What we’re about
Established back in 2017, this Meetup was first launched to introduce both newcomers and veteran players to the 5th edition of Dungeons and Dragons. Since then, it has hosted character creation workshops, regular newbie-friendly campaigns, Dungeon Master sessions, and one-shot adventures just perfect for beginners.
With the latest edition being released over the past couple of months, our character creation sessions will begin to focus on the new 2024 ruleset. All sessions/campaigns after February will switch over to the new ruleset as well.
In a game that's always evolving with new adventures and source books every year, we embrace the 'newbie' mindset. We celebrate the excitement of discovery, the thrill of the unexpected, and the joy of learning at every turn.
Each DM manages their own games, adventures, and sessions.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Newbie Friendly (Open to All) One-Shot Series (Adv League) w/ PaulMcMenamins Chapel Pub, Portland, OR
Campaign: Series of one-shots (Always Tier 1)
Adventure: Reach for the Stars (Keys from the Golden Vault)
Setting: Radiant CitadelA sage of the Varkenbluff University has reported the theft of the Celestial Codex. This book contains rituals that, in the wrong hands, could be used to summon dangerous extraplanar entities. The book was stolen by a nobleman named Markos Delphi, who might be under the influence of some profane entity. As adventurers with contacts in the secretive Golden Vault (an organization dedicated to chaotic good), you have been asked to investigate the Delphi Mansion and retrieve the Codex. You are not the first group of adventurers that have been sent. May you fare better than them.
Who are you? A motley crew of adventurers that have been working together for the odd job here and there. You are either lawful or chaotic good. For a table with new players or new-to-each-other players it is best for all characters to be good aligned.
Character Creation. We will follow Adventure League rules for character creation.
- If you already have a character that is "Adventure League Legal" and level 1 to 4, please bring it along.
- I hold monthly character creation sessions. Join us to make your character.
- I will also have pre-generated characters if needed.
Your DM. Showing up to a Meetup event where you don't know anyone can be a lil scary. If you'd like to get to know the DM a little, I am a 44 year old data nerd that got into DnD because of a TikTok. I am from the Midwest but moved out here for the clouds and the rain (not joking). I will be at the event 30 minutes ahead of time if you'd like to stop by before everyone else shows up.
You Meet in a Tavern. We will be meeting at the McMenamins Chapel Pub in north Portland.
Agenda: Not set in stone, more of a guide for pacing :-)
- 11:30 - Session 0
- 12:00 - Play
- 2:00 - Intermission
- 4:30 - End
Seats at the table. Each session is $20.
- Preferential seating given to those that have attended previous sessions and/or character creation sessions with the DM.
- Please keep your RSVP updated so players on the waitlist can join and the DM can plan accordingly. Last minute RSVP changes (less than 48 hours) or no-shows are frowned upon.
- The DM reserves the right to decide party make-up (Players and PC Levels)
Safety Tools. For gameplay at the table:
- All players are welcome at this table and will be respected
- Hard Lines: This game will not contain physical violence towards children, animal cruelty, party-initiated torture, inter-party violence or betrayal, or any sexual themes.
- “Pause for a second”: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or don’t agree with the direction the game is going
- Content themes and warnings can be found below.
This game is PG-13. Depictions of fantasy violence, infrequent body horror, disturbing images, some brief adult situations, possible brief romantic situations, FREQUENT PROFANITY (I curse a lot), some crude humor, emotional thematic content, possible death and grief.
Session 0. We will hold a brief mini session zero at the start of the session to help build party cohesion, set the ground rules, and get settled into your characters.
- Character Creation @ McMenamins Barley Mill Pub - You Meet in a Tavern :-)McMenamins Barley Mill Pub , Portland, OR
Come join us for a casual gathering of Newbie DnD players and Dungeon Masters. We welcome anyone from veteran players that are Newbies at heart all the way to those that have never played a session and are looking to make their very first character.
You Meet in a Tavern. We will be meeting at the McMenamins Barley Mill Pub on Hawthorne.
We have 2 tables set up for y'all to join.
- The laid back table where you make characters, chat with other attendees, get to know each other and the game. Maybe pull a group together and meet later for a session.
- We all sit down together and make a character. This table is for 5-6 people and we all make the same character class. Learn the ropes together.
What to bring. I'll have character sheets, dice, copies of the Player's Handbook, and access to DnD Byond for participants. I do, however, encourage you to bring your own stuff if you are able (D&D is more fun with your own dice).
Your DM. Showing up to a Meetup event where you don't know anyone can be a lil scary. If you'd like to get to know the DM a little, I am a 44 year old data nerd that got into DnD because of a TikTok. I am from the Midwest but moved out here for the clouds and the rain (not joking). I will be at the event 30 minutes ahead of time if you'd like to stop by before everyone else shows up.
If you are a DM who is interested in helping out feel free to shoot me a message! We can always use some help running our events.
---------------
This session is $5 per person for the laid back table and $10 per person for the group creation table. You can pay when you get there. I accept cash, Venmo, and Cashapp. This does not include food/beverage, which I encourage you to purchase in support of our hosts.
In addition to the session itself, you also get extended access to all my resources on DND Beyond for at least 4 weeks after the event.
- Newbie Friendly (Open to All) One-Shot Series (Adv League) w/ PaulMcMenamins Chapel Pub, Portland, OR
Campaign: Series of one-shots (Always Tier 1)
Adventure: Shemshime’s Bedtime Rhyme (Candlekeep)
Setting: Radiant CitadelYou find yourselves back in the library of the Shimmer Cliff University. You’ve taken up residence in Firefly Cellar, a place normally set aside for visiting scholars. After your first night in the cellar you wake up from a dream with a song you can’t get out of your head. You also notice your fellow adventurers humming the same tune. The door to the cellar suddenly slams shut and locks. A voice from the other side calls out, “You have been placed under quarantine!”
Who are you? A motley crew of adventurers that have been working together for the odd job here and there. You are either lawful or chaotic good. For a table with new players or new-to-each-other players it is best for all characters to be good aligned.
Character Creation. We will follow Adventure League rules for character creation.
- If you already have a character that is "Adventure League Legal" and level 1 to 4, please bring it along.
- I hold monthly character creation sessions. Join us to make your character.
- I will also have pre-generated characters if needed.
Your DM. Showing up to a Meetup event where you don't know anyone can be a lil scary. If you'd like to get to know the DM a little, I am a 44 year old data nerd that got into DnD because of a TikTok. I am from the Midwest but moved out here for the clouds and the rain (not joking). I will be at the event 30 minutes ahead of time if you'd like to stop by before everyone else shows up.
You Meet in a Tavern. We will be meeting at the McMenamins Chapel Pub in north Portland.
Agenda: Not set in stone, more of a guide for pacing :-)
- 11:30 - Session 0
- 12:00 - Play
- 2:00 - Intermission
- 4:30 - End
Seats at the table. Each session is $20.
- Preferential seating given to those that have attended previous sessions and/or character creation sessions with the DM.
- Please keep your RSVP updated so players on the waitlist can join and the DM can plan accordingly. Last minute RSVP changes (less than 48 hours) or no-shows are frowned upon.
- The DM reserves the right to decide party make-up (Players and PC Levels)
Safety Tools. For gameplay at the table:
- All players are welcome at this table and will be respected
- Hard Lines: This game will not contain physical violence towards children, animal cruelty, party-initiated torture, inter-party violence or betrayal, or any sexual themes.
- “Pause for a second”: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or don’t agree with the direction the game is going
- Content themes and warnings can be found below.
This game is PG-13. Depictions of fantasy violence, infrequent body horror, disturbing images, some brief adult situations, possible brief romantic situations, FREQUENT PROFANITY (I curse a lot), some crude humor, emotional thematic content, possible death and grief.
Session 0. We will hold a brief mini session zero at the start of the session to help build party cohesion, set the ground rules, and get settled into your characters.
- Weirdbridge: Dragon Heist w/Paul - Level 1McMenamins Chapel Pub, Portland, OR
Campaign: Weirdbridge - Dragon Heist
DnD Edition: 5eWelcome to Weirdbridge, the Crown of the North, where a wondrous tale of urban adventure is about to unfold. Our story begins with the gathering of adventurers (you) at the Yawning Portal Inn and Tavern. Volothamp Geddarm, the famous explorer and raconteur, has a quest for you — one that entangles the you in a bitter conflict between two nefarious organizations. If the you complete his quest, Volo rewards you handsomely. Yet a much greater prize lies hidden somewhere in the City of Splendors, waiting to be claimed.
----------
Your DM. Showing up to a Meetup event where you don't know anyone can be a lil scary. If you'd like to get to know the DM a little, I am a 44 year old data nerd that got into DnD because of a TikTok. I am from the Midwest but moved out here for the clouds and the rain (not joking). I will be at the event 30 minutes ahead of time if you'd like to stop by before everyone else shows up.
You Meet in a Tavern. We will be meeting at the McMenamins Chapel Pub in north Portland.
Agenda: Not set in stone, more of a guide for pacing :-)
- 4:30 - 5:00: Mini Session 0 and/or Order Food
- 5:00 - 6:30: Play
- 6:30 - 7:00: Intermission
- 7:00 - 9:00: Play
Character Creation. We will follow 5th Edition Adventure League rules. I hold monthly character creation sessions. Join us before the first session to make your character and reserve your seat.
Seats at the table. Each session is $20 and we are capping the table at 6.
- PREFERENTIAL SEATING GIVEN TO THOSE THAT HAVE ATTENDED PREVIOUS SESSIONS.
- Please keep your RSVP updated so players on the waitlist can join and the DM can plan accordingly. Last minute RSVP changes (less than 48 hours) or no-shows are frowned upon.
- The DM reserves the right to decide party make-up (Players and PC Levels)
Safety Tools. For gameplay at the table:
- All players are welcome at this table and will be respected
- Hard Lines: This game will not contain physical violence towards children, animal cruelty, party-initiated torture, inter-party violence or betrayal, or any sexual themes.
- “Pause for a second”: If at any point you feel uncomfortable or don’t agree with the direction the game is going
- Content themes and warnings can be found below.
This game is PG-13. Depictions of fantasy violence, infrequent body horror, disturbing images, some brief adult situations, possible brief romantic situations, FREQUENT PROFANITY (I curse a lot), some crude humor, emotional thematic content, possible death and grief.
Session 0. We will hold a brief mini session zero at the start of each session to help build party cohesion, set the ground rules, and get settled into your characters.
