INTRODUCCIÓN
Welcome to the fantastical and enchanting world of Dungeons & Dragons! If you’re interested in epic quests, mythical creatures, and powerful magic, you’ve come to the right place. This beginner-friendly guide will give you a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know to get started. Don’t be put off by the complexity; once you understand the basics, Dungeons & Dragons (or D&D as it is often called) is a thrilling game that combines strategy, improvisation, and storytelling.
WHAT IS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS?
Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG), created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in the early 1970s. Unlike most games, D&D is not about winning or losing; it’s about creating a story with your friends.
In the game, one player acts as the Dungeon Master (DM), who controls the world, the plot of the story, and the non-player characters. The rest of the players each control a character, who can be anything from a courageous knight to a cunning rogue.
D&D’s vast fantasy world is often likened to Tolkien’s ‘Middle Earth’ with elves, dwarves, dragons, and magic, but what sets it apart from other RPGs is the freedom players have in the game. There are rules and dice rolls to determine outcomes, but ultimately, the story’s progression is based on the players’ decisions.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
In D&D, the action unfolds similar to a choose-your-own-adventure novel, where the DM describes scenes, and the players react to them. The outcome of these actions is determined by dice rolls, primarily a 20-sided die known as a d20. The higher the roll, the better you perform the action.
To create a character, every player uses the D&D Player’s Handbook to choose a race (such as dwarf or elf), a class (like wizard or fighter), and a background. Each of these choices provides different abilities and influences the character’s role in the adventure.
Your first session usually begins with the DM setting the scene for your epic adventure. Depending on your DM, this could be anything from an ambush by goblins on a forest road, an epic quest bestowed by a king, or a bar fight in a rowdy tavern!
LO QUE NECESITAS PARA JUGAR
All you really need to start playing D&D is a pencil, some paper, and a set of polyhedral dice (which includes the d20). However, the D&D Starter Set is recommended for beginners as it provides an introductory rulebook, pre-generated characters, and a ready-made adventure to get you started. Additionally, the D&D Player’s Handbook is vital for character creation and understanding game mechanics.
CONSEJOS PARA PRINCIPIANTES
1. START WITH PRE-GENERATED CHARACTERS: Creating a character can be overwhelming for a beginner. Start by using a pre-generated character from the Starter Set, then try creating your own once you’re comfortable with the game rules.
2. MAKE USE OF THE PLAYER’S HANDBOOK: It’s packed with information about creating characters, combat mechanics, and the various races and classes.
3. DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK QUESTIONS: D&D can be complex, and it’s okay not to know everything right away.
4. ROLEPLAY YOUR CHARACTER: Try to get into the mindset of your character. Act how they would act, speak how they would speak.
5. REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN: Despite all the rules and mechanics, D&D ultimately is about enjoying a collective storytelling experience with friends.
RECURSOS ÚTILES
For a deeper understanding, there are plenty of helpful online resources:
– The official D&D website: Contains FAQs, tips, and free downloadable content.
– YouTube Channels: ‘Critical Role’, ‘Dungeons & Dweebs’, ‘D&D Beyond’ for game guides and playthroughs.
– Reddit: r/DnD and r/dndnext offer a wealth of information, advice from experienced players, and a supportive community.
GLOSARIO: EXPLICACIÓN DE TÉRMINOS COMUNES
– DUNGEON MASTER (DM): The player who controls the game’s world and plot.
– CHARACTER SHEET: The document that contains all of a character’s information.
– LEVELING UP: The process through which characters gain new abilities as they progress in the game.
– NPC: Non-player character, controlled by the DM.
– ROLL: Throwing the dice to determine the outcome of an action.
– HIT POINTS (HP): A measure of how much damage a character can take before they fall unconscious or die.
PRÓXIMOS PASOS: ¿QUÉ HACER A PARTIR DE AHORA?
Now that you have a basic understanding of Dungeons & Dragons, the best way to learn is to jump straight in! Organize a game session with friends, visit a local game store, or join an online D&D group. Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the adventure. The more you play, the more the game rules will become second nature, and the world of D&D will feel like a home away from home.
