"So, what exactly is this D&D thing?"

[Ashy]

Usually I try an analogy:

"Are you familiar with furry porn?"

"Uh...yes."

"WELL IT'S NOTHING LIKE THAT, YOU SICK BASTARD!!!"

Then I stomp away in righteous indignation.

I feel that this method helps keep my roleplaying hobby on the fringe of acceptable society, just where I like it.

ROTFL!!!!!!!!

 

[Fenes 2]

I tell them that basically, D&D is interactive storytelling, but the audience *is* the author, and that this is a very cool concept.

I tell them the same.

 

[Number47]

It's like the cops and robbers game you played as a kid, but with rules, instead of just "I hit you", "No you didn't", "Yes, I did"

 

[2d6]

Usually I try an analogy:

"Are you familiar with furry porn?"

"Uh...yes."

"WELL IT'S NOTHING LIKE THAT, YOU SICK BASTARD!!!"

Then I stomp away in righteous indignation.

I feel that this method helps keep my roleplaying hobby on the fringe of acceptable society, just where I like it.

OMG, you owe me a keyboard!

 

[Ranger REG]

Usually I try an analogy:

"Are you familiar with furry porn?"

"Uh...yes."

"WELL IT'S NOTHING LIKE THAT, YOU SICK BASTARD!!!"

Wait a minute. It's not?

 

[pogre]

I ask them if they have seen Lord of the Rings. If they say yes, I tell them the players in the game make characters kind of like the fellowship. A person who runs the game (a referee) sets out challenges for the characters - like the Goblins, Orcs, and the Balrog.

If they ask more questions I go into more detail - if not I let it drop.

 

[Bloodstone Mage]

I'll have to go with pogre on the Lord of the Rings analogy. It's probably the best example of anything fantasy. Since the entertainment media has warmed up to such a genre, it won't be long until I stop hearing the stereotypes: "Hey, don't you play that game in the sewers or something?" -or- "Are you guys in a cult?"

Thank you, Peter Jackson, along with others!
(and Vin Diesel, for now I can tell every motorhead in my high school whenever they call me a geek, their favorite actor is a geek too.)

Cheers!

 

[Ranger REG]

I noticed no one mentioned Dungeons & Dragons: The Movie as a way of introducing the game to nongamers. LOL!

 

[AereonBlaze]

Originally posted by Ranger REG

I noticed no one mentioned Dungeons & Dragons: The Movie as a way of introducing the game to nongamers. LOL!

Gee, I wonder why?

 

[Janos Audron]

Unfortunately, no one can be told what D&D is, you have to see it for yourself.