FAQ

What is a tabletop roleplaying game/D&D?

A tabletop roleplaying game is a cooperative game in which the players each portray a character in a story. One of the players is the Game Master (sometimes called a Dungeon Master or Storyteller). The Game Master portrays all of the characters not being played by the other players, describes the locations the players are in, and presents the various situations and conflicts the players come up against. The players are free to choose how their characters react to what happens, and often make decisions that change the course of the story in ways that even the Game Master did not anticipate.

Dungeons and Dragons, or D&D, is the best-known of many roleplaying games. It is a fantasy adventure game where players play heroes (or sometimes anti-heroes) who are on a quest to accomplish an epic goal.

How does a tabletop roleplaying session work?

Players are seated around a table with their character sheet and a set of dice to guide them. The character sheet outlines their characters’ strengths and weaknesses. Players will use this information when they roll dice to determine whether they are successful at trying something, such as attacking a foe, casting a magic spell, persuading a guard to let them pass, or crossing a perilous bridge.

For most of the game session, players will use their imaginations to envision what is happening in the story. Some players describe their actions, while others speak like their characters as if acting. Either style of play is welcome at a game table, so long as everyone is enjoying themselves.

Sometimes, especially for large combat or puzzle scenarios like you might find in Dungeons & Dragons, maps with tokens or miniatures are used to represent where everyone and everything is in the scene being described.

How does Worlds Near and Far Gaming Work?

Worlds Near and Far Gaming prides itself on Epic Accessibility. We provide everything you need to play: dice, character sheets, rulebooks, terrain to represent the environments your character moves through, and miniatures to represent your character as well as the people and monsters they encounter. All you need to bring is yourself, your imagination, and your sense of fun. We also provide ambient sound and lighting to maximize your enjoyment.

Despite all this, we want our games to be enjoyable to as many people as possible. To this end, accessibility is a core part of what we do. Terrain can be moved closer to a player with mobility challenges. No strobe effects are used in our lighting. Jumbo dice are available for those with vision or tactile challenges. We are more than happy to remind you what the shopkeeper you just talked to five minutes ago looked like.

Why play in-person?

Third spaces (places other than home and school/work) are becoming increasingly rare. We need these spaces to meet new people, see friends new and old, and bond over something we all love. In the days before modern tech, people used to gather in town squares or pubs and listen to bards and storytellers. The stories we tell around the table are not so very different from these, and in some ways, they are better, because you get to be part of the story and guide its direction as it unfolds.

While it is possible to play these games online (and we do in fact offer virtual games), there’s nothing quite like being there in-person to see your fellow players’ reactions when something surprising, funny, or awesome happens.

What’s expected from players?

Before the session, communicate with your Game Master regarding character questions, safety, and whether you have any special needs we need to be aware of.

Just before the session, let your Game Master know if you are running late. If you are, please be aware that the game may start before your arrival.

During the session, be respectful of your fellow players, especially those you do not know well. Use the provided Safety Tools when you need to. And of course, have fun.

Booking & Scheduling

How far in advance should I book a session?

Book at least two weeks in advance for a pre-set adventure, or four weeks in advance for a custom adventure.

What’s your cancellation policy?

Private sessions can be cancelled up to a week in advance and receive a full refund minus any fees charged by the payment company.

Do you provide all the materials?

Yes! All game materials, including rulebooks, dice, character sheets, story handouts, terrain and minis (if applicable to the game we are playing), lighting and ambient music and sound are included.

Pre-generated characters are available for last-minute player additions, or for those who do not want to create their own characters.

Premium packages include a gift bag that includes a custom miniature or art of your character.

Experience & Game Questions

I’ve never played D&D before. Is that okay?

Yes! We love introducing these games to new players. Whether you’re new to roleplaying games in general, or you’re just new to the specific game we’ll be playing, we look forward to guiding you through this new and exciting world. We hope that the experience leaves you wanting more.

How long does a session take?

Session length can vary, but they generally last three to five hours, with breaks scheduled into the game.

If multiple sessions are being offered on the same day for different groups of players, two-hour sessions can be offered.

We try to stay as prompt with timing as possible so as to respect everyone’s time and expectations.

Can you run games other than D&D?

Yes! We run a variety of different roleplaying games. Please see the Game Systems page for more information.

Do I need to create a character beforehand?

Players of custom games are welcome to create their own characters. For those who are new to the game, are last-minute additions to a table, or don’t wish to create their own character, pre-generated characters are available.

Location & Setup

Where do you run games?

Seniors: In senior-oriented venues such as active-living retirement homes and community centres.

Vacation: At cottage resorts such as Springwood.

Other Venues: Games can be run in any suitable venue (see Space Needs below), although only non-smoking venues will be accepted.

Do you charge for travel?

We offer free travel inside the City of Toronto, York Region or Durham Region.

A travel premium will be charged outside of these regions. Exact costs will be discussed during the consultation.

What kind of space do we need?

Only non-smoking spaces will be permitted, both for the safety of our Game Masters and to maintain the good condition of Worlds Near and Far's gaming assets.

The game space should be private with few outside distractions.

For safety reasons, please keep small children and pets away from the game space, especially if terrain and miniatures are involved.

Game tables should be sized for 6 people to comfortably be seated with all equipment needed to play (character sheet, dice tray, space in the middle of the table for terrain if the game being played features it)

At least two working electrical outlets for lighting should be made available.

Pricing & Payment

How does payment work?

For private events, your damage deposit is due at the time of booking. The balance for the event fee is due within five (5) days of the event. Payment options include e-transfer, cheque, or PayPal, but we may be able to accept other payment methods if you discuss it with us in advance.

For public or ticketed events, cash or e-transfer will be accepted. Credit card payments may become an option in the future.

Are there any additional costs?

All private event clients must provide a $100.00 CAD damage deposit at the time of booking. This is to cover costs should damage occur to any of our assets, including miniatures, terrain, electronic equipment, lighting, etc. This deposit will be refunded if no damages occur during the event.

Players are responsible for booking their own accommodations for cottage games.

Worlds Near and Far Gaming does not provide food or drink for events.

Do you offer group discounts?

Games are priced by table, up to 5 players, so the price per player will be more economical with a table of 5 rather than a table of 3.

Special Situations

Is this appropriate for children?

Tabletop roleplaying games provide a wonderful way to practice a variety of skills that kids and teens benefit from, including creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, reading and math skills, and critical thinking.

Please note that while games like Dungeons and Dragons, Monster of the Week, and Avatar Legends are all great for kids and teens, some games, such as Vampire: the Masquerade, have strong adult themes and are therefore not appropriate for children or teens.

Any game involving children must have an adult parent or guardian present at the table to supervise their child.

Games involving teens 12 and older must have an adult parent or guardian present at the venue.

All of our Professional Game Masters have undergone a Vulnerable Persons Criminal Background Check.

What if someone in our group is disruptive?

Since the nature of disruptions can vary greatly, these situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Often, a gentle reminder or request to “rein it in” is enough to diffuse these situations. We will ask questions to determine whether a special need is not being met that has led to the disruptive behaviour. A conversation may happen during a break or after a session, with the hope that the behaviour will change going forward. Excessive disruption to the enjoyment of the game for other players will result in the disruptive player being asked to leave the game.

Can you run games for corporate team-building events?

We can! Please contact us for a free consultation!

What accommodations can you make for disabilities and special needs?

We have many accommodations in place for players with disabilities and special needs. These include:

Larger dice for those with vision and tactile challenges
Large Print character sheets
A No Strobing policy for lighting
Accessible venues wherever possible
Adjustments in sound for the hearing impaired

If you or one of your guests needs an accommodation, please inform us ahead of time so we can make every effort to ensure they have everything they need to feel safe, welcome, and included at the table.

Miscellaneous

What if someone cannot make it to a scheduled session?

If a player cannot make it to a session, please inform us as soon as possible. The game will continue with whatever adjustments are needed to explain the player’s character’s absence. Depending on the circumstances, the absent player’s character may either be “quieter than usual” and the Game Master will play them during combat situations, or they may be considered occupied with something else and not be with the rest of the player characters on the adventure for that session. In campaign-style play, a recap will be sent to the player to catch them up with what happened during the session they missed.

Please note that because sessions are charged by the table rather than by individual player, the charge will be the same regardless of whether a player shows up.

Do you offer online sessions?

New online campaigns are not currently being offered, but we do offer virtual one-shots.

It’s our first time, how do we prepare?

There’s a lot you can do to ensure you have a good time. Communicate openly with your Game Master and your fellow players prior to the session. Talk about the kind of adventure you want to experience, what kind of character you want to play, and what will make you feel safe and comfortable at the table.

At session time, bring enthusiasm and a willingness to put yourself in the moment. Arrive at or before the scheduled start time to ensure that everyone can get to playing together as soon as possible. Enjoy being someone else for a few hours. Take chances. Think about how your character would try to solve whatever problem comes their way. Be willing to ask questions if you’re unsure how to do something. Your Game Master is there to help you.

What’s the minimum number of players?

We will run sessions for two or more players, but games are more economical with more players. Groups larger than six players will need to be split into multiple game tables to allow for ample story focus to be given to each player.