For those of you that are familiar
with D&D (or other RPGs), you may appreciate my reflections on why it has
improved my life. For those of you that have no clue what it actually is, let
me use a recent conversation with my mother to explain:
“I’m
going to game tonight with some friends.”
“How
many games are you going to play?”
“Just
one. But it doesn’t have a beginning, middle, or end. You kind of make it up as
you go along and do whatever you want. And there’s no winner.”
Dungeons
and Dragons is a roleplaying game (RPG) in which you immerse yourself into a
fantasy world and act as a specific character. Your quest is outlined and
prepared by the Dungeon Master (ok, that sounds so silly- DM/GM) yet you get to
make your own decisions and act as a character of your choice. There’s lots of
die rolling and chance, so it’s unpredictable. There are many other RPGs; I
play one based in the Star Wars universe as well.
I am a
competitive person (understatement of the year), so she was confused. But maybe
that’s why D&D is good for me- it gives me a chance to enjoy the experience
by shifting the focus away from the outcome of a game. I don’t need to worry
about winning or losing, so I can just have fun.
D&D
has made me a more social and assertive person. I have to collaborate with other players and worked together as a team. Trust me, RPGs are way more fun than any "icebreaker" or team-building activity out there. While it can be viewed as an
escapist hobby, it’s allowing me to develop concrete life skills.
When I first began roleplaying, it
was a Star Wars roleplaying game (which I continue to do and love!). There were
a lot of people and the only parts that hold my attention were the battles. I
loved the fighting but just couldn’t figure out the rest of it: the diplomacy,
haggling shop owners, making moral decisions, and everything else required for
a successful campaign.
Now, I enjoy every part of roleplaying
and have found my voice. When I first started, I was a follower. I didn’t
really understand what I was “supposed” to be doing- though as stated, I was
always pretty awesome at fighting. As I’ve gained confidence and really gotten
into character, I find that I am much more vocal and have assumed more of a
prominent role in my gaming group.
I’ve become more assertive in the
game, and that transfers over to being assertive in real life.
Our map isn't nearly as cool, but I did draw a bear on it- and that has to count for something.
In addition, RPGs have given me an
opportunity to think critically. It forces me to think on my feet. I’ve had to
make decisions quickly and in accordance with my own moral code- even when
someone in my group follows none or is a Sith!
During my first D&D encounter,
children died because our group didn’t go out of our way to save them because
we were following orders. It was a memorable experience because since then, I
haven’t let the decisions of others prevent me from doing what is right.
For example, in the most recent
Star Wars encounter, the “good guys” were going to torture and kill this guy we
handed over to them, and that just wasn’t going to happen on my watch. Luckily,
my really fast Togruta managed to sneak away, break into his prison cell, and
take him back.
I dress up like my character. Don't hate.
Joe- the GM, probably frustrated that we never do what he predicts we will.
Trying to follow my own moral code,
and the Jedi Code for that matter, challenges me. In my own life, I feel as
though I will be more equipped to follow my own morals and defend those who
need me because of roleplaying.
D&D is based in a fantasy
world, but it’s not much different than this one. There are difficult decisions
to make and evil to overcome. I think a lot of people might be nervous about
playing one of these games, but trust me, your fears will fade away as you
become immersed in the game. It’s part novel, part game, so perfect for me. It
just may be perfect for you and your friends too.
I got Joe a t-shirt of this!
In real life, I may not have to
roll a 20 sided die before I do anything (though that surely would take a lot
of pressure off), but the skills I am learning by playing roleplaying games are
helping me become a more confident and happy person.
I’d call that a critical hit. J
