Rolling the dice on confidence and connection

To some, Dungeons & Dragons might seem like a complex board game. But for others, it’s an opportunity to flex their creativity in a safe and supportive environment, build decision-making skills, make new friends and take part in exciting adventures through fantastical realms. At Rocky Bay, we offer Dungeons & Dragons gaming groups at our Joondalup and Cockburn hubs, so we sat down with our resident Rocky Bay Dungeon Master and Creative Lead, Aimee Kiely, to learn more about the program, including the positive impact it has had on players’ confidence, social connection and friendships.

What inspired you to start a Dungeons & Dragons group at Rocky Bay?

I play D&D in my personal life, and one customer would often ask for updates about my own game. After a few weeks, I asked if he would be interested in playing too, and he was very eager. I took the idea to my team leader, who encouraged me to put together a proposal, and it grew from there.

For people who haven’t played before, how would you describe D&D in just a few words?

D&D is collaborative storytelling. My role as the Dungeon Master is to create the setting and give players opportunities to make decisions. The players act as their characters, make choices and shape the story with the help of the dice.

How do you guide beginners who have never created a character before?

We run a school holiday character creation program where I guide players through the main species and classes, which are the two key parts of building a character. I explain everything in simple, easy-to-understand language, and players choose what excites or interests them most.

How do you ensure everyone, regardless of experience or ability, feels included and heard in the gameplay?

When the group faces a decision, I make sure each player has the chance to share their thoughts. If there are lots of options, I help break them down so players can make choices that feel right for them. If someone has had less time in the spotlight, I create space for them to speak first and encourage their ideas.

What kinds of adventures or challenges might players encounter in the sessions?

Players might solve small problems, like helping a farmer after an attack, or take on bigger challenges, such as facing an evil dragon threatening a kingdom. I try to include a good mix of the three main parts of D&D: combat, exploration and role-play. That might mean fighting enemies, solving puzzles, searching dungeons, avoiding traps, finding treasure or talking with characters to make plans and gather information.

What’s your favourite part of watching a group go through their first campaign together?

My favourite part is watching people build confidence and come out of their shells. A group might start with a slightly awkward first session or two, then end up cheering when someone defeats the final goblin or rolls a natural 20. It is wonderful to see friendships form as players become more comfortable expressing themselves.

How does Dungeons & Dragons help customers build communication and social confidence in a safe, supportive setting?

I go out of my way to be silly and playful, so players know I am probably the most embarrassing person in the room. I think that helps people feel more comfortable being themselves. I also make sure no one’s choices are dismissed, and I create opportunities for players to work together. It can be easier to feel confident when you are playing a character, and I have seen that confidence grow and carry into real life.

Can you share how tabletop gaming supports customers in building skills like decision-making or independence?

Tabletop games encourage players to look at situations from different angles, work as a team and solve problems together. Players learn to manage their character’s resources, ask for help when they need it, and understand how their decisions and behaviour affect others. These are valuable real-life skills, especially for young people learning to navigate the world.

What changes or improvements have you seen in past customers who joined the program?

I have seen people who were convinced they would not make friends end a campaign by exchanging social media details. I have also watched players shift from being reserved and giving one-word answers to proudly describing how their spell defeats the final villain. Seeing confidence grow and relationships form is incredibly rewarding, and it is a big part of why I enjoy running the games.

How do you make sure the sessions are welcoming for beginners and people of all abilities?

I do my best to meet each person where they are and never ask more of them than they are comfortable giving. I use visual aids, colour coding and dice names based on shape to make the game easier to learn. I also take things slowly and use modified game sheets for people who may feel overwhelmed by the traditional versions.

What would you say to someone who is unsure whether the program is right for them?

We offer one-shot campaigns that are completed in a single session, which is a great way to try D&D and see if it feels right. Another option is to watch others play first. I often recommend Dimension 20: Fantasy High, which is free to watch on YouTube and has a light-hearted, comical style similar to the games I run.
I am also always happy to chat with someone who wants more information. If D&D interests you, it is worth giving it a go.

What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had while running a D&D session?

One moment that stands out was when a group had to collect a rare petal for a potion maker. They were told the petals were valuable, but the plant was fragile and would die if too much was taken. One player focused on the value and decided to take the whole flower to sell for gold. When the flower died, the group had to deal with the consequences and the mission failed.
In the next session, I explained that because his character had betrayed the group, the other characters would no longer trust him, so he would need to play someone new. He responded really well and went out of his way to work with the group in the next challenge. It was a great example of how experiencing consequences in a safe space can create room for learning and growth.

If you were a D&D character, who would you be and why?

I think I would be a Halfling Bard. I enjoy the comfort of home, good food and simple pleasures. I love adventure, but I also like to be back in bed at a reasonable time. As a theatre kid at heart, I love performing and entertaining, so Bard feels like the right class for me. I would be ready for adventure, as long as it included good food and somewhere comfortable to sleep at the end of the day.