New to D&D? Your Questions Answered

If you’re looking for an activity that blends creativity, teamwork, and just the right amount of friendly chaos, Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) might be exactly what your children needs. 

For kids, it’s a chance to step away from screens and step into the shoes of a brave hero, clever rogue, or powerful wizard. For parents, it’s an opportunity to see your child develop confidence, communication skills, and a love for storytelling. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert to start. Whether your family is brand new to D&D or you’ve been curious for years, Professor Plum’s Dungeons & Dragons Nights are the perfect way to jump in. 

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions parents ask before their kids' first game.

Can I Roll Alone?

D&D is inherently social. A good DM will be able to run a game with one player. However, the game is best played with friends.

How do I find people?

Finding people to play with can be tough! If you have a group of friends willing to play, just try even if you are learning as you go. Visiting Dunegons & Dragons Night, like the one at Professor Plums which happens every Saturday Night offers a safe space where you can try with no commitment and meet other likeminded people.

What is a DM and How Do I Get One?

In Dungeons & Dragons, the DM or Dungeon Master is the storyteller, referee, and overall guide to the adventure. They set the stage for the story, describe the world your child’s character is exploring, and control all the creatures, puzzles, and challenges the players will face.

The DM is also the one who keeps the game running smoothly, making sure everyone has a turn, the rules are followed, and—most importantly—that everyone’s having fun. 

If you’re wondering how to “get” a DM, don’t worry—you don’t have to find one on your own. At Professor Plum’s Dungeons & Dragons Nights, we provide an experienced, kid-friendly Dungeon Master who knows how to balance exciting adventures with a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. They’ll guide first-time players step-by-step, explain the rules as you go, and adapt the game so no one feels left behind.

What Do I Need?

One of the best things about Dungeons & Dragons is that you don’t need a giant pile of equipment to get started.

The core rules of the game live inside three main books:

• Monster Manual – your guide to every creature, big and small, that might appear in your adventure.

• Dungeon Master’s Guide – tips, tools, and secrets for the person running the game.

• Player’s Handbook – everything you need to create your character and learn how to play.

You can also find a lot of these rules (and extra tools) online at D&D Beyond, a fantastic resource for both beginners and seasoned players.

For actual gameplay, you’ll need a character sheet, a pencil, and paper—but don’t worry, at Professor Plum’s Dungeons & Dragons Nights, we’ve got you covered. We provide writing tools and character sheets, unless your child already has their own.

Then there’s the dice—a set of polyhedral dice with different numbers of sides. The Dungeon Master combines the dice roll with the numbers on the character sheet to decide the outcome. It’s part math, part improv theatre, and 100% engaging.

As for figurines—these miniatures can be used to represent characters and creatures in battle, making it easier to visualise the scene. But they’re totally optional. Many Dungeon Masters prefer a style called “Theatre of the Mind”, which relies entirely on storytelling and imagination instead of physical props.

Do I Dress Up?

Costumes are optional; some players wear costumes of their characters during D&D sessions. This can give depth and more immersion to the roleplay. DMs and Players love showing off their D&D accessories during gameplay so you will likely find players wearing creative outfits that represent their character.

What is Alignment in Dungeons & Dragons?

In Dungeons & Dragons, Alignment is a simple framework that helps define a character’s moral and ethical compass. Think of it as a personality guide for how your child’s character might act, make decisions, and interact with the world.

Alignment is measured across two axes—one for ethics (Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic) and one for morality (Good, Neutral, Evil). When you combine them, you get nine possible alignments:

• Lawful Good – The noble hero who follows rules and does the right thing.

• Neutral Good – The helper who focuses on doing good above all else.

• Chaotic Good – The free spirit who does good, but their own way.

• Lawful Neutral – The rule-follower who values order over personal feelings.

• True Neutral – The balanced one, avoiding extremes of good or evil, law or chaos.

• Chaotic Neutral – The wildcard who values freedom and unpredictability.

• Lawful Evil – The villain who follows rules but for selfish or harmful ends.

• Neutral Evil – The opportunist who acts purely in their own interest.

• Chaotic Evil – The agent of destruction who thrives on chaos and harm.

Now, It's Time to Start Playing

Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to pull up a chair and join the adventure. A typical Dungeons & Dragons game happens around a table with 6–7 players, plus the Dungeon Master guiding the story.

The DM usually sits behind a special DM screen—not for secrecy’s sake, but to keep the game running smoothly. Behind this screen you’ll find their stat blocks (the numbers that describe creatures and characters), index cards with important details, and other game notes. This little barrier lets the DM surprise players with twists and challenges without giving anything away too soon.

From this setup, the storytelling, dice rolling, and laughter all come to life.

Now that you know the basics, all that’s left is to take the first step. Gather your courage, some friends, and a whole lot of imagination, and join us at Professor Plum’s Dungeons & Dragons Night every Saturday evening.