Use this research guide to learn more about Dungeons & Dragons lore, use library research databases, and discover some tools to help you solve issues within your Dungeons and Dragons world. Need some ideas? We plugged the following questions into ChatGPT:
"What are some real-world issues that might come up in a Dungeons & Dragons campaign?"
Here are the results:
Social Inequality: Themes of class struggle, poverty, and privilege can be explored through the dynamics between different races, factions, or social classes in your world.
Environmental Concerns: Issues like deforestation, pollution, or climate change can be represented through quests that involve protecting natural resources or dealing with the consequences of neglecting the environment.
Corruption and Abuse of Power: Political intrigue involving corrupt leaders or institutions can serve as a backdrop, challenging players to navigate moral dilemmas and the consequences of their choices.
Prejudice and Discrimination: Tensions between different races or cultures can highlight themes of racism, xenophobia, and the struggle for acceptance and understanding.
War and Conflict: The impacts of war, such as trauma, loss, and displacement, can be central to your story, giving players insight into the human (or non-human) cost of conflict.
Mental Health: Exploring themes of trauma, anxiety, and mental illness through characters’ backstories and experiences can foster empathy and understanding.
Refugee Crises: Characters might encounter displaced populations seeking safety, prompting players to engage with themes of compassion, resource allocation, and the challenges of integration.
Ethics of Magic and Technology: Discussions about the implications of using powerful magic or technology, including issues of consent and exploitation, can reflect contemporary ethical dilemmas.
Gender and Identity: Including diverse gender identities and sexual orientations can enrich the narrative and challenge traditional norms, making the world feel more inclusive.
Religious Conflict: Tensions between different faiths or ideologies can lead to rich storytelling opportunities, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and the quest for understanding.
