A few things in life are guaranteed. Death, taxes, and a cyclical resurgence in the popularity of Dungeons & Dragons. If you find yourself curious amid the recent flare-up, you might be frantically looking for some handy beginners tips.
The world of DnD might look daunting from an outsider’s perspective with seasoned players devoting years of their lives to this epic game. Yet, here you stand, a mere mortal on the doorstep of the most exciting adventure known to mankind. Welcome to the world of DnD, may the dice roll ever in your favor.
Take Note
This might seem super basic and you are probably rolling your eyes saying “I didn’t sign up for a class”, but take notes. DnD games follow a brisk pace if you are not used to the game and most of us aren’t wired to concentrate for hours on end. Not even training like a
DnD Monk will do you much good in the memory department at first.
No one is going to laugh at you if you keep a pen and notepad handy and take some notes as the game goes on. Make notes of rules and other players’ gameplay but also make notes about what happens during your adventure. This will be especially handy if you play a campaign over multiple sessions and you still don’t know your bards from your barbarians.
Think hard about your character
Your character is going to be a part of your DnD journey for years to come and you should really spend time refining this part of your game. Read up on the latest character classes and look to the world wide web for some inspiration.
There are tons of pre-generated characters online that you choose from but this is a slightly impersonal approach. Your character can be an extension of yourself, harnessing powers you can only dream of or excelling in areas where you feel like you fall short. You can always adapt pre-generated characters a little or look into homebrews to find something more suitable if you are feeling weary of creating your own character from the get-go.
Go with the backstory
On the topic of characters, you should flesh out the backstory as much as you can. Think about why your character came on this adventure, what lead them to this point, and what they hope to gain from the experience. Think of a few key moments in their life and how they affect their present form. These characters are as well-rounded as they come and you can continually work on their arcs.
Digging your claws into the backstory will also help you think about how your character will react in the game, both to the situation at hand and to other members of the party. Constantly refer back to the backstory to make your character soar off the page and really take your game to the next level.
Just Roll with it
There are no guarantees in the Forgotten Realms. We all live and die by, well, the die. You never know what the next roll will bring and it is important to stay flexible. Roll with the punches if you will. Don’t think too far ahead or think you know exactly how to get out of a sticky situation because when it doesn’t work out in your favor you will be caught off guard.
Keep an open mind when playing your first (even your 100th) game and be ready for any change. You can always liven up the game with a little humor and hijinks, making the most of a grim-looking situation.
Have Fun
Doesn’t it just seem like every “how to” list you read ends on this dreadfully optimistic note? But it is because it is true. Some DnD players take the game way too seriously and breed a hostile environment. Don’t be that guy. Or girl. No limits.
Remember this is just a game and once the cloaks come off, life goes on. Ask questions, make mistakes, and embrace the chaos. Role-play as hard as you can and don’t be shy to don a costume or put on a crazy voice. This is all part of the fantastical world of DnD and you need to embrace every moment.
