New Royal Mail stamps feature iconic Dungeons & Dragons characters and monsters

Royal Mail has launched a captivating collection of 14 stamps to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic fantasy game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), which has captivated an estimated 64 million enthusiasts globally.

The game, which made its debut in 1974 and reached UK shores by 1975, invites players into immersive, narrative-driven escapades with their companions. Unveiled on Thursday, the stamp set showcases some of D&D's most legendary creatures, such as Vecna and Mind Flayer, alongside depictions of a band of intrepid heroes.

When bathed in ultraviolet light, the eight monster stamps reveal hidden features: the D&D logo on half of them and a unique graphic tied to each creature on the rest. All the featured artwork is the creation of British illustrator Wayne Reynolds, with 11 pieces specifically commissioned for this stamp series.

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David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, expressed his enthusiasm: "For fifty years, Dungeons & Dragons has enabled millions of fans across the world to enjoy using their imaginations and immersing themselves in a magical world." He added, "We are delighted that this creative and exciting role-playing game is celebrated using Britain's Wayne Reynolds' unique illustrations."

The influence of D&D's fantastical realms and monsters extends through modern fantasy elements in movies, TV shows, and video games. 2023 saw the release of the film Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, further cementing the game's cultural impact.

A new video game set in the iconic universe, Baldur's Gate 3, was released last year and scooped five Bafta Game Awards this April.

Dan Rawson, global play lead of D&D at Wizards of the Coast, expressed his pride: "Building on Hasbro's existing work with Royal Mail, we're honoured to release this beautiful collection of stamps, officially approved by HM King Charles III, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the World's Greatest Roleplaying Game."

He added, "With stunning art from long-time Dungeons & Dragons artist Wayne Reynolds showcasing our adventuring heroes and fearsome creatures, we're sure these items will be treasured by D&D fans and stamp collectors alike." The collection has been licensed by D&D publisher Wizards of the Coast along with its parent company, Hasbro.

Wayne Reynolds, a veteran fantasy artist, shared his excitement saying it was a "massive honour" to create the artwork for the set and to have "the opportunity to see my artwork on a stamp". Originally crafted by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson in Wisconsin, USA, D&D has garnered a dedicated following among table-top gamers across the UK.

The main set of eight stamps features formidable monsters such as Red Dragon, Vecna, Mimic, Beholder, Gelatinous Cube, Mind Flayer, Displacer Beast, and Owlbear. A hidden feature is revealed under ultraviolet light on the first four stamps, showing a special graphic.

Additionally, six stamps depict a party of adventuring heroes, including Tiefling Rogue, Human Bard, Halfling Cleric, Elf Fighter, Dwarf Paladin, and Dragonborn Wizard. The stamps can be pre-ordered from the Royal Mail's website starting Thursday, and will be available for general purchase from July 25.