Learn to DM, Learn to Play D&D Hannah Kates Learn to DM, Learn to Play D&D Hannah Kates

What is the Rule of Cool?

Hang out with a Dungeons and Dragons group long enough, and you’ll probably pick up on some tabletop tropes—maybe even the legendary struggle between so-called “Rules Lawyers” and believers of the “Rule of Cool.” Rules Lawyers are often depicted as insufferable, know-it-all nerds with an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, always gleefully ready to pull out some obscure regulation that’s sure to spoil everyone’s fun. On the other hand, those who play by the proverbial Rule of Cool—that is, bending or even trashing certain rules in order to make things more fun, interesting, and/or triumphant—can be seen as sloppy, disorganized, or even just plain cringe.

These two caricatures are often portrayed as opposing forces engaged in an epic battle that has raged since time immemorial, but in my humble, bardic opinion, I’ve found the topic to be much more complicated than a 1v1 showdown. The debate between Rules Lawyers and the Rule of Cool isn’t an “either/or” or even an “us-versus-them” discussion, and for both players and DMs, either style can have both pros and cons.

Above all, D&D should be a fun, engaging, safe, and inclusive space for everyone at the table. So instead of throwing ourselves into one camp or another, let’s explore why both sides have their merits—and when we might want to use one philosophy over the other.

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Learn to Play D&D Jaclyn Lewis Learn to Play D&D Jaclyn Lewis

What Are The Types of Magic In DND?

The world of Dungeons & Dragons is filled with magic; nearly all (9 out of 12) of the playable classes in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) have access to some type of spellcasting. There are more than 350 spells in the Player’s Handbook alone! Each of these spells is organized into eight separate categories, or “schools” of magic with arcane-sounding names that can confuse new players. But with this handy guide, the next time your druid casts Detect Magic, and your Dungeon Master tells you that the cellar reeks of Conjuration magic, you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about.

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Learn to Play D&D Jesse Edmond Learn to Play D&D Jesse Edmond

How Do People Play Dungeons and Dragons? Let’s Explore Your Options.

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the ways in which all players, especially kids and teens, engage with these games has expanded beyond the traditional tabletop. This piece is meant to unveil a fraction of the plethora of methods for young adventurers to embark on epic quests, emphasizing online play while also delving into the enchanting realm of play-by-post. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned player, there's a mode of play waiting to whisk you away into a world of wonder.

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