DOCSLIB.ORG

The Hero's Journey in Moldvay's Dungeons & Dragons

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Hero's Journey in Moldvay's Dungeons & Dragons East Tennessee State University Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University Electronic Theses and Dissertations Student Works 12-2019 The Player Character's Journey: The Hero's Journey in Moldvay's Dungeons & Dragons Robert Leopold East Tennessee State University Follow this and additional works at: https://dc.etsu.edu/etd Part of the Comparative Literature Commons, Folklore Commons, and the Reading and Language Commons Recommended Citation Leopold, Robert, "The Player Character's Journey: The Hero's Journey in Moldvay's Dungeons & Dragons" (2019). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3679. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3679 This Thesis - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Student Works at Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Player Character's Journey: The Hero's Journey in Moldvay's Dungeons & Dragons ________________________ A thesis presented to the faculty of the Department of Communication and Performance East Tennessee State University In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Arts in Reading with a concentration in Storytelling ________________________ by Robert Kelly Leopold December 2019 ________________________ Delanna Reed, PhD, Chair Edward Dwyer, PhD Ron Roach, PhD Keywords: Storytelling, Monomyth, Dungeons & Dragons, Roleplaying Game, Narratology ABSTRACT The Player Character's Journey: The Hero's Journey in Moldvay's Dungeons & Dragons by Robert Kelly Leopold This study explores the archetypes, motifs, and stages of the Joseph Campbell's Hero's Journey as they are found in the Moldvay revision of the rules to Basic Dungeons & Dragons, that emerge from playing the game using the seven adventure modules printed for these rules. Using narratological concepts, the definition of what makes narrative is expanded to include the narrative that emerges by playing story-based roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons. These narratives, based on the seven adventure modules, are the analyzed using Campbell's monomyth as an interpretive tool, showing that these types of narratives are up to similar academic scrutiny as other forms of narrative. Such scrutiny shows that the types of narrative that emerge from playing a tabletop roleplaying game like Dungeons & Dragons need an expansion of the models for narrative analysis. This expansion presents a myriad of opportunities for future study. 2 DEDICATION For Lisa, Sophie, Frances, and all the women who showed me their strength. 3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I wish to gratefully acknowledge the hard work of the many teachers throughout my life. The storytelling instructors in the School of Communication at East Tennessee State University have all gone above and beyond, but I especially wish to mention my great thanks to Professor Reed for all of her hard work in helping me cross this finish line. Thanks Delanna. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT.....................................................................................................................................2 DEDICATION.................................................................................................................................3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.............................................................................................................4 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................8 Statement of Purpose.........................................................................................................15 Limitations.........................................................................................................................19 Conclusion.........................................................................................................................22 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW.......................................................................................23 The Hero's Journey as Interpretive Tool............................................................................24 The Hero's Journey in Related Fields................................................................................31 Narratology in Game Studies.............................................................................................37 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY.................................................................................................47 Departure............................................................................................................................51 A. Call to Adventure....................................................................................................52 B. Refusal of Call.........................................................................................................52 C. Supernatural Aid or Meeting the Mentor................................................................52 D. Crossing the First Threshold...................................................................................53 E. Belly of the Whale...................................................................................................53 Initiation.............................................................................................................................54 A. Road of Trials..........................................................................................................54 B. Meeting with the Goddess.......................................................................................54 C. Woman as Temptress..............................................................................................55 D. Atonement with the Father......................................................................................55 E. Apotheosis...............................................................................................................56 5 F. Ultimate Boon..........................................................................................................56 Return.................................................................................................................................57 A. Refusal of Return....................................................................................................57 B. Magic Flight............................................................................................................58 C. Rescue from Without..............................................................................................58 D. Crossing the Return Threshold...............................................................................58 E. Master of Two Worlds.............................................................................................59 F. Freedom to Live.......................................................................................................59 CHAPTER 4: The Hero's Journey in Moldvay's Dungeons & Dragons.......................................62 Departure............................................................................................................................66 A. Call to Adventure....................................................................................................67 B. Refusal of Call.........................................................................................................69 C. Supernatural Aid or Meeting the Mentor................................................................69 D. Crossing the First Threshold...................................................................................71 E. Belly of the Whale...................................................................................................72 Initiation.............................................................................................................................73 A. Road of Trials..........................................................................................................73 B. Meeting with the Goddess.......................................................................................77 C. Woman as Temptress..............................................................................................79 D. Atonement with the Father......................................................................................81 E. Apotheosis...............................................................................................................82 F. Ultimate Boon..........................................................................................................83 Return.................................................................................................................................85 A. Refusal of Return....................................................................................................85 B. Magic Flight............................................................................................................86 C. Rescue from Without..............................................................................................87 6 D. Crossing the Return Threshold...............................................................................88 E. Master of Two Worlds.............................................................................................88 F. Freedom to Live.......................................................................................................89
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Marvel Fantasy Role Playing Game
    MARVEL FANTASY ROLE PLAYING GAME A Fantasy RPG using the FASERIP System Table of Contents Character Creation ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 Race ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Origin of Power ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 Primary Abilities........................................................................................................................................................ 6 Secondary Abilities.................................................................................................................................................... 6 Powers ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6 Talents ....................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Contacts ..................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Heroic Alignment .....................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Sample File the Hutchingsonian Presents the Habitition of the Stone Giant Lord and Other Adventures from Our Shared Youth
    Sample file The Hutchingsonian Presents The Habitition of the Stone Giant Lord and other adventures from our shared youth Introduction 1 Jon Peterson Editors Notes 6 Tim Hutchings The Habitition of the Stone Giant Lord 7 Gaius Stern Stone Death 26 Richard C. Benson The Crack at Garn’s Canyon 38 Matt Morrison The Ring of Gaax Sample file 45 Wayne Lacroix The Golden Scepter of the Trollfens 58 Mike Walters The Tomb of Areopagus the Cloaked and Japheth of the Mighty Staff 86 Michael M. Hughes The Lair of Turgon 96 Todd Nilson The Maze of Death 108 Mike Walters All content copyright of the respective creators. Layout ©2013 Timothy Hutchings and The Hutchingsonian Presents. No claim is made on any copyrighted or trademarked material intentionally or accidentally presented herein. The Hutchingsonian Presents Introduction Jon Peterson When Dungeons & Dragons first appeared early in Thus, there was little thought at first that dungeons 1974, it contained an extraordinary invitation: it asked should be made into commercial products. us all to participate in the creation of fantastic worlds. By the middle of 1975, demand for dungeons at No longer would we merely passively read about - conventions began to chip away at this secrecy. When fantasies someone else had conceived, or watch them - Gary Gygax operated a tournament dungeon for the in films—now we would be participants and protago first Origins Game Fair in July, there was sufficient nists, authors and architects of fantasy. This is per demand to play that he scheduled two groups to haps best captured by a line in the final pages of the - explore instances of the dungeon simultaneously: one original rules, which asks, “why have us do any more under Gygax’s own supervision, the other refereed by of your imagining for you?” Everywhere there are op his son, Ernie.
    [Show full text]
  • The Forgotten 1St Edition Free Download
    FREE THE FORGOTTEN 1ST EDITION PDF David Baldacci | 9780446573061 | | | | | Buildings 1st Edition | Forgotten Project This time we talk about street markets that have lost their central role in the neighborhood and that risk succumbing to large food distribution chains. The object of the intervention will be the Market Guido Reni, example of a structure with high potential that will be suited for an advanced functional model of market. Imponent […]. The place chosen is Saint Peter Station which, with trains per day, is the station of the shortest international railway in the world — connecting Italy with Vatican State. This intervention at Saint Peter Station owned by Rete Ferroviaria Italiana Ferrovia dello Stato Group talks about the profound metamorphosis of urban areas: the main […]. The history of this factory is entwined with leadership, corporate mergers, reconversions, the post-war period, cultural centres, unaccomplished projects and fires. In order to illustrate […]. The building selected for the art intervention which is located near Piazza del Popolo is part of The Forgotten 1st edition neglected area The Forgotten 1st edition subject to several renovation proposals, none of which has been accomplished. The first artist who had been invited by Forgotten Project is Diogo Machado, […]. Toggle navigation. Utilizziamo i cookie per essere sicuri che tu possa avere la migliore esperienza sul nostro sito. Se continui ad utilizzare questo sito noi assumiamo che tu ne sia felice. Forgotten Realms Campaign Set | RPG Item | RPGGeek Bestselling Statement on the Contemporary Church, Updated and Revised Alan Hirsch's paradigm-shifting classic remains the definitive statement of the church as dynamic missional movement.
    [Show full text]
  • FAERIES™ a Complete Handbook of the Seelle
    FAERIES™ A Complete Handbook of the Seelle Sampleby Sarah Link and John Snead file WWW.ATLAS-GAMES.COM Credits WrlUenbf Sarah Llnl!and Jahn Snead Storie.ltJ' Marl< Reln•Haven. LlsuStevens and Jonathan ,...., Addtlloa.Imaterlal, J.M. capenila, car1 Schnurrand Marl!Reln•Haven Dnelopmenl: J.M. Caparula, Marl!Reln•Ha�n and John Brnndt EdltlnfiLisa Stevens OrltllUllCoaceptl: Mari? 12eln•Haqen Production:Nicole Llndroos Cower Art: CherylMll ndus Tiiie LoQo• Rlchard Thomas InteriorArt: Charles Dou11heny, Erle Hotz, JeffMenfi6, RichardThomas, Marl!Reln•Hawen A r.U.U••ce peno11: StewanWlecR Anu._, .-..Creeled .,-, JonathanTweet and Marl! Re!n•Hagen Special, Special Thanbs Milfk "Sony about all thosesentence fra gments!' Reln•Hagen, for tl'arlng himself away from his cum>1lt project to dosome valuable development on this toog awaited supplement. Lisa"Keep thatmall man away from me!" Stevens, forgiving up onthe 24 hour-a-day \VC!rk ethic 111 favor of a healthierlifestyle (includinggroce ry shopping and otherfree time pursuits) . Jonathan"So Jong, Peoria."TwHt, for his original faerieco ntributi ons, and hlsappreciarion of the magical and the fanWtic. May your name always bein print. John "Yet another obnoxiouschart ." Brmdt, for spending the time to gently integrate all the separate influences which eventually� up this fine supplement. Nicole "Sony,Bllnky, gottago!" Lln droos,for limiting her indentured scn.'itude to Ot\esmall companyal 11time and delvingink! this p1ojeclwith lnzlhhand s. Cheryl "Those little peopleare hard todo!" Mandua, for her wonderfully evocative fame rover. Klchud "Well, If you'd saidso In the first place . " Thomu,for makingthing-s a little more curvy, the middle skinnier and the ends hang down a little farther.
    [Show full text]
  • An Introduction to Ars Magica TM
    Promises, Promises An Introduction to Ars Magica TM A free Jump Start Kit including abbreviated rules, a ready-to-play scenario, rule summary handouts, and six pregenerated characters detailed in the Ars Magica rulebook and its supplements (some of which are described Welcome! Before You Begin elsewhere in this booklet). These can be found throughout the world in fine game Welcome to Ars Magica!™ This Jump First of all, if you’d like to play the sce- stores. If you have trouble finding Ars Start Kit is your invitation to Mythic nario in this Jump Start Kit, stop reading Magica (or any Atlas Games product), Europe™, a land of medieval adventure now. If you’re planning to be the storyguide, please ask your retailer or contact us directly where the legends are real. Here, jealous begin by reading the Background Briefing at the address below. faeries guard dark forests, powerful dragons and Rules Briefing found towards the end of Remember to have a good time! If terrorize innocent villages, kings rule by this book. If you read the scenario first, you’ll something comes up that you don’t under- divine right, and mighty wizards call on the probably be confused. stand, don’t sweat it. The Ars Magica rule- ars magica — the art of magic. Once you’ve digested the background book covers a lot of things that can’t be This Jump Start Kit contains everything material, go ahead and read the scenario. addressed here. You have plenty of time you need to play your first game of Ars You’ll want to be familiar with it so you can ahead of you to investigate the full spectrum Magica.
    [Show full text]
  • Dragon Magazine Within the Last Cherie Knull Tually Has Been with Us Since Last October, Year
    January 1981 Dragon 1 Dragon Vol. V, No. 7 Vol. V, No. 7 January 1981 Publisher. E. Gary Gygax Editor. Jake Jaquet Assistant editor. Kim Mohan Good-bye 1980, hello 1981. And hello to a tain aspects of role-playing and the benefits Editorial staff . Bryce Knorr couple of new (and pretty, I might add, if I derived therefrom. He and his wife, who is Marilyn Mays won’t get accused of sexism) faces here at the typist and a behind-the-scenes collab- Sales & Circulation . Debbie Chiusano Dragon Publishing. New, or at least rela- orator, have been responsible for more Corey Koebernick tively new, to our sales and circulation de- than a dozen short articles and stories pub- Office staff . Dawn Pekul partment is Debbie Chiusano—Debbie ac- lished in Dragon magazine within the last Cherie Knull tually has been with us since last October, year. Roger’s name is on the alchemist and Roger Raupp but this has been our first opportunity to astrologer NPC articles in this issue, and in Contributing editors . Roger Moore formally welcome her in print. The most Dragon issue #44 he became the first Ed Greenwood recent addition to our organization is author to have two creatures featured in Marilyn Mays, added just last month to our Dragon’s Bestiary in the same magazine. editorial staff. Let’s hear it for the new kids This month’s contributing artists: on the block! With the start of a new year, it seems appro- Morrissey Jeff Lanners priate to reflect a bit on the past year and Roger Raupp Kenneth Rahman We’re also happy to welcome two other look ahead a little to the future.
    [Show full text]
  • 1482548691814.Pdf
    How To DM This %$@# And Other Questions When you download and read The Dungeon Land you may be suddenly gripped by its full, ​ ​ beautiful descriptions, surreal atmosphere, and enthralling plotline. You may think to yourself “Oh just they wait, next D&D session heads are gonna roll!”, but wait. We at Perilous Prints feel that a disclaimer is needed, a sort of DM warning, to make sure our little project doesn’t cause unnecessary problems for your play group. To that end we have included this short book; to answer questions, give advice, and aid the DM in running this clever trainwreck. Inside this book you will find all the tables from The Dungeon Land organised into a helpful ​ ​ collection, a quick overview of when quests are obtained by the party, and a Q&A for dungeon masters running this material for the first time. It is requested that the dungeon master read the Q&A prior to running The Dungeon Land because it is not simply a tutorial, but contains ​ ​ necessary information about balancing the module and how to deal with the relevance of its contents to the rest of your game world. On the contrary, the tables and quests are discussed in short hand for the dungeon master who has already familiarised themselves with the module and do not wish to continuously cycle through an 80 page book. Finally I would like to say a few words. To the dungeon master that ‘railroads’ their players along, to the player who rifles through the books for hours finding the rule that will give themselves an edge, to all those who believe that Dungeon and Dragons is about winning and doing what they want; turn back! This is not the dungeon for you.
    [Show full text]
  • Download PDF / Glantri (Mystara) ^ OLTYWHRFQRYG
    TBBK4WZYMYVP Book » Glantri (Mystara) Glantri (Mystara) Filesize: 4.45 MB Reviews Extremely helpful to any or all category of individuals. It really is rally fascinating throgh studying time period. I am just quickly could possibly get a pleasure of reading a composed ebook. (Lawrence Keeling) DISCLAIMER | DMCA J6MYTBKFZLXO > Doc ^ Glantri (Mystara) GLANTRI (MYSTARA) To save Glantri (Mystara) PDF, you should refer to the link listed below and download the ebook or gain access to additional information which are related to GLANTRI (MYSTARA) ebook. TSR, 1999. Book Condition: New. TSR Mystara Glantri (SW (MINT/New)) Product Note: with CD Manufacturer: TSR Product Line: Mystara Type: Box Set Code: TSR2511 Copyright Date: 1995 Author: Monte Cook, Bruce Heard Please review the condition and any condition notes for the exact condition of this item. All pictures are stock photos. The condition of the item you will receive is SW (MINT/New). Our grading system is explained in the terms of sale section of our bookseller page. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Product Description: There's something unique about a land where wizards rule. Marvels abound. Glamour tantalizes. Dangers await, cloaked in illusion. Whether a hero chooses to wield magic or steel, conjuring up adventure becomes as easy as a walk through the rolling hills of Nouvelle Averoigne - or one of the other dozen principalities that make up this remarkable land. And when the world's most powerful wizards are also its craiest princes, nothing is ever quite as it seems! Cast the magic of Glantri over your games! Inside this box you'll find: An audio CD role-playing aid with realistic sound eects and character voices for your game sessions.
    [Show full text]
  • From the on Inal Document. What Can I Write About?
    DOCUMENT RESUME ED 470 655 CS 511 615 TITLE What Can I Write about? 7,000 Topics for High School Students. Second Edition, Revised and Updated. INSTITUTION National Council of Teachers of English, Urbana, IL. ISBN ISBN-0-8141-5654-1 PUB DATE 2002-00-00 NOTE 153p.; Based on the original edition by David Powell (ED 204 814). AVAILABLE FROM National Council of Teachers of English, 1111 W. Kenyon Road, Urbana, IL 61801-1096 (Stock no. 56541-1659: $17.95, members; $23.95, nonmembers). Tel: 800-369-6283 (Toll Free); Web site: http://www.ncte.org. PUB TYPE Books (010) Guides Classroom Learner (051) Guides Classroom Teacher (052) EDRS PRICE EDRS Price MF01/PC07 Plus Postage. DESCRIPTORS High Schools; *Writing (Composition); Writing Assignments; *Writing Instruction; *Writing Strategies IDENTIFIERS Genre Approach; *Writing Topics ABSTRACT Substantially updated for today's world, this second edition offers chapters on 12 different categories of writing, each of which is briefly introduced with a definition, notes on appropriate writing strategies, and suggestions for using the book to locate topics. Types of writing covered include description, comparison/contrast, process, narrative, classification/division, cause-and-effect writing, exposition, argumentation, definition, research-and-report writing, creative writing, and critical writing. Ideas in the book range from the profound to the everyday to the topical--e.g., describe a terrible beauty; write a narrative about the ultimate eccentric; classify kinds of body alterations. With hundreds of new topics, the book is intended to be a resource for teachers and students alike. (NKA) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the on inal document.
    [Show full text]
  • Dragon Magazine #205
    Issue #205 Vol. XVIII, No. 12 May 1994 SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS Publisher Secrets abound in the wilderness TSR, Inc. 11 Uncover hidden lore as we spend some time in the great outdoors. Associate Publisher Brian Thomsen The People David Howery Editor-in-Chief 12 Explore a fantasy America-complete with Native Kim Mohan Americans. Associate editor Getting Back to Nature Jon Pickens Dale A. Donovan 26 Improve the distinctive flavor of the druid with these Fiction editor re-aligned spell spheres. Barbara G. Young Arcane Lore Jon Pickens Editorial assistant 34 Add these new (& old) spells to the druids repertoire. Wolfgang H. Baur Art director Larry W. Smith FICTION Production staff Cap Renvoorts Luck Daniel Hood Tracey Isler 76 Making your own luck is a risky proposition. Subscriptions Janet L. Winters REVIEWS U.S. advertising Cindy Rick The Role of Books John C. Bunnell 44 Read this column before Nightfall. DRAGON® Magazine (ISSN 0279-6848) is published tion throughout the United Kingdom is by Comag monthly by TSR, Inc., PO. Box 756 (201 Sheridan Magazine Marketing, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Springs Road), Lake Geneva WI 53147, United States Middlesex UB7 7QE, United Kingdom; telephone: of America. The postal address for all materials from 0895-444055. the United States of America and Canada except Subscriptions: Subscription rates via second-class subscription orders is: DRAGON® Magazine, PO. Box mail are as follows: $30 in U.S. funds for 12 issues 111, (201 Sheridan Springs Road), Lake Geneva WI sent to an address in the U.S.; $36 in U.S. funds for 12 53147, U.S.A.; telephone (414) 248-3625; fax (414) issues sent to an address in Canada; £21 for 12 issues 248-0389.
    [Show full text]
  • Liste De Modules *D&D
    Liste de modules *D&D Liste de modules *D&D La dernière version est disponible sur le site D&D Collection (http://dndcollection.free.fr) Cette liste a été générée le 13/01/2004 Ce document a été créé à l'aide de FPDF Ecrivez à : [email protected] pour tout renseignement ou remarque Page 1 WIZARDS OF THE COAST, D&D, AD&D and all the campaign settings for *D&D are registered trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. This site (http://dndcollection.free.fr) is not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Liste de modules *D&D Allemand Page 2 WIZARDS OF THE COAST, D&D, AD&D and all the campaign settings for *D&D are registered trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc. This site (http://dndcollection.free.fr) is not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast, Inc. Liste de modules *D&D AD&D 1ere Edition Dragonlance N° TSR Code Titre Module PDF Copie DL2 Drachen der Flammen DL1 Drachen der Verzweiflung DL5 Drachengeheimnisses Forgotten Realms N° TSR Code Titre Module PDF Copie I3-5 Wüste der Verdammnis Greyhawk N° TSR Code Titre Module PDF Copie 8609/9 L2 Auf der Spur des Attentäters 8608/0 L1 Begegnung auf dem Knochenhügel Monstrous Arcana N° TSR Code Titre Module PDF Copie 8301 Die Teufel der See Non classés N° TSR Code Titre Module PDF Copie 8650/0 N1 Gegen den Kult des Reptilien-Gottes Règles N° TSR Code Titre Module PDF Copie 8537/6 Monster Handbuch I 8538/5 Monster Handbuch II Mythen & Legenden 8136/1 Spieler Handbuch Page 3 WIZARDS OF THE COAST, D&D, AD&D and all the campaign settings for *D&D are registered trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
    [Show full text]
  • Compendio Storico Sociale Del Mondo Conosciuto
    Introduzione Demografia Mystarana di Simone Neri ~ Volume I ~ Compendio Storico Sociale del Mondo Conosciuto La presente opera è un manuale freeware sottoforma di e–book: non esiste e non verrà prodotta in futuro alcuna versione cartacea della “Demografia Mystarana” a fini di lucro. Questo manuale è scaricabile gratuitamente dalla rete ed è possibile stamparlo liberamente in parte o nel suo complesso; è vietata qualsiasi attività di vendita, lucro o profitto, così come l’alterazione del presente documento; qualsiasi forma di distribuzione senza fini di lucro deve tuttavia essere autorizzata in via preventiva dall’autore (per qualsiasi richiesta, si faccia riferimento all’e–mail dell’autore della presente opera). Le immagini presenti in questo documento sono state prelevate in rete senza il consenso degli autori: gli autori delle stesse possono scrivere all’e–mail indicato nella pagina seguente per l’eventuale rimozione delle stesse e si provvederà all’immediata eliminazione delle sue opere. Dungeons & Dragons®, D&D® e l’ambientazione Mystara™ sono marchi registrati dalla TSR Inc., una divisione della Wizards of the Coast Inc.: il loro uso non vuole in alcun modo costituire una forma di concorrenza sulla loro proprietà intellettuale né, tuttavia, implicare un’approvazione o un permesso da parte della TSR Inc. Alcune parti della presente opera fanno riferimento alla Terza Edizio- ne ed al “d20 System”: quest’ultimo (ed il relativo logo) sono marchi registrati della Wizards of the Coast, Inc. e sono utilizzati secondo i termini della Licenza d20 System versione 6.0. È possibile ottenere una copia di tale licenza sul sito www.wizards.com/d20.
    [Show full text]