Hello! Looking to get into TTRPG as a hobby

Hello everyone!

I came here looking to get into TTRPG as a new hobby and creative outlet during these summer months. I played a bit of DND5e in my youth and enjoyed it immensely though I never could get into it on a consistent basis due to having a hectic schedule while being young. Now that I'm older, I seem to have all the time in the world yet no people in my area who share this interest. This is what lead me to here. My interest in TTRPG has always been in the creative side, writing interesting characters and going on unique journeys. I hope to be able to homebrew my own system for a unique setting one day, though I am sure I'm gonna need to get LOADS of practice and experience before I can do that.

Welcome to GP, Cavemanman!

Welcome!

Do you have aspirations to run games? It can be quite rewarding, though more effort.

Welcome to GamersPlane!

Are you pretty much looking for D&D 5E games or looking to play other systems as well?

Here's a few helpful links, courtesy of user BowlofSpinach:

I highly recommend joining the DISCORD server. We don't play over there but it's a pretty lively place for interesting discussions.

TTRPGs are a great tinkerers hobby.

To make a "good" system, yes, you will probably need loads more experience.

But it doesn't hurt anyone to make a "bad" system now (or to tinker with systems you already know well), as and while you learn about it all.

And ofc making your own unique setting is something you can and should engage in at will.

Welcome!

Yup, though I definitely need to get re-familiar with the mechanics of most rpgs.

I wouldn't mind starting out with 5e, as that is the one I am most familiar with, though there are other systems, like World of Darkness, that I'm interested in as I am a huge fan of VTMB.

Welcome!

Greetings and Salutations!

Welcome!

5E is a very popular system on GamersPlane. Shouldn't have too hard a time finding a game starting or jumping into one that's missing players.
Vampire doesn't get a lot of play but a game or two has cropped up now & again. GamersPlane has a good, wide spectrum of games and genres. Feel free to jump on something that catches your eye, 5E or not. Everyone here is super helpful with people new to systems. There's a welcoming community here.

Welcome to gamersplane.com!

Welcome to GP!
Must resist...feeling ancient...

I had to pretend like I didn't hear that, lest I crumble into dust and blow away...

Welcome cavemanman. Any of the most popular systems, and any version of D&D is good to start with. I have a Discord where we play multiple games - play by post. A couple of things here:

1. You might not like every setting or system. That's ok.

2. Try many systems, you might learn a bit from each that you might want to use in a future game.

3. I have never come across any homebrew systems that make me say "Wow, that made everything easier!" Normally I have found most just bog things down, or don't add anything to the game than what was already available; and I wouldn't replace what was already part of a rules core with those options - usually. Some might differ on this opinion, but it's just my experience after gaming for more than 30 years. Tweaking some game mechanics to fit your style of play is still encouraged. Some cool games are still in the development stage. I think D&D 5e is probably the best version of the game. I prefer BECMI, but I like the advantage system, and the Skills/Proficiency system, I don't like death saves, or short rests. But that's me.

4. Play a lot. GMs that also play seem to be able to understand what players want from a game, even if they've already had that discussion in a Session Zero. Playing gives you experience with a system and it's intricacies first hand. From a GMs perspective, that is a good thing.

5. Play by post is not for everyone. However, there are also some good things about it. You can take your time making a decision. You can consult the rules if you're not sure about your options. Also, you can write short prose if you so choose, enhancing the immersive aspects of roleplay. And it allows for a flexible schedule. That means I get to play with people from around the world most of the time. I particularly like games in Spanish, when I can find them.

6. Lastly, build your world. You don't need experience in world building to start. In fact no one has experience in world building until they start doing it themselves. Laying down a system that will meet the needs of that world is not always an easy thing to do. And, consider that maybe a popular system out there is perfect for what you intend. You can often find a free license for the most common systems out there and many allow you to publish your content using their system. This is a good thing since familiarity and the use of mainstream concepts are an easier way of getting people to play your setting.

Again, welcome.

Welcome to the community, cavemanman!

Welcome to GP, cavemanman!

I played AD&D in my youth... now I'm older
Welcome, young whippersnapper

Welcome :)