D & D

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

• prosperity
• geeky
• buff

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

Plot: The Empire of Izmer has long been a divided land. The Mages - an elite group of magic users - rule while the lowly commoners are powerless. Izmer’s young Empress, Savina (Thora Birch), wants equality and prosperity for all, but the evil Mage Profion (Jeremy Irons) is plotting to depose her, and establish his own rule. Movie Background: DND the Movie is set to be released December 8th, 2000. The movie is based on the popular Role Playing Game, Dungeons and Dragons.  

Dialog

1. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Culture Comment
DND the game The game Dungeons and Dragons is one of the first examples of Role Playing Games (RPGs). It is one of the most influential games of all time. DND has also fueled a growing interest in fantasy adventure worldwide and today, DND has become known as a cultural icon in the Tech-savvy community. It is estimated that around 160 million people have played or are playing DND around the world.
Game-playing basics When you play DND you create a character that has special abilities such as fighting, using magic, thievery, healing etc. You have to roll dice to determine your character’s attributes: Strength, Intelligence, Constitution, Dexterity, Wisdom and Charisma. You are guided through a mythical land by a Dungeon Master who acts as a referee. You make decisions, decide who to fight, gain experience, meet and interact with other characters and sometimes even die. The game doesn’t really end because your character keeps evolving as you play. The setting of DND is a land that is filled with many races, creatures, magic, adventures and treasure.
The game’s history The game was first created by Dave Wesley and Gary Gygax in the 1970s when Wesley decided to run a little experiment in his basement. He created a scenario using toy soldiers and the players had an objective to accomplish. But, he discovered when that once he started the game the players began acting in ways that he hadn’t predicted. The game spun out of control and never had a definite ending. At first he thought the game was a failure, but soon many more people began calling him asking if they could play the game. Later on the game developed into D&D and it’s many spin-offs.
The game’s reputation DND has had a geeky reputation. When most people think of DND they think of long-haired loner-types who sit in their dorm room with other nerds talking about dragons and monsters instead of having a real social life. It also developed a minor reputation as an evil game by Christian groups who didn’t understand it very well. The truth is that DND is a game inspires a lot of imagination among it’s players. If you’d like to buy products associated with the game go to:

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS (THE GAME) SITE If you’re interested in learning more about the game and the recent Third Edition go to:
Gamers.com
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