How did you get started with your RP group, and how would you advise other newcomers to the scene to finding a group that works for them?
Great question, I have many thoughts on this subject! Here are my experiences finding RP groups, all of which may be viable for a newcomer:
1. My partner had played several RPGs before we met, and when I expressed an interest in trying D&D, he helped me make a character sheet and ran me through a short solo adventure. It was a really chill way to learn the rules and start feeling out what kind of game I’d enjoy. If you have a friend with RP knowledge, maybe they could help you out?
2. My first full D&D group formed when I lived in Portland. I started going to a gaming store for Adventurer’s League, a weekly-run ongoing campaign of D&D 5th Edition which can be found in stores all over the U.S. The link has lots of info, including a location finder to see if there’s a game near you!
I really clicked with some friends I met through Adventurer’s League, and we launched an epic home game that ran 5+ years! I’ve since moved, but our bonds are strong and we play online whenever possible.
3. My current Pathfinder game is basically just a circle of good friends! Some of us hadn’t played PF before or were new to tabletop RPGs altogether. However, we were all interested and would be hanging out anyway! If you have a handful of willing friends, this is a great option. There are many RP systems simpler to learn and run than classic D&D, if you’re concerned about inexperience being an impediment.
4. Finally, my newest RP group is at Org Infinitus. There isn’t much in the way of mechanics, it’s more creativity-based. There are missions we complete (in prose, sketches, illustrations, and/or comics) to earn money and level up. There’s also a Discord channel with group RP chatrooms and lots of folks who enjoy one-on-one RPs. You can pick and choose how to interact with people, which I’ve found really enjoyable!
Org Infinitus is set in a Kingdom Hearts-based world and is still accepting applications, if that tickles your fancy. If not, I’ve heard of many similarly conducted clubs on deviantart and Discord, so searching those sites may be a good lead.
THAT WAS A LONG INFO DUMP, YIKES. I wish you the best of luck with your gaming endeavors!