I miss playing Dungeons and Dragons in person.
Don’t get me wrong; I know how critical it is for all of us to keep our social circles small as the COVID-19 pandemic threatens the health of our most vulnerable — and I’m more than happy that I still get to play virtually with my friends over Discord, Roll20, and Astral.
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But there are a few things I miss about coming together around a physical table, with dice at the ready and a hand-drawn map spread out over the backside of some old wrapping paper.
So while we’re all stuck playing online (unless you’ve been lucky enough to convince your bubble-mates to play D&D with you), let’s take a look at some of the aspects of in-person play that we’re most looking forward to revisiting once we get that sweet sweet vaccine.
Maps and minis
Figured we should just pair these ones together, because they really do go hand in hand. I know that Roll20, FantasyGrounds, and Astral have come up with some pretty ingenious ways of depicting battlemaps virtually, but there’s just something so pure about taking on that dragon (salt shaker) with a party of minis (chess pieces) right in front of your very eyes.
The food
I don’t know about your groups, but when my party played together in person it would become something of an ad-hoc potluck, with a wide variety of chips, candies, and even the occasional meal if the host was feeling generous enough, all thrown around the table for all to enjoy. Nowadays I’m just munching on peanuts hoping my mic isn’t picking up too much of the chewing.
The drinks
Yes, I’m still drinking some beers while playing D&D… but it just doesn’t feel quite the same as when you’re cheersing together as though you’re actually at a tavern’s table. Not to mention if you manage to convince your friends to incorporate a D&D Drinking Game into the night’s session… That’s a must-do on my list for when things get back to normal.
Showing off your stuff
It just feels so much better when my party members just so happen to notice my awesome new tray by seeing me roll on it at the table than it is when I have to hold it up to the camera and go “Behold! Look how cool!” I mean, either way I’m just fishing for compliments to justify spending way too much money on D&D stuff, but still.
The music/sound effects
It’s a lot easier to put on some tunes for the party when you can pop your phone into a red solo cup instead of trying to get everyone linked up on the same Spotify playlist. Maybe I’m just too old to figure out how easy that actually is to do. To that I say shut up. Get off my lawn.
Nat 20s
The main difference here is that your friends will celebrate you in a virtual game after you announce that you got a nat 20. It’s a great feeling, sure, but it’s nothing like the whole table silently watching a d20 bounce and eventually land on that big ol’ two-zero — and the eruption of excitement that follows.
Think we missed out on your favorite thing about playing D&D in person? Let us know in the comments below!