Written by Jeramey Reamer
An army of monsters march forward to invade the castle. The fate of the kingdom lies in the cast of the dice. As large books of spells and potions spread across the table, a crowd of students gather around the tables to experience the suspense. This may seem strange to the uninitiated, but this is the realm where the Table Top Club thrives.
Twice a week on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3 to 8 p.m., one of the largest non-academic clubs meet at the Student Organization Center to build friendships at the Table Top Club. The board games are exciting, and spirits are high as these students band together to form a community of players.
Students play Dungeons and Dragons at the Tabletop Club in the Student Organization Center at Front Range Community College in Westminster, Colo on September 29, 2017. Photo by Ezra Ekman. Featured in the photo from left to right: John Jerdan, James Davis, Michele Crane, Quillen Verner, Ashley Glass.
One may expect to see rows of gamers staring into laptops, or fingers swiping through smartphones looking for creatures to summon. So often, gamers give their screens more attention than their friends, but that’s exactly what Michelle Crane, one of the club’s founding members, took a stand against when building the framework for the Table Top Club.
“We have written into our constitution that this is not a time to be playing video games,” said Crane.
By focusing on face-to-face interactions, the group is able to express themselves openly.
“This is our time to disconnect from our electronics,” said Crane.
Teams are created and alliances are formed between the members as they embark on dangerous campaigns. Keen strategy is needed to outwit their enemies and win the game. Each club member becomes bonded through their interest in these incredible adventures.
The variety of games that are played is huge – nearly every genre and interest is well-represented. With such a large selection of everything from board games to cards and puzzles, there is a place for everyone at the Table Top Club.
Students play Dungeons and Dragons at the Tabletop Club in the Student Organization Center at Front Range Community College in Westminster, Colo on September 29, 2017. Photo by Ezra Ekman. Featured in the photo from left to right: John Jerdan, James Davis, Michele Crane, Quillen Verner, Ashley Glass
“We try to bring out as many new games as we can,” said Connor Walentine, the current vice president.
The Table Top Club leadership described the inclusive atmosphere the group strives to establish.
“All are welcome, all you have to do is take a seat at the table,” said Walentine
By making the decision to disengage from their devices, then re-engage with one another, the Table Top Club remains focused on friendship. From here, authentic relationships between the players continue to build throughout the campus. For this reason, the group has experienced large growth in a short amount of time.
Any students who are interested in joining the fun are encouraged to visit the Student Organization Center during Table Top Club’s meetings to join in the excitement.
