Thoughts on Dungeons & Dragons:

With all the media resources available to people in the wonderful world of technology, you can find information on just about any subject. Being an avid "gamer", playing such games as Magic: the Gathering, a wide selection of video games and of course the always controversial Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game. My preferred resource is of course the internet. I spend a lot of time researching different video games, finding the newest cards, and looking for the newest supplements to Dungeons & Dragons.

In the midst of my research I am overwhelmed with articles written by people that everyone has a right to express their views and opinions about the game and I respect each and every one of them. As I am an avid D&D player, I wanted to share my views on this particular subject.

Throughout the last 36 years of Dungeons & Dragons lifespan, there have always been those that say it is of the devil, the work of Satan. It is said that the game is a gateway to hell through possession of demons and witchcraft. Although I can understand these claims of satanic innuendos, I do not fully agree with them. I can see where someone could find a doorstep into Satanism and witchcraft, but I don't entirely blame it on the game.

There are actual police cases where teenagers have committed suicide or murder and said it was because of the game; therefore naturally everyone claims that it is satanic. On the other hand, when some one plays a Dungeons & Dragons game they need to know that it is just a game and nothing more. It starts as a game and should end as a game. One should while enjoy playing the game not get so enthralled into the game that they believe any of it is real. Though some of the spells are based on actual witchcraft spells, the game is not meant to actually perform these acts.

Being someone that plays Dungeons & Dragons at least once a week, I find that is actually quite fun. The games that I play allow me to build my imagination and be creative. I find that Dungeons & Dragons allows me to play the characters that I think are cool in the movies or comic books. I can be the hero that saves the day and helps the damsel in distress or be the dragon slayer that saves a town from ultimate annihilation.

On the other hand I could be the evil wizard that tries to conquer the world, only to have my plans thwarted by some young boy who has just realized his potential as a hero. In either case I simply enjoy playing the game. When the time comes to end that gaming session, it is in my mind that it is just a game and that's the end of it. There are no thoughts about committing murder or suicide or any of the other claims that people say about the game.

I don't think that this game is anymore a gateway to Satan if you don't make it that way. Just remember to leave the game at the table.

To sum it all up, these are just MY views on the game. This article was not written to ridicule or offend anyone. I am deeply sorry for those who have lost loved ones due to their gaming situations.