to behave is encapsulated in the phrase, "Don't be a dick." I love incorporating player ideas into my games (I've built my GMing style around it in fact). I'm definitely not a control freak GM. :) I do reserve the right to say no for those rare situations when it is called for. I love consequences.
Samwise7RPG 10 months ago 6
@Samwise7RPG Exactly, so much more happens when the players explore/experiment/instigate. "Competitor" DMs can lose sight of this.
Some DMs believe that they are gods with the "Control" "Superiority" and "Ultimate Power" domains.
repsesper 10 months ago
@repsesper I take what the players give me, mix it in a soup, and then sprinkle it with my own bizarre imagination. Cook for 4 hours, and repeat. :)
Samwise7RPG 10 months ago
Great stuff, it might be helpful on making on RPG maker
acelancer 10 months ago
Great stuff!
Eldrazor 10 months ago
Great job.. very inspiring
gr00ms1 10 months ago
You are by far the best maker of videos on D&D ect on youtube and i hope that you get a partnership on youtube for your hard work and dedacation
clownkingdon 10 months ago
Great push to the spirit! Thanks Bro!
MetaRockwell 10 months ago
Great vid bro! I'm a new DM (4sessions) and I've been using all your videos as a guide. Keep up the good work.
OmarAttacks 10 months ago
True words of wisdom. I really wish sometimes money didn't exist so you could simply upload a mass amount of videos.
queenfan1991 10 months ago
You need to make more of these. Much more.
slyswat231 10 months ago 27
well said...
tarboy69 10 months ago
i would say that u are the true master among DMs great job
leon3129 10 months ago
Great video, Esper. There's another bunch of websites in the online D&D 4E community, and I recommended your video(s) to Mike Shea on twitter (AKA Slyflourish). I've DM'd about 9 sessions with my group now over the course of the past few months, and I still find your stuff very useful and helpful. Thankyou.
GoldDaniel 10 months ago
@GoldDaniel That's great to hear. I get contacted with similar things every once in awhile, and generally I am happy to pitch in. Thank you as well!
repsesper 10 months ago
best DM guide video ever
jojoestar 10 months ago
:)
QindoxAlewess 10 months ago
Fantastic video good advice as allways :-D
foxcell 10 months ago
good stuff
onsuff7 10 months ago
The YouTube RPG community is going nuts lately! Nice vid! Thanks very much!
What software are you using to create your vids, if i may ask?
windmark8040 10 months ago
@windmark8040 I am glad to be a part of that community. People need all the support they can get (including me).
I just use some of the basics. Garageband (along with a basic mixer and condenser mic), iMovie, Photoshop for art sometimes (I didn't tamper with the artists' amazing work in this video).
repsesper 10 months ago
One of your best videos thus far. I really look forward to more in this series!
willquestion 10 months ago
Wouldn't the suit of armour act as a Faraday Cage anyway? :P
Corerupt83 10 months ago
Giving away trade secrets! Great stuff man. Looking forward to your next video.
"Sure you can leap off the cliff (stiffled laughter)... Was this a real example of game play from one of your games or perhaps just a funny image in your minds eye? The hint of laughter in your voice made me actually laugh out loud.
masterofflowers 10 months ago
Really Epic
Sadly I am the only kid at my high school who is willing to play D&D.
MageforSpades 10 months ago
Yet another awesome video. Thanks Esper!
PRIV00 10 months ago
Absolutely fantastic! Helpful and insightful! Thank you so much!
Tiniere 10 months ago