One-Shot Initiative: Warmer in the Winter, Christmas in July

PLAYER INFORMATION
Experience required: None
Age: 16+
Number of seats available: 5
Character Sheets: Pregenerated character sheets will be provided.
Link to the System!

2 seats in every guild one-shot are reserved for the monthly supporter lottery. You may see players in a game's attendee list before guild-wide RSVPs open.

Please scroll all the way down for any and all information, including age restrictions, what kind of experience is needed (if any), what to bring, content warnings, and more!

PRICING

• It is $10/per player to play this game at Groundswell Startups.
• It is $8/per player if you are a paid monthly supporter of the Guild (via our Ko-Fi or Patreon).

ABOUT THE ADVENTURE
Get ready for a heartwarming holiday themed game where snowball fights are strategic, cocoa is currency, and friendship might just save the season. In Warmer in the Winter, you and your crew of festive misfits must protect the magic of the holidays, yes even in July, from icy villains, forgotten traditions, and maybe a rogue gingerbread construct or two. Expect cozy vibes, wintry whimsy, and just enough mischief to keep things merry and bright.

Bring your holiday spirit, even if it’s 90 degrees outside because winter magic waits for no season!

ABOUT THE SYSTEM
Warmer in the Winter is a tabletop roleplaying game about finding love in a cozy winter world. It is inspired by Hallmark and Lifetime style holiday romances such as The Spirit of Christmas, Let It Snow, and A Royal Christmas but the system works equally well for romantic dramadies in the vein of Gilmore Girls and Good Witch.

Here you will follow the denizens of a nosy small town, a tight knit group of urban friends, outsiders, and more as they mature, fall in love, strengthen their bonds with each other, and learn the meaning of the season. Enjoy the smell of espresso in the corner coffee shop, revel in the warmth of the fire at the inn down the lane, defend the community park against the plans to pave it over, and stumble over your words in front of the stranger with the sparkling eyes.

The game is Powered by the Apocalypse, using the same engine for many popular games and zines like Apocalypse World, Monsterhearts, and Girl Underground. With some inspiration drawn from teen drama Monsterhearts but filtered through a rosy, cozy lens, it might even be fun to say that Warmer in the Winter is Powered by the Heart.

GAME MASTER INFORMATION
Name: Judge Rooster
Pronouns: He/Him
20+ years as a TTRPG Player
10+ year as a Game Master

ABOUT YOUR GM
As a Game Master, I believe that tabletop role-playing games are for everyone. My table is a welcoming space for players of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. I affirm and support gamers from all walks of life, especially those from traditionally marginalized communities.

Diversity in gaming brings fresh perspectives, richer storytelling, and a more engaging experience for all involved. I encourage players to bring their whole selves to the table, and I strive to create an environment where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued. At my table, respect and inclusion are non-negotiable. Everyone deserves to play without fear of discrimination, harassment, or exclusion. I am committed to fostering a positive and inclusive space where creativity thrives, and all players have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the story we create together.

If you're looking for a game where you can be yourself and be part of a welcoming, diverse community, you're in the right place.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
WHAT YOU NEED:

• Nothing, everything will be provided
• A festive and cooperative attitude

WHAT I PROVIDE:

• Everything required will be provided

GAMEPLAY DETAILS:

• Rules Loose-Rule of Cool
• Learning Session- Gameplay questions encouraged

CONTENT WARNINGS:

• Adult Language
• Descriptions of Alcohol Use

PROHIBITED CONTENT:

• Torture
• Sexual Themes

SAFETY TOOLS USED
Sometimes games have content or situations where a player or GM may feel stressed out, unsafe, or otherwise not having fun. Safety tools are a way for players and GMs to communicate and check-in before, during, and after a game in order to make sure everyone is still having fun, and to provide the right support when needed.

Information on Safety Tools

DURING THE GAME:

• Lines and Veils
• Open Door
• Breaks

CHARACTER SHEETS:
Pregenerated character sheets will be provided.

PLAYERS CAN EXPECT:

• Combat/Tactics: (Low)
• Roleplay: (High)
• Exploration: (Medium)
• Puzzles: (Low)