The Magic of DnD

A new fun experience added to Gaia’s gaming inventory is Dungeons and Dragons, fantasy tabletop role-playing game. For some of us, our childhood was filled with the rich and magical adventure that this game provided, for many of us our adult years as well. Yet, as technology and the gaming industry develops, the market and demand for these types of items have become a niche, played only by a few. However, after playing this game with people of all ages and backgrounds, I’d say the game is unlike anything else the world has to offer.

The principle of Dungeons and Dragons, or DnD, is that a group of friends gather around to set off on an adventure. An adventure that exists within their collective imagination. Each member of the group creates or is provided with a unique character, with their own backstory, skills, magical spells, and even flaws. Role-playing as these individual characters the group works together to fend off a terrible evil that is plaguing the world as we know it. It is a fantastic experience, asking everyone present to be silly and creative without holding back. It also builds teamwork and you’ll find yourself slowly being drawn into the fictional space. Shortly after the adventure begins you are cracking jokes about something that isn’t really there or finding yourself feeling a real sense of accomplishment for defeating a 10-foot beast that only you and the group can see.

So how is this object of imagination brought to life? The answer is the Dungeon Master. One person is designated as the Dungeon Master and takes you and your friends on this journey of epic proportions. They describe the paths you walk on, the monsters that stand in your way, and truly immerse you in a different realm. It is their job to take into account all the information of the world they’ve set up before-hand, along with your character’s traits to change up the ongoing story as you make decisions. The players and the Dungeon Master come together to create a grand tale out of thin air.  

Perhaps the greatest part of it all is the friendship and bonding that happens over the course of the game. Video games tend to be a solo operation, even when playing online you are in the comfort of your living room by yourself. While this isn’t true for all games it is for most, and that’s where DnD is different. It encourages you to still play the game without a screen to hide behind. You have to be ridiculous, you’ll be imitating the voice of your character, saying things like “I want to throw my sword of fire at the ogre.” or “I would like to ask the ogre if he’d like to sit down and talk about why he is so angry”. The possibilities are endless and they might even be a little embarrassing at times, but you are all in it together. You might laugh at each other, you might even find yourselves arguing over which character is more likely to get a discount from the local blacksmith, but you will always come out arm in arm after.

Dnd is about letting loose, creativity, friendship, and fun. It is a game for the ages, and everyone should play it at least once.

Want to try out DnD? Take a look at our Summer Camp where we’ll be playing DnD and a whole lot more!