TTRPG Club Rolls a Nat 20 on Fun

A new club dedicated to the world of tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) began at PVCC last semester, offering students a fresh opportunity to explore diverse gaming experiences beyond the popular Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). The TTRPG Club, spearheaded by student Lucy Sams, aims to create an inclusive and engaging environment for newcomers and seasoned players alike.

Sams has been passionate about TTRPGs since they started playing Dungeons and Dragons in 2017. “After years of playing the same system, I wanted to branch out and try different games,” they said. Their enthusiasm for tabletop games was a driving force in transforming the college’s previous D&D Club, which had become less active, into the broader TTRPG Club.

For those unfamiliar, TTRPGs are collaborative storytelling games in which players assume the roles of characters in a fictional world. One person acts as the Game Master or Dungeon Master, guiding the story and controlling the environment. Dungeons and Dragons is the most well-known example, but the genre encompasses many diverse systems and styles.

For Sams, tabletop role-playing games have had a profound impact on their life, helping them forge lifelong friendships and fostering creativity. “Play is an essential part of being human,” Sams said. Their dedication to expanding the gaming community on campus is evident in their efforts to diversify the club’s offerings.

Sams hopes the club will serve as a welcoming space where students can learn about different TTRPG systems and develop new skills. “My goal is to help people realize there’s more than just Dungeons and Dragons,” they said. “Trying out different games encourages adaptability and teamwork, skills that are valuable beyond gaming.” 

They also emphasized the importance of social connection. “Having fun and meeting new people interested in TTRPGs is a key part of what I want this club to be,” Sams said.

Despite some challenges in coordinating meetings around their busy schedule, Sams views any progress as a success. The club currently meets every other Wednesday from 2-5 p.m. with the meeting location varying each week. During these gatherings, members play “one-shots,” short, standalone sessions of various TTRPG systems, with a different game featured each time.

Membership is open to all students, regardless of prior gaming experience. Sams encourages anyone interested to attend, emphasizing that the club’s priority is creating a respectful and fun environment. “You don’t need to know anything to join,” they said. “We’re happy to teach the basics and help you get started.”

Sams envisions the club continuing to explore a variety of TTRPG systems beyond D&D 5th Edition, highlighting lesser-known games to broaden members’ experiences. Their long-term goal is to keep the spirit of experimentation alive, even after they graduate.

Starting and managing a club is no small feat. Sams offers a candid piece of advice: “It’s much more work than I thought, especially the time commitment. Motivation is great, but you need to be prepared to dedicate the necessary hours.”

Sam’s efforts to revamp the D&D Club into the broader TTRPG Club reflect their passion for sharing this engaging form of entertainment and community-building. With each meeting, they hope to inspire others to discover the fun and creativity that tabletop role-playing games can offer.

Students interested in joining can simply attend the meetings or reach out via email at les24734@email.vccs.edu for more information. The club also maintains a Discord server for updates and discussion.