Everyday Magic HByNatalie ernandez
Created May 2024 ADigitalZine About TTRPGs
On paper, TTRPGs seem simple. You have a character, a gameplay system, a world, and an objective. Then it’s up to you (and your dice) to fill in the blanks. But if there’s anything I’ve learned from my experience playing and running games, there’s more to TTRPGs than meets the eye.
TTRPGs can be used as agents of personal growth and to build community through storytelling and connection. This zine is dedicated to the lessons I’ve learnedfromTTRPGs.
TheBeginning
When I found TTRPGs, I was longing for connection. The world was riddled by disease and I was stuck in my room feeling more isolated than I had ever felt in my life. Then I got a YouTube recommendation that changed everything: the first episode of a DnDlive-playshowcalledFantasyHigh.
I w h k d dd l ’ j old and bein wa
SayHi, Intrepid Heroes!
y g brought the world of Elmville to life with the help of his friends, a group of comedians dubbed the Intrepid Heroes.
But it wasn’t long until I ventured beyond Fantasy High and began to watch other DnD live-play shows by Dimension20.
Some moments from the shows
thathavestuckwithmeare...
“In the same way your heart feels and your mind thinks, you, mortal beings, are the instrument by which the universe cares. If you choose to care, then the universe cares. If you don't, then it doesn't.”
- FantasyHigh,Episode17, Dimension20
Dimension20
“Idon’tknowthatyoumustmake sense of it. Some things simply are,andintimeallthingswillend.” -Neverafter, Episode11,
“We can’t promise that the future will never hurt, but we can promise that if we ’ re together,itwillbeworthit.”
-TheSeven, Episode10, Dimension20
EnterStageLeft:DeniseandBen OldfriendsturnednewDMs
After watching season after season of Dimension 20, all I wanted to do was play DnD. My only problem being that I didn’t know anyone who would be willing to play withme...orsoIthought. Canadian Has a 80+ page lore document Will use your backstory againstyou Queen of homebrew campaigns
Threatens to kill off your charactereverysession Wants to be considered an evil DM (is actually forgiving/flexible)
DMStats-Ben
DMStats-Denise
Canadian
even from thousands ofmilesaway Throughgameswiththemandhomebrewing myowncampaign,here’swhatI’velearned. with technology we couldplaytogether
Lesson1:JustRollWith
NotallTTRPGsystemsusedice,butth unspoken rule about the inherent randomness within gameplay. Sometim dice are your friends and other times yo consecutivenatural1's.
Just because the outco different it, doesn is going chaos. different bebeauti
This is a great representation of how t don’t always go to plan in real lif someone who struggles wit control and have everything wasapotentlessontolearn.
Lesson2:ExploreNewPerspectives
When we play TTRPGs, we take on new personas. Well, most of the time at least (looking at you, self-insert characters). Who your character is completely changes how you approach in-game situations and communicate withotherplayers.
Havingtothinkandactlikesomeoneotherthanoneselfcan help people develop more empathy for others and view situationsfromdifferentperspectives.
Those gameplay experiences serve as a reminder to put those interpersonal skills to use,helpingpeoplebuildhealthierrelationships.
Lesson3: WorkWithTheParty, NotAgainstIt
No one appreciates a lone wolf when you ’ re trying to work collaboratively. The beauty of a TTRPG party is that you ’ re working together to achieve a set objective. It builds morale andencouragesteamwork.
So, unless you made a special deal with the game master, don’t betray your party by stealing the spotlight or not paying attention.
Wheneveryone getsachance toshine,everyone hasagoodtime.
Armed with my dice set, >
I’m thankful I found TTRPGs. They helped me learn different lessons about life and led me to great people to learn those lessonswith. The game is what you make of it and I’m excited to continue exploring all the possibilities. several dice sets
;)
