What is Dungeons & Dragons?

Dungeons & Dragons (commonly abbreviated as D&D or DnD) is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) originally created and designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson -wikipedia

Typically the game is played in person around a table with friends and snacks! But I'm anti social and struggle with anxiety. I haven't been able to find a dnd group near me and I'm too chickenshit to invite rando's into my house to play with hence I made this community! But I also really want to learn how to be a Dungeon Master (DM) so hope this works. So far this format seems to be a bit awkward but functional!

Gameplay

Anyway, the DM is the referee and will decide the outcomes of players actions along with dice rolls. Typically

1. the DM describes a scene
2. the players will tell the DM what they wish to do
3. the DM will resolve those actions and ask for dice rolls if necessary then describing what happens
4. this process repeats ad infinitum

Rules & Books

Rules and how to play are described in the Players Hand Book (PHB). There are two additional books but those are typically used by DMs - the aptly named Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG) and the Monster Manual (MM)

The rule of cool: the cooler it sounds the more likely your DM is to allow it

Character Creation

Creating a character is really easy and streamlined now a days. It can be as simple or in-depth as you'd like! The player handbook gives a lot of guidance and you can even just roll dice and pick stuff from tables if you don't want to think or have totally randomized character. There are lots of places online you go to create characters. DnDBeyond is pretty good spot but does require account creation apparently (can always just screenshot your choices instead of creating account). If anyone knows good dnd character creator that doesn't require an account please link!

To create a character:

1. Start by choosing a class:

• Barbarian
• Bard
• Blood Hunter
• Cleric
• Druid
• Fighter
• Monk
• Paladin
• Ranger
• Rogue
• Sorcerer
• Warlock
• Wizard

1. Choose a race:

• Dragonborn
• Dwarf
• Elf
• Gnome
• Goliath
• Halfling
• Human
• Orc
• Tiefling
• Genasi
• Aarakocra
• Aasimar
• Half race from above mixed with Human

1. Choose a background:

• Acolyte
• Charlatan
• Criminal
• Entertainer
• Guild Artisan
• Hermit
• Noble
• Outlander
• Sage
• Sailor
• Soldier
• Create your own

Note: When creating your own background story be sure to confide with your DM so that they can direct you if elements clash with the world. Also it gives the DM a chance to work your backstory into the world deepening the adventure!

1. Choose a name!

If you want something authentic sounding try searching a name generator online including the race you choose. But ultimately you can pick any name you want.

You could even go partial or full on homebrew (make up your own) but you'll have to work with your DM to make sure it's ok and so everyone understands the rules, abilities, etc.

Note: Many of these classes, races, and backgrounds have variants and options that will have different bonuses -see the PHB for details

1. Finally create a post titled your characters name with the body describing your character

(if able) Be sure to include a link to your character sheet

1. (Optional) Give your character a personality During roleplay it's important to realize that you are not your character. You, the player, will know things your character does not. Your character will probably know many things that you don't (this is usually info your DM conveys to you during play). Try to think of what your character would do in the moment instead of what you would do and act accordingly.

Tip! Creating a loner character is a bit antithetical to role playing games. Try using a stereotypical hero personality. It'll be easier to know what a hero would do in most situations for beginner roleplay.