I have been playing tabletop role-playing games for years. Many people have asked me this very question after I began talking to them about DnD. Most people do not really know anything about the game, rather only what they have heard. “The game involves magic and magic is evil.” “The game is only for nerds… you don’t want to be a nerd, do you?”
I am hoping to give you five reasons why you should play Dungeons and Dragons or other pen and paper games.
1. Meet new people
I know right? Nerds being social and making friends. Maybe you have moved to a new city and haven’t met anyone yet. Dungeons and Dragons groups meet all over, you just need to find them. Perhaps, some of your closest friends play and you just don’t know.
I have found that many people that play Dungeons and Dragons are friendly and want to share the experience with others. As you play together, your group will form bonds. The first group I was a dungeon master for was a bunch of college students that hadn’t spent a lot of time together. As the group continued to meet, I was able to see friendships and relationships grow.
2. Shared experience
I have found that people need to bond. One of the strongest ways to bond people together is by shared experiences. Your group of adventurers will be faced with trial after trial. Quests will be fulfilled, characters could get injured, and losses may occur. The party will face moral dilemmas and unfathomable enemies. This experience will forge a bond of friendship.
Some of my groups can’t wait to share their session with family members and friends. They are able to describe how the heroes overcame different hardships. Worlds of imagination are being explored together. This experience may blend into real life. I have seen a quiet and reserved person become outspoken and bold. The experiences in-game can affect you and your friendships at the table.
3. A chance to become a different person
In Dungeons and Dragons, you take on the role of a hero or villain. Most of the time, you will begin as an average person. Your skills are average and you are not the best in combat. But as you begin to gain experience through fighting enemies, gaining reputation, or earning gold, you will become a powerful hero or villain.
During the character creation phase, I have developed an idea for a character, but have found with good storytelling my character will grow into something new. You get to live a different life through this character and experience a whole new world.
4. Relieve Stress
I have found that playing an enjoyable and regular game with friends helps to alleviate stress. Setting aside time for yourself to do something enjoyable will benefit your mental health. Laughing about a critical failure or cheering as a series of extraordinary events become something incredible will give you stories that you will want to share with others.
The shared experience bonds people together. Fighting together, even in an imaginary world, creates bonds that last beyond the table. I know there are a lot of lonely people out there; however, having a group of five people that care about whether you show up each week or not can make an incredible difference in your life.
5. Cooperative Storytelling
Cooperative storytelling inspired me to become a dungeon master. As I lay a foundation for the story, the players are able to contribute to how the story continues. Every decision the players make weaves a more intricate story. The party could decide to follow the main storyline as set by the dungeon master or they could take side quests and explore the world before them.
I have played Rise of the Runelords campaign twice. Although I knew how the main story was supposed to progress, I found both playthroughs were a different and satisfying experience. The players and the dungeon master will create unique stories that many players want to share with others.
Dungeons and Dragons may seem nerdy or different, but if you enjoy spending time with friends, exploring fantasy stories or video games, then I would greatly consider finding a party. Adventure awaits!