Tabletop RPG Workshop

What is it?

An online workshop meant to develop your storytelling skills.
Workshop topics will change each week.
- Some examples include conflict, setting, genre, and NPCs.
Tabletop role-play games include Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), Vampire: the Masquerade (V:tM), Dungeon World, Powered By The Apocalypse games (PbtA), and many, many more! These workshops will be applicable no matter what games you’re interested in playing.
Workshops will include the following:
- a mini lesson
- resources
- prompts and time for free-writing
- breakout groups for constructive feedback
- reflections and questions

What will the topics be?

July 1st: Collaborative Storytelling
July 8th: Conflict (Social and Physical)
July 15th: Using Sensory Detail
July 22nd: Character Voices
July 29th: Using Settings and Surroundings
August 5th: NPCs (Creating and Interacting)
August 12th: SECRETS (Story, Character, etc.)
August 19th: Genre (High Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Noir, Sci-Fi, etc.)
August 26th: TBD
September 2nd: TBD

Who is it for? And who are you?

It’s for everyone – that includes you!
These workshops are made with both players and GMs (game masters) in mind, of any experience level.
You don’t have to consider yourself “a good writer” to participate – as long as you’re interested in expanding your skills as a player or as a GM, this is the workshop for you!
If you’ve never been a player or a GM before, that’s okay too!!
My name’s Icarus, and my pronouns are they/them. I’ve GMed two campaigns of Vampire: the Masquerade over three years, and have been a player in countless other campaigns and one-shots of various game systems since 2017. I also have a BA in English literature and creative writing. Most importantly, I am a storyteller at heart, and have been telling stories for as long as I can remember.

When will it be?

Every Thursday, 6:00pm – 8:30pm Pacific Time.
The workshops will continue weekly for as long as there’s enough interest!

Where will it happen?

Online, via Zoom.
You’ll be given a link once you buy your ticket through Eventbrite.

Why?

~~Why not?~~
RPGs allow for some of the most gratifying storytelling experiences that books, movies, and even video games can’t quite match.
The best ways to learn and improve is to step outside your comfort zone and work creatively with other people. I’ve always found that bouncing ideas and creative pieces off of other people has helped to improve my work far more than if I’d done it completely alone.
Connecting with other people has never been so important. RPGs are a great way to create close bonds with others, and you’ll be in a workshop with other people who love RPGs too!

(Theoretical) FAQ

Q: What if I miss a workshop? Do I have to attend the previous workshops to understand what’s going on?
A: Not at all! Each workshop will be episodic, meaning you can come and go as you please.

Q: Will I have to share what I create during the workshop with other people?
A: It’s best if you do! We’re all going to be a bit vulnerable by sharing whatever we come up with, but the intention and nature behind both workshops and ttrpgs is that we’re here to support each other and inspire each other to be creative while stepping outside our comfort zone.

Q: Is it just a workshop?
A: It’s more than a workshop! Each session will have a mini lesson (so we’re all on the same page, and hopefully so everyone learns something), as well as resources, tips, and tricks regarding that week’s topic. I’m also bound to share links to different ttrpgs for you to try out on your own time.

Q: I’m a pretty experienced player/GM. What will I gain from this?
A: I have each week planned in a way so that anyone, regardless of their experience level, will gain something from coming, whether that be learning something new or creating something they can use in a game later. Part of what makes workshops valuable is also getting to share your creative work with others, and see their creative work in return!

Q: I can’t make it to the scheduled time, but I want to attend. Do you have workshops at other times? Will the workshops be recorded?
A: At the moment, there’s only one scheduled workshop each week, and they won’t be recorded. If there’s enough interest, I’ll look to get another time slot going, hopefully at a time that’s more accessible to people in other time zones.

Q: Why not have it be free?
A: A few reasons. Mainly, I’m aiming to make enough income as a freelance writer to be able to pay rent. (Thanks, capitalism.) I also don’t want to undervalue my experience and the work that goes behind running these workshops. Lastly, paying for these workshops acts as an incentive for you to actually attend!

Q: What’s a “sliding scale“?
A: Paying on a sliding scale means that there’s the opportunity to pay for what you can afford — you’ll get the same ticket regardless. I recognize that $5 may be as much as some people can afford to pay, and that’s okay. Likewise, if you’re feeling generous, have some expendable resources, and/or want to help support a freelance writer such as myself, there’s the option to buy a ticket at $25. I’ve also listed a $15 price, since that’s what I feel my experience and the workshop warrants.

If you have any other questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me! (icarus dot irving at gmail dot com)