So...I really want to try this out. I've played MMO's as far back as EQ and did some RP there. I've played Magic for a few years and always saw the guys playing DnD and Pathfinder having fun.

I'm not sure where to even begin. Are there games set up by a GM (DM?) that are geared towards teaching the basics of the game maybe? Or should I read up somewhere on the rules of whatever format I choose to play...also...what format should I play?

Thanks for any help guys and gals!

Hey there!  Welcome to RPOL.

First - again - welcome!  Seriously.  Happy and fun community here.

Second - this site operates quite a bit differently than a lot of other PbP sites.  And, it's for the better (it's very logical here.)

PLEASE PLEASE read the "FAQs" in the top-right, it will guide you through almost every question.

After that - peruse the "Wanted - GMs" and "Wanted - Players" areas.  You will see people advertising tons of games of all different stripes (with a convenient filtering system).  Thousands of systems are represented, though you will see a huge number of DnD/Pathinder games - so no worries about finding something you like.

Not everyone uses a concrete system, and not every GM even uses the same system for deciding with whom to play.

First term to learn: "RtJ" or RTJ - "Request to Join".  You will see different games looking for different things - some want to know if you have a character in mind, some just want to see if you can write in the language in question.

Have fun out there and ask questions!

You can always ask to be a lurker. You can then see how a game is played. Choose a game you like the sound of and send a message to the GM.

Thanks guys! I read the FAQ's and whatnot...I think I'm going to check the new games often while I read up on a couple different rulesets so I have at least a little bit of an idea before I jump in!