Hey everyone! Guess what? Dungeons & Dragons is hitting the big 5-0, and that’s got me all nostalgic. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how this epic game weaved into my life’s tapestry, starting way back when I was just a kid in ’88.
Picture this: a ten-year-old me, totally geeking out over the latest D&D books I snagged from my uh stepnephew (Long story!!!). It wasn’t just another game for me, it was the gateway to a universe where I could be anyone, and do anything. And man, did I dive headfirst into those adventures. From battling skeletons to figuring out THAC0, I was hooked.
Fast forward a few years, and there I was, hanging out at a comic shop near my dad’s place in Cali. Those shelves were like dragon treasure vaults, packed with everything from Silver Surfer comics to the latest D&D box sets. My favorite was Ravenloft! That place was my tavern, where I’d spend hours plotting campaigns and building worlds.
Eventually, we moved back to Podunk. Thankfully I found a group of friends who already knew how to play so when not at school, I was rambling around looking for a table to join. There were six of us back then. I can still see all their faces and hear their voices as they hollered when one of us would crit or fail. My friend Todd was mostly the DM but that would change as I took over. My style has always been gonzo and the others seemed to enjoy my games. To me, the rule of cool was the #1 Rule. Who cared if there was a ruling that disagreed?
As with Life, there were Family Disasters, and then High school hit, and suddenly, I was all about the usual angsty teen stuff you know, partying, figuring out life, and just trying to not get my face smashed in. D&D took a backseat as I tackled the whole growing-up gig in Podunk, USA.
It wasn’t until around 2011 that I dusted off my dicebag and jumped back into rping. This time, I was DMing my party through the Pathfinder Jade Regent Adventure Path, and the rest is history. I have now DM’d mostly nonstop since then.
D&D has this amazing way of grabbing you and not letting go. Sort of like a rabid goblin. Whether you’re slaying dragons or unraveling mysteries, it’s always a wild ride. And the best part? The friends you make along the way. It’s crazy to think about all the people I’ve met because of this game. Though some are no longer with us. RIP Todd
So here’s to D&D on its golden anniversary! It’s more than just a game, it’s a part of who we are. It’s brought us together, sparked our creativity, and given us a million stories to tell. Cheers to that, and may our dice always land a critical!
Happy 50th, D&D. Let’s keep the adventures rolling.