INTRODUCTION
Hello and welcome, future adventurers! Have you ever dreamed of slaying formidable dragons, or exploring the depths of ancient, mystical dungeons? If your answer is yes, then you’ve come to the right place. This is your beginner-friendly guide to Dungeons & Dragons, the much-celebrated game of fantasy and imagination, known to offer countless hours of fun and adventure. Whether you’re entirely new to role-playing games or returning from a long hiatus, I am excited to reintroduce you to this game that is no less than an innovative work of collaborative storytelling.
WHAT IS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS?
Dungeons & Dragons, often abbreviated as D&D, is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) designed to dive into fantasy adventures. It was first conceived in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, who wanted to create a game that combined strategic war games with elements of fantasy literature. The game is set in an imaginary world, typically a medieval era high fantasy universe, the setting can be variable, shaped by the collaborative imagination of the players and the dungeon master (DM).
In D&D, you essentially have the freedom to be whoever you want to be. You can play as a powerful wizard, a brave knight, a rogue thief, or anything your imagination conceives. Compare it to video games like the Elder Scrolls series or the Witcher but with infinite possibilities for narrative and character development.
HOW D&D WORKS/HOW TO GET STARTED
Getting started with D&D isn’t as daunting as it may first appear. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ease your initiation into this creatively stimulating world:
1. The first step is to get to grips with the rules, which you can find in the D&D Player’s Handbook. There, you’ll find everything you need to create your character and understand the basic mechanics of the game.
2. Next, you’ll need to decide on a character. This involves choosing a race (such as human, elf, dwarf), a class (like fighter, wizard, rogue), and a background story for your character.
3. Once you’ve created your character, the game begins under the direction of the Dungeon Master (DM). The DM describes scenarios and situations, while the players describe their characters’ responses.
4. Gameplay usually revolves around completing quests, exploring dungeons, and fighting or interacting with creatures or objects that the DM describes.
5. The outcomes of most actions are determined by rolling dice, adding appropriate modifiers, and comparing the total to a target number.
CE QU'IL FAUT POUR JOUER
The basic items needed to play D&D are the Player’s Handbook (PHB), which contains the rules and guides for playing the game; a set of polyhedral dice (typical sets include a 20-sided dice, 12-sided dice,10-sided dice, 8-sided dice, 6-sided dice, and 4-sided dice); and a character sheet to record your character’s attributes, skills, and abilities.
While not a requirement, many players also find a Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG), and a Monster Manual helpful. These provide the DM with information on creating and running games, respectively.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you’re confused about a rule or scenario.
2. Develop your character’s backstory. The more in-depth, the more engaged you’ll become in the game.
3. Don’t worry about winning or losing; the game is more about storytelling and character development.
4. Understand that it’s okay to make mistakes. All part of the learning curve!
5. Engage with other players and the DM. Communication is key to a fun game.
RESSOURCES UTILES
There are several resources online to help you understand D&D better. Websites like the official Dungeons & Dragons site or D&D Beyond provide helpful guides and articles. YouTube channels such as “Dungeon Dudes” or “Critical Role” offer tips and gameplays for visual learners. Communities like the D&D subreddit or Discord servers are filled with fellow players willing to help out newcomers.
GLOSSAIRE : EXPLICATION DES TERMES COURANTS
1. Dungeon Master (DM): The person who runs the game, describing settings and events.
2. Player Character (PC): The character controlled by a player.
3. Non-Player Character (NPC): A character controlled by the DM.
4. Initiative: Determines the turn order in combat.
5. Saving Throw: A roll to resist effects such as spells or traps.
6. Hit Points (HP): The measurement of a character’s health.
LES PROCHAINES ÉTAPES : QUE FAIRE À PARTIR DE MAINTENANT ?
Now that you’ve got a basic understanding of D&D, why not give it a try? Start by just reading through the Player’s Handbook or watch “how to play” videos online. Visit a local game store; there you’d find other players and possibly organised game nights. And remember, like any game, D&D gets more enjoyable the more you play and as you understand the rules. So, gather then, brave adventurers, for the tale of a lifetime awaits you in the world of Dungeons & Dragons!
