Dungeons and Dragons Welcomes First Officially Autistic Character
Dungeons and Dragons proudly presents Asteria, a groundbreaking character from The Book of Many Things, marking the first official inclusion of autism in the game's history
Article Key Points
Asteria, the first canonically autistic character in Dungeons and Dragons, is a powerful Paladin who defies fate and creates the Deck of Many Things.
Asteria's autism is portrayed realistically and inclusively in The Book of Many Things, avoiding stereotypes and seamlessly integrating it into her identity. The physical edition of the book, which includes a copy of the Deck of Many Things, will be released on November 14th. However, for readers interested in Asteria's story, the digital version will be available on October 31st.
Dungeons and Dragons has recently unveiled Asteria, the very first officially autistic character in the entire history of D&D. Asteria takes on the vital role of a narrator in The Book of Many Things, the highly anticipated forthcoming sourcebook for Dungeons and Dragons.
Taking inspiration from the notorious Deck of Many Things, a legendary magical item from D&D's past, The Book of Many Things serves as a valuable resource. Much like the previous releases featuring Fizban and Tasha, this new sourcebook incorporates a narrator within the game world, and in this case, it is Asteria herself.
Who is Asteria in Dungeons and Dragons: The Book of Many Things?
Asteria, the warrior-princess showcased on the front cover of The Book of Many Things, is credited with the inception of the original Deck of Many Things. In an interview with Dungeons and Dragons designer Makenzie De Armas, it was revealed that Asteria, due to her autism, rebelled against her father's rigid expectations. Gradually, she forged a deep connection with Euryale, the medusa, partly because of their shared spirits and Asteria's avoidance of eye contact. The unwavering bond between these extraordinary individuals and Asteria's defiance of destiny played a pivotal role in the eventual fruition of the Deck of Many Things.
The content fragment
Introducing Asteria, a formidable Paladin in the realm of Dungeons and Dragons. With a commendable Challenge Rating of 18, she possesses immense power. However, what truly captivates players is Asteria's captivating backstory. Through defying the god of Fate and the mystical Deck of Many Things, she has attained immortality. Yet, it is her relatability that resonates with many, especially those with autism. In her personal journal, The Book of Many Things, Asteria candidly reveals her struggles, such as relying on wax earplugs during battles, forgetting to eat, and feeling overwhelmed in intense trials. Reflecting on one such ordeal, she writes, "We engaged in combat. I emerged victorious. The aftermath left me speechless for days."
De Armas, who herself is autistic, extensively drew from her own experiences to shape the heroine's character. Taking great care, she ensured that the new Dungeons and Dragons character would not be reduced to a stereotype, but instead be represented in a realistic and inclusive manner. Asteria's autism is not mocked or trivialized; rather, it is portrayed as an inherent part of who she is. Although the term "autism" is not explicitly mentioned in the text, De Armas emphasized that it doesn't diminish the significance of this aspect of the character's identity.
"The editorial team made the decision not to explicitly mention autism, and I believe it was for the best because we wanted to avoid exploiting autism for mere entertainment. I didn't want it to be a case of labeling her as autistic without any meaningful exploration of it. Or even subtly implying her condition without fully committing to it. I was pleased to discover that, even though the text does not explicitly state it to avoid reinforcing stereotypes, we can confidently say that she is autistic. We made her autistic."
The physical release of The Book of Many Things, which includes extras such as a physical version of the Deck of Many Things, has been postponed until November 14th. However, the digital version of the book will be accessible on October 31st, allowing players interested in learning more about Asteria to do so very soon.
Dungeons and Dragons
Written by Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game that allows players to create their own imaginative worlds and embark on thrilling adventures in mysterious realms detailed in accompanying materials. Widely regarded as one of the top role-playing games of all time, it has also spawned numerous video game adaptations and other forms of media.
Franchise: Dungeons & Dragons
Original Release Date: November 30, 1973
Publisher: Wizards of the Coast
Designers: E. Gary Gygax, Dave Arneson
Editor's P/S
Dungeons and Dragons, one of the most iconic and influential role-playing games in history, has taken a groundbreaking step forward with the introduction of Asteria, the first officially autistic character in the game's history. Asteria, a powerful Paladin featured in The Book of Many Things sourcebook, defies fate and creates the legendary Deck of Many Things. Her inclusion marks a significant moment for inclusivity and representation in the gaming world.
The portrayal of Asteria's autism is both realistic and inclusive, avoiding harmful stereotypes and presenting her as a complex and relatable character. Her struggles, such as relying on wax earplugs during battles, forgetting to eat, and feeling overwhelmed in intense trials, add depth and authenticity to her character. The fact that her autism is not explicitly mentioned in the text further emphasizes the message that autism is a natural part of human diversity, rather than a defining characteristic.
