Hey, everyone. The Game and Gaming Roundtable is seeking players for a short-form (three sessions), live-streamed game of Shadowdark. Designed by Kelsey Dionne of The Arcane Library, "Shadowdark RPG is what old-school fantasy gaming would look like after being redesigned with 50 years of innovation." You can learn more about the game and find a free player quick-start download at The Arcane Library.
What are we trying to do?
The GameRT programming committee would like to show librarians and libraries how they might go about planning and running a TTRPG that is meant to play out over more than a single session. Our intent is to demonstrate what kinds of things you may want to consider if you would like to add TTRPG to your programming, including a session zero, bringing together players who may not know each other, and dealing with the unknowns that can arise during a game.
When are we trying to do it?
We are targeting an every other week Saturday schedule near the start of 2024:
January 13, 1:00-3:00 EST
January 27, 1:00-3:00 EST
February 10, 1:00-4:00 EST
Sessions will be at or near two hours, though players should also plan on a little extra time to connect before each stream. The final session is scheduled for three hours to account for a post-session Q&A.
We will likely also hold a prep session on a date prior to those listed. This meeting date & time will be determined by GM & player availability.
Who is running the game?
The game will be hosted by the ALA Game & Gaming Roundtable and GMd by Carl DiNardo, Research & Instruction Librarian at the University of South Florida. Carl has played and been the GM for a number of systems, though his current attention has recently been running a nearly two year in-person 5E campaign.
Is this for you?
We welcome anyone who might be interested, regardless of TTRPG experience. Shadowdark is a new game, and we have no expectation a player would have any experience with the game.
One of the interesting parts of Shadowdark is that it is a rules-light system. Getting someone started is fairly easy, and it offers a lot of flexibility and creativity in gameplay.
GM's points to consider:
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This is not a comfy/cozy fantasy setting. The darkness itself is meant to be scary.
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Character death is a real possibility.
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Despite these dangers, I envision a game that is also quirky and fun and not totally serious.
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The focus of Shadowdark, as written, trends toward exploration. This adventure will likely be a dungeon crawl with loot, monsters, traps, and puzzle solving!
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Character voices are always welcome, but never expected.
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While we will cover our specific game lines & veils on-stream, these will be presented as what we have already established as our group's standards and will not be attributed to any single person. These will also be established in advance and off-stream with provisions made for confidential sharing of lines and veils.
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No TTRPG experience needed. Both new and experienced players are welcome.
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The game will be live-streamed and recorded for future viewing.
Interested?
Now that you know a little more about what we are doing and when, if you are interested in joining and will be able to meet at the times established, please send an email to Carl DiNardo carldinardo@usf.edu with the subject "SHADOWDARK" and include your name and preferred contact email, and anything you would like us to know. Questions can also be directed to Carl at that same email.
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Molly Porter
Adult Services Librarian
West Feliciana Parish Library
She/Her/Hers
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