What DnD Isn’t

November 30, 2016

Let me just start out with saying that DnD is probably not what you think it is. When people find out I play DnD they usually almost always ask me the same questions. As an adult woman who doesn’t seem like the typical “nerd” they become curious and comfortable enough to ask what it’s like? How do you play? Is it a ritual of some kind, (seriously)?

In this day and age of technology and the television series, people have really been able to see that DnD isn’t just a bunch of weirdos dressed in costumes playing “make believe,” or worshiping the devil, casting spells and using “magic,”even though that is one way to describe games that I’m sure take place daily all over the world, (and there is nothing wrong with this play style, do what you will), it’s absolutely not the only way to pursue this hobby.

I like to see DnD as a way for people to really get together in an energetic and creative way to find out more about each other as well as explore worlds and dimensions beyond your current time and space. It’s a great escapist hobby if you will.

As the much loved series “Stranger Things” has wonderfully demonstrated it’s definitely much more than a game for “no lifers” who are really good at math and still live at home with mom and dad. Many people ask if math skills are required and while the answer to that question is yes, an elementary level of education is about all you need. I have also witnessed games where very few rolls are actually made and mostly the group focuses on the details and adventure instead of monster fighting, therefore leaving room for more imagination and less of the counting up dice rolls.

It’s totally up to you how your game is played! That is the best thing about DnD is that you are free to do whatever you want. The players handbooks are much more like guidelines than actual rules, which is in and of itself much cooler than most other games out there. I often wonder if that is what keeps a large group of people from playing, I think it can be very scary for some to really just let themselves delve into something untouchable or unrelatable, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you can get past that fear.

Get together with someone who really knows the game and things will be way more fun and much easier to figure out. Most the time when you meet new people who play DnD they will have all the dice and character sheets so just show up and give it a try!

DnD is not just for “dudes” or “dweebs” or those who have no life! This is a crazy notion! It’s great on so many levels and I personally would love to meet more women and men who play together in all age groups. It’s truly a great way to spend family time/spare time together and get to know each other on a whole new level! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCCpbuLhALM

Get together in your community and hold games for people in your town or neighborhood. My husband is involved in a group of adult men who run there own businesses and have families, they get together at our downtown antique shop and nerd out for a few hours!

Upon meeting these men you would never guess they play DnD so it’s really awesome how diverse the people are who get together and play. It’s so fun and healthy to get out and have some good one on one time with people! Put down the phone or the schedule for a few hours and just see what kinds of adventures that take place inside one room.

So give it a go! Have fun! Join a local group or finds local friends who you can share this awesome game with! I’ll bet it’s not quite what you were expecting.

Stay Nerdy!