And so the great journey began….or continued….or begins anew

Welcome to Durgan’s Dungeon. Follow a father as he journeys through the new experience of the roll playing world and builds stories from the Forgotten Realms with his kids and his new adventure buddies.

I AM DURGAN!! Durgan the Dangerous, the Destroyer, Helm’s Hammer of Justice, freer of child slaves and defender of the realms. I was once Durgan the Bold, smashing my way through dungeons and saving kingdoms from infinite danger. During the time I spent in the educational institutions my party and I adventured through far off lands. We sailed the high seas, slayed Mind Flayers, defeating great orc invaders.  But, as all stories go, I met a fair maiden, had a few goblins, and established a fine homestead.

Now, I am Durgan the Beardless. Part father, part husband, provider for house goblins, and picker up of poop. I have an amazing time being a father. It’s like I created my own playmates that can’t escape. I do all the sportsing, animated movies, and LEGO building every father could stand. Yet I missed the imaginative, creative play that came from a group getting together in an imaginary world, solving otherworldly problems. I was ashamed of the desire to game, and I don’t know why it was embarrassing or a character defect, but I would not admit my hearts desire to roll some polyhedrals through an imaginary and magical world.

Then, one day, I had an epiphany. Some of the best lessons are learned through role playing. How do we conquer this situation as a team, each using our unique skills and abilitities? We learn to take turns, through initiative. Math and writing are a huge component of managing any character. (Character moves 30 feet and each block is 5 feet. How far are you moving?) How do we emotionally deal with defeat, or death of a beloved character, or temptation to do evil. These were all just small pieces that my children could learn through the world of Fearun. It is the ultimate game/play situation, and I, as the Game Master, would be their guide, mentor and teacher.

Anyone who has played knows one simply doesn’t step into being the game master. I joined a local game and began playing again. The thing is I can read the rules, but until you put a majority of the party to sleep accidently do you learn what the consequences are for area effects spells, or what can you contain in a bag of holding. 

I have learned much from more experienced players, but so much more from our GM. Setting the story, leading the kids into wild adventures with dragons and sorcerers but their take away was the super cute bunny they happened to befriend by rolling a natural 20? I believe I am building fond memories while teaching writing, math and sharing disguised as “play time with papa.”

           And so it begins, our new adventuring days where cities and simple villages must be saved. I may be older and need to stretch out a little more, but what is life without a little adventure. This blog follows the journey from the viewpoint of new player and a new GM. The follies, the fun and the adventure had along the way. Welcome to Durgan’s Dungeon, I am now Durgan the beardless.