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HANCOCK -- Geek U.P. is inviting the community to make the not-so-perilous trek to Fifth and Elm in Hancock for a fun-filled, tavern-themed night of the popular tabletop role-play game Dungeons and Dragons (D&D). The event starts at 4 p.m. Friday. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
The event is sponsored by Geek U.P., Black Ice Comics, Fifth and Elm, as well as Keweenaw Locksmiths, who will all have Dungeon Masters present to run the short, introductory campaigns for event-goers.
Geek U.P.'s Shane Oberloier said this is a good starting-point for folks to get into D&D with. "We're all setting up one to one and a half hour little mini campaigns," he said. "Most of us will have a really good mix so you can see what Dungeons and Dragons, or rather tabletop role-playing games, are and get a good understanding."
Fifth and Elm will serve food and beverages. It will also be decorated up in a D&D-style tavern theme. Oberloier said event-goers are welcome to be a part of the tavern experience too. "People are encouraged to dress up," he said. "That's the whole RP part of role-playing is kind of getting in the character that you're playing and sort of pretending and acting as they might act."
D&D popped up in the mid-70s and did not take off until the 1980s. Its roots as a role-playing game are still present in the game's current fifth edition. Oberloier said D&D implements social interaction and teamwork, typically in order to solve puzzles and beat enemies.
"I like spreading the word of tabletop role-playing games because I think they're a really, really good and healthy creative outlet," he said. "I hope more youth play it, because I think it's great for helping build social skills. It's just a vehicle for socialization and collaborative storytelling."
Oberloier said people are also encouraged to bring their own existing D&D campaigns and parties to Fifth and Elm. "It hopefully gives you the inspiration to meet up with friends later and run your own campaign or your own adventure," he said.
Fifth and Elm is located at 426 Quincy St in Hancock. The event is open Friday from 4-8 p.m. It is free to participate in.
For more information about the event, visit the Geek U.P. Facebook page.