D&D CLUB GROWS

BY KAYLEIGH GILL STAFF REPORTER

Dungeons and Dragons is a collective storytelling game involving social situations, combat encounters and the occasional dungeon.

For some, it is a way to make new friends. For others, it is a way to express creativity. It’s seen a resurgence worldwide, and the current edition (Dungeon and Dragons 5e) has seen more popularity than any previous one.

At LHS, Dungeons and Dragons Club provides an opportunity for students to form groups formatted with some students (game or dungeon masters) writing the story and others (players) playing out as the main characters.

The LHS D&D club has seen an increase in membership. According to sponsor T.J. Olson, “Eight years ago, we had maybe five to 10 people. COVID brought us down to basically zero, though I had a couple students that would come hang out in Webex on Wednesdays. Last year we had 2530 students, and this year we have 30-40 students.”

She also said attendance fluctuates weekly. No two meetings have the exact same people.

Part of its popularity, of course, is because of the pandemic. D&D translates relatively easily online and doesn’t require any in-person interaction to have fun. And with the pandemic dying down, people are able to play in person, making it more appealing.

Part of sophomore Miles Wade’s enjoyment from the club comes from the ability to envision yourself in mystical scenarios, which stimulate the imagination.

“I like the club because it helps me escape to a world that I don’t belong to,” Wade said.

“We are making the environment safe, and we are recycling and not being wasteful,”