DnD Academy: Learn to Play Dungeons and Dragons!
Interested in learning how to play TTRPGs? I'll teach you the basics of Dungeons and Dragons in a single session!
$15.00
/ Session
Details
Once / Saturday - 8:00 PM UTC
Sep 20
Session Duration / 2–3 hours
0 / 4 Seats Filled
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About the adventure
Whether you're new to Dungeons and Dragons or tabletop roleplaying games entirely, or just want a refresh of the rules, I would be delighted to teach you the basics over a 2-3 hour long session. This one-shot will cover the d20, the action economy, combat, damage, conditions, spellcasting, traps, puzzles, environmental effects, and many more aspects of the DnD system through story-lite, organic play of the game. We will also discuss some other topics relevant to new players, such as homebrew rules, etiquette, other popular systems, common game tools, and roleplaying. I have multiple years of experience playing and running DnD and other TTRPGs. I love the way they allow people to tell stories together and explore perspectives other than their own. I am always looking to introduce more people to the hobby, so if you're interested, I would love to teach you! Please note that this tutorial will not include character creation. If this is something you're interested in, please reach out to express your interest!
Game style
Roleplay Lite
Game themes
Meet the Game Master
5.0
(9)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
3 games hosted
Highly rated for: Creativity, Storytelling, Sets the Mood
About me
Hello! I'm Weston, a GM with experience running games across multiple systems including D&D 5e, LANCER, and World of Darkness. I've guided both brand-new players and veterans through memorable adventures, from time travel shenanigans to modern supernatural horror-mystery. I discovered TTRPGs in high school and fell in love with collaborative storytelling in college, where game night became the highlight of my roommates' week. Since then, I've run multiple campaigns and one-shots both online and in-person, even designing my own systems to explore what makes these games special. What drives me as a GM is creating those magical moments - when the perfect plan comes together, when a character revelation changes everything, or when the whole table erupts in laughter or cheers. I believe great games happen when everyone contributes to the story. Whether you're picking up dice for the first time or you're a seasoned adventurer looking for a new table, I'd love to help create your next great TTRPG memory. Let's roll some dice and tell an amazing story together! Banner Image Credit: Joe Maldonado on Unsplash
View Profile →Character creation
Creating your character
You do not need to create a character beforehand. You will select a premade character sheet based on one of the twelve DnD classes. The template will determine what your character is good at and what their special abilities are. Your character's name, appearance, species, and personality are entirely up to you, though (entirely optional) suggestions are provided.
What to expect
Preparing for the session
A Discord account will be necessary as we will use that platform to communicate. You will not need to join a server, however. Please make sure to have a good quality microphone. I will be using video, but it is not required. We will be using Owlbear Rodeo as a virtual tabletop (VTT) to play the game. Owlbear Rodeo does not require you to make an account to join a game and can be used from both a computer and a mobile device. All dice rolls will occur in Owlbear Rodeo, so purchasing physical dice is not required. Please have a way to view the materials I send you either on a digital device or printed out.
What Weston brings to the table
I will provide premade character sheets and spells guides as well as custom maps for battles and exploration. This is an educational game. The story will be simple and the encounters contrived in order to teach basic mechanics and strategy. There is no way to "lose" this one-shot. I encourage questions at any point to ensure you get a complete grasp of the game and its systems.
Homebrew rules
This game will adhere to DnD 5E (2024) rules as written (RAW) but will include discussions on common homebrew rules employed by other tables as well as other systems that players might enjoy based on their interests.
Equipment needed to play
Internet
Computer
Microphone
Mobile Phone
Platforms used
Safety
How Weston creates a safe table
This game will employ the X-card method. Participants are encouraged to type an "X" in the chat, say "X-card" aloud, or hold up their arms crossed or an "X" symbol to their camera to put the game on pause for any reason, including to ask a question, take a break, get something to eat/drink, go to the restroom, or because the current situation has made them uncomfortable. Participants are also free to communicate a similar message in any way for any reason without necessarily using an "X." There will be one 10-minute break about halfway through the session. The session will include a discussion about topics inherent to Dungeons and Dragons and other TTRPGs, such as extreme violence, death, horror, and monstrous creatures, within the context of what players should expect from other tables but the game itself will include no violence more severe than a few scrapes and bruises and no monster more terrifying than a (very friendly) sphinx and a (less friendly, but still affable) mimic. The session will end with a debrief where participants are encouraged to discuss their experiences, provide feedback, ask questions, and relax after the game.
Content warnings
Safety tools used