More detail on how this works can be found in the Player's Handbook or in the SRD (System Reference Document). If the player's total is equal or above the DC, then the attempt succeeds. The DM, in secret, will determine a number that represents how difficult it would be to succeed this is called the 'DC'. She will roll a twenty-sided die (d20) and add her skill of perception to the total.

Player 3, who is trying to see if she can do something that may or may not be feasible, is asked to make a 'perception check'.

, you try to determine the quality of the house from where you are. The water is about one to two feet deep generally shin-deep.

DM: 'The two of you begin to move north slowly, the mud sucking at your boots from below the waterline.

Player 3: 'Is the house in good repair?'.

Player 2: 'How deep is the swamp water?'.

Player 1: 'I move to the North slowly, drawing my sword in case something attacks us.'.

The East and South passages are blocked by dense growth'. To the West you can go further into the swamp. Start the game with the DM telling you where you are and some general ideas about your surroundings, Such as: 'You find yourself in a swamp. All the other characters that are in the game world which are not controlled by a Player are called Non-Player Characters (NPC) and will be controlled by the Dungeon Master.

The character you create will be called your Player Character (PC).

On the other hand, if you want a challenge, then try a Monk or a Spell Caster of any sort (Sorcerer, Druid, Cleric, Wizard, etc.) For example, if you decide to be a Fighter and this is your first time out, a Human or Half-Orc will be a far better choice than either an Elf or a Gnome.

Take note of the differences between races and classes, and which complement each other.

Read the instructions regarding character creation in the Player's Handbook and have everyone but the DM create a character.

Make sure everyone has a blank character sheet, or get everybody to use a program like Redblade for assistance in creating their sheets.

Doing this together is also helpful for new or inexperienced players. Creating characters together should lead to a more balanced party, as you can discuss what is needed. This can be done alone, before meeting as a group, or together.

For the first session, you will need to create your characters.

D&d 3.5 dragon player character