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1. What is a pen and paper role-playing (RPG) game?
   
   
2. Many years ago I used to play Advanced Dungeons and Dragons (AD&D), I would like to start playing AD&D again but I can no longer find my AD&D 1ED. manuals and I do not want to buy the new DnD 3.5 ED. (D20) manuals, is there some game that is similar and inexpensive?
   
   
3. I and my friends have never played a role-playing game before, but we want to play something in the fantasy genre, we do not want to do too much reading or pay too much, should we start out with Dungeons and Dragons?
   
   
4. My friends and I have never played a roleplaying game before, but we want to play something in the horror genre, what do you recommend for us?
   
   
5. My friends and I have never played a roleplaying game before, but we want to play something in the science fiction genre, what do you recommend?
   
   
6. I just want to do some fantasy combat with the minimum amount of reading and rules, do you have something simple and short?
   
   
7. Hey, all these games need dice. Where do I get dice?
   
   

1. What is a pen and paper role-playing (RPG) game?
   
   A role-playing game (RPG) is a set of rules for playing a fictional character in a series of adventures. The rules are a framework which allow all players to create characters, accomplish tasks, go on adventures, create worlds and resolve combat. The term "pen and paper" refers to role playing games that are played face-to-face with two or more people playing together as opposed to computer role-playing games and online games.
   Here are two resources that answer the question:
   Hoboes: What is Role-Playing?
   Wikipedia: Role-playing game
   
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2. Many years ago I used to play Advanced Dungeons and Dragons (AD&D), I would like to start playing AD&D again but I can no longer find my AD&D 1ED. manuals and I do not want to buy the new DnD 3.5 ED. (D20) manuals, is there some game that is similar and inexpensive?
   
   You are in luck! The 1st Edition AD&D manuals are still being published as .PDF files at a very reasonable price. Players will need the Players Handbook, while DM's will need the Players Handbook plus Dungeon Master's Guide and Monster Manual
   
   There is also another option: Gods & Monsters is a AD&D "compatible" game that blends many ideas from both 1ED. and 2ED. AD&D plus some new original elements. Anyone who has played either edition will quickly catch on. You can download these manuals for free from the link above or purchase printed editions (above) at a reasonable price. I have found the printed editions of Gods & Monsters to be a good value if you really need a printed manual you can hold in your hands.
   
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3. I and my friends have never played a role-playing game before, but we want to play something in the fantasy genre, we do not want to do too much reading or pay too much, should we start out with Dungeons and Dragons?
   
   In my opinion no, I think for a group that has never played a fantasy role-playing game before I would recommend Iron Gauntlets, it is inexpensive well thought out, and easy to learn but very complete. You can always learn DnD later if you think you are missing something. I have nothing against either DnD 3.5ED. or d20 rules, but I think the manuals for DnD are a bit high priced for a DM and players wanting to check out RPG's for the first time. I also think there are easier rules systems to learn if you do not have an experienced DnD player in your group. This is why I recommend Iron Gauntlets.
   
   You can either buy dice at a hobby store or find free dice rolling software.
   
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4. My friends and I have never played a roleplaying game before, but we want to play something in the horror genre, what do you recommend for us?
   
   For horror role-playing in a contemporary setting I recommend Blood Games which you can buy in either .PDF format for download or a print version. The core rules of the whole game are complete in one book.
   
   There is also the classic Call of Cthulhu 6TH Edition Horror Roleplaying for horror adventures based upon the writings of H. P. Lovecraft.
   
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5. My friends and I have never played a roleplaying game before, but we want to play something in the science fiction genre, what do you recommend?
   
   For science fiction role-playing I recommend StarCluster2 which has a very good game engine and is well written. StarCluster2 can be used to create worlds of all sorts of tech levels from primitive to ultra-advanced. Note there is a free "Lite" version you can download to check out. If I had to pick just one science fiction RPG it would be StarCluster2 because I think it can be adapted to practically any game setting straight out of your favorite science fiction book, movie or TV series. You could even use it as the core game engine for a contemporary RPG set in the present day.
   
   Another option is the newest version of the classic sci-fi RPG Gamma World: Player's Handbook, Game Master's Guide. Gamma World is a great slugfest romp on a world where everything has mutated into something deadly.
   
   If you want something a little more defined there are games like Serenity Role Playing Game which lets you play in Joss Whedon's Firefly/Serenity universe from the television show and movie.
   
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6. I just want to do some fantasy combat with the minimum amount of reading and rules, do you have something simple and short?
   
   Yes download Melee and Wizard (.PDF) for free and have great fun.
   
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7. Hey, all these games need dice. Where do I get dice?
   
   There are a number of dice roller programs available. You can also use an online dice roller. For buying dice I recommend RPGNow or a local hobby shop.
   
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