INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the exciting world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D)! Before starting your epic adventure into magical realms filled with dragons, elves, and arcane mysteries, let’s understand what it takes to set foot onto this thrilling escapade. This beginner-friendly guide will delve deeply into everything you need to know to get started on your journey towards becoming a skilled adventurer or a masterful Dungeon Master.
WHAT IS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS?
At its core, Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop fantasy role-playing game (RPG) created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. It first published in 1974 and has since then captivated millions of players worldwide. D&D is about imaginative storytelling where players embark on mythical quests while exploring vast dungeons or combating numerous beasts.
In the game, players create their own characters, deciding on various aspects such as race, class, and background, ultimately giving them unique abilities and traits. Players will then guide these characters through an adventure, controlled by another player known as the Dungeon Master (DM). The DM creates the game world and controls the game’s narratives and inhabitants, providing adventurers thrilling quests and challenges.
HOW IT WORKS AND HOW TO GET STARTED
The basics of D&D revolve around a simple concept: The DM describes a situation, the players describe how their characters react, and then the DM narrates the results of their actions. This interaction is facilitated by imagined scenarios and a diverse set of rules helping in determining success or failure, most of which involve dice.
Here’s how to get started:
STEP 1: Decide who will be the DM.
STEP 2: Each player creates their character using the D&D Player’s Handbook.
STEP 3: The DM sets-up an adventure, prepared beforehand or using a pre-made module.
During gameplay, players engage in explorations, interactions, and combats. Whenever a player attempts an action that has a significant challenge or risk, they roll a 20-sided dice—“d20”—to determine the outcome, with modifiers based on their character’s abilities.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
To get started with D&D, you’ll need the following:
1. D&D Player’s Handbook: Contains all the rules for character creation, gameplay, and character advancement.
2. Dice: A set of seven dice with different numbers of sides (d4, d6, d8, d10, d12, d20, and d100).
3. Character Sheets: Provides a place to record all information about your character.
These items are included in the D&D Starter Set, a perfect resource for beginners!
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Be patient: Learning the rules takes time. Don’t worry about knowing everything immediately.
2. Get into character: Role-playing your character provides a richer experience.
3. Communicate: Speak up about what you want, your ideas, and concerns.
4. Ask Questions: If you’re not sure about a rule or situation, don’t hesitate to ask.
5. Just have fun: The main objective is to enjoy the game with your friends.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Here are some helpful resources for new D&D players:
1. D&D Official Website: Provides all the official news, articles, and downloadable resources like character sheets.
2. D&D Beyond: An official online toolset for running your games.
3. YouTube Channels: Critical Role, D&D Beyond.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
1. Player’s Handbook: The core rulebook for character creation and gameplay.
2. Dungeon Master (DM): The game organizer who presents the story and controls the actions of characters that aren’t being guided by players.
3. Character Sheet: A record of a player’s character details.
4. Dice Notation: A system of representing different kinds of dice. For example, “d20” is a twenty-sided die.
NEXT STEPS: WHERE TO GO FROM HERE
Once you’ve understood these basics, it’s time for your first game. If possible, begin with a pre-made adventure from the D&D Starter Set, an excellent resource for beginners. Remember, the key is to have fun! Happy adventuring!
