What is Dungeons and Dragons (D&D)?
Dungeons and Dragons is considered the most popular role-playing game in the world!
Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a tabletop role-playing game (RPG) where players create characters and embark on imaginative adventures in a fantasy world. Players take on the roles of heroes and interact with each other and the game’s world through storytelling and decision-making.
It has become more wildly popular through shows like Stranger Things, Big Bang Theory, and the show Legend of Vox Machina, which is based on the most popular D&D online show, Critical Role!
How Does a Game of Dungeons and Dragons work?
A game of Dungeons and Dragons is typically played with a group of players and a Dungeon Master (DM), who acts as the storyteller and controls the non-player characters and events in the game. Players roll dice to determine the outcome of their actions, and the GM uses the rules of the game to guide the story and resolve conflicts.
What is a D&D One-Shot/Adventure/Campaign?
A One-Shot is a singular D&D experience that lasts one session. This is a great way to get a first-hand feel of what Dungeons and Dragons is like without having to commit to a longer storyline. It is also a fantastic opportunity if you have a group of friends available for a moment and would like to jump into the world for an evening.
A D&D adventure is a collection of locations, quests, and challenges that inspires you to tell a story. The outcome of that story is determined by the actions and decisions of the adventurers—and, of course, the luck of the dice. Most of the time, players are brought into a certain location with a specific objectives to be achieved (find treasure, rescue missions, defeat monsters), and problem solving ensues on how to achieve that objective within the boundaries of the sandbox ruleset. Adventures typically take up a couple sessions in order to accomplish their goals.
There are also Campaigns that are more focused on long term goals like saving cities and continents, also against more powerful entities. This is where Players typically focus on long-term goals for their characters, and focus on troubleshooting ways accomplish their massive goals.
What is a Dungeon Master (DM) and what is their role in the game?
Despite the silly name, Dungeon Master (or Game Master) is the individual responsible for guiding players along an adventure. They have many responsibilities including referee (when is a situation is unclear on what to do next, the DM makes a ruling), a storyteller (presenting the landscape and challenges to the players, and what happens in the response of the players’ actions) and roleplayer (taking the form of many Non-Player Characters *NPCS* and monsters, choosing how they respond and act). Most of all, the DM is responsible for allowing the players to enjoy maximum fun while using the rules to help as bumper controls versus as strong limitations.
How long does a typical game last?
The length of a game of Dungeons and Dragons can vary greatly, depending on the goals of the players and the story being told. Some games are played as one-shot adventures and can be completed in a few hours, while others are ongoing campaigns that can last for months or even years.
Are there a lot of rules to memorize?
Although there are many many different aspects of D&D (including knowledge about races, classes, feats, spells, weapons, skills, etc.), the core way to experience D&D in the beginning is interacting how their actions translate to Skill Checks and Dice Rolls, which is very beginner-friendly! Combat is a separate skill to learn (Movement, Action, Bonus Action), but it is something a player can pick up quicker, with all the finer details being filled in as you progress the game (knowing which feats to use at which time, etc.)
Is Dungeons & Dragons Kid-Friendly?
When you think about child-appropriate fun, the word “dungeon” may not spring to mind. All this talk about Mind Flayers, Hobgoblins, and Dragons sound a little creepy. The truth is, there are all kinds of ways to play D&D, and it doesn’t have to be dark, violent, or scary.
In fact, Dungeons and Dragons doesn’t even have to be set in a traditional, medieval-style fantasy world! It’s just a set of rules that players can use to create an adventure together. That adventure might be in the middle of a big city, or out on the high seas, or in Ancient Greece. Any cool setting your child dreams up is probably playable in D&D.
We at Dungeons of the Fox strive to create a space for play that is most importantly safe and age-appropriate. Stories are tailored to match the age and needs of our players. We also set ground rules about how to handle violence and other sensitive subjects to make sure everyone feels comfortable.
What do I need to play?
We at Dungeons at the Fox provide all the necessary equipment for players to experience D&D, including character sheets (physical or through D&D Beyond), physical dice, and player tokens.
We encourage consistent players to take control of these items as much as possible, including having their own unique character token, their own dice (with thousands of cool options, most people like having their own special dice). If you choose to have physical items such as a character sheet, we encourage players to have a container that holds their dice, token, player sheet, and even a journal to take notes about what happens on their adventures for later reference.
We also encourage players to pick up a copy of the Player’s Handbook that details all the rules and gameplay of Dungeons and Dragons as a reference guide.
How do I reserve a game?
-If you are completely new to D&D, or would like a one-time experience-
–Get a group of 4-5 together for a One-Shot (a self-contained adventure experience)-
-Visit the page to select story you would like to experience-
-Select a date/time that works best
-If you are looking to start an Adventure or a Campaign–
-Get a group of 4-5 together-
– Select an Adventure/Campaign–
-Purchase a 5-Week Package–
We schedule Adventures/Campaigns in 5-Week Blocks. By week 4, you have the ability to renew for another 5-Weeks.
If you have a child that is interested in learning, check out registration for our Valley of Heroes workshops!