c. 1970s -> present
One of the original Roleplaying games on which the framework of many newer RP and TC, and MMORP games are based.
Dungeons and Dragons was originally played almost exclusively by males 13 years and above, being especially popular with high-school and college-aged males. Over its 30-year lifespan, however, the game has been play by males and females alike, all of widely varying ages.
The following is an excerpt from the original TSR First Edition (Revised) Dungeon Masters Guide, p.9:
"Advanced Dungeons amd Dragons is first and foremost a game for the fun and enjoyment of those who seek to use imagination and creativity. This is not to say that the highest degree of realism hasn't been attempted, but neither is a serious approach to play discouraged. In all cases, however, the reader should understand that AD&D is designed to be an amusing and diverting pastime, something which can fill a few hours or can consume endless days, as the participants desire, but in no case something to be taken seriously. For fun, excitement, and captivating fantast, AD&D is unsurpassed. As a realistic simulation of things from the realm of make-believe, or even as a reflection of medieval or ancient warfare or culture or society, it can be deemed only a dismal failure. Readers who seek the latter must search elsewhere. Those who desire to create and populate imaginary worlds with larger-than-life heroes and villains, who seek relaxation with a fascinating game, and who generally believe games should be fun, not work, will hopefully find this system to their taste."
The object of the game is, as stated above, to create and populate imaginary worlds with characters of your own creation. Although pre-fashioned (or "canned") worlds, scenarios and characters can be obtained, many seasoned players greatly prefer to create their own.
The basic game requires the following supplies, along with a Dungeon Master (DM) and at least one player:
- A Dungeon Masters Guide
- A Players Handbook
- A Monster Manual
- A Set of D&D Dice
(4, 6, 8, 12, 20, 100 sided)
- Paper
- Pen/Pencil
One of the original Roleplaying games on which the framework of many newer RP and TC, and MMORP games are based.
Dungeons and Dragons was originally played almost exclusively by males 13 years and above, being especially popular with high-school and college-aged males. Over its 30-year lifespan, however, the game has been play by males and females alike, all of widely varying ages.
The following is an excerpt from the original TSR First Edition (Revised) Dungeon Masters Guide, p.9:
"Advanced Dungeons amd Dragons is first and foremost a game for the fun and enjoyment of those who seek to use imagination and creativity. This is not to say that the highest degree of realism hasn't been attempted, but neither is a serious approach to play discouraged. In all cases, however, the reader should understand that AD&D is designed to be an amusing and diverting pastime, something which can fill a few hours or can consume endless days, as the participants desire, but in no case something to be taken seriously. For fun, excitement, and captivating fantast, AD&D is unsurpassed. As a realistic simulation of things from the realm of make-believe, or even as a reflection of medieval or ancient warfare or culture or society, it can be deemed only a dismal failure. Readers who seek the latter must search elsewhere. Those who desire to create and populate imaginary worlds with larger-than-life heroes and villains, who seek relaxation with a fascinating game, and who generally believe games should be fun, not work, will hopefully find this system to their taste."
The object of the game is, as stated above, to create and populate imaginary worlds with characters of your own creation. Although pre-fashioned (or "canned") worlds, scenarios and characters can be obtained, many seasoned players greatly prefer to create their own.
The basic game requires the following supplies, along with a Dungeon Master (DM) and at least one player:
- A Dungeon Masters Guide
- A Players Handbook
- A Monster Manual
- A Set of D&D Dice
(4, 6, 8, 12, 20, 100 sided)
- Paper
- Pen/Pencil
by Rabid Spooky October 29, 2003
D&D (Dungeons & Dragons) now referred to as OD&DOriginal Dungeons & Dragons published in 1974 was originally created by Dave (David Lance) Arneson in his home campaign called Blackmoor in 1971. After Dave Arneson introduced Gary Gygax to the game in 1972, Gygax took Arnesons unique transcendent creative concept and added a few of his own ideas and wrote the game published as D&DDungeons & Dragons now referred to as OD&DOriginal Dungeons & Dragons .
D&DDungeons & Dragonsis now referred to as OD&DOriginal Dungeons & Dragons to separate it from all of the later inferior game versions bearing the names D&D and AD&D. The D&D versions referred to as 3.x, 4E and 5E are descended from the AD&D line and not from the original D&D line of games.
OD&D is the best and greatest of all roleplaying games and all other games are cheap inferior knockoffs of the original gem. OD&D is the One True Game.
D&DDungeons & Dragonsis now referred to as OD&DOriginal Dungeons & Dragons to separate it from all of the later inferior game versions bearing the names D&D and AD&D. The D&D versions referred to as 3.x, 4E and 5E are descended from the AD&D line and not from the original D&D line of games.
OD&D is the best and greatest of all roleplaying games and all other games are cheap inferior knockoffs of the original gem. OD&D is the One True Game.
by Dragonsfoot Member Since 2002 November 17, 2019
D&D is short for "Dungeons and Dragons", a fantasy role-playing game developed in the early 70's by gaming activist Gary Gygax. Although unfortunately associated with “geeks” and loners, D&D is responsible for launching many commonly-played and award-winning RPGs today, especially those electronically-based. The sad majority of people who judge D&D purely upon anorexic, undersexed individuals are ridiculously ignorant, and those same who blame gamers for being “stereotyped” are ironically hypocritical. The common cliché for gamers being skinny, runtish nerds is hardly, if ever, found in society… most people who play D&D are either stressed-out and busy guys with a hectic life, or smart, cool individuals with huge imaginations and the guts to admit they play their hobby to the rest of cynical society.
by pro-nun-see-A-shun October 29, 2003
A game that often draws those with active imaginations, whether they be geeks, as many seem to refer to them as, or just people who think it is fun. Involves dice, a mind that can process more than how to breath, and imagination.
by Grendel September 29, 2003
1. A role-playing game utilizing paper, pencils (or pens), multi-faceted plastic objects (see: dice, die) and books (see: literacy). Played, despite stereotypes, by members of virtually all demographics (see: big words). Players and game alike are vilified by those with small minds and, generally, smaller vocabularies.
2. An enjoyable hobby, but a sure way to get NO ass at a party. Alas.
2. An enjoyable hobby, but a sure way to get NO ass at a party. Alas.
Remember, when you and a halfling are running away from a hungry dragon, you don;t have to outrun the dragon....just the halfling.
by Gavin October 2, 2003
The only game whos quality is based entirely on who plays it. Some munchkins and posers give the entire game a bad name, while someone who spits on the aformentioned denominations can make the game reasonably enjoyable.
by Galen Deepinglen March 21, 2003