INTRODUCTION
Welcome! If you’ve ever been drawn to the world of fantasy, filled with brave warriors and clever wizards, dark dungeons filled with dangerous monsters, and epic quests that span across kingdoms, the game of Dungeons & Dragons may be just what you’re looking for. This age-old game offers countless hours of entertainment, storytelling, and camaraderie. Even if you’re completely new to it, don’t fret, this guide is designed especially for beginners like you!
WHAT IS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS?
Dungeons & Dragons, fondly known as D&D, is a table-top role-playing game where players embark on imaginary adventures within a fantasy setting. Created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in the early 1970s, D&D is now a cultural icon enjoyed by millions worldwide.
In D&D, you take on the role of a character of your creation, navigating through a world filled with magic and mystery. Think of it like a video game, but your imagination and storytelling are the graphics engine. Unlike other games, it’s less about competing and more about telling a collective story with your friends.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
Getting started with D&D can initially seem complicated, but once you break it down, it’s quite simple. Let’s walk you through it:
1. ASSEMBLE YOUR GROUP: You’ll want a group of friends (typically up to 5 players) and one Dungeon Master (DM), the person who will guide the story.
2. CHOOSE YOUR CHARACTER: Each player creates a character, complete with an elaborate backstory, alignment (your character’s moral compass), and class (your profession).
3. PREPARE THE CAMPAIGN: The DM will prepare a campaign, a storyline for your characters to explore.
4. PLAYING THE GAME: Gameplay is a mix of narration by the DM, dialogue between characters, and dice rolls to determine the outcomes of certain actions or events.
5. HAVE FUN: Remember, the goal of D&D is to have fun while co-writing a great story.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
The basic tools you’ll need for playing D&D are:
1. DUNGEON MASTER’S GUIDE: This is the DM’s rulebook.
2. PLAYER’S HANDBOOK: A guidebook for players with all the basic rules and options for character creation.
3. DICE: A set of seven polyhedral dice with different numbers of sides for different actions and events.
4. CHARACTER SHEETS: Each player will need a sheet to record their characters’ details.
5. IMAGINATION: This is by far the most important tool!
Most of these supplies can be found in a D&D Starter Set, an excellent place for beginners to start.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. START SIMPLE: Don’t worry about complex character builds or intricate backstory initially; start simple.
3. LEARN AS YOU GO: Like anything new, playing will make the rules clearer.
4. DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY THE DM: They’re there to guide the story and ensure everyone has fun.
5. FOCUS ON FUN: Enjoy the process, the storytelling, and the camaraderie. It’s what D&D is all about!
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Check out Wizards of the Coast’s website, the company that currently owns D&D, for rules, guides, and community forums.
YouTube channels like Geek and Sundry offer excellent videos that can help you learn.
Reddit’s D&D community, r/DnD, is also a great place for advice and sharing.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
Here are a few terms you should get acquainted with:
1. DUNGEON MASTER (DM): The narrator and referee of the game.
2. CHARACTER CLASS: Your character’s chosen profession or calling.
3. CAMPAIGN: A storyline or set of adventures your character will embark on.
4. ROLLING: Using dice to determine the outcome of an event or action.
5. PC/NPC: Player Character and Non-Player Character, respectively.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Now that you have a basic grasp of D&D, it’s time to dive in! Start assembling your party, create your characters, and prepare for your first campaign. Remember, the aim of the game is to have fun, explore, and tell a great story together. So, get ready to step into the magical world of Dungeons & Dragons, where incredible adventures await!
