INTRODUCTION
Welcome, brave travelers, to the fantastic realm of Dungeons & Dragons, or D&D in short. You might have wondered what fuels the passion behind players talking about their Elven Wizards or Goblin rogues, or maybe you’ve seen others rolling unusual dice. It could be the nostalgia of the ’80s and ’90s you’ve watched in “Stranger Things”. Whatever your intrigue may be, D&D is something definitely worth exploring. This beginner-friendly guide will take you through the enchanting world of D&D.
WHAT IS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS?
D&D is more than just a game; it’s a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) that allows participants to embark on epic adventures, battling monsters, solving puzzles, and accomplishing heroic deeds – all within the vivid landscapes of imagination! Developed in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, D&D today stands as the inspiration behind many renowned video games – think Elder Scrolls and World of Warcraft. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure game where the only limit is your imagination.
HOW TO START
Playing D&D is like collaborative storytelling, where each participant plays a unique character and everyone works together to create and navigate through the storyline.
1. Choose a Character: Create a hero from scratch. Select a race (Elf, Human, Dwarf, etc.), class (Wizard, Fighter, Rogue, etc.), and backstory.
2. Understand the Rules: Every action your character makes (fighting a monster, convincing a guard, etc.) is determined by rolling dice. The Dungeon Master (DM) – the game’s storyteller and referee — will explain the rule details alongside.
3. Join a Group: Find friends or join a local group, or go online on platforms like Discord or Roll20.
4. Play: Take on quests with your group, dive into caverns, interact with magical creatures, and unlock the infinite possibilities that lie in the world of D&D.
WHAT YOU NEED TO PLAY
Basic Starter Kit: A purchasable D&D Starter Set introduces you neatly to the game mechanics. Player’s Handbook: This comprehensive manual provides detailed rules and character creation guidelines. Dice: D&D requires a 7-dice set, including an unusual 20-sided one! D&D Beyond, an online tool, can also digitize your dice-rolling. Character Sheets: Lists your character’s abilities, spells, equipment, and more – either paper-based or digital. Lastly, friends willing embark on this adventure with you.
TIPS FOR ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS
1. Embrace the Unexpected: Every D&D session is unpredictable. Embrace it.
2. Don’t Obsess Over Rules: Understand the basics, but don’t get paralyzed on complex rules. Your DM will guide you.
3. Engage in Role-play: Play your character’s role; remember, this is storytelling, not just gaming.
4. Prepare in Advance: Know your character and its abilities, understand where last the story left off.
5. Have Fun: Don’t obsess over winning or losing – D&D is about the journey, not the destination.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Consult forums and websites such as Reddit’s r/DnD or D&D Beyond, follow YouTube channels like ‘Critical Role’, join Discord groups to engage with other newbies and seasoned players alike.
GLOSSARY: COMMON TERMS EXPLAINED
Player Character (PC): The character that you portray. Dungeon Master (DM): The game organizer, story narrator, and rules referee. Roll: To throw the dice to determine the outcome of actions. Level: The power status of your character, which increases through adventures. Campaign: A series of interconnected adventures.
NEXT STEPS
Now that you’ve grasped the basics, it’s time to delve into the magical world of D&D. Pick up a Player’s Handbook, get a set of dice, form a group, and start your journey. Always remember: in D&D, there are no wrong choices or paths – only the infinite spectrum of adventure. As you voyage deeper into the world of D&D, the game will unravel its layers to you, becoming even more fascinating. Welcome to the realm of pure imagination!
