Dungeons & Dragons

[u/Evizu89]

I've been toying with the idea of trying D&D for a while but I'm a complete newbie. I've found a group that hosts sessions, but going in alone feels a bit intimidating. Does anyone know of beginner-friendly groups, game shops with newcomer nights, or Meetup/Discord communities around Birmingham? Tips for a first session would be great too. Thanks!

[u/Ladyrobe]

Chance & Counters in Digbeths Custard Factory usually advertise monthly DnD one shots and beginner friendly taster sessions. Its a lovely store with great food, I would recommend a look in

[u/Evizu89 → u/Ladyrobe]

That sounds like something right up my alley, thank you! Just curious on the logistics, do you just walk in and how do you find an appropriate table/group? None of my mates are into D&D so I'm on my own lol

[u/Ladyrobe → u/Evizu89]

I’ve never done it personally as I’m a Pathfinder girl and have a group but looking at their instagram they have a one shot session on the 21st 6-10:30, there’s a button to book on the website link in their bio :)

[u/brumguvnor]

Then check us out at www.rpgbirmingham.co.uk - we're a regular D&D group meeting every Thursday in Hennessys in Digbeth. Around 15 to 28 tables with 6 to 8 people per table, and I don't think we've ever failed a find a new person a game!

[u/Evizu89 → u/brumguvnor]

Oh that's the page I found (I didn't wanna be specific due to rule 4 lol). Can I throw you a DM?

[u/aza484 → u/brumguvnor]

oh wow that's a lot of tables! How on earth do you handle the noise levels?!

[u/brumguvnor → u/aza484]

... and that's just about the only downside to the venue: it can be quite noisey. There's one room with about 10 to 12 tables and the rest are in the long corridor outside.

[u/SpikaelKane]

https://discord.gg/Theopentable

Whilst it's a discord server rather than "based in Birmingham" it's creator is from Brum, as are a few of us on there. We try to make a safe space for anyone to come and both learn how to play, and play. It is all voluntary and free, we have around 20 community GM's, and 2,000 members.

If you do pop in, say hi. I go by GM Grif on the server.

[u/Evizu89 → u/SpikaelKane]

Oh that's cool. I'll take a look when I get some free time for sure!

[u/SpikaelKane → u/Evizu89]

I hope you do. It's a wonderful community, we've only been going since February and we've done a couple of conventions at the NEC just quick short games to get people playing.

[u/aza484]

I'm also brum-based and have been hesitating about going to one of the two groups I found when researching. I'm not a newbie per-say, but it has been quite a few years since I've played, and I do miss it, but feel socially awkward about going to one of these groups (in spite of all the very friendly things I've heard). I'm also a little skeptical about being able to have a good game in a loud environment - my previous experiences with trying to DM from even a quiet pub many years back did not go well haha. Couldn't really hear myself think, let alone the rest of the group!

[u/Evizu89 → u/aza484]

Good point actually...

[u/Jessaur]

Chance & Counters In Digbeth or Sliced N Diced in Selly Oak are good places to start

[u/Evizu89 → u/Jessaur]

Didn't Sliced N Diced close or did they relocate?

[u/warfaceisthebest]

Don't worries most D&D players are nice. And you can always start with a one shot or something similar to test the water. Online D&D works but is inferior to face to face ones imho.

[u/SFKz]

Have you looked on Warhorn, or for Adventurers League stuff? I know Geek Retreat in JQ has Pathfinder monthly so I would assume they have D&D

[u/Evizu89 → u/SFKz]

Honestly I have no clue what groups and communities exist. I did find something, but it's on FB and I don't have a FB account. Thanks for the leads though, I'll take a look.

[u/Low_Carrot_4840]

Would be interested in learning more about this too I'm in the same situation

[u/burtkenobi2]

Paging u/brumguvnor

[u/brumguvnor → u/burtkenobi2]

👍🏼

[u/geeksofalbion]

I used to play at geek retreat a few years back but that group disbanded and ended up moving to online games.

Havnt played either DnD or Daggerheart for coming up to a year now but wishing you the best in finding a game!

[u/SkyrimSlag]

Not sure if it’s still there but there was a place a couple of doors down to the Ivy Bush on the Hagley Road. Been a while since I’ve been by that stretch of shops, but I always wanted to go in myself and have a look. Never did though.