“Dungeons and Dragons” is a game that many have probably heard of, but may not actually know what it is. Dungeons and Dragons (or D&D), is a game created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in 1974.The pair wanted to have a more personalized battle and war game. The result was a very complex, multiple-edition, game, that has become a huge industry and powerhouse in the tabletop gaming world. D&D is credited as the first ever role-playing game.
But how does it work? Well each player gets their own unique character that can be personalized and made as complicated or simple as the player wishes. They can choose whether they are an elf, goblin, ogre, human or any type of creature. The player must also choose an alignment such say lawful (good), chaotic (evil), etc. Each of these choices determines each player’s ability scores in Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma. And then there's the most important player, The Dungeon Master.
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The Dungeon Master, or the DM, is a person who doesn't get a character but is rather a referee or storyteller. It's the DM's job to write an elaborate story for each quest, or adventure you play. There must be all kinds of possibilities which are ultimately up to players and the dice. Each player typically has their own specialty to help the party or guild of players through the quest. For example, one person might take on the role of being the healer or fighter for each group.
Here's an example: The DM might say something like "You all enter the castle and see 3 doors. What do you do?" A player's response might be, "I go to the door on the left and try to open it." The DM would then have them roll a dice; the number rolled, would determine the outcome. Different outcomes could be the door being locked, it being opened, you hear something from within, etc. Ability scores give advantages in wherever applicable. So much of the game is relied on player’s imagination and creativity.
A typical D&D game is just a singular story. If it is written by the DM themselves, it's called an adventure. However DM's can use published adventures which are called modules. In addition to this, a DM can create a series of adventures and link them all, so it is a continuing story. This is called a campaign. DM's may also choose to use maps, or drawings to give players a visual. However an adventure can be as simple as just verbally speaking. It's a completely personalized and customizable game!
While this may seem like just another nerdy game, controversy has come up over its years of being played. Years ago, religious and Christian groups alleged the game promoted devil worship due to featuring demon characters, as well as witchcraft, and murder. Because of this dispute over the mortality of the game, the company removed several references to demons and related artworks in the game's second edition handbook, which then were reintroduced in the third edition. However, in 1979, a new scandal surrounding the game came up again when a Michigan State University student by the name of James Dallas Egbert III disappeared. When he disappeared, leaving nothing but a suicide note, investigators noted his participation in the game.
This was the first allegation that the act of playing a fantasy role-playing game, such as D&D, can cause it's participants to lose touch with reality itself. This idea became more rational to people when in 1988, a college student named Chris Pritchard was found guilty of murdering his stepfather and attempting to murder his mother. Pritchard was known to have broken into his University's steam tunnels to play D&D with his friends. They would get high and bring actual weapons to act out their adventures. The assumption was made that people who got too involved with D&D faced the possibility of having psychological issues separating what's real and what's not. However, over the years, a lot of research was conducted and concluded there were no harmful effects of playing Dungeons and Dragons.
Today, D&D remains a game that is still beloved by many. And just like watching people play Minecraft, Skyrim or other modern video games on YouTube, you can watch people play D&D too! One of the most popular groups to watch is called Acquisition Incorporated. They have silly names, dress up as their characters and play in front of a live audience. There's also a number of leagues, podcasts, stores, contests and conventions for fans to indulge in.
So, will you be nobly setting off on a quest any time soon?
