Dungeons & Dragons is a fantasy tabletop role-playing game originally published in 1974. Five decades later, the hobby is thriving in the Queen City with an ever-growing cast of characters.
And the hobbyists know what people think. They’re nerds. Basement dwellers. Worshippers of Satan? But the hobby was there for them when they needed it, and it’s easy to see why so many are still turning to it today. Here’s what draws three of them to this world.
Chris, boredom fighter
Chris Hausrath
“My friends and I were super bored during the pandemic,” says Chris Hausrath. “So, I went to Barnes & Noble and bought the Dungeon Master’s Guide, the Player’s Handbook and a Monster’s Manual.”
The student quickly became the master—the dungeon master, in this case. In this role, Chris creates the world, steers the story, enforces rules and acts as monsters and other non-playable characters (NPCs) for those around his table to experience. He doesn’t take this responsibility lightly.
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“I always want to draw people in,” he says. “Everyone’s character has its origin. It’s my job to weave that into the overarching story, while giving everybody an equal opportunity to have their voice heard at the table.”
Role-playing doesn’t have to be Oscar-worthy acting. Each turn, a player must simply convey what they are looking to do.
The next step is rolling dice, which determines the success of attacks, social interactions, spells and healing, among other things, for your character.
Each die has a different number of sides—for example, a D4 is a four-sided die. A standard seven-dice D&D set includes a D4, D6, D8, D12 and D20, as well as a pair of D10s.
The gamemaster’s story may have you rolling for your life, which generates edge-of-your seat fun. Chris just finished a year-long campaign with his group.
“It was a dragon heist,” he explains. “Set in a big city, the group needed to find where the dragon bank was and then find a way in. The world was all-consuming—we had a blast.”
Ashlyn, maternal monk
Some of Ashlyn Zgoda's D&D supplies. After struggling with post-partum depression, she started an all-woman group to play predominately male hobby and says it's turned them into close friends.
After giving birth and struggling with postpartum depression, Ashlyn Zgoda joined a Facebook Group called the Buffalo Mom Squad, looking to connect.
“On a whim, I posted ‘Hey, are there any other nerdy moms out there who want to play D&D?’ We ended up with seven people committed to playing once a month,” she says. “It’s just been the best thing ever. We’re all really close friends now, and none of us knew each other before.”
Ashlyn Zgoda
As a woman in a predominantly male hobby, Ashlyn found community within a community, one that roots for each other’s growth in the game and beyond.
“D&D allows you to explore different sides of yourself through characters,” she says. “You can use it as catharsis to resolve conflicts that you may have faced in your own life. It’s an opportunity to fight big monsters.”
The concept of “big monsters,” both real and imaginary, may mean something different to women. It’s why Ashlyn is mindful of creating a safe space for all around her table. A session zero can help align everyone before gameplay actually starts.
“This is when you discuss your world and its characters,” she says. “How do the characters know each other? What is their dynamic? Is everyone at the table OK with it? Are there any hesitations? Are there any topics that should be completely avoided?”
Because first and foremost a hobby should be fun, for all.
Tony, camaraderie ranger
Tony Emiliani has been playing D&D for decades. His 3D printing business allows him to get elaborate with his setups and include elements like character miniatures, terrains and grids.
Tony Emiliani’s been playing D&D for 20 years. He was introduced by his college roommate and has been playing ever since.
“It’s a good way to hang out with friends, and a really good way to put down your phone and do something cooperative,” says Tony.
Tony Emiliani
Because Tony owns a 3D printing business, he has easy means to get elaborate with his setups. Miniatures, terrains and grids on your table can all help a group better visualize the action—though none of that is strictly necessary.
“The game initially had much less emphasis on role playing and much more on the combat mechanics,” Tony notes. “It used to focus more on how far you got into the dungeon, what did you collect and how many monsters you killed.”
Now there are sci-fi, old western and murder mystery-themed role-playing games. It’s more about knowing what your individual table wants to get out of their time together.
“We’re very humor based. It’s the old adage that every table starts as wanting to play ‘Lord of the Rings’ but ends up playing ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail,’” jokes Tony.
Giving everyone at the table an equal say? Joining forces to fight a big, bad monster? Putting your phone down for a while? It sounds like we could all use D&D right about now.
Get in the game
Buffalo's Gather & Game offers hundreds of board and tabletop games, in-store play space and regular events and tournaments.
If you’re itching to jump in, role-playing games are a hobby with a lot of different entry points.
You can start your adventure here, here or here:
Watch & learn from the pros
Recently, more and more people are discovering the hobby from livestreams online. These “streamers” feature professional voice actors playing D&D for viewers to enjoy. They are typically long seasons with a core cast of players navigating various quests. The elevated theatrics help show how exciting the game can be. Critical Role and Dimension 20 were mentioned by nearly everyone I spoke to as the gold standard.
Join local Facebook groups
There are lots of groups dedicated to D&D on Facebook. Here, you can read game discussions, find groups looking for new players and get inspiration for future characters and campaigns. It’s a space where you can linger for as long you need before taking any action. Consider Western New York D&D, Buffalo-Niagara D&D Adventurers League, Buffalo Gaymers and Women + of Dungeons and Dragons.
Check out your local game stores
Gather & Game's storefront, located at 205 Grant St.
There are also plenty of options for those looking to connect with experts in person. Local game stores are stocked with staff who are extremely passionate about the hobby. You can stop in, ask questions and peruse the shelves before ever rolling a D20. A few options include Gather & Game on Buffalo’s West Side (@gatherandgamebuffalo) and Red Dragon’s Hoard in Niagara Falls right across from the outlet mall (@reddragonshoardny).
Gather & Game has a large collection of open box board games available to play for $5 (free for store members). Plus, the shop offers Learn to Play events every month where you can get a crash course on a given game and meet other newbies. Red Dragon’s Hoard offers weekly drop-in D&D sessions that anyone is welcome to attend—no experience necessary.
