Getting Started

You told me to go back to the beginning, so I have.

All adventures have their origin story.

Dungeons & Dragons has a way of finding us all differently. For some, it’s a birthday gift from an uncle that turns into an annual tradition. Others stumble upon a Player’s Handbook and are captivated by the stories that could unfold. In the age of the internet, perhaps a Critical Role episode sparks the imagination, or a school program introduces the game. No matter how you’ve arrived at our page, we welcome you with open arms. Take a look around and explore what we have to offer. We hope you find a community and a passion for adventure that will keep you coming back. Stay awhile and listen.

 

What exactly is Twinheim?

At a high level, we’re a group of volunteers that organizes events to enable people like yourself to play Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). We endeavor to make D&D accessible despite the giant ruleset. Sitting down and playing at a table without prior experience is very possible –  in fact, we do it all the time! Quite plainly, if you show up to an event, you’ll be able to play.

General FAQ

Is it okay if I attend an event by myself?

Yes! Single players and groups are welcome at our events. If you do come by yourself, we hope you leave having made new friends.

Are Twinheim events inclusive and welcoming?

One of Twinheim’s foundational goals is to foster a welcoming, inclusive, and accepting environment. We also strive to partner with like-minded venues and companies. Our Code of Conduct was designed around this premise and we work hard to uphold it. If at any point you feel we’re falling short of this, please speak to someone at our HQ area at any of our events and we will do all we can to resolve the issue immediately.

Is there an age minimum or recommendation?

Wizards of the Coast, the makers of Dungeons & Dragons, recommends 12 years old. However, we understand that children’s abilities and interests can vary significantly, so we have welcomed younger players as well. We highly encourage parents, older siblings, or other family members to accompany children who are below the recommended age. Prior D&D experience is advantageous but not a prerequisite for participation.

Do you have food or drink at events?

For events longer than 4 hours, we try to ensure that there are food and drink options available. For all-day events, we usually offer a pancake breakfast for a donation and the venue provides lunch/dinner options. For events at conventions (such as Con of the North), the venue is responsible for all food/drink options.

Food and drink options will be listed on the event’s page; if it is missing, please reach out to us.

How do you raise funds for your charity?

We’re dedicated to raising funds for our chosen charities in fun and creative ways. From entrance fees to merchandise sales, and even mid-game opportunities like purchasing re-rolls, we strive to make fundraising a seamless part of your gaming experience. Every donation goes directly to supporting our charities, so you can feel good about rolling the dice and having a great time with us.

New to Dungeons & Dragons

This is all so new...

Navigating the 300+ pages of the Player’s Handbook and finding a group to join can be daunting for newcomers. The many questions that arise during even the initial stages of character creation might seem overwhelming. We are here to help.

New Player FAQ

Can you teach me how to play D&D? I've always wanted to learn how to play!

Yes we can! Having some basic knowledge of Dungeons & Dragons is helpful, but our events are designed to be new player-friendly. If you or someone playing with you is new to the game, please let us know and we’ll try our best to match you with a Dungeon Master who is adept at teaching beginners. Your excitement and willingness to learn are the key ingredients you’ll need to enjoy our events!

New Player Tip: If you see an option for a “learn to play” game, that’s an excellent place to start your journey!

What should I bring?

D&D requires some basic supplies like paper, a pencil, and polyhedral dice. But don’t worry if you don’t have them – we can provide these materials at our events for a small donation to our charity. (And many players and DMs are willing to share their dice for a session!)

You will also need a character sheet in order to play. If you are comfortable creating a character by following the Adventurers League rules, you may certainly do so. Otherwise, we offer plenty of pre-generated character sheets for you to use during the game.

How long does a game take?

D&D Adventurers League games can last from 2 to 8 hours, but the typical length is 4 hours. Our dedicated Dungeon Masters and volunteers ensure that breaks are incorporated, but it’s no problem if you need to step away. While it may seem like a long time, we assure you that the engaging gameplay will make the time fly by!

Where can I learn to play on my own?

Wizards of the Coast, the creator of Dungeons & Dragons, has made the basic rules available on their website. There are also many local hobby shops that sell the Player’s Handbook, where new players can find essential information on character creation, rules, races, classes, spells, and other gameplay elements.

Some links to get you started:

PlayDND – https://www.playdnd.com
Dungeons and Dragons Basic Rules – https://dnd.wizards.com/what-is-dnd/basic-rules
Critical Role’s Handbooker Helper Videos – https://bit.ly/2SenWDS

New to D&D Adventurers League (organized play)

Let's get organized!

For those who love 5th Edition, D&D Adventurers League (DDAL) organized play offers a consistent experience filled with countless opportunities to explore.

 

DDAL not only provides standardized rules and guidelines but also connects players with a thriving community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the game. Step into a world of new adventures, with official pre-written stories ready to challenge even the most experienced players. Develop your skills and explore different playstyles, honing your expertise as both a player and a Dungeon Master. Enjoy the convenience of using the same character across various DDAL events, and earn official recognition for your achievements. Best of all, these organized events are accessible to players of all experience levels, making them a perfect fit for anyone looking to expand their D&D horizons. So, why not give the D&D Adventurers League a try and embark on a thrilling journey where your imagination sets the limits?

Organized Play FAQ

What is Adventurers League

Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers League (DDAL) is the organized play program for Dungeons & Dragons. It is a way for players to enjoy D&D in a public setting, such as game stores, conventions, and other events. The program provides a standardized set of rules and guidance for players, and allows them to create and use characters that can be played across different events and with different groups.

DDAL games are typically one-shot adventures or short campaigns, designed to be completed in a few hours or sessions. Players earn rewards for their characters, such as experience points and treasure, which can be used in future games. The program also includes guidelines for Dungeon Masters (DMs) and event organizers, to ensure a consistent and fair experience for all players.

Presently, almost every game run at a Twinheim follows the current DDAL rules.

The current DDAL Players guide can be found here: https://www.twinheim.org/ddal-players-guide

How much experience do I need to play?

We regularly host a range of tables filled with first-time, newer, and life-long players. If you’re a newer player, the best thing to do is let us know at registration or give your DM a heads up about your experience level. We’ll be sure to pair you with a DM who’s comfortable with newer players, or seat you next to a veteran player who enjoys teaching newer players.

What are tiers?

DDAL play consists of several tiers, which determine the level range and content restrictions for characters in a given adventure. Multi-table “epic” adventures will often seat multiple tables of the same tier.

Here are the tiers:

  • Tier 1: Levels 1-4
  • Tier 2: Levels 5-10
  • Tier 3: Levels 11-16
  • Tier 4: Levels 17-20

Can I bring my own character?

All characters need to be created following the DDAL player’s guide rules. You have the option of creating a tier 1 or tier 2 character based on the current offerings. If your character has been created following these rules you’re good to go!

If you don’t have a new character, we always have a good amount of pre-generated characters available to choose from!

What is an Epic?

In DDAL, an epic is a grand, large-scale Dungeons & Dragons Adventurers League event, designed to bring together numerous players and Dungeon Masters in a shared, immersive experience. Set in a cooperative, multi-table environment, Epics present participants with a series of challenges, objectives, and interactive stories that unfold simultaneously across various tables. As teams of adventurers collaborate, their individual actions and decisions impact the collective outcome, weaving a tapestry of heroism, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

In our opinion, epics are what set DDAL apart from any other tabletop gaming experience.

Do you have pregenerated characters?

We have you covered! You can find information about pregenerated characters on our  pregenerated characters page.