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At KGS, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is one of the most popular TTRPGs. You can come along and find a game on most nights. This classic tabletop roleplaying game (RPG) has been capturing the imaginations of players for nearly 50 years, offering endless possibilities for storytelling, creativity, and camaraderie.
Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or new to the world of D&D, this article will guide you through everything you need to know to get started.
Come and Play D&D at KGS every Wednesday
Accessible to all levels of players from beginner to veteran, anyone can pick up the dice and join a drop-in game hosted every Wednesday!
So don’t be afraid, come and join us at the table and dip your toes into the world of Dungeons & Dragons
Who Makes Dungeons & Dragons?
Originally Designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson Dungeons & Dragons is produced by Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. Since acquiring the game in 1997, Wizards of the Coast has expanded and evolved D&D, now in its fifth edition (often referred to as "5e"), which is the most popular and accessible version of the game.
What Type of Game is Dungeons & Dragons?
Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop roleplaying game (RPG). Unlike traditional board games, D&D focuses on storytelling and character development. Players create their own characters, known as "Player Characters" (PCs), and embark on adventures in a fantasy world filled with magic, monsters, and mysteries.
The game is played collaboratively, with one player taking on the role of the Dungeon Master (DM), who guides the story and controls the world, while the other players take on various roles within that world. The game is driven by both narrative and rules, with dice rolls determining the outcomes of actions.
How Long Does It Take to Play?
The length of a D&D session can vary greatly depending on the group and the adventure. A typical session lasts between 3 to 4 hours, but campaigns (a series of connected sessions) can span months or even years. Because of its flexibility, D&D can accommodate both short, one-off adventures and long-term epic campaigns.
Best Items to Get Started in D&D
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The Players Handbook
The Player's Handbook (PHB) is your go-to resource for creating characters and understanding the game mechanics. It includes rules on everything from character classes and abilities to spells and combat.
Above is the 2014 PHB, however there is a new 2024 version available, pick which version suits you best!
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Dungeon Master's Guide
For those interested in running the game as a DM, the Dungeon Master’s Guide (DMG) offers guidance on world-building, adventure creation, and how to manage the rules. It's an invaluable resource for shaping your campaign.
Pictured above is the cover for the 2024 version of the DMG.
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Dice Sets
A set of polyhedral dice is essential for playing D&D. Most commonly, you'll need a 20-sided die (d20), but the game also uses dice with 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 sides. A standard set includes one of each.
You will become a dice goblin with multiple sets soon.
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Monster Manual
The Monster Manual is a treasure trove of creatures for the DM to use in their adventures. It includes detailed descriptions and statistics for monsters that players might encounter, from goblins to dragons.
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Starter Kit / Essentials Kit
For beginners, the Dungeons & Dragons Starter Set or the Essentials Kit are great entry points. These kits include a condensed rulebook, pre-generated characters, dice, and a ready-to-play adventure, allowing you to jump right into the action.
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Character Sheets
Character sheets help players keep track of their character’s abilities, health, equipment, and more. You can find printable sheets online for free or use digital tools like D&D Beyond.
Useful Resources
D&D Beyond - The Official Digital Toolset for D&D
The Channel that is heavily credited in creating the D&D Revolution
https://www.youtube.com/@criticalrole
Digital Character Sheets you can Fill in & Print
https://media.wizards.com/2022/dnd/downloads/DnD_5E_CharacterSheet_FormFillable.pdf