This is a collection of information about how the Open Table works - what it is, when and where we meet to play, and rules for players outside of the game system.
A role-playing game (RPG) is a collaborative game where a group of players take on the role of characters adventuring in a fictional world. One player takes on the role of a Referee (also known as the Dungeon Master, or Game Master), who narrates the scenarios and challenges lying before the players and adjudicates the rules, and the remainder of the players control their own characters, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, equipment and abilities.
At their core, tabletop RPGs flow like a conversation:
The Referee presents a scenario to the players.
The players discuss the situation and take action.
Things change based on the outcome of the players' actions.
The Referee presents the new situation to the players, and repeat.
There are specific rules which govern different aspects of the game and sometimes you'll need to roll dice, but the above represents the heart of the game - a conversation which builds a fictional world.
Most role-playing games today are played by a Referee (also called a Dungeon Master, or Game Master) and several players scheduling ad-hoc sessions to play a dedicated campaign as a group. This approach is great fun, but the time constraints of modern life usually lead to scheduling difficulties and a feeling of missing out if a player misses a session - unfortunately it's common for campaigns of this type to fizzle out.
By contrast, an Open Table game is run in a with players drawn from a larger group. The Referee puts out a call for a given day in advance and plans a session based on the players who sign up and what they want to pursue, i.e. 'we want to try and get to the third level of the dungeon', 'we want to explore the lair of that weird creature we found last week', 'we want to track down the magic sword that we heard about in town' etc.. When this session is complete, the Referee puts out a call for players to attend the next session. This allows for a rotating cast of players to all experience the same game from different angles, and players don't have to worry about missing sessions as they can re-join whenever they're available - there isn't a set story or plot to miss out on, your adventures unfold in the world as you take action.
All players must be 18+, or accompanied by a parent/guardian if younger. The group is working on joining the PVG scheme, so we hope to lower this limit in future.
We play using the Old School Essentials: Classic Fantasy ruleset. This is a modernised version of the Basic/Expert Dungeons & Dragons rules from the 1980s - it's quick, simple, and flexible, which makes it easy to learn and it allows for a huge range of player creativity.
We play weekly - the exact day and time varies depending on the Referee's availability, but this allows for as many players as possible to attend at least some sessions. Sessions usually run for 3-4 hours, with a few breaks included.
We meet at the Failte Centre, Bayhead, Stornoway, in the Tavern - this is a private space rented by the Gateway Nerds (who also kindly support us, thanks guys!).
Not at all, we welcome players of all levels of experience, from total beginners to RPG veterans!
Nothing much - character sheets, pens/pencils, dice and other materials will be provided. You might want to bring a notebook to jot down information and things of interest, and there's nothing stopping you bringing dice of your own!
We ask that you bring £1 to pay towards the cost of the Tavern hire, and a snack to share with the other players. Your first session is free (but the snacks are not optional)!
Sessions are organised via our WhatsApp group.
Feel free to drop a query in our WhatsApp group, or email Luke directly.
All players attending the Open Table agree to abide by the Gateway Nerds Group Policy, and the following additional rules:
All participants are expected to act in a way which promotes a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Players are expected to work co-operatively, with the goals of the party in mind. Disagreements are fine, trolling other party members is not.
No phones or other distractions are permitted at the table. Stepping away from the action to take a call is fine, but otherwise players are expected to respect the time commitments of their fellows and focus on the game.
If you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe, please speak up. If you feel that you can't do this at the table, please speak to the Referee privately.
The Referee reserves the right to remove a player from the game for serious/repeated breaches of these rules, and/or for poor/disruptive behaviour generally.
I'm Luke, the Referee! I've been playing and running RPGs for over a decade, including: Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, Dungeon World, Stars Without Number, Shadow of the Demon Lord, Lamentations of the Flame Princess, Mothership, and more, both in-person and online.