The doors of the 3000 building’s elevator opened on the fourth floor to a river of students flowing into the “Fish Bowl,” a dimly-lit room overlooking the auditorium. All told, there were 40 students in attendance Feb. 6. The officers commanded everyone to sit down; after some commotion, the presentation could finally begin.
President and freshman Riri Arrigui Villarreal started the presentation by outlining its contents and then introducing the club officials. The students then participated in a brief icebreaker.
After everybody had given their name and a fun fact, the officers established what the club prohibited: basically whatever could make the experience unenjoyable for other participants.
The officers then went over the basics of Dungeons and Dragons. They described the effect of each attribute (Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma) and how encounters with enemies work. Players will roll dice for their proficiency in each attribute and during encounters. Dice were passed around to show the kinds used in Dungeons and Dragons: the D20, D12, D10, D8, D6 and D4.
After the presentation’s conclusion, students were able to grab a bowl and fill it with snacks such as Reeses, Almond Joys and Takis. They were also able to receive help with creating their characters.
Villarreal felt motivated because she saw that “there [was] not really a club that can help you express that much when it comes to roleplay.”
“I decided to create a club where everyone can feel comfortable. I think [Dungeons and Dragons] is one of the most awesome things ever that can connect people, and I want to see people connect with each other,” she said.
Club vice president and freshman Sophie Armani Antipova recruited Mrs. Stephanie Young as club advisor as the technical theater teacher is vocal about her love of D&D. She has incorporated the game into her classes by having students create characters and design costumes for them.
“I believe that having a fantastical character can push people’s creativity,” Mrs. Young said.
Freshman Annabelle Moerbeck and sophomores Pascal Brinkmann and Jake Kludy have all expressed a desire to continue participating in the club.
“The people here are really nice,” Moerbeck said.
All in all, the officers felt like the meeting was a success.
“I heard a lot of smiles and laughs, so I am very happy with the outcome,” Antipova said.
“There were … so many people who were interested, advanced and beginner players, which is always really fun. I think that anybody can play D&D, and it’s so nice to see that there are so many people from the school who are so interested in doing this,” said freshman Mahatma Baptista, the club’s treasurer.
