Special Guests

Dave Ward (Grimwood Games)

Dave Ward

Dave Ward is a veteran game master with over 25 years of experience. He is currently dedicated to developing his own game system, the Grimwood System, which is distinguished by its unique 1d12 mechanics. Dave’s passion for role-playing extends to an in-depth exploration of game mechanics and the dynamics of game worlds.

In addition to his game development pursuits, Dave runs a Twitch and YouTube channel named Grimwood Games. These channels are platforms for a variety of content, including gameplay, system design discussions, and world-building exercises. Audiences can follow his work and updates at Grimwood Games.

Dan & Kristen Stacy (Avenue Studios)

Dan & Kristen Stacy from Avenue Studios

Dan and Kristen Stacy have more than a decade of experience running, playing and streaming tabletop roleplaying games and cannot stop forging stories through this wonderful hobby. Together they own and operate Avenue Studios, crafting entertainment and informative videos in the tabletop arena and emphasizing the storytelling potential of tabletop games. They are most passionate about raising their 3 children to be the next generation of tabletop role-players and inspiring other families to enjoy the hobby and art of story telling together. Join them on the adventure at avenuestudios.media and catch their shows on Youtube, Rumble and anywhere you listen to Podcasts!

Jacob Seward (Avenue Studios)

Jacob Seward, in full getup and aiming a crossbow

Jacob is more than just a professional Legend Master; he’s a passionate storyteller who uses tabletop RPGs as a way to forge connections and bring people together. Through engaging narratives and playful encounters, he creates shared experiences that build lasting friendships and unforgettable memories.

Driven by a love for building communities and fostering a sense of camaraderie, Jacob thrives on bringing strangers together around a table to share in the joy of gaming and laughter. Whether it’s guiding a group of heroes through perilous quests or collaborating on humorous moments, he ensures everyone feels welcome and involved in the game.

Yet, Jacob’s life extends beyond the realm of tabletop adventures. As a devoted father of five, he relishes spending time with his children, whether fishing by the lake, tackling a virtual quest together, or simply enjoying each other’s company. He believes that fostering strong family ties is just as fulfilling as forging bonds through RPG campaigns.

Through Avenue Studios, Jacob has found a platform perfect for fulfilling both his personal and professional passions. Here, he not only gets to indulge in his love for storytelling and gaming but also create a warm and welcoming environment where individuals can leave behind their worries and immerse themselves in shared experiences.

So, whether you’re an avid tabletop enthusiast or someone looking for a fun and welcoming community, join Jacob on his legendary adventures. You never know what exciting stories await!

Carrie Biermann

Carrie Biermann is an experienced role player with a heart for education. Currently the Director of Family Ministries & Community Life at Chestnut Grove Presbyterian Church, Carrie has been working with children, youth, students, and families for over 25 years. She loves acting and storytelling, and this love drew her to theater at a young age. As a young adult, she discovered table top role playing, and years later, LARP (Live Action Role Playing). She began using the things she’d learned in LARP and TTRPGs and began creating her own homebrew campaigns for friends, family, her college students, and her youth group kids. She had a wonderful opportunity over about 5 years to work with a great group of kids in using LARP and role play to teach Bible and ethics, to great success. Carrie and the kids (some now teens) were invited to do a lecture and panel at the 2016 Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con – What I Learned By Giving Kids Swords: LARP Life Lessons From Really Smart Kids.

In her head, Carrie began calling this format “Adventure Learning” and started researching the growing trend in using role playing for teaching, therapy, and building community. She is currently creating an Adventure Learning TTRPG for middle schoolers at her church, and plans to continue pursing the development of AL in the future.

Carrie has degrees in Biblical Studies, Communication, Modern Contemporary Theology, Non-Western Christianity, and Divinity.

Nintendads

The Nintendads Logo

Two life-long friends with a passion for playing (and talking about) video games. Nintendads is a podcast for adult gamers and parents where they discuss (and argue) about games, gaming news, Nintendo stuff, and anything that would interest their fellow geeky parents. Head to thenintendads.com for more information!

Listen/watch on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you find your favorite podcasts! Watch their weekly gaming streams on twitch.tv/thenintendads or facebook.com/thenintendads.

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