What must newbies know about RPGing?

[Soontir948]

Thanks to LadyTevar for planting it in my head a month ago about playing RPGs. Obviously the type done here is a bit different than one of HotFoot's usual gaming that I was introduced into so what do I need?

I know I should have some of the basics:

1. Character profile
2. Random dice program?
3. Story writing skills apparently.
4. Uhhh, you fill in the blanks. :)

Oh, can I jump into an on-going game or shall I have to wait for a new one to spring up? This is probably what's been delaying me the most.

[Charon]

The dice program gets some use, but you won't see it in all the games. You can pretty much jump in on any game so long as the GM ok's it, though they might have you wait for a bit to join.

The biggest thing I would have to say though is that you have to be willing to work with the GM on what happens in the story and there needs to be mutual trust. Since the games are constantly going there's going to be plenty of times when you want to do something and the GM isn't around, so you'll need to wing it. In most cases there is also very limited dice rolling, so that means the GM determines how things go down based off of what you do, so he needs to trust that you aren't gonna try to do something your character can't and you need to trust that he isn't going to screw you over for no reason.

[B4UTRUST]

I'd say a strong dose of common sense is also needed in addition to the trust.

Listen to other players already involved in the games and who have been playing for awhile as often times they can save you from yourself.

Once you've got your character, make sure it's what you want. Don't constantly badger your GM about changes or modifications or things you want to add, subtract, etc.

Once I think of some more I'll add them.

[LadyTevar]

Once the Werewolves manage to kill or be killed, there will be room for another Garou in the pack.

I'm using the 2nd Ed Werewolf: the Apocalypse rules for the most part. I *may* be trying to get away from the die rolling, as it's taking too damned long.

[Dark Silver]

you'll find most games are open for new players, especially those done by myself and B4...

[Cynical Cat]

If you want to join a new or ongoing game, talk to the GM. The Out of Character threads are the best places for this, because if the other players can then help you refine your character idea if there's a problem with it. Do read the beginning of the OOC thread, because that will tell you what kinds and what format of characters are desired for the game. Nothing guarantees a "NO!" faster than the GM saying at the beginning of the game "absolutely no uber ninjas" and you saying "hey, here's my character, he's an uber ninja."

AIM and PM boxes are also handy. Don't be shy. Most games are open to new players, but there may be a delay in working you in. The worst you'll get is a "no, I have too many crazy maniacs to juggle right now."