New to ORC

If you've never played an RPG before it can be quite daunting. However, if you've played a computer RPG like Neverwinter Nights, Baldur's Gate or even World of Warcraft then you're well on your way! Even so, most folk pick up RPGs in the first session. Shows like Critical Role etc show a very stylized - and occasionally unrealistic - views of RPG sessions. It's also worth check out the ORC FAQ.

Getting involved

The best way to get involved is to do the following:

• Introduce yourself in the Introductions area.
• Regularly check the site - games fill up extremely quickly, so the Looking to run a game area is a good place to check often.
• Ask Bill, the site admin, to add you to the Looking for a Game PM list. This uses the ORC Messaging system to send a message to you from a GM looking for players. There are ones for Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian, and Midlothian.
• Ask questions. Seriously. It helps.
• Send a PM (Personal Message) via the ORC Messaging system to a GM if you're interested in their game.
• If there's a particular game you'd like to play ask in the [1] area - you may be surprised!
• Try some of of the single session games (one-shots) and see how you get on.
• Check the Events Calendar to see whats coming up.

Places to Play

There's a number of venues outside ORC, running games like D&D - you can also buy RPGs there:

• Black Lion Games (near Edinburgh University)
• Blackwell's Booksellers (near Edinburgh University)
• Edinburgh Games Hub (Tollcross)
• Geek Retreat (Tollcross)
• Mox in the hole (Tollcross)
• Murphy's Vault (Polwarth)
• Red Dice Games (Leith)

Playing the Game

Just some basic things that probably don't need saying, but sometimes do. This holds true for players and GMs!

• Turn up on time: if you are running late or can't make it, let the GM or another of the players know (via ORC Messaging) in good time. Or Whatsapp, etc.
• Check you know where the venue is (the Events calendar has Google map links to most frequented venues).
• Where venues serve food or drink DON'T bring your own.. These places could kick you out - and the other players - as a result. They're well within their rights to do so.
• It's a social activity but don't forget that others are there to have fun - no one wants to be sworn at, yelled at, or even hit. It's a game.
• Don't be overly critical of other players or the GM. No one likes a smartypants.
• Let everyone have their turn, but make sure you get your own go.
• Have fun.

For details on actually GMing a game at ORC, see Running a game at ORC.