My son asks me if he can play Dungeons and Dragons with his friends. He is 12 years old and I am not sure if this is age appropriate, he said that it is not a video game, but also not a board game, so I am confused about what it is. Please explain to me in simple terms, what is Dungeons and Dragons? Is it dangerous?
Dungeons and Dragons, or D&D, is a fantasy role-playing game. It is not a video game or board game. In D&D, players create characters and go on fantasy adventures together, guided by a player who acts as the game's narrator or storyteller.
Here's how it works:
• Players create characters, like warriors, elves, dwarves, etc. They determine the character's traits, skills, and abilities.
• The storyteller, called the Dungeon Master, creates an adventure in a fantasy setting like medieval times. The adventure might involve exploring a dungeon, a forest, or a town. The Dungeon Master describes what the characters see and encounter.
• Players roll dice and use their character's skills and abilities to progress through the Dungeon Master's adventure. They have to solve puzzles, fight monsters, and work as a team to complete the quest.
• The game is collaborative storytelling. The Dungeon Master adapts the adventure based on the characters' actions and decisions. So each adventure can unfold differently depending on how the players choose to play.
• The game uses dice, character sheets, and reference books - but no board or video screen. Players use their imagination, along with the Dungeon Master's verbal descriptions, to envision the adventure.
D&D can be a fun, creative outlet for kids and adults. However, some parents do express concerns:
• Violence. D&D does involve fantasy combat against monsters and villains. Weapons like swords and magic are commonly used. The violence is imaginative, not visual, but some see it as too intense for kids.
• Escapism. Some critics argue that D&D promotes unhealthy escapism from reality. Players can become very invested in their characters and adventures.
• Satanic panic. In the 1980s, D&D received false accusations of promoting the occult and Satan worship. This Satanic panic has been debunked, but still concerns some parents.
Overall, whether D&D is appropriate for a 12-year-old depends on the child and family values. Many kids that age do play D&D safely and enjoyably. But parents should weigh the pros and cons for their own situation. Talking with the Dungeon Master and establishing clear rules can also help ensure a good experience.
Thank you that was helpful, I appreciate you bringing new credible information to the table. I would also like a concise answer to my question, Is it dangerous?
No, D&D is not inherently dangerous. It is a game that can be played safely and responsibly like any other activity.