The Dresden Files > DFRPG
What are good places to meet/host Pen and Paper RPG games?
Ran:
Hi! I've been reading over my preorder PDF's and was really interested in running a game; I've run a few D&D (2nd and 3rd) edition games before, likewise BESM (also 2nd and 3rd tristat), but ever since finishing College, it's been all online.
I was hoping to get a group together using meetups or somesuch, but my house is much too small to host a group with anyone larger than, say, pre-Changes Toot; can anyone recommend a good venue for this sort of thing? It seems too loud for a library and too private for a coffeeshop.
I currently live in a big city (San Francisco), so I imagine I have a lot of options... if I just knew where to look. I read some gaming stores let people game in the store as well, for instance. Anyway, any advice is really appreciated.
Shecky:
You started to hit on a good resource: game stores. They may host them, they may work as a clearinghouse for gaming groups to form, etc. - they're always a good place to start.
SoulCatcher78:
--- Quote from: Shecky on May 03, 2010, 10:25:22 AM ---You started to hit on a good resource: game stores. They may host them, they may work as a clearinghouse for gaming groups to form, etc. - they're always a good place to start.
--- End quote ---
In a metro area you should have lots of options as long as you have transportation. Game stores are great for 1: they know what to expect when you tell them what you want to do (run a game) 2: great place to find new players 3: usually has longer weekend hours to accomodate gaming groups. If nothing else, it will allow you to interact with others until you can find a better place to game (a level of anonymity is good among strangers until you feel comfortable telling them where you live).
neko128:
I'll third the local game store optionas the best one you can find. Most of them *love* hosting gaming groups, because it's a strong incentive for the gamers to purchase stuff there and earns them good will in the community... Plus it gives them a chance to cross-sell other games to your group. The biggest catch you'll usually have is that a growing number of them don't want you to bring food - they want you to buy from the store. If you go this route and order pizza, seriously consider ordering pizza for the staff as well.
1) Libraries. Some may go "OMG, devil worshipping RPGers!", and some may just not have a convenient room to play in, but some have study/group rooms you can schedule or rent. Plus, if you have a good library, they'll stock the game-books and novels for you. :) Downside, they're usually tough on food.
2) Schools. High schools are much touchier now, but colleges frequently have gaming clubs and libraries and student centers that may be options. Downside, it's frequently much harder to get access if you aren't a student there.
3) Community rooms. In Schenectady, NY, the local war-gaming club meets at the Price Chopper (a supermarket) Community Center, for a very reasonable amount of rent. Malls, department stores, and restaurants occasionally have similar things. You may have to dig a little, but they're out there.
4) Restaurants. This sounds weird, but I did it in college for about two years with some friends. Find a 24-hour diner, or a restaurant that's not busy certain days; make friends with the owners; and say "Look, I have a group of guys who want to get together once a week. We'll be talking, but we won't be disruptive; if we buy dinner and drinks, can we snag an extra table for space and hang out in the corner for a few hours?" On a Saturday night, they'll all say "no!" (they want the space, and they want people to move through quicker), but on a less busy night they might well say yes. Just remember they're a business, and be respectful and buy food and TIP WELL. :)
TheMouse:
--- Quote from: Ran on May 03, 2010, 09:16:55 AM ---I currently live in a big city (San Francisco), so I imagine I have a lot of options... if I just knew where to look. I read some gaming stores let people game in the store as well, for instance. Anyway, any advice is really appreciated.
--- End quote ---
I hear awesome things about Endgame in Oakland. I've heard a number of people saying that it's pretty much the best game shop out there, although I've never had the chance to test this personally (living in New England as I do). Here's their site:
http://www.endgameoakland.com/
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