INTRODUCTION
Welcome! If you’ve ever been captivated by mythical creatures, marveled at the idea of casting magical spells, or felt the thrill to seek and collect hidden treasures, you might find that the world of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is just what you’ve been looking for. This fantasy role-playing game is exciting, mentally stimulating, and a perfect pastime for those with even the slightest hint of a creative imagination. Best of all, this guide aims to make your first steps into D&D as beginner-friendly as possible!
WHAT IS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS (D&D)?
Created in 1974 by Dave Arneson and Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons is considered the trailblazer for modern role-playing games. It presents a world where you, along with your friends, create and control characters navigating mythical lands, battling monsters, solving puzzles, and pursuing quests. Think of it as a complex, interactive story guided by a Dungeon Master (DM) – the game’s chief narrator and referee – and played out by the characters you create. If you’ve ever enjoyed choose-your-own-adventure books or interactive video games, D&D is like an amped-up version of those, evolved into an almost limitless array of characters, challenges, and adventures.
HOW IT WORKS / HOW TO START
A game of D&D involves a Dungeon Master (DM) and players. The DM describes scenes and scenarios while the players, controlling their created characters, decide how to react. Here are the basic steps:
1. The DM describes a scene or situation.
2. The players say what their characters want to do.
3. If necessary, the players roll dice to determine the outcomes based on their character’s skills.
4. The DM describes the result of the characters’ actions.
5. The cycle repeats.
To give a concrete example, the DM might say, “You enter a dark cave, and there’s a suspicious-looking chest in the far corner.” It’s up to you as the player to decide whether your character proceeds cautiously considering potential traps, charges in recklessly, or tries another approach.
CE QU'IL FAUT POUR JOUER
To start your D&D journey, you’ll need a few items:
1. A Player’s Handbook: This is your essential guide to creating characters, with information about races, classes, spells, and more.
2. Dice: D&D uses a set of seven dice of different shapes called “polyhedral dice”. Nowadays, plenty of dice-rolling apps are also available.
3. A Character Sheet: This outlines your character’s abilities, skills, equipment, and backstory.
4. Dungeon Master’s Guide: If you’re planning to become a DM, this guide is crucial.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Getting started in D&D can feel daunting, so here are five simple tips:
1. Focus on Having Fun: D&D is a game, and the main goal is to enjoy! Relax and immerse yourself in the adventure.
2. Create a Character that Excites You: The more interested you are in your character, the more engaged you’ll be.
3. Start Simple: Don’t overload yourself with all the possibilities initially. Start with basic concepts.
4. Communicate: Talk with your fellow players and DM for help or clarifications.
5. Learn as You Go: It’s okay not to know everything before you start playing. Your understanding will grow with every game.
RESSOURCES UTILES
Many online resources can help with your D&D journey:
1. D&D Official Website: A wealth of official content, news, and resources.
2. D&D Beyond: An online portal for digital tools, character building, and community.
3. Reddit’s r/DnD: A Reddit forum full of helpful D&D community members.
4. YouTube Channels: Critical Role and Matthew Colville are both excellent offering gameplay and tutorials.
GLOSSAIRE : EXPLICATION DES TERMES COURANTS
1. PC & NPC: Player Character is the character you create and control. Non-Player Characters are controlled by the DM.
2. DM: Dungeon Master, the organizer, and referee of the game.
3. Campaign: A series of play sessions making up a long, overarching story.
4. Class & Race: Class refers to what your character can do (like wizard, fighter); Race speaks of what your character is (like elf, dwarf).
5. Hit Points (HP): A measure of character health. If a character reaches zero HP, they fall unconscious or worse.
NEXT STEPS
Congratulations—you’ve taken your first gallant stride into the enthralling realms of Dungeons & Dragons! Your next step could be to gather a group of friends, buy or download a D&D Starter Set, begin crafting your first character, and start your inaugural campaign. Remember, it’s not about mastering everything from the start but embarking on an exciting journey of creativity, storytelling, and shared adventures. Welcome to a world of infinite possibilities and happy questing!
