Dungeons and Dragons

by Shotaro Koizumi, Mike Shi, Bryn Kliskey and Julian Schoonees

Dungeons and Dragons Player's Handbook is available in the SIC! We have invited experts in the game to share their knowledge of this complex yet fascinating world. Enjoy!

As you explore the desolate castle, you catch a scent of rot in the silent air. You hear a rustling and you turn… Only to look back and see the terrifying rictus of the vampire you were looking for.   “Roll for initiative.” This iconic phrase is from an iconic game: ‘Dungeons and Dragons.’   Surely you, the reader had some preconceptions pop up upon hearing that name. ‘That game with paper and screen played by nerds’ or ‘that thing from Stranger Things”. These assumptions are certainly true. Within the game, each player takes control of a character built entirely by themselves. First, a race is picked (do you see yourself being a valiant Human? Or perhaps an exotic Tiefling?). Next, a class is chosen from the humble fighter to the mystical wizard along with anything between. The game progresses through the guide of a Dungeon Master, (the person running the game), who presents a situation to the players who must then overcome the challenge by creative means and working together, all dictated by the roll of a 20-sided dice.  First released in 1974 by TSR Inc. and created by  Gary  Gygax  along with  Dave Arneson who both grew tired of the conventional board games and sought to create an experience in which the players have the freedom to do whatever they wish. The game has gained great popularity, amassing a worldwide fan base of 40 million by 2019 (8 times the population of NZ) and continuing to draw in new players, with introductory sets sales increasing by 300%. Dungeons and Dragons has undergone many revisions and polishing over the years, from 1st to the newest 5th edition, which many agree to be the best and most comprehensible edition so far. It is easier than ever to get into the game. Despite its seemingly niched audience, the game is loved by celebrities such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Steven Colbert and Vin Diesel along with mere mortals alike. It has made numerous appearances in popular media such as The Big Bang Theory and Stranger Things.    The players interact and role-play, embodying their characters and leveling up the more they play. Through this, the game builds teamwork, communication skills, critical thinking and creativity, whilst at the same time allowing the players to unplug themselves from hardships of the modern world and venture into a land ravished by the troubles of daily life.

Dungeons and Dragons has heavy ties to the traditional fantasy genre and one can clearly see the influence of writers such as  J. R. R Tolkien throughout the course of the game's history. 

The in-game adventures can occur anywhere, with the Dungeon Master choosing to place his campaign (a long series of adventures, usually with a consistent story arc spanning the real-life time of a few months or even many years) in one of the pre-made worlds like the mystical Forgotten Realms or the steampunk world of Eberron. Of course, many of these worlds are only used as examples of what a setting could look like. The game encourages the Dungeon Master and players to create their own adventures in their own world, giving them the freedom to craft their own legends and stories. Whether it be through inspiration from books, an established story, or a sudden flash of idea, the possibilities are endless as the human mind.  Here at ACG, there is already a significant number of students both interested in playing and already playing in almost every year level.  FAQ

Is it difficult to learn?

Don’t let the thickness of the book scare you! The rules are very simple, and you can learn it as you play the game. 

How often and when do you play?

 You can organise times with group of more than 3 whenever you would like, but there are opportunities to play at tabletop gaming club run from 3:15 to 4:35 on Friday in the drama room. 

Do I have to role-play? 

No, but it’s fun : )

What do I need to play? 

For your first time, nothing. Other players will happily lend you anything needed. But as you continue, it’s probably a good idea to get your own personalized set of dice found in local hobby shops and game stores. 

What are all those miniatures and maps? 

They are optional – they can assist the Dungeon Master in creating an intricate experience for players. 

How do I make a character? 

You can watch tutorials on YouTube to make a physical character sheet, or use online tools such as ‘dndbeyond’ for a comprehensive, guided way to making one online. 

What does a typical character sheet may look like?

Do I need to memorize all the rules to be a Dungeon Master?

No, there are thousands of rules, you can’t possibly memorize them all, but the books can help you when in need.  Who do I play with? 

Plenty of people at  Tabletop Gaming club enjoy the game and can recommend others interested in playing. Local game stores will often run weekly games. You can even play online on sites such as ‘Roll20’  but you may need to know the rules a bit better. 

Where can I find a Dungeon Master? 

Players at the Tabletop Gaming club will happily run your games. Otherwise, it’s not too hard to pick up yourself. After all, the book tells you everything you need to know. 

Where do I get inspiration to run a game? 

Anywhere, books, games, movies, even real life.  “I have stolen ideas from every book I’ve ever read.”  - Phillip Pullman (author of the ‘His Dark Materials’ novel trilogy) The handbooker helper on YouTube is a great resource for simple explanations of rules. In the YouTube channel ‘Critical Role’, you can find two model campaigns played by expert players.  But remember, your campaign is yours only. It does not need to be the same.  You may contact people in the Tabletop Gaming Club with any questions you might have. 

Leaders:  200710399@acg.ac.nz – Sean Liu  Members: 

200823922@acg.ac.nz - Julian Schoonees