Rolling the Dice: Exploring the Tabletop Role-Playing Games Club at UAF
By Amber McCain
Photos by David McCain
Stepping into the world of UAF’s Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) Club for the first time, I was invited to join a "one-shot" game of “The Witch Is Dead.” What I found was an evening filled with laughter, creativity and camaraderie. The vibe was solid - so good, so good! This club isn’t just about rolling dice; it’s about building a welcoming community for all.
In this game, I played a fabulous cat whose main purpose in life was to be the center of attention. And as a mother of three, I can tell you that rarely happens in my real life! Here I was, embodying a gorgeous feline tasked with distracting guards and foes on our quest to revive our witch. All my character, Tabitha, was concerned with was who would shower her with attention. IT WAS A BLAST!
Adding to the fun, president Grady Skillings played a lazy cat who somehow managed to keep us all on track, showcasing his presidential powers. The game was filled with delightful quirks, featuring an Australian accented crab, an ambitious tiny hamster, Daisy the delightful dog and an Edgar Allan Poe quoting raven. This beautiful blend of humor, teamwork and creative storytelling made for a truly memorable night. I walked away with a smile on my face and felt so grateful for the chance to vibe with them!
Does this sound like fun? If so, then be sure to mark your calendars for November 8. The club will host an open session of “The Witch Is Dead” from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hess Recreation Center in the MBS complex. This event invites anyone - experienced players or complete newbies - to come, sit down and play. All items required for play will be provided by the club, making it easy for anyone to join in. You can also catch them at this year’s Pop-Con, where they’ll be featuring a magical girl live show called “Glitter Hearts.”
While I was there, I enjoyed hearing stories about past campaigns, or past games they have played that lasted more than one night. One member jokingly remarked, "All campaigns eventually turn comedic. That's just the way of the game.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulated the club’s light-hearted spirit, where creativity and humor blended seamlessly.
The Tabletop Role-Playing Games Club aims to provide a space for enjoying role-playing games without having to make the investment individually. While Dungeons & Dragons is popular, members discuss other games and if enough interest is shown, the club will acquire the resources for that game. They meet every Friday from 6:30 p.m. to around 10 p.m. in Gruening room 206. They also maintain an active Discord for ongoing connections.
What struck me the most during my experience was the warmth and encouragement from the club members. They foster a supportive environment that celebrates creativity and collaboration, making it a perfect place for anyone looking to explore their imagination.
If you’re looking to dive into the enchanting world of TTRPGs, I encourage you to check out the UAF’s Tabletop Role-Playing Games Club discord and Nanook Engage page for their upcoming events. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newbie, there’s a place for you here.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic of gaming firsthand on November 8.
The adventure awaits.
