Hey I am wondering about Table top gaming at PAX East this year. I would be very interested in starting D&D is there anything I need too do to be able to start at PAX East. please post back.
There are going to be a lot of D&D games there, both official and unofficial. Just bring some dice, a couple of characters and that's about it!
Umm...i have never even looked in so idk anything about it i kinda wanna learn so can you help me??
Hey I am wondering about Table top gaming at PAX East this year. I would be very interested in starting D&D is there anything I need too do to be able to start at PAX East. please post back.
There are going to be a lot of D&D games there, both official and unofficial. Just bring some dice, a couple of characters and that's about it!
Do you have to make some characters? Or do most GMs have pre-mades? And what levels would be the best for characters to bring along? Is there some sort of character-generator that will make it easy for newbies like myself?
Hey I am wondering about Table top gaming at PAX East this year. I would be very interested in starting D&D is there anything I need too do to be able to start at PAX East. please post back.
There are going to be a lot of D&D games there, both official and unofficial. Just bring some dice, a couple of characters and that's about it!
Do you have to make some characters? Or do most GMs have pre-mades? And what levels would be the best for characters to bring along? Is there some sort of character-generator that will make it easy for newbies like myself?
I feel like we're talking in circles....
It all depends on how prepared you want to be / how much extra work you want to do. I say you should bring a level 1, 2, and 3 character in, OR a few different level 1 characters (to choose from when assembling a party). Also, it seems like most, if not all, official games are 4e. So unless you plan on doing unofficial with someone like me, who's going to play 3.5, I'd say use 4e for your characters.
RainbowTunnel on
0
HalfazedninjaAuthor of Jake Howard: Multiverse 101!Behind YouRegistered Userregular
Hey I am wondering about Table top gaming at PAX East this year. I would be very interested in starting D&D is there anything I need too do to be able to start at PAX East. please post back.
There are going to be a lot of D&D games there, both official and unofficial. Just bring some dice, a couple of characters and that's about it!
Do you have to make some characters? Or do most GMs have pre-mades? And what levels would be the best for characters to bring along? Is there some sort of character-generator that will make it easy for newbies like myself?
I feel like we're talking in circles....
It all depends on how prepared you want to be / how much extra work you want to do. I say you should bring a level 1, 2, and 3 character in, OR a few different level 1 characters (to choose from when assembling a party). Also, it seems like most, if not all, official games are 4e. So unless you plan on doing unofficial with someone like me, who's going to play 3.5, I'd say use 4e for your characters.
Do you have to make some characters? Or do most GMs have pre-mades? And what levels would be the best for characters to bring along? Is there some sort of character-generator that will make it easy for newbies like myself?
Wizards put out a character builder that was pretty nice for a while. Walks you step by step, perfect for noobs and experience players. I'm not shore if they have the demo on their site anymore but you should be able to find it. Hint the power cards the character builder makes are great. Just slip them into 50 cent card sleeves or leave them in a sheet. Saves a lot of time going "what's my bonus with magic missile, now what's my damage?"
Oh I almost forgot, Whenever I DM for a new group I keep a few auto generated characters on me. To my knowledge this isn't the norm but it works out for me.
Hey I am wondering about Table top gaming at PAX East this year. I would be very interested in starting D&D is there anything I need too do to be able to start at PAX East. please post back.
There are going to be a lot of D&D games there, both official and unofficial. Just bring some dice, a couple of characters and that's about it!
Do you have to make some characters? Or do most GMs have pre-mades? And what levels would be the best for characters to bring along? Is there some sort of character-generator that will make it easy for newbies like myself?
I feel like we're talking in circles....
It all depends on how prepared you want to be / how much extra work you want to do. I say you should bring a level 1, 2, and 3 character in, OR a few different level 1 characters (to choose from when assembling a party). Also, it seems like most, if not all, official games are 4e. So unless you plan on doing unofficial with someone like me, who's going to play 3.5, I'd say use 4e for your characters.
Summed up perfectly. Thank you Rainbow
Don't listen to her, she's a witch. (Burn her!)
flatline on
East 2014 Status: Badge [ Friend got it ] Hotel [Crappy] BYOC [YES] Transport [ ] Name on Forum Badge [ ] Challenge Coin [ ]
0
HalfazedninjaAuthor of Jake Howard: Multiverse 101!Behind YouRegistered Userregular
Hey I am wondering about Table top gaming at PAX East this year. I would be very interested in starting D&D is there anything I need too do to be able to start at PAX East. please post back.
There are going to be a lot of D&D games there, both official and unofficial. Just bring some dice, a couple of characters and that's about it!
Do you have to make some characters? Or do most GMs have pre-mades? And what levels would be the best for characters to bring along? Is there some sort of character-generator that will make it easy for newbies like myself?
I feel like we're talking in circles....
It all depends on how prepared you want to be / how much extra work you want to do. I say you should bring a level 1, 2, and 3 character in, OR a few different level 1 characters (to choose from when assembling a party). Also, it seems like most, if not all, official games are 4e. So unless you plan on doing unofficial with someone like me, who's going to play 3.5, I'd say use 4e for your characters.
For each of the Official Events I attended last year there were pregenerated characters available, and at times required.
As someone who intends to DM, I intend to bring some pre-gens with me. If I pick up a player who didn't know they were going to be in game ahead of time (seems very likely) I can't expect them to just have a level appropriate character with them.
I'll also be bring some pregens for myself. A couple level 1s, a level 3 (which is a popular starting point it seems) and then possibly more depending on what Wizards Announces.
In my early childhood, I never had the urge to play Dungeons and Dragons. But recently I have been becoming more and more interested. So seeing as none of my friends have yet been bit by this addiction to play, I was going to make PAX East my inaugural run at it.
Now, I am choosing to pop my D&D cherry at PAX because I know that everyone there would be willing to embrace someone who has just discovered the awesomeness of this game. And have no problem slowing down a bit to help walk a NOOB there his first few games to get the hang of it.
So with that, I am asking you, the community what, if anything that I should bring with me or if there is anything that I should know or prepare before I begin my pilgrimage to Boston for yet another awesome year?
In my early childhood, I never had the urge to play Dungeons and Dragons. But recently I have been becoming more and more interested. So seeing as none of my friends have yet been bit by this addiction to play, I was going to make PAX East my inaugural run at it.
Now, I am choosing to pop my D&D cherry at PAX because I know that everyone there would be willing to embrace someone who has just discovered the awesomeness of this game. And have no problem slowing down a bit to help walk a NOOB there his first few games to get the hang of it.
So with that, I am asking you, the community what, if anything that I should bring with me or if there is anything that I should know or prepare before I begin my pilgrimage to Boston for yet another awesome year?
You'll need a full set of dice and the willingness to play.
A full set of dice contains a 4, 6, 8, 12, 20 and 2 10 sided dice
It's best to bring some characters and a core book for the system you are going to play. You can buy most of the books at the con and dice are usually on sale there.
Side note The Penny-Arcade D&D games are a good primer for 4E's rules.
I keep seeing people mentioning bringing some create characters with you. Is there a specific place to go where I can create a character on either Wizards site or somewhere else. Sorry I am very new at this and have never played and therefore never created a character before.
I keep seeing people mentioning bringing some create characters with you. Is there a specific place to go where I can create a character on either Wizards site or somewhere else. Sorry I am very new at this and have never played and therefore never created a character before.
Wizards took down their free character builder for 4E, However you can still find it on the intertoobs. As for 3.5 this is a pretty simple character generator. Beyond that I can't help you.
Hey I am wondering about Table top gaming at PAX East this year. I would be very interested in starting D&D is there anything I need too do to be able to start at PAX East. please post back.
There are going to be a lot of D&D games there, both official and unofficial. Just bring some dice, a couple of characters and that's about it!
I like to learn to play D&D and this is my first time to PAX East, what do I bring to PAX East? Will there be people/room welcome newcomer like myself who NEVER play D&D ever? - thanks for all comments
Hey I am wondering about Table top gaming at PAX East this year. I would be very interested in starting D&D is there anything I need too do to be able to start at PAX East. please post back.
There are going to be a lot of D&D games there, both official and unofficial. Just bring some dice, a couple of characters and that's about it!
I like to learn to play D&D and this is my first time to PAX East, what do I bring to PAX East? Will there be people/room welcome newcomer like myself who NEVER play D&D ever? - thanks for all comments
There was a D&D for noobs game last year, However most every game is welcoming. I can't speak for everyone but anybody, no matter the skill level, is welcome to learn at my table.
All you will need is set of dice and a character sheet. Many tables will provide a sheet for you however it's a good thing to make a character. You learn a bit about how the system works by rolling up your hero. Bringing the book is a good idea as well but not completely necessary. A table of vets should have all the books you could dream of at this point.
I'm rolling up all of my DnD 3.5 and 4.0 characters this week due to not being able to leave the house due to petsitting. There's some sheets online on the gaming forum I participate in, so I will have a folder full of ready made characters.
My question for shadowrun games is: What's the usual method for determining starting nuyen and stats? I just bought my 4.0 Shadowrun book, due to my 3rd ed book falling apart literally.
I'm rolling up all of my DnD 3.5 and 4.0 characters this week due to not being able to leave the house due to petsitting. There's some sheets online on the gaming forum I participate in, so I will have a folder full of ready made characters.
My question for shadowrun games is: What's the usual method for determining starting nuyen and stats? I just bought my 4.0 Shadowrun book, due to my 3rd ed book falling apart literally.
Page 80. You start off with 400BP that you can spend on stats and cash etc.
To go into more detail you get BP between 300 and 500 with the norm being 400, you buy your stats with that. You get nuyen depending on your lifestyle going by the chart on page 88 and you can trade Build points for cash if you are strapped.
If you are completely new to D&D Wizards did have introductory games available. It was a short adventure that taught some of the basic rules. Pregenerated characters were provided as well. If you want to take that as your first option all you need to do is to bring a pencil, and a set of dice and maybe some scrap paper for notes/math etc.
Now there were at least two different types of games being run by Wizards apart from the introductory game. There was a 45 minute dungeon delve which is for advanced players only. They used pregenerated characters as well. Then there was the first session or two of a new adventure book that was coming out (I think, least informed on this one) I do not think you needed pregens for this since you could run the module then pick up with those adventures at your game store if they ran it.
That is everything that I can remember that Wizards ran, i am sure there will be countless people in Tabletop with home brew adventures.
If you are looking to get some books ahead of time than there are one of two options to consider. There is 4th edition which is the large hard bound book, comes with everything you need to start the game. Then there is 4th edition Essentials which is a paper back book it contains much more easy to understand classes but I believe that it cuts out to many options. So IMO you should pick up the hard back version.
If you have an extra 10 bucks to spend (monthly), i recommend signing up to DnD insiders, not only for the character creation tool, but for the compendium which features every single item known to 4th edition kind in it. Easy look up and up to date with errata.
Another thing @nevermore If you do live in the Baltimore Area, check out Games and Stuff (technically Games Comics and Stuff, but they dropped the comics). Every Thursday is Tabletop night and newcomers are always welcome. http://warhorn.net/GamesAndStuffLFR/
If you have an extra 10 bucks to spend (monthly), i recommend signing up to DnD insiders, not only for the character creation tool, but for the compendium which features every single item known to 4th edition kind in it. Easy look up and up to date with errata.
Wizards has a new web based character builder that is horrible frankly. Besides last year they were handing out 1/2 off coupons to DDI at their booth at PAX east.
Limond thank you for the link I have looked around and found a bunch of places that allow and encourage newcomers through the Wizards site, but it's always good to have another option.
I know you mean well, but I don't know what being an organizer means. I went to the link you included, and it looks like I have to be affiliated with a store to sign up.
D&D Dungeon Delve. This event runs continuously. A one hour play experience. Play until you defeat the two encounters or die! Characters are provided.
D&D Learn-to-Play. Want to learn how to play D&D 4th Edition? We’ll teach you all the basics, and send you out on your first adventure! Everything is provided for you, and you can even keep your character. A 2 hour D&D 4th Edition play experience.
Runs Friday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm; Saturday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm; Sunday 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
Heroes of Shadow preview event! Kalarel's Revenge by Shawn Merwin. When heroes defeated the evil priest Kalarel at the Keep on the Shadowfell, they averted a terrible threat. Evil has a way of surviving, though, and the death of a powerful necromancer has ramifications. Now, it's going to take betrayal, greed, and revenge if anyone wants to survive the perils in the Cairngorm peaks. This official D&D Classic adventure uses 4th level pre-generated characters and highlights three new products: Dungeon Tile: Caverns of Icewind Dale, Player Options: Heroes of Shadow, and Monster Vault 2: Threats to the Nentir Vale. A 4 hour D&D play experience.
Runs Friday 7 pm.
D&D Encounters, The Phantom Brigade. Venture into the perilous Nentir Vale with a heroic band of adventurers. D&D Encounters is an exciting, weekly campaign that plays out one epic encounter at a time. As you defeat enemies, solve puzzles, finish quests, and perform heroic deeds, you’ll earn Renown Points that you can use to get exclusive rewards. Each session only takes 1-2 hours to play, so it’s easy to fit your game in after school or work. And each week there’s a new and exciting challenge. Jump in anytime!
At Pax East we will run catch up sessions of the first chapter (encounters #1 -4), as well as the current week’s encounter, #5. You can do the catch up session, or start with #5. Continue the adventure Wednesdays at your favorite local game store.
The first chapter is a 4 - 6 hour play experience and runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 am.
Encounter 5 is a 60 - 90 minute play experience and runs Friday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm; Saturday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm; Sunday 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
Castle Ravenloft. Evil lurks in the towers and dungeons of Castle Ravenloft, and only heroes of exceptional bravery can survive the horrors within. Designed for 1–5 players, this boardgame features multiple scenarios. A 60 - 90 play experience.
Runs Friday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm; Saturday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm; Sunday 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
Wrath of Ashardalon. Within an ominous volcano lies a maze of tunnels and chambers, and deep within this monster-infested labyrinth lurks the most terrifying creature of all: a red dragon! A 60 - 90 minute play experience.
Runs Friday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm; Saturday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm; Sunday 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
The DungeonMaster’s Challenge. DMs bring their best and most dangerous 8th-level dragon themed adventures for you to conquer; rate your play experience to determine the best adventure of the evening! 8th-level characters are provided. A 4 hour D&D 4th Edition play experience. Last year the DM Challenge was a fantastic success with many judges serving up wonderful adventures. Scoring was very close and a good time was had by all. Please consider playing or DMing this event!
Runs Saturday 7 pm
A few folks have expressed that they did not like the signups that we did for D&D last year. It seems that pretty much everything else was done with lines. We're going that route this year.
A few folks have expressed that they did not like the signups that we did for D&D last year. It seems that pretty much everything else was done with lines. We're going that route this year.
Thanks Willi for the information, do you know what room they will host the "D&D Learn-to-Play"? Once again, thank you for the heads-up.
A few folks have expressed that they did not like the signups that we did for D&D last year. It seems that pretty much everything else was done with lines. We're going that route this year.
Thanks Willi for the information, do you know what room they will host the "D&D Learn-to-Play"? Once again, thank you for the heads-up.
Agreed, thank you very much for such a detailed post! Much appreciated. (:
Some people are like Slinkies. They have no practical use whatsoever,
but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
A few folks have expressed that they did not like the signups that we did for D&D last year. It seems that pretty much everything else was done with lines. We're going that route this year.
Can we download a schedule with room assignments somewhere?
I'll have a big hole in my schedule from 5:30 to 9 PM on saturday, so I'll be hosting an unofficial (I'm not WotC-certified) 3.5 game in the tabletop area. Those interested can either sign up here or just drop by on saturday. Characters (up to four) will be provided. I will try to provide food, since this is right over most people's dinner hours, but I can't guarantee anything. I've got plenty of experience DMing 3.5, and I'm glad to help newcomers learn the system.
Look for a short blonde guy with a black laptop and a Bag of Holding messenger bag.
I'll have a big hole in my schedule from 5:30 to 9 PM on saturday, so I'll be hosting an unofficial (I'm not WotC-certified) 3.5 game in the tabletop area. Those interested can either sign up here or just drop by on saturday. Characters (up to four) will be provided. I will try to provide food, since this is right over most people's dinner hours, but I can't guarantee anything. I've got plenty of experience DMing 3.5, and I'm glad to help newcomers learn the system.
Look for a short blonde guy with a black laptop and a Bag of Holding messenger bag.
I can't say I can make it, but I'm going to put my feelers out there and say I'm interested. I do want to attend the costume panel at 7:30-8:30, though.... so I'm not going to commit just yet.
I'll have a big hole in my schedule from 5:30 to 9 PM on saturday, so I'll be hosting an unofficial (I'm not WotC-certified) 3.5 game in the tabletop area. Those interested can either sign up here or just drop by on saturday. Characters (up to four) will be provided. I will try to provide food, since this is right over most people's dinner hours, but I can't guarantee anything. I've got plenty of experience DMing 3.5, and I'm glad to help newcomers learn the system.
Look for a short blonde guy with a black laptop and a Bag of Holding messenger bag.
I'm sending a tentative raise of the hand to you for a spot in your game. I'd like to do the Careers in Paper Gaming forum, which runs from 5:30-6:30, but if I cannot get in due to the previous forum getting out at the time it starts, then I will have a hole in my schedule as well.
I'm a little sad that the pre-signups have been scrapped, as those of us who were paying attention had a much easier time thanks to those (the more people attend PAX, the more time is spent waiting in lines instead of playing games). I'm especially sad as someone who is potentially going to be judging D&D, as I wanted to get a chance to play an official event as well without having to go to the back of the line in the middle of the day. Oh well!
flatline on
East 2014 Status: Badge [ Friend got it ] Hotel [Crappy] BYOC [YES] Transport [ ] Name on Forum Badge [ ] Challenge Coin [ ]
I'm a little sad that the pre-signups have been scrapped, as those of us who were paying attention had a much easier time thanks to those (the more people attend PAX, the more time is spent waiting in lines instead of playing games). I'm especially sad as someone who is potentially going to be judging D&D, as I wanted to get a chance to play an official event as well without having to go to the back of the line in the middle of the day. Oh well!
Speaking as someone who couldn't play as all the slots were claimed on Friday and I only had a Saturday pass, tough luck for you.
No system is going to allow for all scenarios of people that want to play. The thing that fcfs lines do is make it as "fair" as possible even if it is a little more time consuming. There's probably a happy medium somewhere between the two that hasn't been found yet.
The only thing they could do to make it "fair" for everyone would be to open on-line registration at the same time they allowed in-person registration. Unfortunately, that would be a bit of a logistical and technical nightmare to pull off without a hitch.
slamonella on
Some people are like Slinkies. They have no practical use whatsoever,
but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
The only thing they could do to make it "fair" for everyone would be to open on-line registration at the same time they allowed in-person registration. Unfortunately, that would be a bit of a logistical and technical nightmare to pull off without a hitch.
First, to be fair, everyone had the opportunity to sign up for D&D sessions BEFORE PAX East last year. Not many people did, but the option was there. I don't really agree with them allowing people to sign up on Friday for slots on Saturday though. If there are in-person signups it shouldn't be until the day-of.
I would suggest having a limited number of tables, or slots at tables, be open to pre-registration, which would reward people who take the initiative on these things (just like you needed to be on the ball to get a BYOC spot). It would also allow people who are participating as DMs, for example, to have a play session (or Gabe/other VIPs. Remember that last year Mike didn't sign up and couldn't get into a D&D game). Yes, I could wait in line, but I just spent the last 3 hours running games so 18 other people could play, and now the line is cut off for the day. Ooops.
I'm not trying to troll or QQ too hard, because at least by DMing I'm still involved and helping other people out; it's just a lot more enjoyable for me to play rather than judge.
flatline on
East 2014 Status: Badge [ Friend got it ] Hotel [Crappy] BYOC [YES] Transport [ ] Name on Forum Badge [ ] Challenge Coin [ ]
No worries. I think we're both conveying the same message, just from different ends of the equation; there's never going to be a way to please everyone
slamonella on
Some people are like Slinkies. They have no practical use whatsoever,
but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Posts
Umm...i have never even looked in so idk anything about it i kinda wanna learn so can you help me??
Do you have to make some characters? Or do most GMs have pre-mades? And what levels would be the best for characters to bring along? Is there some sort of character-generator that will make it easy for newbies like myself?
I feel like we're talking in circles....
It all depends on how prepared you want to be / how much extra work you want to do. I say you should bring a level 1, 2, and 3 character in, OR a few different level 1 characters (to choose from when assembling a party). Also, it seems like most, if not all, official games are 4e. So unless you plan on doing unofficial with someone like me, who's going to play 3.5, I'd say use 4e for your characters.
Summed up perfectly. Thank you Rainbow
Switch FC: SW-7588-7027-0113, Steam/PSN: Halfazedninja
Wizards put out a character builder that was pretty nice for a while. Walks you step by step, perfect for noobs and experience players. I'm not shore if they have the demo on their site anymore but you should be able to find it. Hint the power cards the character builder makes are great. Just slip them into 50 cent card sleeves or leave them in a sheet. Saves a lot of time going "what's my bonus with magic missile, now what's my damage?"
Oh I almost forgot, Whenever I DM for a new group I keep a few auto generated characters on me. To my knowledge this isn't the norm but it works out for me.
Don't listen to her, she's a witch. (Burn her!)
ACK! I forgot! Hide your flashlights!
Switch FC: SW-7588-7027-0113, Steam/PSN: Halfazedninja
As someone who intends to DM, I intend to bring some pre-gens with me. If I pick up a player who didn't know they were going to be in game ahead of time (seems very likely) I can't expect them to just have a level appropriate character with them.
I'll also be bring some pregens for myself. A couple level 1s, a level 3 (which is a popular starting point it seems) and then possibly more depending on what Wizards Announces.
Now, I am choosing to pop my D&D cherry at PAX because I know that everyone there would be willing to embrace someone who has just discovered the awesomeness of this game. And have no problem slowing down a bit to help walk a NOOB there his first few games to get the hang of it.
So with that, I am asking you, the community what, if anything that I should bring with me or if there is anything that I should know or prepare before I begin my pilgrimage to Boston for yet another awesome year?
You'll need a full set of dice and the willingness to play.
Side note The Penny-Arcade D&D games are a good primer for 4E's rules.
Wizards took down their free character builder for 4E, However you can still find it on the intertoobs. As for 3.5 this is a pretty simple character generator. Beyond that I can't help you.
I like to learn to play D&D and this is my first time to PAX East, what do I bring to PAX East? Will there be people/room welcome newcomer like myself who NEVER play D&D ever? - thanks for all comments
There was a D&D for noobs game last year, However most every game is welcoming. I can't speak for everyone but anybody, no matter the skill level, is welcome to learn at my table.
All you will need is set of dice and a character sheet. Many tables will provide a sheet for you however it's a good thing to make a character. You learn a bit about how the system works by rolling up your hero. Bringing the book is a good idea as well but not completely necessary. A table of vets should have all the books you could dream of at this point.
My question for shadowrun games is: What's the usual method for determining starting nuyen and stats? I just bought my 4.0 Shadowrun book, due to my 3rd ed book falling apart literally.
Page 80. You start off with 400BP that you can spend on stats and cash etc.
To go into more detail you get BP between 300 and 500 with the norm being 400, you buy your stats with that. You get nuyen depending on your lifestyle going by the chart on page 88 and you can trade Build points for cash if you are strapped.
Now there were at least two different types of games being run by Wizards apart from the introductory game. There was a 45 minute dungeon delve which is for advanced players only. They used pregenerated characters as well. Then there was the first session or two of a new adventure book that was coming out (I think, least informed on this one) I do not think you needed pregens for this since you could run the module then pick up with those adventures at your game store if they ran it.
That is everything that I can remember that Wizards ran, i am sure there will be countless people in Tabletop with home brew adventures.
If you are looking to get some books ahead of time than there are one of two options to consider. There is 4th edition which is the large hard bound book, comes with everything you need to start the game. Then there is 4th edition Essentials which is a paper back book it contains much more easy to understand classes but I believe that it cuts out to many options. So IMO you should pick up the hard back version.
If you have an extra 10 bucks to spend (monthly), i recommend signing up to DnD insiders, not only for the character creation tool, but for the compendium which features every single item known to 4th edition kind in it. Easy look up and up to date with errata.
Another thing @nevermore If you do live in the Baltimore Area, check out Games and Stuff (technically Games Comics and Stuff, but they dropped the comics). Every Thursday is Tabletop night and newcomers are always welcome. http://warhorn.net/GamesAndStuffLFR/
I am a monster truck that walks like a man.
Wizards has a new web based character builder that is horrible frankly. Besides last year they were handing out 1/2 off coupons to DDI at their booth at PAX east.
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/showpost.php?p=18037294&postcount=53
I know you mean well, but I don't know what being an organizer means. I went to the link you included, and it looks like I have to be affiliated with a store to sign up.
www.williburger.com/JudgeReg.pdf
to register. We'd love to have you!
D&D Dungeon Delve. This event runs continuously. A one hour play experience. Play until you defeat the two encounters or die! Characters are provided.
D&D Learn-to-Play. Want to learn how to play D&D 4th Edition? We’ll teach you all the basics, and send you out on your first adventure! Everything is provided for you, and you can even keep your character. A 2 hour D&D 4th Edition play experience.
Runs Friday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm; Saturday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm; Sunday 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
Heroes of Shadow preview event! Kalarel's Revenge by Shawn Merwin. When heroes defeated the evil priest Kalarel at the Keep on the Shadowfell, they averted a terrible threat. Evil has a way of surviving, though, and the death of a powerful necromancer has ramifications. Now, it's going to take betrayal, greed, and revenge if anyone wants to survive the perils in the Cairngorm peaks. This official D&D Classic adventure uses 4th level pre-generated characters and highlights three new products: Dungeon Tile: Caverns of Icewind Dale, Player Options: Heroes of Shadow, and Monster Vault 2: Threats to the Nentir Vale. A 4 hour D&D play experience.
Runs Friday 7 pm.
D&D Encounters, The Phantom Brigade. Venture into the perilous Nentir Vale with a heroic band of adventurers. D&D Encounters is an exciting, weekly campaign that plays out one epic encounter at a time. As you defeat enemies, solve puzzles, finish quests, and perform heroic deeds, you’ll earn Renown Points that you can use to get exclusive rewards. Each session only takes 1-2 hours to play, so it’s easy to fit your game in after school or work. And each week there’s a new and exciting challenge. Jump in anytime!
At Pax East we will run catch up sessions of the first chapter (encounters #1 -4), as well as the current week’s encounter, #5. You can do the catch up session, or start with #5. Continue the adventure Wednesdays at your favorite local game store.
The first chapter is a 4 - 6 hour play experience and runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 11 am.
Encounter 5 is a 60 - 90 minute play experience and runs Friday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm; Saturday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm; Sunday 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
Castle Ravenloft. Evil lurks in the towers and dungeons of Castle Ravenloft, and only heroes of exceptional bravery can survive the horrors within. Designed for 1–5 players, this boardgame features multiple scenarios. A 60 - 90 play experience.
Runs Friday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm; Saturday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm; Sunday 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
Wrath of Ashardalon. Within an ominous volcano lies a maze of tunnels and chambers, and deep within this monster-infested labyrinth lurks the most terrifying creature of all: a red dragon! A 60 - 90 minute play experience.
Runs Friday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm; Saturday 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, and 9 pm; Sunday 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm.
The DungeonMaster’s Challenge. DMs bring their best and most dangerous 8th-level dragon themed adventures for you to conquer; rate your play experience to determine the best adventure of the evening! 8th-level characters are provided. A 4 hour D&D 4th Edition play experience. Last year the DM Challenge was a fantastic success with many judges serving up wonderful adventures. Scoring was very close and a good time was had by all. Please consider playing or DMing this event!
Runs Saturday 7 pm
Thanks Willi for the information, do you know what room they will host the "D&D Learn-to-Play"? Once again, thank you for the heads-up.
Agreed, thank you very much for such a detailed post! Much appreciated. (:
but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
Can we download a schedule with room assignments somewhere?
Look for a short blonde guy with a black laptop and a Bag of Holding messenger bag.
I can't say I can make it, but I'm going to put my feelers out there and say I'm interested. I do want to attend the costume panel at 7:30-8:30, though.... so I'm not going to commit just yet.
I'm sending a tentative raise of the hand to you for a spot in your game. I'd like to do the Careers in Paper Gaming forum, which runs from 5:30-6:30, but if I cannot get in due to the previous forum getting out at the time it starts, then I will have a hole in my schedule as well.
Speaking as someone who couldn't play as all the slots were claimed on Friday and I only had a Saturday pass, tough luck for you.
but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.
First, to be fair, everyone had the opportunity to sign up for D&D sessions BEFORE PAX East last year. Not many people did, but the option was there. I don't really agree with them allowing people to sign up on Friday for slots on Saturday though. If there are in-person signups it shouldn't be until the day-of.
I would suggest having a limited number of tables, or slots at tables, be open to pre-registration, which would reward people who take the initiative on these things (just like you needed to be on the ball to get a BYOC spot). It would also allow people who are participating as DMs, for example, to have a play session (or Gabe/other VIPs. Remember that last year Mike didn't sign up and couldn't get into a D&D game). Yes, I could wait in line, but I just spent the last 3 hours running games so 18 other people could play, and now the line is cut off for the day. Ooops.
I'm not trying to troll or QQ too hard, because at least by DMing I'm still involved and helping other people out; it's just a lot more enjoyable for me to play rather than judge.
but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.