You point, I punch!

[LordKane77]

Hello everyone. I've been trying to figure out how to get a game back into my life, and Reddit suggested that perhaps this is the place. I think I started with 2E originally, but I'd like to get into a 5E game, if I could. However, I don't know what to do to get started, or how to find a group. Also, how does this work? Like, is it text based, but real-time, or is it text based at the pace that everyone replies? I would imagine it varies some? I feel like an FAQ at the top of the page would be handy, but if it exists, I don't see it.

Anyway, thank you in advance for suggestions. I'm excited to get going!

[rredmond]

Welcome LordKane77!
You’ll get a lot of explanations. But just an FYI as you’ve found out, your first two posts have to be approved. After that you can post without delay and join the games. Have fun!!!

[Leitz]

Here's one of the explanations rredmond mentioned.

Play by Post is asynchronous; the game occurs over a much broader span of time than sitting around a table. For example, one short dungeon I ran, with just three "rooms", took two months with experienced players and a twice a week post rate. While that can seem slow, it also means that you can put a lot more thought and world building into each interaction. Most games have one DM and two to five players in one setting. One DM has over a dozen players in the same setting but in different adventures! Not sure how he does it, I maxed out at six-ish.

The real issue is contributing. Ask the DM what their desired posting rate is and make the commitment. Usually twice a week is "active", though some games are super involving (I'm looking at you, Spearmint) and the play can be updated daily. Other games might go for posting twice a month. Work with your fellow gamers to build a team; play your character well and help them play theirs.

[Rex]

Welcome Aboard LordKane77!

The best way to learn is to just jump in. 5E is not as common as the older additions but there are some going. If you are OK with 1E then Ogre Mage's Big Shiny Island and Spearmint's Borrow Maze are both always accepting new players and very good places to learn the ropes, they do have a little faster posting rate if that matters.

[Inferno]

Welcome to Unseen Servant, LordKane!

This post has more answers to your questions: viewtopic.php?f=33&t=858

[LordKane77]

Thank you all for the responses. Inferno, that link it great! Thank you!

[Inferno]

You're very welcome. Please let us know if you have any more questions.

[torkill]

Welcome! I turned to PbP to fill that RPG itch as well. I used to be pretty much a 1E or BECMI player, but have really come to enjoy 5e as well. Tons of resources available on line which I think makes it pretty easy to pick up. I've recently joined here and certainly find there to be a lot of friendly people willing to help, so you're in good hands while you learn the PbP basics

[LordKane77]

So where the hell does everyone get 1E PHB's? Just PDF from the internet somewhere? It's crazy to me that everyone is playing 1E still!

[Rex]

I am still using my first printing of the Players Handbook, but I have been playing 1E for a while. But you can get a PDF or book here.

https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/17 ... andbook-1e

[Leitz]

I still have one of my original 1e PHBs, as well as DMG and FF...

[Rex]

I have those too, plus the Deities and Demigods. There is just something about pulling out a book to use that you have been using for 40+ years.

[LordKane77]

Wow. I'm old enough that I did own one, but I currently do not, unfortunately! Thanks for the link!

[rredmond]

A lot of folks use OSRIC too. Which is pretty much 1e, and has a free PDF. The most updated PDF can be downloaded here: https://www.osricrpg.com/get.php

[OGRE MAGE]

Welcome Lordkane!

[Inferno]

I have those too, plus the Deities and Demigods. There is just something about pulling out a book to use that you have been using for 40+ years.

Ditto. It's some pretty powerful magic.

[Leitz]

I must edit my statement above, I'm not sure I have the FF but I do have Dieties and Demigods. The "illegal" version, with copy-righted religions. It was a gift to me in 1980, and one of the givers noted "Now you can play yourself right".

[Norjax]

Welcome to the 'Servant!

[dmw71]

Welcome, LordKane77!

I see that many of your questions (e.g. how does it work..., where do you find...) have already been answered.

This doesn't surprise me one bit. I think you'll find -- if you haven't already -- that the Unseen Servant really is a great little community of friendly and helpful users.

I think I started with 2E originally, but I'd like to get into a 5E game, if I could.

You sound like a LOT of people I know. And quite a few people here.

I am currently running two 5e games myself:

1. Adventures in Manor Hills (5e)
2. Dungeon of the Mad Mage (5e)

The first is nearing its completion, but the second is still very much open. (And the timing to join is pretty perfect as there is a second group readying their entrance.)

Feel free to check it out and let me know if you'd be interested in giving it a try.

[Scott308]

Welcome!