Maybe lurking would be a good way to start. It looks like we will have a Ranger returning and a Paladin galloping in and possible another front line fighter in **Hoopy Frood **soon enough.
I’m not sure what **Maeglin **wants to play or if he does.
I think I need to see how it works out with this extra group.
OK, lurking it is then.
Can you recommend anything for me to learn D&D mechanics?
I might pass that question over to Glee, he actually teachers Chess and Role Playing I believe. I think in theory that the best way to learn is to start with a simple character and then maybe move on to a spellcaster after that. Though I recall jumping in feet first with a mage as my first character sometime around 1976. Of course the books were a lot smaller back then. (seriously, they were practically pamphlets.)
Actually, try reading one of the adventure threads and see if you can get feeling for what we are doing with this out of the normal game. That might be the best primer for the SDMB games.
You can learn nearly everything you’d need to know from here for version 3.5. That’s not what we play here, of course, but it’s pretty widely used elsewhere. It’s also not set up as a primer on how to play, which doesn’t help, but everything you need is there.
I’d be happy to answer questions (part of my dream job is teaching roleplaying 4 hours a week 
), but I think the main point is that there’s a big difference between Fighters and Spellcasters in What Exit?'s adventure.
The Fighter’s job is straightforward and they can concentrate on roleplaying. For example, Thoroncir is romancing Gilraen :).
The spellcasters really need to know what their spells do, plus ranges, area of effect etc. This is where 1st Edition playing experience really helps.
I really do recommend that you set some time aside and read through the previous threads. What Exit? wants to create a strong storyline, based on his deep knowledge of Middle Earth. I seriously think this is a good test of how much you will get out of playing.
As you read through, you’ll absorb:
As I said earlier in the thread, playing a Fighter-type is straightforward (and useful for the party).
*work? 
this is FUN!
Sounds like you have enough people - but I will continue to follow the story.
Brian
Sounds good and I’ll see how things go as we integrate in this new group of adventurers.
We should have a Paladin in ShadowFacts
We’ll have our tracking Ranger back in D_Odds bringing back Brin.
I think we’ll have another front-line fighter in Hoopy Frood
I am willing to take one more if you or **Maeglin **still want to try as Brin takes no work on my part to bring back.
I’m sure more openings will happen in the future.
Excellent, a nicely enlarged party for the fun and games ahead.
Let the good times roll on. 
I PM’ed What Exit. I’m in.
I’ll be a straight up fighter, either human or Khazad, haven’t decided yet. I’ll try to get fully up to speed by next week.
Right on! It will be good to have another full fledged fighter in the game.
If you go with Khazad you should be warned, the party is swarming with freakin elves. They are all over the damn place! I mean, they are good guys and all, but we have two (TWO!) in the party proper and one of them is our leader. That’s a lot of elves for one little party.
So, um, play a dwarf, I am totally outnumbered.
Heed the short guy’s words. 
Gleaned from two PMs I sent out: (More in the first few posts of the setup thread).
I will generate the stats but I need a guide. Example for a fighter: Do you want to aim for Percentile Strength? (I hope so) Is Dex or Con more important to you? How much emphasis do you put on the other 3 stats?
If you take Dwarf normal weapon choices are Axe and War Shield, Hammer and War Shield or sometimes Sword and War Shield. They favor Xbow over short bows.
Humans can take any combo from Two Handed to Long & War Shield to Two Swords like the Elves favor.
No matter what you should probably specialize at least once in one weapon.
Each weapon takes proficiency. At 5th you’ll have 5. Each specialization takes a proficiency.
1st Specialization: Gains a +1 to hit and +2 dam and +1 on initiative.
2nd Specialization: goes to +2 to hit and +2 dam and +2 on initiative and 3 attacks per 2 rounds. At 7th for Fighters & Paladins this becomes 2 attacks per round and 8th for Rangers.
3rd Specialization: goes to +3 to hit and +3 dam and +3 on initiative and 2 attacks rounds. At 7th for Fighters & Paladins this becomes 3 attacks per round and 8th for Rangers.
If you want to play a female character I give an additional +1 Stat bonus. (Though Dwarven Females have some disadvantages.)
Think about your history a bit and I will try to work it in as close as possible.
Remember your character will be exceptional. Also let me know if there is an aspect where you would like to see magic items address.
Keep in mind most enemies are Orc types, Trolls, Humans, over sized intelligent animals and Undead.
That’s great. I sort of lurked the first one for a while but RL took precedence. And please don’t think I meant to imply I’d only want to be a magic user.
Glee, I might have more questions after doing my homework. I’ll let you know!
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I’m off to do a little research.
And spiders. Don’t forget the spiders. I really hate the spiders.
I was lumping those in with the “over sized intelligent animals” but they do deserve an extra mention, don’t they. 
Note: The new adventure thread is begun: Middle Earth FA63 D&D Game: Fifth Adventure - War in Goblin Gate.
Bitur son of Bofur has been sent out. Like Gwaelur he uses Axe & War Shield and Xbow. He wears Dwarven Plate Mail though.
Welcome to the game Hoopy Frood.
I was going to take up to three new players, so I’m waiting to here back from **Maeglin **first.
“Bitur”. Is that pronounced like “Biter” or “Beater”?
He likes a pint or two of Dwarven Ale I would guess, so probably more like “Bitter”. 
That’s what I was thinking, I think that’s how Tolkien would have it pronounced, but I haven’t picked up the books in a while.
Works for me.