What is D&D?
What is Dungeons and Dragons?
If you have never played the game before, it can be hard to understand what D&D is. Essentially, a group of players create detailed characters to act as in-game, while the "Dungeon Master," the person who runs the game, creates an elaborate quest or adventure as well as a detailed setting. Within the game are 3 main pillars: Roleplaying, Exploring, and Fighting!
Roleplay
Exploration
Combat
The players roleplay as their characters, using voices and practicing social interaction with non-player-characters (NPCs), explore the world and complete puzzles, and fight against monsters and villains along with their friends. Throughout all of this is an iconic part of D&D: the dice. The rolling of dice is used to add an element of chance and luck to the game. For example, you might roll a 20-sided die to determine if your character hits a monster with their weapon, or if you can resist your enemy's spell.
Why is Dungeons and Dragons important?
D&D teaches people many important life skills. The first of these is roleplaying, or acting. Not only might you practice voices, but getting into your character's shoes and feeling what they feel. Another skill is math. When rolling lots of dice, you must add, subtract, and find the average repeatedly, and fast! This is the every-day type of math that you will use for the rest of your life. And finally, social skills. By playing D&D you are meeting new, interesting people and learning to interact with them. You learn how to work with your friends as a closely-knit group and communicate carefully and effectively. All in all, there is a lot to be learned from D&D!