Dungeons & Dragons

R. D. Parker Collegiate Dungeons & Dragons Club meets every Thursday in the school library. Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop roleplaying game made up of a group of 3-6 players, who navigate an imaginative world run by a “dungeon master.” The game runs on complicated rules and every decision is dictated by dice. The club attracts students who like storytelling, and enjoy building community while playing as characters in a fantasy setting. The club was established in April 2025 by students who thought that having a space to share niche or “nerdy” interests would be fun! Dungeons & Dragons has been a deeply beloved and popular game since 1974, inspiring shows such as the cultural juggernaut, Stranger Things on Netflix.

The club is run by Mr. Switzer and Mr. Beck, both of whom are longtime enthusiasts of Dungeons & Dragons. Mr. Beck fondly recounts spending time with friends and his current partner, Ms. Macpherson, while running game sessions at his home in high school. Dungeons & Dragons Club first came about when a Grade 11 student named Chris, approached Mr. Switzer, who later asked Iris, Mr. Beck and Gwamile to join as “dungeon masters.” The first meeting of Dungeons & Dragons Club was on Thursday, April 17th, 2025 in Room 213. There was an amazing turnout of 30 people. Everyone was excited and curious, wanting a piece of this amazing tabletop RPG. Dungeons & Dragons Club still runs strong with returning members of about 15-20 people every week.

For the uninitiated, a “dungeon master” is the narrator and referee of a game. They are responsible for establishing the universe for the players, and explaining how their characters interact with the world. Dungeon masters control non-playable characters, monsters and enemies. It requires an intricate understanding of Dungeons & Dragons’ extensive rules, as well as theatrics and imagination to bring the story to life. It’s a very rewarding experience, even if it takes the most effort.