Difference between revisions of "Dungeons & Dragons"

Revision as of 12:44, 9 December 2006

Dungeons & Dragons, known as D&D for short, is a roleplaying game (RPG) where typically between three and six players create characters and fulfill quests and exploration adventures through story-telling. The game is measured based on several metrics, including physical attributes of the character, the character's skills and special abilities, and the equipment the character purchases from in-game, non-player characters (NPCs) in the game. The framework for the roleplaying environment, the storyline, and all NPCs are developed by a designated individual known as the Dungeon Master, or DM.

Unlike some online multiplayer worlds, D&D is traditionally played by players who meet in person on a weekly or biweekly basis. Because it is usually not played online, it is somes referred to as a "pencil and paper RPG" or "tabletop RPG". However, it is possible to play D&D remotely through IRC or other online communication mediums.

Dungeons & Dragons sparked the multi-million dollar RPG industry in 1974 when it was first introduced by Gary Gygax. Today, millions of people around the world play D&D or one of the off-shoot gaming systems that it has inspired, such as Ironclaw, Jadeclaw, and World of Darkness.

Today many furries have at one time or currently play D&D or one of the gaming systems it has inspired. Ironclaw, Jadeclaw, Furry Pirates and Furry Outlaws are games designed specifically for anthropomorphic creatures, and because of this are growing increasingly popular among furries as a gaming system in which to play. Wizards of the Coast, the company that owns the rights to D&D and publishes a series of gaming supplement books, has released a book called Savage Species that gives details on how to create anthropomorphic characters for play in the D&D gaming system.

See also

• Ironclaw
• Jadeclaw
• Guardians of Order
• Wikipedia's extensive article on D&D
• Visits to Makers of Dungeons and Dragons - Many photos from a trip that was made to TSR's headquarters before they were bought up by Wizards of The Coast many years ago.
• Visiting TSR - The author's account of the above trip, along with some commentary on TSR's politics and how he get involved with the company.
• The Gary Gygax FAQ (archived) - This FAQ covers his role in the company, and goes into much more details about politics, greed, and petty bickering.