Dungeons and Dragons, a critical hit at PAHS

Within the tabletop game of Dungeons and Dragons, a critical hit occurs when a player rolls a 20 on a 20-sided die, signifying an exceptionally successful hit.  That’s exactly what the Dungeons and Dragons club has been at Punxsutawney Area High School.

The Dungeons and Dragons club, often referred to as “D&D,” is entering its second year since being reestablished by assistant principal, and now advisor for the club, Kyle Gordon.

“I can’t really take credit for getting this club off the ground.  Our French teacher, Lisa McMeekin had a heavy hand in leading the club prior to me; but even more so, the credit goes to the students.  We have over 65 clubs/organizations at PAHS, and we are always encouraging our students to come to us with ideas on how to offer more opportunities.  D&D is just another example of that,” said Gordon.

Dungeons and Dragons is an extensive role-playing board game.  Players form an adventuring party who explore fantasy realms together as they embark on epic quests and level up in experience.  The in-game story is moderated and refereed by a “Dungeon Master.”  This individual is tasked with narrating the story and setting the parameters and rules for each encounter and overall adventure.  Sessions or games can run for one to two hours, where campaigns and adventures last for months if not more.  

“This game relies heavily on statistical analysis, team-decision making, and creativity.  As an educational leader, it was an easy thing to get behind,” said Gordon.

The students meet biweekly after school, and they even continued their meetings throughout this past summer.  Each meeting/adventure usually lasts about 2.5 hours.  On average, they have over a dozen students who participate.