For more than a decade, Wizards of the Coast has promoted its Dungeons amp; Dragons product line with networked play opportunities via the Roleplaying Gamer’s Association. When fourth-edition D D; was introduced in 2008, the RPGA ceased running the popular Living Greyhawk campaign and replaced it with the new Living Forgotten Realms campaign. Due to a new structure, looser campaign rules, and the success of the fourth-edition product, the new campaign has proven to be more popular than the previous one.
If you are a fan of fourth-edition D D;, an LFR game day is a great way to promote your hobby and enjoy the game. An LFR Game Day is simply a one time event where multiple LFR adventures are scheduled to be run and played by anyone who would like, in a public setting. It is akin to a miniature convention, though usually with very low or even no fees and much more limited seating.
In order to run an LFR Game Day, you need to be a member of the RPGA. In addition, all participants in the event need to also be RPGA members. Conveniently, membership in the RPGA is free for life and the RPGA allows participants to join at the first game they participate in. In fact, the only complication is that you need to contact the RPGA in advance and request membership forms and it will often take 1-2 months for the forms to arrive by mail.
As a coordinator for an LFR Game Day, you have three major responsibilities: scheduling the event, finding people to run the adventures, and acquiring a suitable location. The first responsibility is the easiest to fulfill. To schedule the event, you need to simply log into your RPGA account at wizards.com and indicate when and where the event will be held and what adventures will be run.
Finding people to run adventures can be more difficult. Many RPGA members are not comfortable running adventures or do not enjoy running adventures. Still, about 20% of the membership consistently and actively runs games. You should speak with local members and advertise for assistance. Assuming you can find enough assistance, many members will be running to run one adventure with a promise that they can play in at least one other. It is usually best to get confirmation of assistance before scheduling the event.
Finally, you need a location. This is the most difficult part of the process. If there is a local game store that is part of the Wizard’s Play Network (WPN), you may be able to get assistance with location. Stores affiliated with the WPN gain benefits for running RPGA events and will usually provide space free of charge in return for the expected additional patronage and the rewards from Wizards of the Coast. If this option is not available, you should speak with local libraries or universities. An LFR Game Day needs to be in a public place, so your living room is not acceptable.
When all of your responsibilities are complete, you should be able to enjoy your event. In order for it to be most successful, you should probably advertise with flyers or on local electronic bulletin boards. Also, you may want to see if you can work out one day bargains with local quick food establishments for participants at the event. If you are really lucky, you may even receive some form of sponsorship. Whether or not you commit to this kind of extra effort, an LFR Game Day is a great way to meet new people who enjoy a similar hobby and will generally prove to be enjoyable for little effort and equally little cost.
