Throughout the Covd-19 pandemic libraries and community centers have had to find new ways to keep their communities connected and informed. Virtual D&D has been quite popular with libraries around the US and Canada. Now that pandemic-related restrictions are being reduced, in-person play of Dungeons and Dragons is starting to ramp up. The game has been especially important for school-age children who lose the connections that schools traditionally build.
Newspapers, magazines, and websites around the world are covering the booming phenomena, and not calling it a Satanic ritual that leads to murder.
Today’s Lore Collage is focused on playing the game in libraries, other community spaces, and advice for players and dungeon masters.
Library D&D
The Manhattan Public Library recommends finding inspiration in the Player’s Handbook and Art & Arcana.
- Northland Public Library in Pittsburgh.
- Indy Public Libraries are offering weekly 1-hour sessions for youth.
- The Scarborough Public Library in Maine starts playing at the end of the month.
- The Johnston Public Library (NY) is hosting in-person games starting soon.
- In Illinois, the Danville Public Library is hosting D&D as part of the Teen Zone.
- A California state grant is being used by the Tulare Libraries to host in-person D&D in July and August.
- The Kaubisch Memorial Public Library in Ohio is also hosting D&D.
Other community events
- The Lab, in Canberra, Australia, focuses helping children with autism build connections. D&D is one of their tools.
- In Texas, Longview Parks & Rec partnered with a gaming store to host middle school targeted D&D.
General D&D advice
With so many people picking up this intimidating hobby there are a lot of questions about how to play. Much of that can be answered by watching or listening to actual plays on YouTube, Twitch, or your favorite podcasting app. But, some people are like me, readers, so here’s some general Dungeons & Dragons advice.
- From City Mag in Australia is an intro to the game.
- PC Gamer wants you to turn your dungeon into a Fun-geon.
- Laptop Magazine says add music to your game.
Advice for players
- How to hire a DM (I’m available)
Advice for DMs
- Think DM has advice about counterspell.
- Newbie DM has advice on how to track time in dungeons.
- Alphastream suggests that Tier 2,3,4 monsters need more damage.
Quick random NPCs are handy.
As Always, Maps
From Boing Boing, we discover a way that non-artists can create maps, which I need! Or just play the Legend of Zelda map.
Maps don’t have to look like maps. They can be art that represents the scene and not just a place to move miniatures around.
Full Moon Storytelling 