LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Senior Dungeons and Dragons is one of many recreational programs Munson Senior Center offers. This chance to play the beloved tabletop game has brought a group of past players together for exciting and new campaigns.
Earlier this fall, four players described what the opportunity of playing this game has meant to them and how it has become a part of their weekly routine. William Folsom has been in charge of the group for the past two years and has been serving as Dungeon Master. This is Folsom’s first time Dungeon Mastering, but he has been playing since the 1980s.
In the world he has created, there are three characters participating in the campaign.
Meet the team:
Karen Andreas as Dagit, a Paladin of Dragon descent. Dagit comes from a kind-hearted species of Dragon, leading him to see the good in everything and everyone. Even with his good-natured spirit, he is strong and a formidable opponent to any adversary the group may face.
Donald Kiefer as Sylvester Ellistar, a high elf bard who has to rely on his skill as a storyteller to assist his teammates to victory. Ellistar takes a higher amount of imagination and understanding of his skill set than most DnD characters, but Kiefer enjoys the challenge as an experienced DnD player.
Kathryn Stover as Selene Greenvale, an Eladrin who has come from the Feywild. The Eladrin allows Stover to play a progressive player, due to its species’ ability to change appearance, personality and gender as the seasons change. With Greenvale’s warlock powers, this other-dimensional being is a powerful wildcard to the team.
The physical figurines created by Kiefer are one of the many steps the team has taken to make this an immersive experience. Folsom has a variety of online resources to help create his world. One element he has created for his players is physical maps of the world. The map allows the players to understand where they are in the world, such as different continents, dungeons or caves. With the help of the Folsoms’ discord, he also gives different hints throughout the week to help the team when they return for their next session.
As Dungeon Master, Folsom’s role holds a lot of responsibilities. He views it as his job to remain fair and balanced. When he can, he sees no harm in sending tips as a way to help move the story along. He also explains how he must balance keeping the campaign within the players’ abilities while also making sure it is still challenging.
“I have given them something to go for,” Folsom said.
The team sees this program as a fun and enjoyable use of their time. It has become a way to stay creative and tell stories while also being able to face interesting and complex challenges.
“It’s a great fantasy thing. I love to be able to get away from reality,” Andreas said. “What we’re doing is making believe. I do it to have some laughs and have some fun.”
“I just love the game. It’s a brain burner,” Kiefer said.
Reflecting on how the game used to be back when they were younger, the team explained how it used to be completely done on pencil and paper, but now everything is online. Finding players has also moved virtual instead of having to go to a comic book store. The game has become more widely accepted among people as well.
“They used to call us Satanist,” Stover said with a laugh.
Now, the community has become friendly and almost every group anywhere is looking for people to play with. It is a game that is open to everyone. Folsom explained how he has played with teachers, engineers and businessmen.
“DnD is whatever you choose to make it,” Stover said.
If 50 years or older and interested in giving this magical world a shot, contact PYoder@LasCruces.gov.
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