kingbobb wrote:Find a local brick and mortar hobby game shop. Usually they'll have notices posted to a message board, and often one or more nights a week dedicated to RPGs. You can probably find a group and ask about getting involved. They can show you the ropes, and a good GM will handle the rules for the most part. If they use minis for combat, you'll probably be expected to learn the basics about that aspect. Just play a fighter, get a big sword, and hack into the bad guys until you learn a little more.
This is a good way to go. If you have open-minded friends, you might try to nudge them to try it out as well. Gaming is like any hobby, those who are into it may not be the friendliest. There are the min/maxers, the über roleplayers, the rules lawyers, etc. Is there a particular system you are interested in? Some of them have a good fan community with websites, discussion boards, etc. Sometimes they can help you find players too. Also sometimes local cons have a gaming element.