Entry d2: A Breathing Art

    D&D is a cumulative contribution of creativity between a group of people. This group may consist of two or it may consist of 100 (realistically 10 is a well exstablished max) really it just depends on how well the dungeon master can capture and hold the interests of his players. The dungeon master creates a world of his own in which the story takes place. In his head he will have a rough idea of what is to happen during each session of play, but ultimately the players decided the tone and story. This sharing of emotion and choice between each individual player makes D&D more then just a game at times, it makes it an Art.

    As my TAG class discussed, Art is created when one person attempts to capture their own raw emotion via some medium. This alone though does not yet constitute Art, the piece must then pass that emotion unto the viewer. When their is this sharing of emotion then the piece is considered to be Art.

    I believe that is is why Dungeons and Dragons is a perfect example of art. As dungeon master I sit down and I try to capture an emotion in my storyline. This message is not always created, but every session is a piece of breathing, living Art. Raw emotion is spilled out by players and dungeon master alike. When one character accomplishes a task the whole party soaks in his winning. When the party as a whole conquers a new enemy, they all celebrate in the glories victory.

    Yet it is not just this sharing that makes the game of Dungeons and Dragons an Art.. it is also that these feeling can be shared by anyone who is witnessed to then. If a group sits around a table with dice in their hands and adventure in their hearts, then all are subject to the raw emotions that will be expressed through role playing, be it pain, be it joy, be it suffering, or triumphant; all players no matter their background can share in this. (assuming all involved speak the same language) This Art is able to transcend over social, ethnic, religious, and personal barriers. An art form is created when a table of people who not only have out of game differences on a multitude of ways, as well as differing in-game goals and views, can share in a singular emotion because of something we as a collective brought to life is truly beautiful.

    All in all, it is this beauty we create that makes me enjoy Dungeons and Dragons so very much. I get to drink soda, hang with people I care for, be in an environment where no one is judging me, and be part of a emotional and creative collective.

An old advertisement from Wizards of the Coast for Dungeons and Dragons 3.5