If you're curious about D&D, picked up one of the starter kits or download the free basic rules and wondering how to get started then look no further. Beginning with this post we'll be putting together a series that explains the basics and answers your questions.

What is D&D?

If you're reading this you probably have a good idea what D&D is but it's worth us defining the game as this will help our understanding.

D&D is

A set of rules and a framework for playing a collaborative adventure game where players take on the role of characters. Those characters explore, interact and adventure in a shared imaginary environment, created, curated and "played" by a unique player referred to as either Game Master (GM) or Dungeon Master (DM).

Notice I've intentionally not said that it's a "table top" game and not explicitly said it's a combat system. That's because while it can and does include these things at it's core D&D is a Role Playing Game (RPG).

Getting Started

This may seem daunting at first but, in my opinion, 5th edition (both the original 2014 and current 2024 versions) are the most accessible versions of D&D. For better or worse, may of the more complex concept and rules of past editions have been simplified. With a few simple steps you can be running your first campaign.

What you need

• A copy of the rules - you can get these for free from the official website, in the Players Handbook (PHB) or in the Starter Kits.
• Dice - shameless link to our store page
• Notebook & Pen - another shameless link to our store page
• Character Sheets - also available for free from the official website

What you don't need

...but are nice to have

• DM Screen
• Battle maps
• Mini's
• Music
• Funny voices

You don't need these things because running a game in "The Theater of the Mind" is perfectly ok. In fact sometimes it can be better!

My advice to get started

• Read the rules
• Find some players
• Roll dice, use your imaginations
• Have fun

In the next post I'll cover things to think about before you begin.