INTRODUCTION
Imagine a world where you can be anyone you want, do anything you want, and yet everything is decided by a throw of dice. Welcome to the fantastical world of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). This isn’t your typical board game; it is a shared storytelling experience crafted by imagination, improvisation, and tactical decisions. D&D is fun, challenging, and incredibly engaging. This guide is the perfect place for beginners to embark on their journey into this mesmerizing game.
WHAT IS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS?
Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) where you and your friends can create your own characters and embark on adventures in a fantasy world. Created in the 70s by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, D&D has become a cultural phenomenon around the world with millions of players.
In the game, one player takes on the role of the Dungeon Master (DM), who controls the narrative and consequences of the players’ actions. The DM sets the stage, describes the environment, controls the non-player characters and enemies, and helps guide the story. The other players each take on the unique role of a character of their own creation.
HOW TO PLAY AND GET STARTED
The heart of D&D is storytelling. You and your friends narrate a story together, guiding your characters through adventures, challenges, battles, and quests. Here’s a quick guide on how to start:
1. Character Creation: Each player creates a character by selecting a race (like an elf or a dwarf), a class (like a rogue or wizard), and a background. These choices will determine your character’s abilities and characteristics.
2. Dungeon Master: One player takes the mantle of Dungeon Master. They’ll create the world and stories that the rest of the players explore. It’s the DM’s job to portray the setting of the adventure and respond to player actions.
3. Adventure and Combat: As the players navigate the story, they may encounter a variety of challenges including puzzle-solving, role-play scenarios, and combat encounters where dice rolls dictate the successes and failures.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To play Dungeons and Dragons, you’ll need the following things:
Player’s Handbook: This is the primary guide to the game and contains the rules, character options, and the basic system of gameplay.
Dice: RPG dice set includes a D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, D20, and D100. The numbers you roll on these dice will determine how well your character can face the challenges they encounter.
Character Sheets: These sheets hold all the information about your character.
Optional, but helpful tools include miniatures to represent your characters and creatures on a battle map, and a Dungeon Master’s Guide with tips and extra rules for the person running the game.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Start with A Pre-Made Adventure: There are numerous published adventures available that can guide you through your first gaming session.
2. Be Ready to Improvise: Not everything will go as planned. Don’t be afraid to think on your feet.
3. Coordinate with Your Team: D&D is a collaborative game. Work together to solve problems and overcome challenges.
4. Ask Questions: If you don’t understand something, ask the DM or search online.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
D&D Beyond: This is an official digital toolset for D&D that includes rulebooks, adventures, characters, items, spells, monsters, and more.
Reddit’s r/DND: This active community is a great place to ask questions, share ideas, and find inspiration.
Matthew Colville’s “Running the Game” YouTube series: Essential viewing for new DMs that covers a lot of ground about running a D&D game.
GLOSSARY
Dungeon Master (DM): The person who guides the game, running the world and the characters that live within it.
Player Character (PC): The characters created and played by the players.
Non-Player Character (NPC): Any character controlled by the DM.
Hit Points (HP): This statistic measures how much punishment a character can take before they are defeated.
Levels: As you complete quests, your character gains experience and can level up, gaining new powers and abilities.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you have a basic understanding of Dungeons & Dragons, the best way to learn is by doing. Try setting up a game with some friends and give it a go! Remember, the most important aspect of D&D is having fun, so stay flexible and enjoy the adventure. Welcome to a world of endless possibilities!
