Dungeons and Dragons Gets A Makeover

The New York Times is reporting Dungeons and Dragons is getting a fresh makeover, and Wizards of the Coast is seeking fan input.

How does this relate to Paganism? Well, it’s hard to explain, but it kind of does…

I think exploring fantasy and exercising the mythic imagination is an important part of converting to Paganism from another belief system. When you are in the process of leaving the only worldview you have ever known for something very different, having a safe outlet for allowing your mind to explore possibilities is very helpful. There’s a reason most Pagans are avid fans of fantasy and science fiction, because those genres encourage us to broaden our horizons and consider bold new ideas. When you are contemplating a multitude of Gods after having only known the concept of a single God, when you are encountering a pro-human, nature celebrating worldview after knowing a transcendent, sin-based worldview, you need room to breathe and process.

It’s ridiculous to say that Dungeons and Dragons leads to Paganism. But I think it’s reasonable to say Dungeons and Dragons, and similar outlets, are useful in the process of becoming Pagan.

As someone whose dice have been packed away for years, and who truly disliked D&D 4.0, I’m excited at this new development. I’m excited that they are collaborating with gamers. Like Paganism, Dungeons and Dragons is a collaborative endeavor. Unlike World of Warcraft or a sci-fi novel, Dungeons and Dragons only gives you the tools and you must create a world yourself. Just so, most forms of Paganism only give you the tools. There is no Bible or list of commandments. You take the tools and find your own way. Eventually you find people who can journey with you for a space, and you find many people who you cannot travel with as well.

Maybe there is a lesson to be learned here as well. D&D 4.0 was imposed upon gamers and was unpopular. This new re-vamp is being built as something the gamers actually want and need. Maybe it’s good every so often to look at our lives and consider where things are being imposed that are neither wanted or needed?