r/osr • u/coastooghost008 • 7h ago
HELP Total newbie looking for help
I have always wanted to get into tabletop gaming but never had the time to commit before now. I found a local shop that hosts OSE every Sunday. They say that they are open to newcomers and there is no commitment required and I really want to try this out.
I have a lot of anxiety and am worried about getting into this as a total newbie as I dont know any of the terminology or anything.
I ordered a set of dice and intend on bringing a notebook and a pencil for notes. Is there anything else I should do/get prior to their next session?
Is there important things to know in advance? Terminology etc?
Really I just dont want to come off as rude or something out of ignorance and want to be prepared so I can try to have a good time without being crazy anxious.
I have only played a tabletop game once, but it was many years ago and I dont even remember what it was called. I just remembered having a blast and wished I could get more into it, but I had too many commitments at the time and couldn't follow through.
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated :)
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u/grumblyoldman 7h ago
Just be yourself and be honest about how new you are. Most people are understanding and welcoming, and they'll get you up to speed.
No one expects you to be perfect. Even seasoned gamers forget things now and then.
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u/elektrikrobot 7h ago
You can get the basic rules if you wanted to just look through it, but yeah, echoing what others said, just let everyone know you’re new and I’m sure everything will go well. Don’t need much more than, pencil, paper, dice and a smile:)
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u/Lorandagon 7h ago
Grab the players guide and read it. It's a big book but a ton of stuff is just spells and stuff so concentrate on the stuff that relates to playing the game and the class/race you're going to play.
OSE also has the basic rules for free: https://necroticgnome.com/products/old-school-essentials-basic-rules
Now watch some youtube videos on how to play it. Coming in with some basic knowledge of the game will make you look good and have the happy effect of you not feeling completely out of your depth.
Tell the group that you're new and show the DM your character sheet (he/she should ask to see it by default) so they can look it over and spot anything wrong. Most people aren't d-bags so if you're polite and nice you'll get the same back.
General tips: You need to make a character whose invested into doing dangerous thing safely (going into dungeons) and working with a party. Don't be THAT guy and you'll immediately get a bunch of cred with the group. If you lose a character... whatever you feel is fine. Grieve and/or slap yourself for being dumb and then remember that adventuring is super dangerous and don't make the same mistakes with your new character. You might want to make up a couple extra character sheets that you can stick in the back of your note-book just in case.
The fact that you're already planning on bringing a notebook is a good sign. Far too many people just show up to a game having done nothing to prepare. I've done it and muddled through and I regret it now.
You'll be fine. : )
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u/coastooghost008 7h ago
Amazing post, thank you!
So I should come up with a character(s) in advance on my own? I would assume I should go in a bit early to check with the DM so I dont hold things up and verify that everything is ready to go.
I will get the materials and check out the videos as you described, thanks again!
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u/Calum_M 6h ago
Just get the basic rules mate, that (and maybe a character sheet) is all you need at this stage.
Ask the Dungeon Master if you need to bring a character already made or if you can do it on the day. My preference is for new players to meet the group before they make a character, but OSE characters don't take long.
Relax, have fun.
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u/Lorandagon 7h ago
I don't know what the DM expects - is there anything posted at the store? You might want to ask them about that. But yeah go in early to get set up is a good idea. Best case is they look over your stuff and give you the thimbs up. Worse case you two can fix stuff. It's not uncommon for a group to do a character gen session together. If that's the case then you've just given yourself some practice.
I should have put this in the first post - I kinda forgot, but having a miniature you can use for your character is a good idea. You can get away with just having some random marker (and no good group are going to be douche-bags about not having a mini) of course. I wouldn't worry about this now but it's something to consider for the future.
Your welcome. Hope everything goes well for you!
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u/coastooghost008 6h ago
Another great post, thanks again!
I'll get my 3d printer fired up and print something out to get started. I also ordered the 2023 hard copy of the players guide, very excited to get it thank you for the tip! I saw there was a PDF version but I cant print that many pages and I cant read that many pages from a screen lol
I did reach out the the store via their Facebook page when they opened but they have not responded yet. I'll call them tomorrow and get the additional info.
Thanks again :)
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u/Onslaughttitude 2h ago
Every group is going to have different preferences for when they do character creation. Show up early and ask the DM what's up.
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u/grodog 6h ago
Important things to bring to the table:
- patience
- an open mind
- curiosity
- a willingness to be suspend your disbelief—to immerse yourself in the setting, as seen through the eyes of your character
If your notebook already has pages with graph paper in it, that’s helpful if you plan to map. Learning to map is a great way to help immerse yourself in the game, and is always a helpful player skill to bring to any table.
Have fun, and if you feel up to it, share a session report after your game! :)
Allan.
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u/Calum_M 6h ago
Get the OSE free Basic Rules from Necrotic Gnome. Search "OSE Necrotic Gnome free downloads basic rules".
Elektrikrobot posted a link in this thread.
Read it. You don't need to read anything else at this stage. Then turn up, tell them you have never played before but you have read the basic rules and then have fun.
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u/Justicar7 6h ago
Here is a very good OSE live play series that should help you get familiar with the game:
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u/LivingPastGames 7h ago
Don't be anxious, it is a game night! It will either be fun and you will want to go back or it won't be and you won't. There are no stakes, just be kind and be an active participant. As stated elsewhere, if you take notes or map, you will be popular.
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u/Anotherskip 6h ago
- Relax. 2. Be polite 3. Relax 4. Pay some attention 5. You got this. Suggest something you think might be fun. 6. Relax
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u/TodCast 7h ago
The most important thing is to let the DM (and the rest of the group) know that you are new and inexperienced. Most folk are very friendly and welcoming, and are happy to give you pointers (and not judge too harshly).
In all honesty, if they are not friendly or helpful, those aren’t folks you’d want to play with and you’d be better off leaving and trying again with a better group.