Frequently asked questions
Find an answer before your next adventure.
About D&D
What is D&D?
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a tabletop role-playing game where players create characters and embark on adventures in a fantasy world. The Game Master (GM) narrates the story and controls the world, while players make decisions for their characters.
Do I need experience?
No experience needed! We welcome complete beginners and will guide you through character creation, rules, and gameplay. Our sessions are designed to be beginner-friendly.
Do I have to do voices or dress up?
Not at all! While some players enjoy roleplaying with voices or costumes, it's completely optional. You can participate as much or as little as you're comfortable with.
How do you win?
D&D isn't about winning or losing in the traditional sense. It's about collaborative storytelling, problem-solving, and having fun together. Success is measured by the enjoyment of the adventure!
What does the DM do vs players?
The Dungeon Master (DM) narrates the story, describes the world, plays non-player characters, and adjudicates rules. Players control their own characters, make decisions, and interact with the world the DM creates.
About the Service
Where can we play?
Currently, in-person games can be played in Sydney CBD, the Hills, or anywhere near a metro station. Other areas in the Greater Sydney area might be considered, but your quote will include a travel fee. Additionally, online games are available, however online games are generally not recommended.
What's included in a session?
Each session includes a professional game master, a custom adventure tailored to your group, all necessary game materials, and a safe, respectful gaming environment. Optional add-ons include dice sets, snacks, and venue arrangements.
Are snacks/venues included?
Snacks and venues are optional add-ons. You can choose from basic or premium snack options, and we can help arrange a venue in your preferred area for an additional fee. Basic snacks will include things such as chips, biscuits or sweets. Premium snacks will include things like charcuterie boards or platters of cheese and crackers.
Group vs individual vs corporate
Group bookings are for established groups of friends. Individual bookings are for solo players who will be matched with other players. Corporate bookings are for team-building events or special occasions.
Can I record the session?
Check with your DM on or before the day of the session. If your DM consents to the session being recorded, then you may record the session and use the recording however you wish. The DM may also choose to record the session for safety, security or quality purposes.
Boundaries & Safety
How to communicate discomfort
We use a safety system where you can signal if you're uncomfortable with content. You can communicate privately with the DM or take a break if needed. Your comfort and safety are our top priorities.
In-person vs online
We strongly prefer in-person sessions for the best experience, as they allow for better communication, atmosphere, and engagement. Online sessions are available but provide a weaker experience.
I have a sensitive topic that I would like the DM to avoid in the game, how can we do this?
As part of the booking process, each player will be asked to complete a questionnaire which will give the opportunity to specify any sensitive topics they would like the DM to avoid. This will be taken into account when preparing the game. Please be aware, however, that the DM is only human, and a game session typically can take up to 4 hours, perhaps even more, so while a DM will do their best to respect your wishes, they may make mistakes. If at any point during a game you start to feel uncomfortable for any reason, you should raise it with your DM who will do their best to remedy the situation.
What if another player is behaving inappropriately?
As a representative of Aspyre D&D, the DM has a responsibility to ensure that players - and the DM themselves - feel safe, respected and comfortable. If one or more players is behaving inappropriately or causing discomfort in the DM or other players, the DM will give them one soft warning (i.e. a polite comment indicating that the behaviour should change), then a hard warning (i.e. if this continues, there will be consequences - specifying what those consequences are) and then take action. Depending on the situation, that action may be the removal of the problem player from the game (and barring them from future involvement with Aspyre D&D games) or the complete cessation of the game session (if that is considered necessary, i.e. all - or most - players are bullying or causing discomfort for the DM). No refunds will be given.
Is alcohol allowed?
Depending on the rules/policies of the venue at which the game is played and provided all participants are over 18 years of age, alcohol may be allowed. However, if at any point the DM feels that one or more players is drinking to excess or intoxicated, then they may take action (refer to the 'what if another player is behaving inappropriately' question above).
How old do I need to be to play a game?
Particpants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over the age of 18. All of our DMs have current Working with Children Checks, but even so, written consent of a parent or legal guardian must be provided before any players under the age of 18 can particpate. Furthermore, at their discretion the DM may choose to record (audio or video) the game session for safety and security purposes.
PvP, evil characters, etc.
Player vs Player (PvP) is discouraged unless all players explicitly agree. Evil characters are generally discouraged as they can disrupt group cohesion. We'll discuss these preferences during booking.
Booking & Payment
How to book
Fill out the booking form on the 'Play D&D' page. We'll review your request and send you available time slots. Once you select a time and complete payment, your booking is confirmed.
Deposits/payments
Full payment is required to confirm your booking. For group bookings, one person pays for the entire session. For individual bookings, each player pays for their seat.
Is playing online cheaper?
While online play may save you the cost of a venue booking or snacks, the game fee will not be cheaper, as the amount of work required to prepare and run a session is the same for the DM. We generally discourage online play, as it is not as immersive and engaging as in-person play and we want you to have the best possible experience.
Cancellations/refunds
Cancellations made more than 7 days before the session receive a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days may be subject to a partial refund. See our Terms & Conditions for full details.