Why Do You Play D&D?

[Jdvn1]

You get to go up levels.

BTW, why have so many posters answered the question 'Why do you play roleplaying games?' rather than the one that was asked?

... There are roleplaying games other than D&D? Blasphemer!

I think for a lot of people, it's one in the same. They don't want to have to learn a new system, because the one they have fits so well. At least, for them.

 

[velm]

I picked it up late in high school, around junior year. I used to think the people played those things were wierdos. Then I became one. It is just a good way to have some fun with friends, a nice way to block out reality for a few hours and have fun.
I used to like the variety of games,

the simplisity of Marvel (2d10, can't beat it),

the harshness of GURPS (the damage you could do with a screamer! The look on my buddies face when he describes this thunderous best charging at me. It was the size of two story bus running full speed at me. So I calmly pull out my Screamer. His face just dropped and his voice just go really low and disappointed when I did that as he said i pretty much just melted its face away then it dropped to the ground and started quivvering in death convultions. He then made this statement about how batteries for that were hard to find. HMMMM.)

The comedic fun of Paranoia (the computer is your friend)

TMNT that was neat also, playing a porcupine, as I recall.

A lot of it also had to do with just being around other people and some of the things said. Like when my good buddy introduced us to the land of THESIS. "Yes, the land of much learning." He had no idea what I was talking bout when I made that comment. I then informed him about Thesis papers, he was NOT amused.

When the group was approached by a band of women from a nearby village:
Will you aide us?
What?
(confused) will you aide us?
WHAT????
Um...Will you help us?
Oh, AIDE_us

Being in the middle of a dark and danger filled forest when the dm says:
You see a man in a soiled loin cloth as you walk down the path.
(me thinking this is a 30th lvl magic user)

 

[Wombat]

BTW, why have so many posters answered the question 'Why do you play roleplaying games?' rather than the one that was asked?

For me it is because 1) I have been playing rpgs for nearly 30 years, but only about 6-7 of those have involved D&D (only OD&D and 3e, no other versions) and 2) D&D is not my #1 top game. This is not to say I don't like the game -- if I didn't like it, I wouldn't play it. But when push comes to shove there are other games I prefer.

My current game-gang is D20 oriented, but leaning quickly over to Ars Magica...

 

[Greatwyrm]

That sums it up perfectly for me (cept no wife or kids). Although the biggest out of this list for me, by far, is the creative outlet. I am always DMing one game, but working on 3 or 4 other games/adventures/worlds. I just can't stop, I have many notebooks full of ideas that I will probably never use, but whatever. I like it.

Yep. I've got a list of about half a dozen game ideas I want to do on our campaign website. I figure if I just keep adding stuff, when this game runs out, someone will like something on the list and I'll just finish that idea.

 

[Arcane Runes Press]

I play D&D because it's comfortable like old shoes, and because there's a lot of potential fun to be found in all the decades of D&D material.

Plus, I like the collection of D&D monsters - I haven't found another rpg that has as many must use monsters as D&D.

Also, I've still never gotten a holy avenger in extended campaign play - or a sunblade. Can't quit until I get my hands on those beauties.

Did have a +3/+6 frostbrand in 2nd edition. That was nice.

Oh yeah. At some point I want a character to slay Yeenoghu in single combat.

Patrick Y.

 

[Y.O.Morales]

I like GMing mostly for world-building and story telling, and that's probably why I dont' leave much space for jokes and real-life conversations during the game.

As a player, I also like story telling but from the character-creation perspective. That's why I leave a gaming groups as soon as I dont see enough chances for character development.

But one thing in common (as a GM and a player), is that I tend to play for short times. Don't know why, but my PCs and campaigns tend to end in a short time.

 

[woodelf]

You get to go up levels.

BTW, why have so many posters answered the question 'Why do you play roleplaying games?' rather than the one that was asked?

Because a lot of people use the terms "D&D" and "RPGs" interchangeably.
And the tone of Mike's original question seemed to me to really be asking about RPG playing, but using the term "D&D" either reflexively, or because EnWorld is primarily a D&D board and he presumed that those who're here play D&D preferentially (if not exclusively).

 

[Azzy42xy]

Yes undoubtably the chicks. I have been told that a DM is the final evolution of modern man. Plus where else could you use lame lines such as "Wanna see my dice bag" or "You remind me alot of a character I played once".
But mostly it is for the social interaction between players. Sure I love being DM bt I prefer being a player because you get to be part of problem solving.
Another main reason is that where else can you act out a fanatasy situation without getting an odd look, be part of the adventure and such.

Although I play it for the enjoyment it is nice to be praised by an underling just starting on the road of RPG. Yes and for the chicks.....................

 

[Thetford]

Because everyone needs to be a hero sometime

 

[fanboy2000]

Because everyone needs to be a hero sometime

I wish I had thought to say that. That's why all the games I DM have hero points.