The year’s seasons with D&D

We as people have such a unique connection through our similarities and natural patterns. One of those many ways we connect is with traditions and holidays! Other ways are through leisure, tribal get togethers, games and entertainment. Why not transform these connections into a tradition all of their own?

Let’s take ourselves to a lovely room with a fireplace, coffee on the pot, decanter of wine set, the smell of food, laughter of friends nearby, and the jolly sound of tavern music playing in the background specifically this one (it’s literally how I start my morning most days).

The ones you hold close are near and dear, the snow is falling, the tree is up and decorated, it’s winter and everyone knows what that means. Let the winter campaigns begin!!! The Dungeon Master begins his players in a vast, dark and windy mountain range. The night draws on and all the players are feeling nervous and anxious of what lies ahead, the night calling, the end haunting, the darkness ready to claim its next victim. Through this darkness the players are challenged, forced to face fears and rise above who they once were! As with winter, we face the dark, the sun sets earlier, and the weather grows colder. In our hearts and minds we face depressions (change), challenges, and stirring fear, and doubt comes of ever seeing the sun again or of hope of ever returning. Yet through these challenges the players become mightier! Their courage advances and they live to see the rising sun of a new day! Together they have conquered a beast in dark caverns, they have seen the starved corpses that feed the mold under the snow, and they have tasted death. Yet through it all they have survived! They are alive!

The changing year

As the game advances, new seasons inevitably come and with them the changes of scenery and setting for the game. The cold snowfalls have melted into mighty rivers, which can be a challenge for characters to cross, as the mighty sun breaks the ice flows out of the seas, and a variety of bears are on the prowl or just waking from a winter’s sleep. All of life returns again to a once still and dismal existence that is now full of excitement and new challenges to face. As with the winter campaign, we incorporate those same ideas with game preparations for the New Year or springtime campaigns (IRL)! Cozy up with chocolate-covered strawberries, bake fresh bread, set fancy cheese with grapes, a soothing drink, fresh flowers brought in from the newly budding garden. Dust the house, light incense, and start anew with the changes in season. A great thing to do with your players is taking them outside and enjoying nature to add to the mood of the season. Whatever it is that brings the senses to the life of your game and gaming experience, all the better for everyone involved.

One of the greatest ways we can make gaming a new and amazing experience each time is to use the changes/challenges of real life. When we use more of our senses; ie. sight, scent, touch, taste, sound, etc.; we open the gate of a whole new world of experiences and ideas. As with the importance of change on our planet, and with our games, so to do we recognize the importance of change within ourselves. I find that rolling a dice is an amazing way of creating and exploring those ideals we have, and bringing them to the gaming table can help freshen your perceptions on things a bit. Remember that D&D can be used in so many ways and with such unlimited possibilities.

D&D all year

Take these changes that happen all day, every day around you, and get creative with what happens in the game. Not every game has to be a murder hobo scenario where there is only fighting monsters and “dungeoning.” Use the dice roll to be humorous, playful or esoteric, if you so choose. You are in fact a freaking Dungeon Master of creation, so why not dungeon your heart a little? Get in touch with how D&D can help you transform as not only a better character in game, but also a better person in life.