TTRPG - Welcome to Tabletop Roleplaying

The term TTRPG stands for tabletop roleplay game (or tabletop RPG). TTRPGs are the “old-school” equivalent of video game RPGs.

The main difference between TTRPGs and video games are that TTRPGs usually take place between a group of players all sitting around a table, and action primarily takes place in the “theater of the mind.” Even as video game RPGs become more popular, so too do TTRPGs. People like trying out the more in-depth tabletop games that started the video game RPG genre.

Which TTRPG Should You Play?

There are literally thousands of TTRPGs to choose from. The main difficulty with selecting one is that tabletop RPGs usually have pretty in-depth rules, and reading the rulebook can be time-consuming. Which is why many people, once they find a TTRPG they like, tend to stick with playing just that one game. So, which TTRPG should you play? Try finding a game with some of the following traits:


  • Easy for new players to learn, so you can invite your friends.
  • Fits the genre you want to play (fantasy, sci-fi, steampunk, or a game set in a world you already know and love).
  • A game with a lot of depth and options for players, but not so many rules that gameplay gets bogged down.
  • Most importantly, a game that you and your friends find massively fun!


One of the best ways to go, if you’re new to the world of TTRPGs, is to create a list of games that look interesting as you’re doing your research. Narrow down that list based on the bullet points above. Once you have a gaming group you know is interested, bring the list to them, and see what they think. They may add a potential game or two to your list, as well. Then, try one out. You can always switch games if the first one you tried wasn’t exactly what your group was into.

TTRPG Character Sheet

Trying New TTRPGs

If you’re someone with a lot of experience with tabletop RPGs, trying new TTRPGs can be a lot of fun. The same problems exist for you, of course, as someone just beginning their journey. Rulebooks are time-consuming to read, and your gaming group may not love the game. But if you’re a die-hard fan of tabletop gaming, it’s worth the risk to try out a new game even once or twice per year. Make it a birthday or Christmas present.


Most people know about Dungeons and Dragons - it's a household name. But, there are many wonderful TTRPG systems out there that are similar, but different (and in some cases, even better). For a list, take a look at my article on Games Like DnD to find a game that may be lesser known, but one that you may absolutely love.


Many people also customize the TTRPG they play with their gaming group, especially over time. Some things in the rulebook may not suite the group very well, or better ideas get proposed. After all, the whole point of the game is for the group to have fun. So why not? And one of the best ways to come up with small “in-house” rules changes or adjustments is to bring them in from another TTRPG.


The fact is, no one has yet created the “perfect” or best tabletop RPG. Just like no one has yet created the “best” video game RPG. The best games are always a matter of preference. And people are always designing better ways to play. It’s worth it to keep up with the new TTRPGs coming out.



How are TTRPGs Played?

TTRPGs are typically played with a group of people sitting around a table. Everyone prints out character sheets, pulls out their dice, and the rulebook of whichever game they’re playing. Some websites now support playing TTRPGs online, and allow people to game together even if they live in different geographical areas. But the main ingredient is cooperative gaming. Like playing board games, almost every TTRPG is best played with a group of friends.


In the gaming group for a TTRPG, there’s usually one person who “runs” the game, called the “game master.” The game master’s job is to create the gaming world. They decide the world’s setting, it’s NPCs (non-playable characters), unique items and treasures, and the story taking place. Everyone else in the gaming group roleplays a character that they create in the world set by the game master. There are some rare tabletop RPGs that either have no game master, or multiple game masters. It doesn’t really matter which format of roles and responsibilities is used – there isn’t a “right” way to play – so long as everyone in the gaming group is having fun.


What is a TTRPG

Video Game RPG or TTRPG?

TTRPGs will never have the graphics or pure sensation factor of video game RPGs. There are many great video game RPGs out there. Each year they get better and better. The way they look, the music created and used, gameplay mechanics. All of it. As technology improves, video games become more and more immersive, and more and more fun, which is really the point of a roleplay game to begin with.


However, nothing is more immersive than true roleplaying. Not just the “roleplaying” where you’re using a controller to press buttons and move a character around on a screen. But the roleplaying where you take on persona of a character, whether of your own, or another’s creation. Roleplaying with a group of people playing a TTRPG creates for even greater immersion, as each of you contributes to the collective theater of the mind. You don’t just move a character around. You become the character. You see what they see, speak through their lips, hear what they hear, feel as they do, and sense real (imagined) danger and drama.


Players definitely get back what they put in with TTRPGs. Video games bring everything to the player, with very little effort or energy required back. So, both are good. And luckily, you don’t have to choose one or the other. But if you’ve only ever played video game RPGs, it’s definitely time to step into the world of a TTRPG. Give it energy and effort while prepping the game and playing, and you will be amazed how much fun you get out.

Eternity TTRPG Article Shop

Class Based RPGs vs. Classless RPGs

In my article Class Based RPG vs. Classless RPG Pros and Cons I talk about how some tabletop RPGs give players specific character classes (like a warrior, barbarian, rogue, or wizard), while others allow them to literally create any character combination of their choosing.


Class Based RPGs, such as Dungeons and Dragons or the Eternity TTRPG Game System, provide a lot of structure for TTRPGs. Simply by playing the game and leveling up, your character comes with a clear thematic build for their spells, abilities, feats, and powers. Meanwhile, classless RPGs, such as Skyrim, allow you to give your character any combination of spells and abilities you'd like, usually by spending points (like Exp.) acquired by playing the game.


Class Based RPGs

Class based RPGs may seem more restrictive as far as character builds go, at first glance, but many players actually feel that having clear roles within a party (since players are not able to simply select spells or abilities that other characters possess) makes for greater fun. Take the Fallen Paladin for example. It's a clearly dark class that suggests shadowy magic, skill with a sword, and a degree of survivability. It's the kind of thing that's clearly defined, and usually inspires players to try out an archetype that they may have been interested in for some time.


If you want to play a Class Based RPG, you may even check out an online Class Quiz that can tell you what type of class for a game that you might like to play.


Classless RPGs

Most TTRPGs are class based, but some do have a classless system. Classless games are often a ton of fun for one or two play-throughs, where you get to build a character exactly he way you've always imagined for an RPG. However, you'll often find that when it comes to a group of tabletop RPG players, most people will end an ongoing RPG campaign with basically the same character builds as everyone else in the group. The reason is that most games a set of spells or abilities that are simply more powerful than others, so eventually, everyone gravitates towards those powerful builds.


In any case, making the choice between a class based RPG or classless RPG is up to you, for whatever you feel is best for your gaming group. At the very least, I'd recommend trying both so you can know for sure what type of game you enjoy more.


TTRPG Campaigns

People tear up talking about their TTRPG campaigns/ RPG Campaign. Loaded with drama, intrigue, betrayal, passion, and desire to overcome all opposition, a “campaign” represents the best part of TTRPGs. Campaigns are essentially a series of game sessions all played in the same world and storyline, over a period of time. Some campaigns last just a few gaming sessions. While the best ones usually last at least 6 months. Like all good things, good stories take time to mature.


The goal of any gaming group is probably to have the most fun possible. Even though life can get busy and schedules can be hard, most tabletop gamers have the most fun with a long campaign. If a gaming group can meet for a few hours once a week, once a month – whatever – for long enough, and each player stays diligent with immersing themselves in the story, that’s when the most satisfying moments of playing a TTRPG take place. Ask anyone who’s played TTRPGs for any amount of time, and they’ll confirm.


If you’ve never played before, don’t get too ambitious, though. A great TTRPG campaign can be played in a few gaming sessions that each last only a couple hours. Just create one small story at a time. See where it goes. Enjoy the TTRPG journey. Oh, and bring your friends.


Quest Ideas for your Campaign

Whether you're new to tabletop gaming or you're a seasoned pro, it's always helpful to have additional resources for quests, campaigns, and even one-shot games. I've compiled a list of great articles for you to check out here that cover that very set of topics:



Total Party Kills

There's a lot of lingo to learn when you're first getting into TTRPGs. One of the first things you may learn about or even experience for yourself is the legendary DnD TPK. TPK stands for "Total Party Kill," or total party wipe - an encounter where everyone's characters die.


Though sad, TPKs are also often the source of a great deal of fun, as you learn for the first (or even the fiftieth) time that TTRPGs can be dangerous worlds, and the adventure you find there can be very deadly!

TTRPG Campaign

The Dungeon Master

Not all TTRPGs have a dungeon master, but most do. The dungeon master - or game master - is the person who leads the gaming group. Depending on the actual game system you play, it's typically the dungeon master's responsibility to set up the gaming group, coordinate everyone's schedules, plan the game's world, run encounters, plot the main storyline, and mediate players' actions. Being the dungeon master is a big responsibility, but one that many people find very rewarding.


If you ever need help with your own dungeon mastering, I've put together an entire article on Dungeon Master Tools that I've found essential for running my own games. Also, no matter whether you plan on running a relatively short campaign, or one that could span years, I recommend investing in some form of Campaign Planner where you can organize and journal about your story's ideas.


Dungeon a Day

Speaking of quest ideas and dungeon master resources, the Eternity TTRPG website is now home to Dungeon a Day, where you can check us out each day that the event is running for a new dungeon room. Every month, the combined dungeon rooms build up to a complete dungeon floor, which you can use in your ongoing campaign.


Dice, Miniatures, and Tabletop Gaming Mats

Don’t worry about getting anything fancy before playing a TTRPG for the first time. If you really enjoy the genre, and find a good group to play with, you can always upgrade. For your first few games, you may want to pick up the following:


  • Set of dice. Most sets come with a couple d6 (6-sided dice), d8, d10, d12, and d20. Some also come with a couple d10’s so players can “roll” a d100. If you're curious about what dice you should buy, check out my article on the Best D&D Dice for your game.
  • If you’ve already chosen or created the character you’ll play in the game, pick up a miniature that fits your character. Some people also enjoy painting their miniature, for added customization.
  • If no one in your group has a battle mat, and the game uses miniatures, pick up a basic one, or find one with some good background artwork.

If you get into playing a TTRPG you will see the appeal to customizing which dice, miniatures, and gaming mats you use, almost immediately. They really do add a world of fun in their own right.


Online Initiative Trackers

If you're going to play tabletop RPGs the way that most are intended, you may want to check out an online Initiative Tracker. Initiative trackers make it easy for dungeon masters and players alike to determine when it's their character's turn when it comes to combat encounters.


In the past, for my own games, I've experimented with everything from keeping track of initiative on notebooks, to using Initiative Trackers like what you can find on Amazon, to online trackers. What I can definitely tell you is that having some fun and engaging way (even aesthetically pleasing way) to keep track of initiative can be a big help for your tabletop games.


D&D Gifts

If you play TTRPGs for any degree of time, you'll soon come to realize that there are a ton of really cool gifts you can either give someone, or ask for yourself, based in the world of tabletop RPGs. Artwork, dice, miniatures, battlemaps, even music, games, or movies - really, the list is endless.


If you're curious about what's out there, looking for a gift for someone, or want to see what you might get for yourself, take a look at my Ultimate DnD Gifts Guide for over 50-ideas and inspirations. Also, if you need some gifts that that special dungeon master in your life, take a look at the Ultimate Dungeon Master Gifts compilation I've put together.


And finally, don't forget about having a very merry DnD Christmas! You won't find such exciting DnD-themed ugly sweaters anywhere.

Tabletop RPG Minis

TTRPG Character Sheets

Probably the most useful part of any TTRPG is the character sheet. Each tabletop game system has a different set up for the character sheet. Some are very simple, and are comprised of only a couple columns on a sheet of paper. Others are multiple pages long, with each page crammed with information. The character sheet is so useful because it’s basically a summary of the game’s rules, laid out for players as a quick reference on how to play.


It’s also a summary of each player’s character in terms of their strengths, weaknesses, and important notes for roleplaying. Need to know whether or not a player’s character is capable of achieving a task with any uncertainty of success? Check the character sheet. Need to remember some important detail from a character’s past? There’s probably a section for that on the character sheet (and hopefully the player used it to write down that important detail).


Aside from just being dead useful, TTRPG character sheets are fun. They’re fun to look at, for the unique designs game creators so lovingly put into them. They’re fun to read in detail, to get an idea for how a game is played. And they’re fun to search through when in the heat of an important moment in the game, hoping beyond hope there’s something listed on there that can save you.


Character Ideas

Of course, character sheets are only useful for explaining an awesome character idea. If you ever want to explore some additional options on character design, or need inspiration for your own unique creation, check out these awesome DnD Character Ideas where you can find about 10-different character concepts that you may try for your upcoming campaign.

Dungeon A Day Article

Dungeons and Dragons Resources

Of course, of all TTRPGs, Dungeons and Dragons is by far the most famous and most played. If you're specifically planning to play D&D, here's some additional resources that you and your group can use in your upcoming games. The following posts are specific strategy guides on some of the game's most important/ iconic spells, and other important D&D 5th edition topics:


Try Out a Group GM TTRPG

Most TTRPGs use a single GM (game master) to run the game, providing details for the world, NPCs (non-playable characters), and more. 


If you’ve never played a group GM game before, though, I highly recommend it. Most group GM games result in chaos, as every player contributes to the game’s story, world, NPCs, etc. However, Eternity TTRPG has solved those problems. Check out our Shop page to learn more about how you can leverage all of your group’s creativity, play as a GM, and also roleplay your own character – all in the same campaign.

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Jacob Tegtman Eternity TTRPG Creator

Author - Jacob Tegtman

Dear reader, I hope you enjoyed this article. Tabletop gaming has been a passion of mine since I was 6 years old. I've played just about every game from Dungeons and Dragons to video games like Final Fantasy. These games have inspired me, made me laugh, made me cry, and brought me endless hours of enjoyment.


I started Eternity TTRPG - and the indie tabletop game that goes along with it (Eternity Shop) - to share my love of gaming with others. I believe that in our technology-driven age, tabletop games help bring a sense of magic and community back into our world.


If you love the site, please share it with others! I have lots of gaming-related material for you to peruse and use in your own gaming sessions. If you have any questions about the site or want to contribute, just send me a message using the "Contact" page, which you can find in the site's footer.

Final Fantasy TRPG layout: Mana grid graphic
By Jacob Tegtman January 20, 2026
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPQfDB2cKSI Transcription Every Final Fantasy hero starts with a choice. Sword or spell. Raw power, or skill. But in Final Fantasy TRPG: Legend Edition, that choice doesn’t stop at your Class — it’s defined by the Jobs you choose from your class, the Circles you unlock, and the Limit Breaks that change the tide of battle. Today, we’re breaking down how Classes and Jobs actually work in Final Fantasy TRPG: Legend Edition — and how they shape your character from level one… to the final boss. Hey everyone, welcome back to Eternity TTRPG channel! If you caught one of my recent videos from before the holidays, we went deep into the Final Fantasy TRPG: Legend Edition core rulebook — and today we’re diving into one of the most iconic elements of any Final Fantasy system: Classes and Jobs ! Whether you’re planning your first character or optimizing a seasoned hero for this recently-released game, this guide has you covered. One of the longest-standing traditions in Final Fantasy is its Job system , and Legend Edition embraces this fully. Classes in this game are the framework or chassis of your character — they determine your character’s HP, MP, trained Skills, associated Jobs, and your Class Limit Break . Jobs are where the cool stuff really happens. Each Job is a set of abilities on a progression track, granting new Features at specific levels — these are called Circles . And you don’t just pick one — your character ends up with three Jobs (or four with optional full buy-in), each advancing at a different speed to give you abilities every level. There are four broad Classes you’ll choose from. Each class has what you could consider as subclasses – in Legend Edition, these are the “Jobs.” So, for example, some of the Warrior Jobs are berserker, dervish, dragoon, fighter, monk, samurai, and so on. So, let’s dive into the four classes: Number 1 - Warrior Masters of physical combat, Warriors excel in strength, endurance, and frontline fighting. Their Limit Break — Action Surge — lets them make extra attacks during an encounter, perfect for dealing burst damage. 2. Expert Battlefield manipulators and support roles go here. Experts rely on their wits and skill versatility, and their Limit Break — Savant — adds bonus dice to Skill rolls based on their level. 3. Mage If magic is your playstyle, Mages are your go-to. They lean into Spellcasting and area of effect mechanics. Their Turbo MP Limit Break doubles the effectiveness of MP spent on magical abilities during an encounter. And number four is Adept The hybrid class — versatile, adaptable, and capable of mixing physical and magical roles. Adepts don’t have a unique Limit Break; instead, they choose one from the other three classes, based on their job build. Now here’s where Legend Edition gets fun. Across the system are 50+ Jobs drawing inspiration from classic Final Fantasy favorites — think Black Mage , Dragoon , Thief , and more — giving you a huge palette of archetypes to mix and match. Each Job grants seven Features – called Circles – over its progression, spaced across levels based on whether the Job is on a Fast, Medium, or Slow advancement track — meaning strategic choices shape how your character evolves through the campaign. So, for example, you may choose the Warrior class because you like its HP, MP, and Skill point advancement numbers, you like its limit break, and you enjoy playing that overall archetype for your character. Then, you pick three Jobs to fill out your character. Say that you want a full warrior build, so you choose your three jobs to be: Dragoon, Knight, and Monk. From here, you’d decide which of those three jobs would be on your Fast advancement track, which should go on your Medium track, and which will be on your slow advancement. Important note here though: only one of your Jobs needs to be associated with your Class. That means the rest can actually be totally outside that box — so yes, you can be a Mage-warrior hybrid if it fits your concept! You could be a warrior class, with the Dragoon, Black Mage, and Chemist jobs. So, here’s the quick breakdown of Job progression: Fast Progression: Abilities at levels 1, 3, and every 3 levels thereafter Medium Progression: Abilities at levels 1, 4, and every 3 levels thereafter Slow Progression: Abilities at 2, 5, and every 3 levels thereafter This staggering system means every level feels like a growth moment. You get new Abilities (“Circles”) from all three of your jobs at the same cadence. But at the same time, you get Circles from the Jobs that are most important to you, at earlier levels. The rule book mentions this too, but if you do want to try out this awesome system, I’d recommend that you don’t stress too much about your first Job choices. There’s a ton of options here, which is great for replayability, and experimenting with side campaigns. But, there’s also too many Jobs to really nail down what you want to ideally play, the first time you try out this game. Probably instead, just pick classes that sound fun, and give it a whirl. To wrap up this video, I’m going to cover my personal favorite Job from each of the first three Classes. Since there’s over 50-jobs, there’s too many for me to dive into – at least today. But hopefully these quick snapshots give you a picture of how Jobs work, what kind of Abilities each provides, and some inspiration for your upcoming game: If I was to play a Warrior Job, I’d start with Dragoon: As you probably know, Dragoons are also often known as Dragon Knights . Dragoons are aerial combat specialists who use momentum for power. Originally trained to pierce the hides of massive foes like dragons, their style revolves around leaping high above the battlefield and crashing down with overwhelming force. Depending on the setting, Dragoons may hunt dragons, fight alongside them, or carry on their legacy after their extinction — but they’re almost always portrayed as guardians who stand against towering threats . In play, Dragoons are defined by the Jump and Blood of the Dragon Circles . Jump removes them from the battlefield for a round before returning with an automatic, high-impact strike. Meanwhile, critical hits generate Blood of the Dragon to fuel powerful Dragon Arts , which are the Dragoon’s situational combat techniques that modify your attacks, defenses, or Jump actions, for additional benefits. Next up, for the expert class, I’d probably start with Squire – I just have so many good memories from playing Final Fantasy Tactics: Instead of perfecting a single discipline, Squires develop adaptability through experience and improvisation. That flexibility makes Squires exceptional team players , able to step into gaps and support allies in many situation. Mechanically, the Squire revolves around Fundaments — where they grant short-term bonuses to allies based on that ally’s Class. Warriors hit harder, Experts perform better at skills, Mages cast more effectively, and Adepts can receive whichever boost fits the moment. As the Squire advances through their Circles, they can grant Fundaments to multiple allies at once, add secondary effects like increased damage or longer debuffs. I’m not always a team buffer kind of guy, but I do like the way Squires here make everyone else better , turning party coordination into a great strength. For my third Job, I’ll choose from the Mage class. This one’s really hard for me as I could see myself actually going like 3/3 mage, or maybe 2/3, at least. But, if I had to pick just one for my remaining Job slot, I’d go with Necromancer: Necromancers are reclusive magic-users whose art is inseparably tied to death and the Shadow. Often misunderstood or feared, they’re immediately recognizable by their Bone Commander — an undead construct that serves as both assistant and bodyguard. While some Necromancers lean into darker reputations, others act as shamans or intermediaries, communing with spirits to resolve unfinished business or bring peace to the dead. Their morality isn’t defined by their magic, but by how they choose to wield it. In play, Necromancers are spellcasters with access to the Necromancy spell list and a powerful Companion system . Their Bone Commander acts on their shared action economy, providing combat presence without needing its own stats or hit points. Their Limit Break, Friends on the Other Side , allows damage from the party to count as Shadow damage, supercharging Necromancer features and reinforcing their role as battlefield controllers who blur the line between ally and undead asset. So! There you have it. From adaptable Squires and sky-shattering Dragoons to shadow-touched Necromancers and beyond, Legend Edition’s Classes and Jobs are all about expression through choice . Your Class sets the foundation, but your Jobs — and how you progress them — define how your character actually plays at the table. Legend Edition feels... unmistakably Final Fantasy. What I really want to know is... from the 50+ jobs available in Legend Edition, what three Jobs would best define your Character? List your Jobs in the comments. Otherwise, thanks for watching! If you enjoyed this breakdown of Classes and Jobs in Final Fantasy TRPG: Legend Edition, hit that like button, subscribe for more content, and ring the bell so you don’t miss our next video.
By Jacob Tegtman January 15, 2026
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQLN8bvlo-Q Transcription If you’re like me, you just watched Stranger Things Season 5, and it was amazing. Personally, I felt like it really hit similarly to the first season – they did a great job. But you're watching Stranger Things, getting hyped about seeing D&D represented in mainstream media, when suddenly Mike declares he's casting a spell, as a paladin... at first level. And you're sitting there thinking, "Wait, that's not how that works." Well, you're not alone. Today we're diving deep into three quick, but glaring D&D mistakes – or, perhaps intentional and fun D&D alternations – that Stranger Things has made throughout its run. I love Stranger Things, so this is by no means a criticism of the show. If anything, some of these mistakes just makes me like it more. Because, let’s get real – most D&D games fudge something in the rules anyways. It’s part of the fun. And no one really wants to be a rules lawyer all the time. What's up, dice rollers! Welcome back to Eternity TTRPG where we explore everything that makes tabletop RPGs amazing. I'm your host, and today we're taking a critical but loving look at how Stranger Things – arguably the biggest mainstream representation of D&D we've ever had – got some pretty fundamental (and sometimes funny) things wrong about our favorite hobby. Now, before we dive in, let me be clear: I absolutely love that Stranger Things brought D&D into the spotlight. The show has introduced countless people to our hobby, and that's incredible. As D&D enthusiasts, we can appreciate the show while also having some fun pointing out where the Duffer Brothers maybe should have consulted their Player's Handbook a bit more carefully. So grab your dice, settle in, and let's explore three quick strange things that Stranger Things got wrong about D&D. Mistake #1: The Demogorgon Campaign Confusion I’m gonna call this “Mistake #1,” by the way, and you’ll find out why in just a minute. But let's start with this big one from Season 1. In the very first episode, we see the boys playing D&D, and Will's character encounters the Demogorgon. Now, the show treats this like it's some kind of final boss encounter, but here's the problem: a Demogorgon in D&D is a CR 26 creature. Basically, a Lv.26 monster. That's endgame content for level 20 characters. These kids are clearly playing low-level characters – probably somewhere between levels 1-5 based on their abilities and the campaign Mike’s describing. A real Demogorgon would obliterate their entire party in a single round without breaking a sweat. It would be like sending a group of mall security guards to fight Godzilla. What the show probably meant to use was a lesser demon or maybe just called it a "demogorgon" as a generic monster name. But for D&D players, it's like watching someone try to drive a car with a boat steering wheel – technically it's transportation equipment, but it's completely wrong for the situation. Is this really a mistake though? I’d say yes, technically. But also, we all know how kids get when playing games. Mike was probably like, “hey, you know what would be cool for my party of Lv.5 adventurers? Give them something that inspires them. Like this CR26 literal god.” It’s the type of move that every DM has done at some point – just go way, wayyy overboard. And again, that’s part of the fun with games like D&D. Mistake #2: The Paladin Spell Situation This one is really funny to me because it happens multiple times throughout the series. Mike's primarily the dungeon master for his group. But when he plays, his character is consistently referred to as a paladin, and we see him attempting to cast spells at what appears to be first level. Here's the issue: in every edition of D&D that would have been available when Stranger Things is set – we're talking late 70s to early 80s – paladins don't get spells until much higher levels. In AD&D (Advanced dungeons and dragons), paladins don't get their first spell until 9th level. Even in modern 5th Edition, paladins don't get spells until 2nd level. But the show has Mike casting spells right from the start. It's a small detail, but it shows a fundamental misunderstanding of how the class works. It would be like showing a wizard swinging a two-handed sword as their primary weapon – technically possible in some circumstances, but it misses the point of the class – for that level, at least – entirely. It’s another “mistake” though that many groups would make, probably especially kids. You want to play a character who can do cool things, at any level. So maybe this was another intentional move on the Duffer brothers’ part, showing not just the rules for D&D, but how people actually play. Mistake #3: The Dice Rolling Drama This one’s more about dramatic license. Throughout the series, we see characters making single dice rolls for incredibly complex situations, and the entire outcome hinges on that one roll. Real D&D involves a lot more dice rolling and a lot more back-and-forth between players and the DM. Combat isn't usually resolved with a single dramatic roll – it's a series of attack rolls, damage rolls, saving throws, and tactical decisions. The show makes it look like D&D is just "roll a d20 and see what happens," when the reality, as we all know, is much more nuanced. The most egregious example is in Season 1 when Will's fate seems to hinge entirely on a single d20 roll. While dramatic moments like this can happen in D&D, they're usually the culmination of a longer sequence of events, not the entire encounter. Of course, filming four kids rolling dozens of dice over and over doesn’t make for great visual episodes, I assume. This one is really more to point out that anyone who isn’t familiar with D&D may be a bit surprised walking into a real gaming session at how many dice really do get rolled. On platforms like Reddit, the D&D community's reaction to these inaccuracies has been... interesting. Players have been discussing these since the show premiered. One user pointed out in a popular thread: "I love that Stranger Things brought D&D to the mainstream, but I wish they'd gotten a consultant who actually understood the game mechanics. It's like they researched D&D by reading about it rather than playing it." Another user noted: "The show gets the emotional core of D&D right – the friendship, the collaborative storytelling, the escapism. But the mechanical details are so wrong that it's distracting for anyone who actually plays." Now, do these mistakes matter? I would argue they don't – Stranger Things is a TV show, not a D&D tutorial. People may come into the hobby with incorrect assumptions on how things work. But, if more people are getting into the hobby, then that's positive. And D&D – or let’s at least say tabletop roleplay games – have experienced unprecedented growth partly thanks to Stranger Things, and that's amazing for our community. So here's what I want to know from you: is there anything else fun or silly that I missed from Stranger Thing’s D&D inaccuracies? I’m sure there has to be more than just these three, so please hit me up in the comments and let me know what you’ve found! And that wraps up our dive into Stranger Things, for today. Remember, this comes from a place of love – both for the show and for D&D. If you enjoyed this quick video, make sure to hit that like button and subscribe for more D&D content. Whether you're fighting demogorgons in the Upside Down or just trying to survive your first dungeon crawl, keep those dice rolling!
Dragonlance
By Jacob Tegtman December 17, 2025
Transcribed content from our recent YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=257fKzW8yzA Transcription Before there was Game of Thrones, Baldur’s Gate, and Critical Role.… there was Dragonlance .  A fantasy saga that defined an entire generation of D&D players — epic wars, tragic heroes, and dragons that actually felt like dragons. But if you aren’t familiar, what is Dragonlance — and why are we still talking about it in 2026? Well to answer that last question, the new “Legends Edition” which is the second Trilogy of Dragonlance is coming to Amazon in February. This is a big deal because getting new copies of the original Dragonlance Chronicles Trilogy, and now this second “Legends” Trilogy was becoming very difficult. I’m hoping these new prints rekindle the spark of one of the greatest D&D settings and novel series of all time, and introduce even more people to its magic. Welcome back to Eternity TTRPG, your home for D&D history, lore deep-dives, and the stories that shaped the game we play today. If you love tabletop RPGs, classic settings, and learning why D&D looks and plays the way it does today, you’re in the right place. So, let’s talk about one of my favorite fantasy settings – and fantasy book series of all times – Dragonlance . Dragonlance started as a bold idea from Tracy Hickman and Laura Hickman , later developed with Margaret Weis at TSR. To answer the burning question you may be having, right off the bat – yes, the Dragonlance adventures came before the book series. At the time, most D&D adventures were simple and modular. You’d kick in a dungeon door, fight some monsters, grab treasure, and move on. Dragonlance asked a very different question. What if Dungeons & Dragons could tell one long, epic story? Instead of disconnected adventures, the Dragonlance team wanted a campaign with a clear beginning, middle, and end. A single, continent-spanning war. A story that unfolded over time, not just session to session. To make that work, players wouldn’t create random characters. They’d play pre-generated heroes, each designed to fit directly into the narrative, with personal arcs baked into the plot. That idea became the original Dragonlance AD&D module series — eventually twelve linked adventures telling the story of the War of the Lance. On paper, it was revolutionary. At the table… it was complicated. The problem is simple. And honestly, you can probably pause the video here and tell me the problem, yourself, based on your own D&D games. It’s basically this: D&D games, and it’s players – are unpredictable. Dungeons & Dragons thrives on player choice, improvisation, and chaos. Dragonlance, on the other hand, needed players to be in very specific places, doing very specific things, at specific times. If the party ignored a hook, skipped a location, or made an unexpected choice, the entire story could fall apart. So the modules relied heavily on railroading — nudging, and sometimes outright forcing, players back onto the intended path. That tension made Dragonlance awkward to run as a campaign. The story was strong, but the format worked against the strengths of tabletop roleplaying. And that’s when Dragonlance found the form it was truly built for. To promote the modules, TSR (that is, the company founded by Gary Gygax and Don Kaye, to publish D&D) decided to release a trilogy of tie-in novels. That decision came late, the original author didn’t work out, and Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman ended up writing the first book themselves — in roughly three months. The result was Dragons of Autumn Twilight, released in 1984. Which, even talking about almost brings a tear to my eye – the book was just that impactful to me in my teenage years. TSR expected modest sales. But instead, the book was a massive hit. For many readers, this wasn’t just their first Dragonlance novel — it was their first D&D novel. It introduced the idea that a D&D party could be the heart of a fantasy epic, with flawed characters, emotional arcs, and long-term consequences. This is basically why Dragonlance matters to D&D history. And not just a little bit. It matters – a LOT. Dragonlance proved that Dungeons & Dragons wasn’t just a game system — it was actually its own entire storytelling engine. If you haven’t read the novel series, I have some amazing news for you, shortly. But at its core, Dragonlance is about one idea: hope in darkness. The world of Krynn is broken. The gods are distant. War is everywhere. People are scared, tired, and cynical. But, the world of Dragonlance isn’t saved by a single chosen hero. Instead, this novel series tells you that the world can be saved when ordinary people choose to do the right thing, even when it’s hard, and even when it feels pointless. That philosophy shaped the tone of the setting. Dragonlance was darker than most TSR-era worlds, but it was never hopeless. Friendship mattered. Faith mattered. Sacrifice mattered. Umm, a lot. Those themes became incredibly influential, especially for party-focused storytelling in D&D campaigns. Dragonlance also changed how dragons were treated in D&D. Before this, dragons were often just very powerful monsters. Dangerous, sure — but still just another encounter. Dragonlance made dragons rare, mythical, and world-shaping. What becomes the mystical return of dragons isn’t just a side quest in this setting. It’s THE central event that changes the balance of power across the entire world. That idea — that dragons should feel legendary, and not just routine — stuck, and it still shapes how dragons are presented in modern D&D. After the success of the original trilogy, Weis and Hickman followed it with Dragonlance Legends, which is what I’ll be getting to more about in just a few minutes. Instead of escalating to an even bigger war, Legends zoomed in. It focused on the twins from the first trilogy: Raistlin and Caramon Majere, and on the topics of ambition, responsibility, and the cost of power. It introduced time travel – which to be honest, I don’t love – personal tragedy, and consequences that felt intimate. This trilogy, too, was a massive success, even hitting the New York Times bestseller list — a first for TSR. For a brief moment, Dragonlance wasn’t just a D&D setting. It actually became the face of D&D storytelling. But Dragonlance’s greatest strength eventually became its weakness. The setting was tightly bound to one story and one cast of characters. Once the War of the Lance was resolved, the world of Krynn felt… finished. New stories struggled to find the same weight. Bigger threats felt repetitive. New heroes had a hard time stepping out of the shadow of the originals. Unlike the Forgotten Realms, Krynn never felt like a neutral playground. It felt like a world where the most important story had already happened. And slowly, Dragonlance faded from the spotlight. Dragonlance went quiet after 2010. But in February 2026, we’re getting a new hardcover release of Dragonlance Legends — collecting the full trilogy with new behind-the-scenes material from Weis and Hickman. It’s not a full revival of the setting. It’s a reminder of an important moment in D&D history, when the game experimented with storytelling in a way that permanently changed how we think about campaigns. This trilogy about the twins: Raistlin and Caramon – is coming after the Chronicles trilogy was rereleased (I believe) just this last year – I got my copy from Margaret Weis at GenCon. These books haven’t been in print for some time. So, if you like what you’ve been hearing about Dragonlance, or you – like me – are a longtime fan, you may want to pick these up. You can get the original Chronicles Trilogy on Amazon now, and the second Trilogy – Legends – is coming out this February. Dragonlance asked a question that D&D is still trying to answer: Is this game about total freedom… or about telling powerful stories? Most tables today try to balance both. And whether you loved Dragonlance or bounced hard off its railroads, its influence is still baked into how D&D is played, written, and remembered. So I want to know — have you read Dragonlance, or played in a campaign set in Krynn? Would you run a Dragonlance campaign today, or does it feel too tied to its story? Let me know in the comments, like the video if you enjoyed it,subscribe for more D&D deep dives, and I’ll see you next time.
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