On occasion, the Long family (Paulding County, Ohio) gathers for a bit of adventure, mystery, legend and lore! It is all in a game session of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). D&D is a game, played in imagined worlds, similar to films like Lord of the Rings, and shows like The Witcher. Players often gather around a table with paper and dice for each game session – it is one of the most popular Table Top Role-Playing Games (TTRPG) in the world.
Before playing, players create a character. Basically, players choose to make their character of a race such as an elf, dwarf, half-orc, and more. They also choose a profession for their character: warrior, thief, magic user, and more. After a bit of dice rolling and personalization, players use their characters to travel throughout a make-believe world, accomplishing missions and going on adventures.
For a very good tutorial on creating a D&D character, check “How to Play Dungeons and Dragons 5e – Character Creation” on YouTube channel “Don’t Stop Thinking.” It includes a link to downloadable character sheets.
Usually, a handful of characters join together to form a “Party.” The Party gets into and out of trouble; fights bad guys and monsters; wins treasure and rank. The party is guided by another person, known as the Dungeon Master (DM).
Essentially, the game proceeds with the DM describing a situation the Party is facing, and then asking, “What do you want to do?” Then, the Party determines their plan of action based on their abilities. Next, the DM tells them to roll dice to determine if they were successful. (There are many examples online.)
Ray Long began playing in college, in 1980, with his girlfriend and fiancé. When Long entered the military, and they married, they continued to play as time allowed. When their children grew older, they introduced them to D&D.
Long still uses the 1970s’ editions of the rule books, playing what is commonly referred to as “Advanced Dungeons and Dragons,” or “First Edition.” This is why much of the old terminology appears in this article. The most current version is “Fifth Edition.” Groups play using their favorite edition, or variations of them. A “Sixth Edition” is currently under development by publisher, Wizards of the Coast!
Today, Long also plays with their granddaughters. Their granddaughters pretend to be Halfling children (like Hobbits) who live in a small, forest community. The girls’ adventures include activities like finding lost puppies, and rescuing bunnies. All involve reading, math, and imagination!
Long’s current adventure for the grownups involves a party of four characters: a dwarven fighter; human fighter; halfling thief; and a human magic user. They are trying to beat an evil sorcerous and her minions in obtaining three legendary items, which she plans to use for unsavory purposes! Each item is guarded by magic and creatures. The party must defeat them with their weapons and wits, before their nemesis obtains them.
This adventure places the Party in a land steeped in Asian folklore. To add to the fun, Long provides the players with themed snacks from the China Wok restaurant in Paulding, Ohio. Their menu includes many finger foods, which are easy to eat while playing!
Many folks in Paulding County, and around the world are playing some version of Dungeons and Dragons. Like any hobby, it can be a fun way to use your imagination; have fun with friends and family; and enjoy a bit of a break from the challenges of today.
