Roleplaying
Introduction:
My main hobby is roleplaying games (Rpgs) which is also known as table top roleplaying. The most well known example is Dungeons and Dragons. On this page I will give an Explanation, then show how Podcasts are an interesting new way to learn about the hobby. Then finish off with the more traditional web Resourses that can be used.
Explanation
For me the hobby is about a shared way of storytelling between a group of people. There are three main elements to the game. The system beingplayed, which tells you the rules and background. The gamemaster (GM) who reads the system and invents a story for the players. Then the players who interact with the rules, the game world and the story provided by the GM. A group will meet on a regular basis and take part in an ongoing story, like a tv series. During that time the charcters will have adventures, grow and change, watch the concequences of their actions. Or they could just kill monsters and take their stuff.
Podcasts
Podcasts exist now of a many differn't subjects and RPG's are no exception. A Podcast is like a radio show that is recordered and released on a website. It allows people the chance the voice their opinions about any subject that interests them. They can range from the serious and formal to the chaotic and opinionated. The Bearsawrm podcast is one I listen to every week. It contains swearing, laughter and bucketful of up front honest opinions. From an Irish point of view The Adventuring Party is the only option, but one that is improving with each episode.
Resources
The other forms of web tools are also used such as mailing lists, company sites, forums and wiki's. Mailing lists tend to be very specific to a place or a game. For example I am on a general list for the Irish gaming scene, which people can ask questions and spread information. Each publishing company will have their own website, with information about their products and a place to buy the products. Fantasy Flight games offers a range of products. A forum with people from around the world with many and differen't opinions would be Rpg.net and a very good place to get advice