What we’re about
The purpose of this community is to provide a space for gamers to play tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs) that emphasize worldbuilding, collaborative storytelling, immersive roleplaying, and improvisation.
Join our discord server to get to know us better.
Why you should come play with us:
We are a friendly and inclusive group for playing tabletop RPGs. New players are always welcome, regardless of knowledge, experience, background, age, gender, orientation, etc. All that we ask is that you come with an open mind and a desire to help us tell great stories.
We're recruiting Game Masters (GMs):
We'm recruiting GMs/MCs/etc. Do you have an idea for a one shot, mini-campaign or even full-blown campaign, let me know, and we'll put your game up and very likely make you an admin (although we may ask that we meet you first). This community is not about one person, it's about all of us. Please join us and make our shared gaming experiences all the richer.
We created this community/group because:
We created this group because 1) fiction-heavy TTRPGs are amazing and under represented in the TTRPG community, 2) we like to share these games and fantastic gaming experiences that go with them, and 3) there are not enough TTRPG groups in the DMV area. If we all pull together (as players and GMs), we can create an amazing gaming community where stories flourish and games are always available.
Where we play:
Most of our games are held in public spaces (food courts, grocery stores, gaming stores, etc) in order to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for whoever attends.
I (Jack) am personally planning to host most of our games at the food court at the Wegmans near Old Town Alexandria. It's next to the Eisenhower Ave metro stop, has a free parking deck, has food and a bar, and we have their management's support (although they have asked that we buy things while there and not be a nuisance).
If others want to start hosting games in other areas in/around Alexandria, then great! While created in Alexandria, this group is not exclusive to Alexandria.
What is fiction-first?
In a nutshell, "fiction-first" means that the fiction should always take precedence over all else. Fiction-first games are typically played as a conversation, players are given significantly more creative license and agency over the story than traditional TTRPGs, and GMs have a less central role at the table. Fiction-first games typically emphasize worldbuilding, collaborative storytelling, immersive roleplaying, and improvisation. In fiction-first games, rules are there to support the story and are modified or even abandoned if they become inconvenient. As a result, fiction-first games tend to be rules lite with rulebooks being as small as 1 page and games frequently being diceless or GMless. Most of these games fall under the indie RPG subgenre of which there are many examples. Traditional RPGs (D&D, pathfinder, etc) while rule-heavy, can me run as function-first [1, 2, 3] and are also welcome here as well. The essay "Hitting Rock Bottom" by Phil Vecchione is an excellent description about the transition from traditional to fiction-first gaming, but you'll have to buy the book to read it.
Disclaimers and setting expectations:
Please note that our games occasionally dabble in adult themes and therefore may not always be appropriate for everyone. We employ a number of established tools to facilitate a balance between telling exciting stories and player safety. If concerned about anything written here or associated with a specific game, please reach out to the admins or the game's host.
Our no-show and cancellation policies
We've been having trouble with people not showing to events after RSVPing or canceling last minute. Our games suffer or don't work if we don't get enough players. When you RSVP to one of our events with a attendee/player limit, you are committing to coming or canceling with at least 24 hour notice (barring emergencies). For repeat offenders, we may start requiring a more substantive RSVP (e.g. direct communication with the GM) or in extreme cases, remove you from the group.
What kind of games do we typically play?
Honestly, anything RPG that meets the ideals below and keeps us in the good graces of the venue is fair game. I (Jack) am presently focusing my games toward in-person, indie one-shot RPGs, but other GMs may likely steer the group toward other games and formats: mini or full campaigns, more traditional RPGs (e.g. Call of Cthulhu), online, experimental, etc. I even think LARPs would make a good addition if we can find good GMs and a suitable space for it. Is there a game or game style that you want to play but we don't provide, sign up as a GM and run it for us!
Group ideals:
- Create fantastic stories that we won't soon forget.
- Make sure everyone has a good time, is engaged, has a moment in the spotlight, etc.
- Create an inclusive and safe place for fellow players. This includes being welcoming of everyone (regardless of age, creed, orientation, gender, experience, background), using safety mechanics during play, and hosting most games in public spaces.
- Let both the fiction and the players take center stage while the GM and the rules take a back seat.
