When I first heard about D&D, I think I was around some friends. I don’t remember giving it much thought at the time--whether someone showed it to me or I stumbled across it on my own is a little fuzzy now.

But that’s not the important part, is it?

What I do remember is a video series by a YouTube creator named JoCat. The series? A Crap Guide to D&D.
It was funny, chaotic, and unexpectedly insightful. The way each class was broken down with such ridiculous energy sparked something in me. I found myself rewatching those videos over and over again, absorbing the quirks and archetypes of each class, and eventually they helped me make a decision on my very first character. Maybe not the most traditional way to get into D&D, but then again, no two journeys are ever the same.

Someone who had been encouraging me to try new hobbies mentioned there were D&D groups on social media, and I should join a game. So, I did.

I was welcomed with open arms. One of the players in my group even hand-painted a miniature for me and gave me my very first set of dice.
It didn’t feel like I was stepping into something new--it felt like I was returning to something I had known in another life. Like I wasn’t a stranger, but an old friend, visiting after a long time away.

The game was short-lived, mostly due to scheduling conflicts (a classic D&D struggle), but I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Not just the game itself, but the people I shared it with.