A small group gathers, walking through shadowed halls – with creaky pipes overhead – setting their bags on tables of wood and plastic. Some come dressed in mystic garb, others in simple nerdy tees and jeans, but all come to play a game of imagination and wonder.
This scene is just one set-up a group of friends can have when playing the classic table-top role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). The game is played with a small group of typically four to six players – or “adventurers” in game – and one dungeon master (DM).
The game is usually played on a table with the group sitting around it and with game supplies on top. This normally includes character sheets, containing the player’s character’s statistics used for fighting and roleplaying, such as athletics, strength and charisma.
Other supplies include pencils, character figures and dice. Maps and other accessories may be used to aid immersion but the bulk of the action takes place “theater of the mind” style – in the players heads.
The DM is essentially the world builder and architect who sets the scene for the players.
They narrate events and decide the outcome of player actions, usually by rolling dice. In this game, most decisions and actions are determined by rolling one or more sets of dice, ranging from four-sided to 20-sided dice.
A good DM can make or break a game, as they are the ones who set the rules and drive the story. While there are base rules established by the game company, it is at the DM’s discretion whether these rules are followed.
The main goal of the game is usually to co-create a story, called a campaign, to finish a big quest – similar to a “Lord of the Rings” style quest – and do side quests along the way. There is often a focus on solving problems, exploration and cooperation. Working together is important for group dynamics as the story may be difficult to play otherwise.
D&D was created in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, with heavy inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings” and other pulp fantasy tropes. Over time, the world has expanded to include many other rich source material, incorporating mythology and folklore to create imaginative and fantastical worlds.
“One of my favorite things about playing D&D is that it gives players the freedom to tell their own stories,” said Joshua Studdard, a DeKalb resident and local DM.
Studdard also mentioned how inspirational and appealing the game has become.
“That’s part of what makes it so appealing and why it has inspired countless video games, novels and other roleplaying games. It’s one of the most influential games for fantasy ever made,” Studdard said.
One of D&D’s biggest appeals is its social and imagination driven game play. Each session is unique and shaped by player choices. The game lets you explore courage, morality, humor and creativity in ways that video games or movies don’t allow.
Michael Valdez, a junior mechatronics engineering technology major, is a member of the Tabletop Gaming Club that meets up at Affinity for Gaming, a local gaming store. He enjoys playing D&D because it feels like a break from everyday life.
“It’s nice to, I don’t want to say detach from reality, but like, get that little, you know, break and just be someone different for a little bit.” said Valdez.
D&D has also become popular by appearing essential in the hit Netflix original show “Stranger Things.”
However, despite the game’s appearance in the media, one key issue that has plagued D&D over time is the game’s representation of marginalized peoples and cultures. Early editions mostly featured white, male characters and Western European settings, often using outdated tropes. Queer identities and people of color were nearly invisible and other cultures were considered “exotic.”
Hope is not lost though as D&D has made big strides, mostly due to the wonderful network of diverse fans that have helped to foster a more diverse and inclusive set of fantasy worlds.
Modern editions include queer and nonbinary characters, heroes of color and diverse artwork. Fan communities have helped push inclusivity further with podcasts, homebrew campaigns (non-official fan made games) and streaming shows.
If you’re in the DeKalb area and want to play, there are a few great local options.
Affinity for Gaming at 811 W. Lincoln Highway is the largest and most gaming-focused store nearby. They have multiple tables, a welcoming space and the store motto is “come to shop, stay to play.”
You can bring your own books, dice and miniatures and set up games when tables are available. The tables are available on a first come first serve basis and free.
The store also hosts weekly events like Totally Tabletop Tuesdays and are open to school clubs, including the NIU Dungeons & Dragons Club. It’s open for beginners and experienced players alike. The DM will provide the basics to help get you started in the current game, usually “one-shot” games which are usually pre-made stories that can be played in one setting.
“We like playing specifically at affinity, just because it’s, like, one of the only spots around that you get access to the big tables and it’s an easy spot for everyone to meet,” Valdez said.
To learn more call 779-777-7136 or visit Afftiny For gaming online.
If you are looking for supplies or meet fun D&D enthusiasts, there are a couple stores near campus that can hook you up. There’s Fun In Store at 229 E. Lincoln Highway carries dice, miniatures, starter sets and role-playing game books.
Graham Crackers Comics, located at 901 Lucinda Ave., is primarily a comic shop, but it also stocks D&D books and accessories. There’s limited space for gameplay, but it’s a friendly spot to browse materials, ask about campaigns and connect with other interested gamers.
All in all, D&D is a fantastical game that combines imagination, storytelling and social interactions. Whether you’re curious about trying a one-shot, joining a campaign or just picking up some dice, the DeKalb community has options to help you dive in.
