Roleplaying Tips for New Players

Starting your first RPG can be intimidating. You don't know the rules, everyone else seems to know what's going on, and you're worried you'll accidentally do something stupid.

Don't worry. Every experienced player has a story that starts with, "So I accidentally..."

Here are a few tips to help you settle in.

1. You Don't Need a Voice

Forget the accents and dramatic speeches. If you can say, "My character asks the guard a question," you're already roleplaying.

2. Know What Your Character Wants

Give your character a goal. It doesn't have to be complicated. Knowing what your character wants makes decisions much easier when things start going sideways.

3. Flaws Are More Interesting Than Strengths

Nobody remembers the fighter who succeeded at everything. They remember the rogue who couldn't stop gambling and the wizard who was convinced every cursed artifact was perfectly safe.

4. Talk to the Other Characters

Some of the best moments in a campaign happen when the party is doing absolutely nothing important. Ask questions. Start conversations. Find out why the dwarf hates boats or why the wizard keeps collecting teeth.

5. Don't Wait for Permission

New players often sit quietly waiting for the "right" moment. Don't. Investigate the strange noise, open the suspicious door, and ask the awkward question. Adventure rarely finds the person standing in the corner.

6. Failure Is Part of the Fun

You will fail rolls. Sometimes the failed attempt to sneak past the guards creates a far more interesting adventure than succeeding ever would have.

7. Your Backstory Doesn't Need to Be a Novel

Keep your backstory simple. You only need enough to know who your character is and why they've chosen a life of adventure.

8. Let Other Players Shine

Every character deserves a chance to be awesome. If you've been doing all the talking, take a step back and let someone else jump in. The game is usually more fun when everyone gets their moment.

9. Ask Questions

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Most groups would rather spend thirty seconds explaining something than have you sit there confused for an hour.

10. Relax

Relax. Sooner or later, everyone makes a terrible decision. Yours might just happen to be tonight.