Dungeons & Dragons (3rd Edition)

There are three main books to play are: The Player's Handbook, The Dungeon Master's Guide, and The Monster Manual.

The Player's Handbook - Included here are all of the rules and character information.

The Dungeon Master's Guide - This includes all the information to actually run the game.  The DM creates the setting of the game, and then the player's create the character's and make the decisions.

The Monster Manual - Information on creatures to keep the player's busy.

Now, let me clarify something right now.  Roleplaying games, are just that. Roleplaying.  All the books and manuals are just guides.  Imagination is the key to any roleplaying game.  And should a group of players wish to do so, throw out some, most or even all of the rules, and make your own.  No two Dungeon Masters create the same game.  That's important and heady stuff!  There are no right or wrong ways to play.

Let me give you some examples.  In the group I was last playing with, each of us took our turns as DM.  One of us would concentrate more on political type games.  Another would be very heavy on fights and encounters.  Another would have a little bit of everything.

And the most important thing, in general, about roleplaying? The DM makes the game.  If he give's good graphic descriptions, is consistent about dealing with the world around the player's characters, and doesn't get TOO enthusiastic about playing the bad guys, then everyone can have a good time.

Now, personally, I prefer to play wizards.  With that in mind, I created a number of documents to help keep track of the spells.  Click on the class you're interested in, and you'll get the latest list I have.  The spells are taken from a number of different sources.  Some you may have, some you might not.  Either way, it gives you an idea of some of the things a character can do.

Spell Lists (.pdf format)(to download, right-click, and choose "save target as")

Bard   Cleric   Druid   Paladin   Ranger   Sorcerer/Wizard