Comment by ryandrake

I'm not into D&D, but I've seen similar things with other non-D&D local groups, like poker and HAM radio. You stop by as The Newbie, and you're greeted by a big group of people who already know each other and have their own pre-formed cliques. Yes, there are always a handful of people who seem to be the designated "do everything we can to make you welcome" committee, but the newbies end up only hanging out with them, and not any of the insular "core" groups.