http://www.hackslash.net/?p=73 Point buy calculator
http://www.brockjones.com/dieroller/dice.htm Dice roller
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/charactersheets pdfs of character sheets and other stuff (if FG isn't worth the trouble you may as well print these)

This is a pretty good character generator unless you're planning to make an evil character (Since the programmer is apparently a really devoted christian and felt uncomfortable posting evil-related stuff on there) otherwise it's a pretty nifty and easy to use character sheet. Just don't change your mind later, otherwise you'll be forced to restart from the beginning

http://www.pathguy.com/cg35.htm

And of course Crystal Keep: The cliffnotes of the DnD universe. Every single spell, magical item, monster, feat, etc is posted here; Make liberal use of it!

http://www.crystalkeep.com/

Other then that just skim through the book; Fighting is a bit of a clusterfuck, especially for a first timer and I'll tell you right now not to expect them to blaze through them quickly. The fun of the game is in character interaction, and as cheesy as this may sound, give role-playing a try and I guarantee you'll have a blast!

Krap!ULAAA8OePo   10/07/29(Thu)14:34

>>1460
How about using grids/maps for combat? Not necessary most of the time? It seems like it's not really necessary if it's just you and some dude in a room without many features. And yes, I'd like to get better at RPing, as I understand that it really is key.

Also, do people normally worry much about things like food/water/ammo, etc? I can understand if you're in, like, a siege or some shit, but just walking around killing stuff?

>>1459
Thanks!

>>1462
I can't remember for sure if you need food/water (I don't have my rulebook and I haven't played it in a while), but generally they shouldn't be all that important, just like in video games. After all you're playing HIGH ADVENTURE, not pastry chef unless your playing a pastry chef

In any case if your DM says not to worry about food then just don't worry, the rules to DnD are flexible and they won't punish you if your DM won't. In a seige, maybe, but he'll need to clarify that his rules are coming into effect. Ammo, though, is always finite, as you can see on your character sheet, just cross one of the markers off whenever you fire a bolt/arrow

Lets see...

Grids really aren't that big of a deal; generally they're just there so you can remember your relative distance as compared to your foe, as well as any obstacles that penalize your attacks for obstruct your view. But if you're going to be doing a lot of fighting in exotic places, then really should use one, and I recommend try find yourself one of these:

http://www.chessex.com/mats/Battlemats_Megamats.htm

They're discontinued but they're reusable and you can just wipe it clean when you're done, or you can grab some crosshatch posterboard from your local art shops, I dunno.

If all else fails just have your DM keep track of everyone's position using Microsoft Excel

Oh, and while we're on the topic here's some sites for you to pass along to your DM

http://www.d20srd.org/index.htm

Don't use the dndwiki, use this site. It's easier to navigate and it's not gay

http://www.myth-weavers.com/forumhome.php

up at the site tools tab there's some snazzy generators for him to use, help him start setting your world up.

Good luck!