Old Priest (Warlock)

thingiverse

The text discusses the history and impact of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), a popular tabletop role-playing game. Here are some key points: **History** * D&D was first published in 1974 by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. * The game has undergone several editions, with the most recent being the fifth edition, released in 2014. **Revivals and Reinterpretations** * There has been a trend towards reviving older editions of D&D, known as the Old School Revival. * Games like Castles & Crusades (2004) have reimagined earlier editions by streamlining rules from the Open Gaming License (OGL). * "Retro-clones" are games that more closely recreate the original rule sets using material placed under the OGL and non-copyrightable mechanical aspects of older rules. **Licensing** * Wizards of the Coast has established a two-pronged licensing approach for the fifth edition, making the core rules available under the OGL. * The DM's Guild program allows publishers and independent creators to create licensed materials directly for D&D and associated properties like the Forgotten Realms. **Controversies** * D&D has received negative publicity over the years from some Christian groups, who have accused it of promoting devil worship, witchcraft, suicide, and murder. * The game has also been blamed for problems faced by fans, including social ostracism, unfair treatment, and false association with the occult and Satanism. **Impact** * Research has shown that playing D&D can have positive effects on players, such as teaching problem-solving skills, encouraging socialization, and promoting positive moral decisions. * The game has been cited as a factor in lawsuits regarding distribution of royalties between original creators Gygax and Arneson. **Related Products and Cultural Significance** * D&D has inspired numerous related products, including computer games, novels, films, and television series. * The game has become a cultural phenomenon, with its players often stereotyped as geeks or nerds. * Famous D&D players include Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Díaz, professional basketball player Tim Duncan, and comedian Stephen Colbert.