Do any of you who are #aphantasic (#aphantasia = no ‘mind’s eye’) play #DAndD (#DungeonsAndDragons)?
I just started my first game this evening, and found it almost impossible to follow what was happening, let alone enjoy the story, because there was far too much description, and I didn’t know how to prioritise what was worth remembering given that I couldn’t actually visualise any of it
@transponderings I don't play D&D (well, have twice), but play plenty of other RPGs (Genesys mostly), and I don't have the whole 'visual internal system'.
I don't particularly find it hard to follow - I get presented with information, same as reading a book.
'X is over by the window, there's a bit of a breeze as the window is open. Y is drawing a dagger and jumping over the table, in the middle of the room at X.' seems fine.
Your mileage may vary though, as D&D is more a tactical ->
@transponderings -> placement based game and thus a bit more locked in and requires a bit more explicit statement of where everything is.
Have you played other (table top) rpgs? If not, this is possibly just a 'learn in general' thing not a 'need to visualise' thing?
@serindelaunay I did mention that I’m aphantasic, and the DM asked how they could accommodate me
Unfortunately I couldn’t really think what would help – especially without spoiling things for the other players
@serindelaunay I’d take notes if I had the spare capacity to do that
I think that if I tried, I’d just end up missing stuff!
@transponderings I don't have aphantasia but I've played a lot of d&d, and some DMs lean heavier on narration and descriptions than others. I've had DMs (heck I've been that DM) who basically throw a map down on the table (or virtual tabletop) and pretty much let the map be the description. Everything you need to know is in front of you.
Maybe ask the froup you're playing with if they wouldn't mind using detailed maps and minis to help convey the visuals?
Anna Nicholson
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Serin Delaunay
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