I’ve always thought D&D delivers on two aspects: it’s an interactive storytelling experience, and it provides a limited means of wish fulfillment. When it comes to storytelling, the DM doesn’t necessarily need to know all the details - let alone how the story ends - and the players fill in gaps between important plot…

When 4th Edition rolled around, my playgroup initially gave me flak for making a combat-oriented bard. Up until that point, I had always elected to fill whatever gap existed in party composition. If the group was lacking a healer, I’d roll a healer. If the group was lacking a meat shield, I’d roll a sword-and-board…