Get ready for a storytelling adventure that will test the limits of your imagination. We are playing Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition. Participants are welcome to make their own Level 2 characters (no magical items please) or choose from a selection of pre-made characters. Registration required. Ages 13-18.
New to D&D? See our D&D Basics below for information about how the game works. New players are welcome.
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D&D Basics
If you’ve never played Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) before, don’t be afraid. We will be explaining mechanics as we play together.
All you need to play is a character sheet – choose from a selection of pre-made sheets or experienced players can make their own – a pencil, some polyhedral dice and your imagination. Don’t have a set of dice? Google has a built-in dice rolling app or you can use the digital dice tray in Owlbear Rodeo – our virtual tabletop.
What is D&D?
This is a cooperative storytelling game. Each player pretends to be a character with their own background, skills and abilities. The players decide how to react to situations in the game and must work together to overcome obstacles, solve puzzles or fight monsters.
How do you play?
The Game Master (GM) will describe what your character sees and hears, will speak for all the people in the world (like shop keepers, guards or quest givers) and will control the enemies in combat.
You will tell the GM what your character does. You can speak to your fellow party members. You decide how to investigate new areas. In combat, you can cast spells, attack with weapons or find creative solutions to overcome your enemies.
If what you are trying to do is presents an element of difficulty, the GM will ask you to roll a d20 (20-sided dice) and add a modifier related to the task. The result of the roll will determine if you succeed or fail. Somethings will be more challenging than others.
An example of game mechanics:
You want to cross a field and climb a tree to look around. You can cross the field without issue – you know how to walk (no rolling required) The GM would ask you to make an Athletics check to climb the tree (1d20+ Athletics modifier) If your result is higher than a 10, you climb the tree. You look around by making a Perception check (1d20 + Perception modifier) and the GM would have you roll with advantage (roll twice and use the higher number) because you are high up and can see well from your perch. The higher your perception check result, the more you see, maybe even spotting treasure hidden in the field.Combat
When the players get into combat, the GM will link to a digital map to help players visualize the battle.
In combat, players take turns attacking the enemies, casting spells, healing allies, or taking other actions. Players roll dice to try to hit enemies and more dice to determine damage. Enemies will attack players too.
Character Sheets
Your character sheet lists information about your character like HP (how much damage you can take before falling unconscious), AC (how hard you are to hit), Weapon or Spell attacks, Skills and Saving Throws (special defenses).
The GM can help you navigate the sheet, but we suggest you print a copy before the game. The numbers listed next to skills, weapons and spells will be added to your d20 rolls during the game.
Questions?
The GM will email registered participants before the game to share the character options and zoom link and is happy to answer any questions that you may have. Happy gaming!