What is the Tabletop Lounge?

The Tabletop Lounge is more than just a place to play—it's a hub for collaborative storytelling and skill-building in a neuro-affirming setting. It’s where the benefits of Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Call of Cthulhu come to life, helping players build connections and practice real-world skills.

Here's a breakdown of what makes our lounge the perfect place to game:

Beyond the Screen: The Power of In-Person Play

In a world increasingly dominated by online interactions, the Tabletop Lounge provides a crucial opportunity for in-person connection. This dedicated space emphasises real, face-to-face interaction, which offers unique benefits over online gaming:

• Building Meaningful Friendships: TTRPGs are an amazing way to meet new people and build strong connections. The lounge provides a comfortable environment for people to connect in a real way.

• Confidence and Self-Advocacy: When you play, you learn to speak up, share your ideas, and stand up for your character. The game provides a safe space to practice these skills and grow your confidence over time.

• Practising Real-World Skills: Taking on a character’s role allows you to explore different social situations, practice working with others, and develop your communication and self-advocacy skills—all while having fun.

• Unleashing Imagination: There is no limit to what you can do in a TTRPG. TTRPGs give you a chance to think creatively and solve problems with your team.

The Games We Play

The lounge is home to a diverse array of game systems, allowing everyone to find an adventure that fits their style.

Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs)

TTRPGs are collaborative storytelling games, like an improvised play where you are one of the main characters. You describe what your character does, and the Game Master (GM) reacts to your choices, with dice rolls deciding the outcome of uncertain actions.

• Dungeons & Dragons (D&D): The most famous TTRPG, offering classic fantasy adventures where you explore dungeons, fight monsters, and find treasure as a team of heroes. It's a key part of our campaign programs, like the Adventurers League, designed to encourage high-level, tactical play.

• Narrative Focused Games: We run games like Daggerheart (focusing on heroic, character-driven stories)  and Kids on Brooms (fun, nostalgic stories like Harry Potter movies).

• Horror and Sci-Fi: For those seeking a darker experience, we offer Call of Cthulhu (a 1920s horror/mystery where the goal is to survive with your sanity intact) , and Mothership (a sci-fi horror game about surviving a dangerous galaxy).

Campaign Play & One-Shots

The Lounge hosts regular programs like Campaign Play (a long series of sessions with the same characters) and One-Shots (a short adventure that is finished in one game session, perfect for trying a new system or character style).

A Place of Respect and Fun

The Lounge is built on the core principle of keeping it fun and inclusive. We ensure every session is a safe experience for everyone. Our Game Masters (GMs) run the game, acting as the storyteller and referee. They are here to support you and are the final say on the rules and the world.

As a player in the Lounge, you are encouraged to:

• Work with the team because your group is stronger together.

• Respect everyone by waiting for your turn and not talking over others.

• Be excited for other characters—cheer when they succeed.

• Ask questions—it is always okay to ask about a rule or the current situation.

Group Safety and Content Guidelines

To maintain a safe and inclusive environment:

• Respect Boundaries: Do not force another player's character into a situation or relationship without their permission.

• Keep it Respectful: We ask all players to avoid rude, disrespectful, or uncomfortable topics.

• Content: While the themes of our games can range widely (from heroic fantasy to cosmic horror), we strictly prohibit topics like real-life politics, racial comments, or hate speech to keep the atmosphere positive. The goal is an enjoyable chance to escape into a shared fictional world.

• Report Concerns Immediately: If anything happens during the game that makes you feel unsafe, uncomfortable, or upset, please let the Game Master know right away. The GM will never judge you, and their job is to adjust the game so you can have a good experience.

The best way to get involved is by checking our website for updated session times, where you can find and sign up for one-shots, the Adventurers League, or a casual weekly session.

Ready to roll some dice?