INTRODUCTION
From dark catacombs haunted by ancient specters to majestic castles filled with treasure, the magical world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) takes players on an epic journey of danger, excitement, and camaraderie. It’s a realm where friendships are formed, bonds are tested and legends are born. And you, yes you, will be at its heart, leading the charge or saving the day. But worries not, this is a beginner-friendly guide crafted to help you navigate your first voyage into the mystical realms of D&D.
WHAT IS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS?
Dungeons & Dragons is an iconic tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) that debuted in the early 1970s. At a casual glance, it might seem like a simple board game. But in reality, D&D is an immersive storytelling experience where you and your fellow players are the stars of your own fantasy adventures. Guided by the Dungeon Master (DM), a sort of narrator and referee, you choose actions and make decisions that drive the story, battle enemies, solve puzzles, and navigate the social and political dynamics of its fantastical worlds. Like your favorite fantasy video game (think Skyrim or The Witcher), but far more immersive and personal.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO GET STARTED
Getting started with Dungeons & Dragons is as simple as sitting around a table (or a virtual one, if you’re playing online) with some friends, a willingness to delve into imaginative storytelling, and a few critical pieces of gear.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose a Game Edition: There are multiple versions of D&D, but the 5th Edition is the latest and most beginner-friendly.
2. Create your character: Use guidebooks like the Player’s Handbook to craft your character which includes race, class, and other personality traits.
3. Find a Dungeon Master: The DM will guide your adventure, create the virtual world, control non-player characters (NPCs), and enforce game rules.
4. Start Playing: The DM will commence the storytelling and you will take turns to describe your actions.
CE QU'IL FAUT POUR JOUER
To get started, you’ll need basic D&D tools:
1. Player’s Handbook: This guide defines the rules, how to create characters, and everything you need to play the game.
2. Dice: A set of seven polyhedral dice (D4, D6, D8, D10, D12, D20, and D00) determine the outcome of your actions.
3. Character Sheet: A record of your character’s abilities, skills, equipment, and more.
4. Dungeon Master’s Guide and Monster Manual (for the DM): These guides provide advice and resources for running the game.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
1. Embrace the Rules: But don’t be too rigid, the essence of D&D is creativity and imagination.
2. Be Prepared: Know your character’s abilities to make the game flow smoothly and more enjoyable.
3. Cooperate: This is a team game, build strong relationships with your group to ensure victory.
4. Be Respectful: Follow the DM’s lead, and remember everyone is there to have fun!
5. Roleplay: Embrace your character, try to think, speak, and act as they would.
RESSOURCES UTILES
There are plenty of resources to assist your journey:
1. DnDBeyond: An online toolkit with digital books, tools, forum, character builders, and more.
2. YouTube: Plenty of channels with gameplay guides, like “Critical Role”.
3. Reddit & Discord: Communities for answering questions, finding games, and exploring the broader D&D universe.
GLOSSARY
1. Dungeon Master (DM): The game’s narrator and referee.
2. Player Character (PC): Characters controlled by the players.
3. Non-Player Character (NPC): Characters controlled by DM.
4. HP (Hit Points): Measure of a character’s health.
5. Campaign: An ongoing storyline or set of adventures.
NEXT STEPS
The best way to get started is simply to dive in! Find a group (perhaps some friends who’d like to try something new?), choose your characters, and embark on your first adventure. Your first game may be a little bumpy, but remember, D&D is about creating fun memories and stories with friends. The more you play, the easier – and more fun – it becomes. Happy adventuring!
