Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game originally designed by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. It was first published in 1974 by Tactical Studies Rules, Inc. The game has been published by Wizards of the Coast since 1997.
The current rule system is referred to as the 5th edition or 5E.
Both Tarquin Murnane and Michael Thorburn work with Aspergers Victoria as consultant Game Therapists. Tarquin runs games for high-functioning teens on the spectrum, and, as well as developing leisure programs for and representing the organisation in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, Michael runs Dungeon Master Training workshops for high functioning people across the lifespan on the spectrum. Michael teaches coping strategies as well as game mechanics.
Before the game begins, each player creates their player character and records the details (described below) on a character sheet. First, a player determines their character’s ability scores, which consist of Strength, Constitution, Dexterity, Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma. Each edition of the game has offered differing methods of determining these statistics. The player then chooses a race (species) such as human or elf, a character class (occupation) such as fighter or wizard, an alignment (a moral and ethical outlook), and other features to round out the character’s abilities and backstory, which have varied in nature through differing editions.
During the game, players describe their PC’s intended actions, such as punching an opponent or picking a lock, and converse with the DM, who then describes the result or response. Trivial actions, such as picking up a letter or opening an unlocked door, are usually automatically successful. The outcomes of more complex or risky actions are determined by rolling dice.
Factors contributing to the outcome include the character’s ability scores, skills and the difficulty of the task. In circumstances where a character does not have control of an event, such as when a trap or magical effect is triggered or a spell is cast, a saving throw can be used to determine whether the resulting damage is reduced or avoided. In this case the odds of success are influenced by the character’s class, levels and ability scores.
At the core of Michael Thorburn’s game therapy practice is the belief that learning to play and DM games like Dungeons and Dragons is a life-long activity. Traditionally, it’s hard for players to find an experienced DM. By enabling clients to become Dungeon Masters, Michael can put YOU at the centre of your own social circle.
As the game is played, each PC changes over time and generally increases in capability. Characters gain (or sometimes lose) experience, skills and wealth, and may even alter their alignment or gain additional character classes. The key way characters progress is by earning experience points (XP), which happens when they defeat an enemy or accomplish a difficult task. Acquiring enough XP allows a PC to advance a level, which grants the character improved class features, abilities and skills. XP can be lost in some circumstances, such as encounters with creatures that drain life energy, or by use of certain magical powers that come with an XP cost.
Hit points (HP) are a measure of a character’s vitality and health and are determined by the class, level and constitution of each character. They can be temporarily lost when a character sustains wounds in combat or otherwise comes to harm, and loss of HP is the most common way for a character to die in the game. Death can also result from the loss of key ability scores or character levels. When a PC dies, it is often possible for the dead character to be resurrected through magic, although some penalties may be imposed as a result. If resurrection is not possible or not desired, the player may instead create a new PC to resume playing the game.
Game Therapist Michael Thorburn has developed an invitation only play-by-post forum on this website for his clients to enable them to socialise, keep track of characters and campaigns, and even play role play games online. By keeping the forum invitation-only and not allowing groups to cross-socialise: privacy, confidentiality and online safety is ensured.
Dungeons and Dragons traditionally uses a full set of polyhedral dice including the iconic 20-sided dice. The game itself, for one so large is breadth and scope, is also one of the cheapest to play. Die sets can be purchased online for less then a dollar, or free randomised dice roller apps can be downloaded from app stores. Hardcover rule and setting books can be purchased, but a lot of content is available for free online in PDF format or as free apps.