We’re always open to trying new things and testing our teamwork, so we decided to take on a session of Dungeons & Dragons at The Big Bang Shop. If you’re not familiar with the concept, Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game where participants can create their characters and go on fictional adventures together. One person, the Dungeon Master, describes the world and what happens in it while the other players decide what their characters do, such as fighting, exploring, or talking to others. Everything happens verbally, and dice are rolled to decide if your actions succeed or fail.
Since most of us had only seen or heard of the game and never actually played a campaign, we were eager to see what adventure was in store for us. Zane and his team welcomed us inside, and we all totally geeked out at their displays of figurines and collectables. Next, we were treated to hot beverages from their coffee station, because no quest can start with you being dehydrated. With steaming hot chocolates, chai lattes, and little blue cookies which reminded me of the Blue Milk from Star Wars, we settled down around our table and got comfortable.
The large screen on the wall depicted a cosy scene with a fireplace, and the classical instrumental versions of popular songs playing in the background set the tone. We were playing through a murder mystery set in the Regency Era, inspired by Bridgerton. The Dungeon Master, Pascal, ran us through the basics on how to play as we each chose a D20 (a twenty-sided die) and handed us our character sheets. Normally, you would construct your own characters, with their traits and backstory, but since we were newbies, he gave us pre-made ones. The sheets contained names with attributes, goals, connections, and secrets, which we had to use to successfully navigate the narrative. Describing the scene, Pascal led us into the world, vividly explaining our surroundings and objectives, and prompting us to begin interacting with the world and with each other.
We quickly learned to be mindful of the time period, taking into account societal norms and hierarchy. Plans were quickly thwarted by a simple roll of the die; a low number indicated failure, and a higher number ensured success, as we tried to achieve each of our objectives. Secrets were spilled, bonds tested, and plot twists coming from every direction. Reputation points were the system used to gauge how well we navigated the story, and let’s just say some of us were in the negatives. It made for an entertaining way to see how we work together and achieve our own missions.
Seated at other tables, people were playing different games together. The Big Bang Shop has become a culture centre for modern hobbies. They have created a safe, inclusive, and friendly environment where everyone, from first-time players to seasoned tournament champions, can feel at home. The thriving community built and the milestones achieved are a testament to the impact on pop culture in Durban. From being the first store in Africa invited to the Pokémon Play! Retail Conference in the Netherlands to hosting the Yu-Gi-Oh! Regional Championship Qualifier, and becoming an Official POP MART Retailer, bringing the latest international collectable trends to our doorsteps. It’s difficult to believe it has been just over a year since they opened, with how much they have accomplished. There’s also exciting news about expansions to begin in early 2026! They will introduce a dedicated, extended play area designed to elevate events, comfort, and capacity.
Back at our table, things were heating up as the story drew to a close. Someone was found dead, scandalous secrets were revealed, and some players succeeded in their missions while others were cast out from higher society. A regular campaign can take up to weeks to complete, but with some guidance from Pascal, we managed to wrap up our journey within a few hours. By the end, we were fully invested in our characters’ fates and eager to explore more. The Big Bang Shop hosts weekly D&D nights and character-building workshops to help newcomers like us get the right start to their journey.
With a little souvenir from the experience, a really cool D20, we departed to the real world outside of the store. It was a really enjoyable and unique take on how we interacted with each other and the world we were in. It’s safe to say that this game gained a few more fans. Thank you to The Big Bang Shop for giving us this experience!
Words: Cristina Govender