Ghost Tracking & Hunting

Start at the old train depot. After the run, we'll meet at Mile 20 for a drink! Run starts at 6:45 pm we will head toward Sterling tonight. Run at your own pace out and back. 2 mile runners turn around at Crestview Drive. 3 mile runners turn around at Tamarack Court. 3.5 & 4 - No cross streets in this stretch. You're on your own. :-) 5 mile runners - turn around at Sterling Blvd.

Every Wednesday and Saturday! There will be prizes and fun, and even drinks!

Visit us at http://benniebough.toastmastersclubs.org/ The meeting promptly starts at 7:00 PM. The agenda comprise of: • Pledge of Allegiance, • Toastmaster of the Evening leads the meeting, • Thought of the Day, • Joke of the Day, • Formal Speakers, • Table Topics, • General Evaluation & Evaluation of Speakers, • Timers Report, • Selection of Best Speaker, Table Topic, and Evaluator, • Adjourn

Join us for **Eberron: Confidential!** Stories of noir, pulp, adventure and everything in-between await! Whether it's the crime ridden alleys of Sharn where the Boromar and Daask are in open gang warfare, or the far flung territories where adventure and treasure wait in hidden depths; there's something for everyone in Eberron! ***Note***: Please join the event even if its full! We are trying to gauge community interest so we know how many DMs we should recruit to support our player population! **Questions & Concerns:** If you have any questions, please feel free to message me either on Discord(@vinbear) or here on Meetup. **Links:** [Natural Ones Community Discord Link](https://discord.gg/Zj58w85XuW) [Eberron Lore Playlist by Jorphdan](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJqE7QBvDyc-PqjO6EyBIYAG9P6HXnv3F) **This week's plothook:** DM Vince: Gang war has gripped the streets of Lower Sharn. The Boromar and Daask are in open conflict. The Sharn Watch is trying to keep the violence from spilling onto the regular population. Who will you help? Feel free to make a character or use one of the Pre-Generated Characters available (Provided at the event) **Character Creation Guidelines:** [D&D Beyond Link w/ Shared Content](https://www.dndbeyond.com/campaigns/join/7563996667606540) **Rulebooks:** *PHB, DMG, Eberron: Forge of the Artificer, Eberron: Rising from the Last War, The Pugilist Class(2024), Fizban's Treasury of Dragons, Mordenkainen presents: Monster of the Multiverse, Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, Xanathar's Guide to Everything, Book of Many Things* **Character Level:** *4* **Fixed HP option** **Multiclassing w/ pre-requisites (2024 classes only)** **Attributes:** *Point buy or Standard Array (no rolled stats)* **Species:** PHB or Eberron races preferred. **Backgrounds:** If taking a Dragonmarked Heir, must match species to appropriate Dragonmark. **Starting Equipment / Gold:** *Per starting class and background OR gold option offered by either. Can then sell off or purchase basic adventuring gear, weapons, and armor based on standard pricing.* *100gp for a Common Magic Item (+base cost if weapon/armor).* **Permanent Magic Items / Loot Budget:** 2 Loot Point (LP) *(LP Budget will increase as community narrative progresses)* *Uncommon Magic Item = 1 LP* *Rare Magic Item = 2 LP* *Very Rare Magic Item = 4 LP* **Firearms: Availability, Pricing, and Proficiency** *Artificers are considered proficient with all Firearms* *Pistol(100gp), Musket(75gp), and Shotgun are considered Simple weapons.* *Revolver and Rifle,Hunting are considered Martial weapons.* *Shotgun, Revolver, and Rifle,Hunting can only be acquired with LP and increases the base cost of a Loot item by 1 compared to the usual Loot Budget.* *For example:* *Revolver(Common) = 1 LP* *+1 Revolver(Uncommon) = 2 LP* *+2 Revolver(Rare) = 3 LP* *+3 Revolver(Very Rare) = 5 LP*

**IMPORTANT -** If you are not 100% committed please do ***not RSVP.*** No shows will be de-propritized for future events. Lets do a 2-night backpacking trip over Memorial Day weekend! The Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands loop hike is an iconic section of the Appalachian Trail, located in the southwestern hills of Virginia within the Jefferson National Forest. This region is best known for its vast mountain views and alpine peaks with **wild ponies** roaming about. This area is also home to Virginia's highest point, Mount Rogers, sitting at 5,729'. This is a premier east-coast backpacking destination, so don't miss this one. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Moderate * **Length:** 21.4 Miles * **Duration:** 3 Days * **Elevation Gain:** 3,898 Feet * **Bear Canisters:** Not Required * **Permits:** None * **Dogs**: Allowed * **Meetup/Carpool:** Vienna Metro South * **Trailhead Parking:** 36.6893579, -81.5320954 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/mount-rogers-and-appalachian-trail-loop-958adb5?u=i&sh=rak641 **Trail Details:** We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Mt Rogers Trailhead (off Rt 603). This parking lot is **NOT** the paid lot near Masie Gap, and so can fill up. I'd like to try to get there as early as possible. The drive is about 5 hours. I will drive and am happy to have others carpool with me - but please note, I will have my small black labrador in the back seat. **Day 1** After we park, we will hike about 7 miles to our campsite, diverting once to summit Mt Rogers. There arent any views here, but it's worth the .3 miles to say you've been to the highest point in VA! We will camp on the first night at the scenic tent sites near the Thomas Knob Shelter on the AT. There is water at this site and we may see wild ponies if we're lucky. **Day 2** The second day is about 10.7 miles, which includes spectacular views, unique rock formations and wide open grassy meadows. We will camp near the Old Orchard Shelter. There is a spring with water at this site as well. **Day 3** The third day will be a short 3.5 mile hike from camp back to the cars. Getting to the cars early will mean that we should get back to DC around 4-5pm. On the drive home, I plan to stop at Martin's in downtown Roanoke (413 1st St SW, Roanoke, VA 24011). **Essential Items**: * Tent * Sleeping pad​ * Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​ * Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​ * Backpacking stove with fuel​ * Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​ * Dehydrated meals​ and snacks * Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)​ * Water filter or purification tablets​ * Headlamp with extra batteries​ * Rain gear * Dry bags or pack cover​ * Warm clothing layers (non-cotton) * Trowel for and toiletries for Leave-No-Trace compliance **Optional Items**: * Personal first aid kit​ * Map and compass or GPS device * Power bank or external battery * Trekking poles​ * Camp shoes * Electrolyte supplements​ * Alcohol​ * Books, games, or other enterainment * Gaiters​ * Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​ **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). ​ See you on the trail!

Run starts promptly at 9:45 am and follows a 1.5 mile loop around the lake. Do however many loops you like! Run at your own pace. After the run, we'll meet at the Brew House for a beer or coffee and BREAKFAST pretzels! Those cannot be anything but delicious. See you there.

Join us for MORE Women's MTB Ride at the Cabin John Trails in Potomac, MD. Beginner-level riders are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun! A mountain bike in good condition and helmet are required. **Sign up at Golden Volunteer here:** [https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b](https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b) ***Please do not sign up on Meetup! If you do, you won't be alerted if the ride is cancelled!*** **Meet** at 6:00 PM with wheels down at 6:10 PM. We will not ride if the trails are wet or muddy. Check your email from Golden Volunteer in case the ride is cancelled due to weather/trail conditions. **Description** \- The event is open for women age 18\+\. You must sign a waiver on the Golden Volunteer link\, wear a helmet\, and be able to comfortably ride your mountain bike\. We expect to ride about 4\-5 miles on single track natural surface trails\. Bring your mountain bike\, helmet\, and drinking water\. This ride is **not suitable for hybrid bikes**! As space is limited, please update your RSVP if you cannot attend. **And support your trails and join MORE! www.more-mtb.org** **Where** – Meet at the parking lot for the Cabin John Group Picnic Area at 7701 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, MD. Follow Google Maps at: https://goo.gl/maps/aumXoQnD2qAp3iNp9

Join us at **Hashtag** in Herndon on Thursday, **May 21st** at **6pm**. Adventure and roll dice with this week's **Starfinder** **GM: Maria**. **The story:** Having secured a secret entrance to the Wreck of the Returned, the Starfinder Society is finally ready to launch a rescue mission into the Wreck, to liberate the lost Starfinder Zizenzi and the countless other citizens of Akiton who’ve been abducted by the Functionary’s forces and await forced conversion into mindless servitors of the Wreck. While numerous teams prepare to enter the conversion facility, First Seeker Sarmak has tasked one special team with breaching the conversion facility’s central control room and dispatching the cure to conversion through the ventilation system. If successful, all the converted innocents within the Wreck will regain their autonomy and break free from the Wreck’s control. Unfortunately, the central control is sure to be heavily guarded… Prepare for battle, Starfinders! **Notes**: Replayable (with a different character) *This is an adventure in the ongoing Invasion's Edge metaplot.* \*\*\*\* **The Characters:** You can use a [level 3 pregen](https://paizo.com/starfinder) *or* bring your own if you have a society character in the 3-4 range. We'll have have paper copies of the pregens if anyone needs one. -Some character building options are [Starbuilder 2e](https://pathbuilder2e.com/app.html?v=102b) (made by the maker of Pathbuilder!), [Hephaistos](https://sf2e.hephaistos.online/), [Demiplane](https://app.demiplane.com/characters), using the new Starfinder Player Core and pen/[paper](https://downloads.paizo.com/RemasterPlayerCoreCharacterSheet.pdf#), etc. You can use options from the [Invasion's Edge Player's Guide](https://downloads.paizo.com/OP-Files/SFS+Invasions+Edge+Players+Guide.pdf) too. \*\*\* **THE GAME:** [Starfinder](https://paizo.com/starfindersociety) 2e is a role-playing game similar to Pathfinder 2e (or Dungeons & Dragons) but in space with magic *and* technology. In this one-shot, you can jump in as a new player or join if you're more experienced. \*\*\* If you have any questions, feel free to comment or send a message.

Join us at **Hashtag** in Herndon on Thursday, **May 21st** at **6pm**. Adventure and roll dice with this week's **Pathfinder 2 GM: Louis**. **The story:** The Pathfinder Society recently discovered that a rune-encrusted dagger in its vaults is somehow connected to an ancient weapon buried in the remote deserts of Thuvia. The weapon's precise location is unknown, so the Society dispatches a team of agents to explore the desert, using the dagger to guide the way. Unfortunately, the dagger is one of a matched pair, and the Society's enemies have its twin! Can the agents reach the weapon before their enemies do? What other surprises lay in wait? This adventure is the first part of the two-part Calamitous Dagger metaplot arc in the Year of Boundless Wonder. **Scenario tags**: Metaplot (Boundless Wonder), Faction (Grand Archive, Vigilant Seal) \*\*\* If you have any questions, feel free to comment or send a message.

Are you missing the feel of a cold breeze; the chill down your spine? The sound of steps down a darkened hallway, wings of bats in the moonlight, and the whispers on the wind? **It’s time to share Ghost Stories!** This event is geared towards those with tales of experiences from the great beyond. Come with an open mind and a story of your own, and we will together explore and hold space for sharing experiences and embracing the spooky side of life…. And death! We will provide popcorn – but please feel free to bring a spooky treat of your own to share with the group! Additionally, you can also bring a blanket or something cozy to sit on while we share. Event cost: $5

What is mediumship? Depends on who you ask. Have you ever had an experience you can’t explain? Maybe dreamed of events before they happened or swore you received information from someone or something that wasn’t there? Have you ever felt presences around you or gotten internal messages that didn’t originate from you? If you are interested in exploring or working with the spirits of your ancestors, guardian spirits, or other entities, this is a safe space to help you learn and connect to those energies/spirits. We are a community group open for all levels of mediumship. There is no set curriculum, this space is for learning, group practice, energy work, sharing different types of mediumship and experience, and meditation. Come and See. This class is $20.

What can you say about Turtle Recall? From hit songs of the 90's to today, to surprises like the Mama's and the Papa's and Neil Diamond - you will be blown away by their set list! Let's show Turtle Recall and Jimmy's some NOVA Live Music Mingle love as they ROCK Jimmy's 1 Silo stage!

**Billy Goat Sections A and B weather permitting. This will be limited to ~10 people to ensure we can move through the hike together and don’t hold others up.**

***¡¡¡ Pura Vida !!!*** Come alone, leave with friends! This is what Meetup is all about. Being able to join and do what you wanted to do . . just not alone. We are going to Costa Rica for 9 nights/10 days of exploration and tropical adventures. . . . **Best Meetup ever!**! To see how fun it is . . . Here are photos from when we did go before [https://photos.app.goo.gl/cswRyeNZp1r6WW9t9](https://photos.app.goo.gl/cswRyeNZp1r6WW9t9) Costa Rica is a playground for the adventurous and an eco-tourist's dream! It is an unspoiled tropical paradise. * Beautiful beaches * Rainforest biodiversity * Misty volcanoes * Roaring rivers * Lush jungles * Exotic flora and fauna * And more!! **And we are going there to enjoy it, learn about it and make memories of a lifetime!** This event is a true Meetup. We are creating it from scratch, and bringing like-minded people together on this adventure. Along the way making lifelong memories and friendships. Together . . . let’s make a Meetup to remember! * Hike around the base of the Arenal Volcano * Selvatura Zip Line Canopy Tour * Guided visit to Finca Luna Nueva Farm * Caño Negro Refuge Tour/Visit * Rio Frio Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour * Hanging Bridges Walking Tour * Ecotermales Hot Springs * Monteverde Night Walk Tour * Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Tour (daytime) * River Floating Tour * Tamarindo Beach * Sunset Sailing * Snorkeling Tour * And more! For a detailed Day By Day itinerary **[Click Here](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)**[ to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8) **Land Tour cost $3350 per person, double occupancy** (we match roommates for those traveling solo, and most of us are doing just that). If you want your own room: **Solo occupancy additional $950** The only way to secure your spot for this meetup is a $300 deposit that is refundable up to 90 days before departure. **[Click here for secure deposit link](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/24X2UREP9XPKC)** When you make a deposit be sure to fill out this [ATTENDEES FORM](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11uywUNCIB5ONrpZ-gU_4mk3bvpc4p_nhhL3ewsbkC5A/edit)**.** As we mentioned, . . . the cost is $3350. This is for the "Land" portion only. Airfare is not included. This gives you the flexibility to have a flight with timing that works best for you. Or to use points/miles. I can also help arranging your airfare. To receive an offer, **[CLICK HERE and send me a message.](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=14363992)** **What is Included in this trip:** * **9 Nights hotel accommodation** * **9 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners.** * **Meet & Greet at the airport.** * **Pick-up from airport to our hotel, and hotel to airport at the end of the trip** * **Transportation throughout the trip** * **Private naturalist English speaking tour guide** * **All entrance fees and tours mentioned in the itinerary day-by-day description** * **Daily water bottles for the group** * **Hotel and Added Value Tax** Does not include: ***x*** *International Airfare* ***x*** *Meals other than specified* ***x*** *Optional Tours* ***x*** *All items of personal nature (telephone calls, Laundry, room service, etc.)* ***x*** *Tipping for tour guides and drivers* **Want more info?** **[Click Here to fill out our info request form](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** **OR** **RSVP to the event with your email to receive additional info.** **OR** **[CLICK HERE to send me a message](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=14363992)** Whatever is easiest for you! *Still have questions?* **We do a Q & A Zoom once a month.** **[CLICK HERE](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/)** for our Q & A Zoom. RSVP on that event to get a reminder for the zoom. [Click here for the ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/305233138/)**[MAIN ](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/288444641/)[location of this event on Meetup](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/305233138/)** RSVP there to post any discussion and to get notice of any comments and discussions. As well as any updates and reminders **We believe in good decent social.** **SOT 2000318-10** **[Click Here to see all our other events](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)**

Consider it cancelled if it’s raining (Sorry, not at that level yet 😬) Maybe one day!