I've never played a table-top, pencil and paper RPG...

[otacon 01]

 

[Funfetus]

I wanted to drop in and post a link here.  Like some people have said, the Dresden Files RPG will be based on the FATE system.  However, it's a substantially retooled version of the system that's a LOT different from the version of FATE that's available now.  What we're hearing is that the system will basically be the same as that used in Evil Hat's Spirit of the Century RPG, but with a new magic system, and modified damage rules.  SotC is a great pulp game, and I'd recommend buying it if you like pulp.  However, if you're only interested in getting a preview of the rules, you can check out the "system reference document" for SotC here:

http://www.crackmonkey.org/~nick/loyhargil/fate3/fate3.html

(SotC is an "Open Gaming License" product, which means that while setting information and the like is protected, all the system elements may be freely distributed.)

You might also check out the Evil Hat wiki:

http://evilhat.wikidot.com/

[Slife]

1) NEVER under any circumstances offer to be the one to call the pizza place.  You will ALWAYS get shortchanged by someone, even though you counted it out five times.  RPGers spend most of their time crunching numbers for their hobby and they will burn you and not even know they're doing it.

You might be on to something there.

Also, always bring cash.  The last thing you want to do is be the one who only has plastic.  That is a major gamer faux pas.

If possible, bring all the money you plan to spend in two dollar bills, dollar coins and half dollar coins. 

[The Doctor]

If possible, bring all the money you plan to spend in two dollar bills, dollar coins and half dollar coins.

I will second the two dollar bills schtick.. but only if you are the last one to arrive and not the one who placed the order.  It makes life amusingly difficult for the money-counter.

[Zygoptera]

Okay, I'm looking for a serious answer, please. I've never played table-top, pencil/paper RPG either, but they're having a game day at my college in two weeks, and I was planning to go. I really want to learn how to pencil/paper RPG. Is there anything I should learn beforehand so I don't make an utter fool out of myself? Any terms, unspoken protocols, etc I should get familiar with, etc? Thanks!

[The Doctor]

Okay, I'm looking for a serious answer, please. I've never played table-top, pencil/paper RPG either, but they're having a game day at my college in two weeks, and I was planning to go. I really want to learn how to pencil/paper RPG. Is there anything I should learn beforehand so I don't make an utter fool out of myself? Any terms, unspoken protocols, etc I should get familiar with, etc? Thanks!

In short, treat everyone the way you want to be treated.  Etiquette is the same at the gaming table as it is anywhere else.

Do not drink all of $libation or eat all of $munchies.  Save some for the other players.

Bring something to contribute, like soda or munchies.  It always goes over well.

If ordering out, always bring cash in small bills.  It is considered rude when ordering pizza to be the only one with a credit or debit card because it becomes difficult to pay.

Dropping out of character too much disrupts the flow of the action.  Do so when appropriate, but not all of the time.

Do not powergame.  It annoys the players and Dungeon Master/Storyteller/Game master.

Take it seriously.  Pulling a light sabre in a mediaeval-themed game will probably get you thrown out of the game.

[Zygoptera]

Thanks Doc! Quick question, "powergame"?

[caynreth]

To powergame is to emphasize the strength of the character, in terms of stats, number of powers, special effects, etc., over all other considerations. To overutilize the crunchy bits in such a way as to unbalance gameplay.

[The Doctor]

Thanks Doc! Quick question, "powergame"?

Constructing characters with the intent to make them as overpowered as possible, thus unbalancing the game.  It makes the game a nightmare to run, and the other characters tend to grow tired of it in short order.

[Slife]

Thanks Doc! Quick question, "powergame"?

Constructing characters with the intent to make them as overpowered as possible, thus unbalancing the game.  It makes the game a nightmare to run, and the other characters tend to grow tired of it in short order.

That's not powergaming, that's munchkining.

Powergaming is, in essence, choosing to make your character good at something.  This is done by everyone to some extent, but can be problematic when taking to extremes.

[DragonFire]

Thanks Doc! Quick question, "powergame"?

Constructing characters with the intent to make them as overpowered as possible, thus unbalancing the game.  It makes the game a nightmare to run, and the other characters tend to grow tired of it in short order.

That's not powergaming, that's munchkining.

Powergaming is, in essence, choosing to make your character good at something.  This is done by everyone to some extent, but can be problematic when taking to extremes.

I always heard it was powergaming.
IE, I an THorin Oakstaff, I can do 10th level magic and I'm a lvl 10 fighter. Fear the size of my wang!!!
Ie completely  cheesing out the character so it's good at damn near everything.
You do that in my game and a meteor hits you.

[Slife]

Thanks Doc! Quick question, "powergame"?

Constructing characters with the intent to make them as overpowered as possible, thus unbalancing the game.  It makes the game a nightmare to run, and the other characters tend to grow tired of it in short order.

That's not powergaming, that's munchkining.

Powergaming is, in essence, choosing to make your character good at something.  This is done by everyone to some extent, but can be problematic when taking to extremes.

I always heard it was powergaming.
IE, I an THorin Oakstaff, I can do 10th level magic and I'm a lvl 10 fighter. Fear the size of my wang!!!
Ie completely  cheesing out the character so it's good at damn near everything.
You do that in my game and a meteor hits you.

Well, obviously your players aren't any good at it.  A true munchkin can, and will, be able to survive the destruction of the universe.  And then create a new one. 

[http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=376014]This[/url] is powergaming.

[DragonFire]

Thanks Doc! Quick question, "powergame"?

Constructing characters with the intent to make them as overpowered as possible, thus unbalancing the game.  It makes the game a nightmare to run, and the other characters tend to grow tired of it in short order.

That's not powergaming, that's munchkining.

Powergaming is, in essence, choosing to make your character good at something.  This is done by everyone to some extent, but can be problematic when taking to extremes.

I always heard it was powergaming.
IE, I an THorin Oakstaff, I can do 10th level magic and I'm a lvl 10 fighter. Fear the size of my wang!!!
Ie completely  cheesing out the character so it's good at damn near everything.
You do that in my game and a meteor hits you.

Well, obviously your players aren't any good at it.  A true munchkin can, and will, be able to survive the destruction of the universe.  And then create a new one. 

[http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=376014]This[/url] is powergaming.

ST is god!
If I want a meteor to hit you, by god it will hit you and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it.

[Slife]

Thanks Doc! Quick question, "powergame"?

Constructing characters with the intent to make them as overpowered as possible, thus unbalancing the game.  It makes the game a nightmare to run, and the other characters tend to grow tired of it in short order.

That's not powergaming, that's munchkining.

Powergaming is, in essence, choosing to make your character good at something.  This is done by everyone to some extent, but can be problematic when taking to extremes.

I always heard it was powergaming.
IE, I an THorin Oakstaff, I can do 10th level magic and I'm a lvl 10 fighter. Fear the size of my wang!!!
Ie completely  cheesing out the character so it's good at damn near everything.
You do that in my game and a meteor hits you.

Well, obviously your players aren't any good at it.  A true munchkin can, and will, be able to survive the destruction of the universe.  And then create a new one. 

This is powergaming.

ST is god!
If I want a meteor to hit you, by god it will hit you and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it.

If you read the thread I linked, you'd notice that Pun-Pun is god.  The biggest god. 

For example A meteor hits, no save (if there was a save, Pun-Pun would have made it).  It either
A)Does no damage (as the only creature capable of harming him is himself.
B) Does no damage (as he is immune to all forms of physical harm, as well as heat)
C) Does damage, which is instantly healed by his regeneration
D)Does damage, which doesn't matter, since his health is quite literally infinite
E) Does damage, which doesn't matter, since he has a permanent Delay Death effect
You get the point.  The best way to counter this tactic is by making the person who uses it into the new ST/GM/DM.  Or club them over the head with a book.  Either is good.

[Zygoptera]

Cool. Thanks y'all for the tips. I looked up the events calendar for the game con and it looks like they're playing Mage and World of Darkness LARP. I've already started reading up on them at the World of Darkness site and am getting psyched to play. I just hope I don't screw up, embarrass myself or get myself thrown out of the game. Perhaps I should announce I'm a noobie first before I sit down...