What we’re about
Established back in 2017, this Meetup was first launched to introduce both newcomers and veteran players to the 5th edition of Dungeons and Dragons. Since then, it has hosted character creation workshops, regular newbie-friendly campaigns, Dungeon Master sessions, and one-shot adventures just perfect for beginners.
We have made the switch to the 2024 ruleset. All campaigns and adventures posted in this meetup will use the new/updated rules. Anyone wanting to let others know about games, campaigns, or adventures being help around Portland, please feel free to post in the discussion board. With the following caveats:
- The campaign / adventure will be held in a public place
- It will welcome and respect all players
- It will not include any sexual violence, violence against children, or violence against a person's identity.
In a game that's always evolving with new adventures and source books every year, we embrace the 'newbie' mindset. We celebrate the excitement of discovery, the thrill of the unexpected, and the joy of learning at every turn.
Each DM manages their own games, adventures, and sessions.
Featured event
The Graying Wasteland - Newbie Friendly Halloween Weekend One-Shot w/ Paul
Campaign: The Little Chapel of the Chimes
Adventure: The Graying Wasteland
You don’t remember how you got here. Not what you were doing, not who you were with — not even your own name. All you know is that you are running. Are you running from something or to somewhere? The world around you is gray and shifting. You look behind you and see a dust storm quickly gaining on you. The wind howls, and something howls back. Shapes burst through the storm — silhouettes with wings like torn sails, their eyes glowing from within the dust. They shriek with laughter that sounds like your own voice. Roll initiative.
Who are you? You don't know. What you do know is that you are either lawful or chaotic good. For a table with new players or new-to-each-other players it is best for all characters to be good aligned.
Character Creation. If you have never played or made a character before, I recommend showing up and using one of the pre-generated characters. Otherwise:
- We will follow the DND4N rules for character creation.
- I hold character creation sessions every four weeks. Join us to make your character. I'll be holding one the weekend before Halloween.
Your DM. Showing up to a Meetup event where you don't know anyone can be a lil scary. If you'd like to get to know the DM a little, I am a 44 year old data nerd that got into DnD because of a TikTok. I am from the Midwest but moved out here for the clouds and the rain (not joking). I will be at the event 30 minutes ahead of time if you'd like to stop by before everyone else shows up.
You Meet in a Tavern. We will be meeting at the Chapel Pub in North Portland.
Agenda: Not set in stone, more of a guide for pacing :-)
- 5:00 - Session 0
- 5:30 - Play
- 9:00 to 9:30 - Find a climactic conclusion
Seats at the table. This special 4 hour Halloween session is $30.
- Preferential seating given to those that have attended previous sessions and/or character creation sessions with the DM.
- Please keep your RSVP updated so players on the waitlist can join and the DM can plan accordingly. Last minute RSVP changes (less than 48 hours) or no-shows are frowned upon.
- The DM reserves the right to decide party make-up (Players and PC Levels)
Safety Tools. For gameplay at the table:
- All players are welcome at this table and will be respected
- Hard Lines: This game will not contain physical violence towards children, animal cruelty, party-initiated torture, inter-party violence or betrayal, or any sexual themes.
- “Pause for a second”: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or don’t agree with the direction the game is going
- Content themes and warnings can be found below.
This game is PG-13. Depictions of fantasy violence. Without giving it away, there is also possible body horror, mutilation, curses, death, and grief. There will be disturbing imagery, FREQUENT PROFANITY (I curse a lot), and some crude humor.
Session 0. We will hold a brief mini session zero at the start of the session to help build party cohesion, set the ground rules, and get settled into your characters.
Upcoming events
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- $20.00
Dragons of Shipwreck Isle: 5-6 session Newbie Friendly Mini-Campaign w/ Paul
Steeplejack Pizza and Beer, 4439 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR, USCampaign: Sauver la Mort
Adventure: Dragons of Shipwreck Isle
Setting: Forgotten RealmsOur story begins aboard the Sauver de la Mort, a cargo ship from Weirdbridge carrying food and medical supplies to the Dragon's Rest Abbey on Shipwreck Isle. A retreat for those in need of rest, rejuvenation, and recuperation. The lonely peak of the volcano at the center of the island just crests over the horizon when a storm sneaks up on the ship. You find yourself battling the wind and the waves for your life.
Character Creation.- We will follow the DND4N rules for character creation.
- Our first session will include building our characters, but please feel free to put some ideas together beforehand.
Who are you? You are a GOOD ALIGNED adventurer that has been called to the Abbey in search of something:
- Banish a Shadow of Death: Your dreams have led you to the Isle in search of averting a terrible tragedy.
- Discover Lost Knowledge: an arcane observatory was built somewhere on the island. The Abbey's elder may know more.
- Rejuvenating Pilgrimage: you carry a heavy burden and are looking for a place to set it down, if just for a moment, for quiet contemplation.
Seats at the table. Each session is $20 and we are capping the table at 6.
- This mini-campaign will have 6 regular players.
- Once the table is set, it may open up every now and then to those on the waitlist on a session by session basis for players to "guest star" if regular players cannot attend.
- Feel free to join the waitlist in case a spot opens up and you are ready to join at the last minute.
- The DM reserves the right to decide party make-up (Players and PC Levels)
You Meet in a Tavern. We will be meeting at the Brooklyn Carreta on Southeast McLoughlin Blvd
Agenda: As I said, our first session will focus on character creation and session 0. After that:
- 6:00 - Play
- 8:15 to 8:45 - Find a good stopping point
Safety Tools. For gameplay at the table:
- All players are welcome at this table and will be respected
- Hard Lines: This game will not contain physical violence towards children, animal cruelty, party-initiated torture, inter-party violence or betrayal, or any sexual themes.
- “Pause for a second”: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or don’t agree with the direction the game is going
- Content themes and warnings can be found below.
This game is PG-13. Depictions of fantasy violence, infrequent body horror, disturbing images, possible brief romantic situations, FREQUENT PROFANITY (I curse a lot), some crude humor, emotional thematic content, and possible death and grief.
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Your DM. Showing up to a Meetup event where you don't know anyone can be a lil scary. If you'd like to get to know the DM a little, I am a 46 year old data nerd that got into DnD because of a TikTok. I am from the Midwest but moved out here for the clouds and the rain (not joking).
4 attendees 
Weirdbridge: Dragon Heist w/Paul - Level 3
McMenamins Chapel Pub, 430 N. Killingsworth St., Portland, OR, USSeats at the table. Each session is $20 and we are capping the table at 6.
- This campaign has 6 regular players.
- It will open up to those on the waitlist on a session by session basis for players to "guest star" if regular players cannot attend.
- Feel free to join the waitlist in case a spot opens up and you are ready to join at the last minute.
- The DM reserves the right to decide party make-up (Players and PC Levels)
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DnD Edition: 5e
Campaign: Weirdbridge - Dragon HeistWelcome to Weirdbridge, the Crown of the North, where a wondrous tale of urban adventure is about to unfold. Our story begins with the gathering of adventurers (you) at the Yawning Portal Inn and Tavern. Volothamp Geddarm, the famous explorer and raconteur, has a quest for you — one that entangles the you in a bitter conflict between two nefarious organizations. If the you complete his quest, Volo rewards you handsomely. Yet a much greater prize lies hidden somewhere in the City of Splendors, waiting to be claimed.
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Your DM. Showing up to a Meetup event where you don't know anyone can be a lil scary. If you'd like to get to know the DM a little, I am a 44 year old data nerd that got into DnD because of a TikTok. I am from the Midwest but moved out here for the clouds and the rain (not joking). I will be at the event 30 minutes ahead of time if you'd like to stop by before everyone else shows up.
You Meet in a Tavern. We will be meeting at the McMenamins Chapel Pub in north Portland.
Agenda: Not set in stone, more of a guide for pacing :-)
- 11:00: Play
- 1:30 to 2:00 - Find a good stopping point
Safety Tools. For gameplay at the table:
- All players are welcome at this table and will be respected
- Hard Lines: This game will not contain physical violence towards children, animal cruelty, party-initiated torture, inter-party violence or betrayal, or any sexual themes.
- “Pause for a second”: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or don’t agree with the direction the game is going
- Content themes and warnings can be found below.
This game is PG-13. Depictions of fantasy violence, infrequent body horror, disturbing images, some brief adult situations, possible brief romantic situations, FREQUENT PROFANITY (I curse a lot), some crude humor, emotional thematic content, possible death and grief.
Session 0. We will hold a brief mini session zero at the start of each session to help build party cohesion, set the ground rules, and get settled into your characters.
1 attendee
Weirdbridge: A Place at the Table - Newbie Friendly (Open to All) / Paul
McMenamins Chapel Pub, 430 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR, USSeats at the table. Each session is $20 and we are capping the table at 6.
- This campaign has 6 regular players.
- It will open up to those on the waitlist on a session by session basis for players to "guest star" if regular players cannot attend.
- Feel free to join the waitlist in case a spot opens up and you are ready to join at the last minute.
- The DM reserves the right to decide party make-up (Players and PC Levels)
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Duration: Full campaign lasting 6 months to 1 year
Campaign: A Place at the Table
Setting: Weirdbridge (Forgotten Realms), a city of wonder and enchantment.Our story begins at the Fat Little Rooster, a gritty rowdy tavern, beloved by its regular patrons, but despised by the surrounding neighborhood. the locals complain about the noise, disruptive clientele, and the occasional brawl spilling into the streets at night.
The Rooster is also known for being a hub of intrigue and adventure. Its for this reason you and your party have had lunch there every afternoon for the past week. Its not the soup or the stale bread, but the hope of getting a seat at the table for the next adventure to walk in the door.
Who are you? A motley crew of adventurers that have been working together for the odd job here and there for several weeks now. The most recent was a morning spent protecting the city dung sweepers from monstrous rats that have been attacking them from the sewers.
You are either lawful or chaotic good. For a table with new players or new-to-each-other players it is best for all characters to be good aligned.
Character Creation. If you have never played or made a character before, I recommend showing up and using one of the pre-generated characters. Otherwise:
- We will follow the DND4N rules for character creation.
- I hold character creation sessions every four weeks. Join us to get started on your character.
- Our first session will include some time to finish building our characters, so please feel free to put some ideas together beforehand.
You Meet in a Tavern. We will be meeting at the Chapel Pub on Killingsworth in North Portland.
Agenda: As I said, our first session will focus on character creation and session 0. After that:
- 2:30 - Play
- 5:00 to 5:30 - Find a good stopping point
Safety Tools. For gameplay at the table:
- All players are welcome at this table and will be respected
- Hard Lines: This game will not contain physical violence towards children, animal cruelty, party-initiated torture, inter-party violence or betrayal, or any sexual themes.
- “Pause for a second”: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or don’t agree with the direction the game is going
- Content themes and warnings can be found below.
This game is PG-13. Depictions of fantasy violence, infrequent body horror, disturbing images, possible brief romantic situations, FREQUENT PROFANITY (I curse a lot), some crude humor, emotional thematic content, and possible death and grief.
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Your DM. Showing up to a Meetup event where you don't know anyone can be a lil scary. If you'd like to get to know the DM a little, I am a 46 year old data nerd that got into DnD because of a TikTok. I am from the Midwest but moved out here for the clouds and the rain (not joking).
1 attendee
Melodies and Mayhem (Newbie Friendly Campaign) w/ Paul
Steeplejack Pizza and Beer, 4439 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR, USSeats at the table. Each session is $20 and we are capping the table at 6.
- This campaign has 6 regular players.
- It will open up to those on the waitlist on a session by session basis for players to "guest star" if regular players cannot attend.
- Feel free to join the waitlist in case a spot opens up and you are ready to join at the last minute.
- The DM reserves the right to decide party make-up (Players and PC Levels)
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Duration: Campaign lasting 6 months to 1 year.
DnD Edition: 5.5e (2024)
Setting: Forgotten RealmsYou're quest for fame and fortune has only just begun. Your band has just signed a deal with a manager. You've recorded your first single (TBD) and today is the first day of your tour. The next year on the road will determine if you get the most coveted invitation any performer can get, a spot at the grand festival in the Moonshae Island, the March of Vice!
The stage at the market in the sleepy town of Celwould is a smaller start to your tour than you had hoped, but its a start. As you and your bandmates are packing up your instruments, you are approached by a very curious quest giver in need of help.
Seats at the table. Each session is $20 and we are capping the table at 6.
- This campaign will have 6 regular players.
- Once the table is set, it will open up to those on the waitlist on a session by session basis for players to "guest star" if regular players cannot attend.
- Feel free to join the waitlist in case a spot opens up and you are ready to join at the last minute.
- The DM reserves the right to decide party make-up (Players and PC Levels)
Character Creation.
- We will follow the DND4N rules for character creation.
- Your Character DOESN'T have to be a Bard. There are many ways to gain proficiency in musical instruments: subclasses, backgrounds, feats, etc. We can work that out on day 1.
- Our first session will include building our characters, but please feel free to put some ideas together beforehand.
You Meet in a Tavern. We will be meeting at the PDX Sliders in Sellwood-Mooreland.
Agenda: As I said, our first session will focus on character creation and session 0. After that:
- 6:00 - Play
- 8:30 to 9:00 - Find a good stopping point
Safety Tools. For gameplay at the table:
- All players are welcome at this table and will be respected
- Hard Lines: This game will not contain physical violence towards children, animal cruelty, party-initiated torture, inter-party violence or betrayal, or any sexual themes.
- “Pause for a second”: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or don’t agree with the direction the game is going
- Content themes and warnings can be found below.
This game is PG-13. Depictions of fantasy violence, infrequent body horror, disturbing images, possible brief romantic situations, FREQUENT PROFANITY (I curse a lot), some crude humor, emotional thematic content, and possible death and grief.
---------------------
Your DM. Showing up to a Meetup event where you don't know anyone can be a lil scary. If you'd like to get to know the DM a little, I am a 46 year old data nerd that got into DnD because of a TikTok. I am from the Midwest but moved out here for the clouds and the rain (not joking).
1 attendee
Past events
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