Retreat FAQ

What edition will we be playing? 
5th Edition – you can download the free basic rules on the Dungeons & Dragons website or find the complete rules in the 5e Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Masters Guide, and Monsters Manual.

Can you speak to the inclusivity of this event? 
We affirm this bit of Scripture, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

And we affirm this wonderful little gem from the PHB.

Image may contain: text that says 'You don' need to be confined to binary notions of sex and gender. The elf god Corellon Larethian is often seen as androgynous or hermaphroditic, for example, and some elves in the multiverse are made in Corellon's image You could also play a female character who presents herself as a man, a man who feels trapped in a female body, or a bearded female dwarf who hates being mistaken for a male Likewise your character's sexual orientation is for you to decide.'

What are the sleeping arrangements like?
When you register you will have your choice between three room options.
* Dorm rooms have a combination of 4 single beds and 2 bunk beds with shared bathroom facilities.
* Double rooms are motel style rooms with two double beds and private bathrooms. Roommates will be assigned by the organizers, with the option to make specific roommate requests.
* Private rooms are the same as the double rooms, but you get the room all to yourself.

What else is included in the retreat?
The retreat center we’ve chosen this year has a ton of great amenities, including delicious meals, snack and beverage breaks, a 24/7 coffee & tea station, use of the lounge & library, relaxing in the sauna, pool, and whirlpool, exploring the 5 miles of well managed trails, having a fire in one of the outdoor firepits, enjoying the game room, and more! You can check out their website for more information.

I have allergies/sensitivities or other dietary restrictions. Will there be anything for me to eat?
We can accommodate any and all dietary needs as long as we know about them in advance. Just let us know about them when you register. Options may be limited if we don’t know your needs in advance.

Can I get a deal because I’m a ______________?
Contact us for details about a discount ($90 off regular registration!) if you are a seminary student or are attending with your spouse.

My family member would like to come to spend time on retreat. Is there an option for non-participant attendees?
There will likely be enough space for non-participating family members to join and enjoy some time on retreat. Contact us  with details about your situation and we will see what we can do.

I’ve never played D&D before. Will I still be able to enjoy this?
Absolutely! We will work with you before you arrive, and help as much as needed throughout the retreat. The specific adventure will be new to everyone, and the DMs will be there throughout to guide and assist you. We’ll explain everything you need to know and make sure you have a great time even if you’ve never played before.

How do I get to the retreat center?
If you are driving, directions to the retreat center will be sent. The event organizers will also work to coordinate additional options, including transportation from Minneapolis and the MSP airport to the retreat center. 

How should I make my character?
Character creation will be a part of the event. All participants will receive guidance in preparing for character creation closer to the event date. 

Will there be wifi?
Yes. The retreat center has wifi throughout all of their buildings.  

There’s a lot of downtime in the afternoons. What can I do during all that downtime?
Downtime is intentionally built into our schedule to provide time for people to find rest however they like. You can explore the 5 miles of hiking trails, play some outdoor games, or check out the sauna, spa, and swimming pool. Some people might use the time to catch up on some sleep. Others might want to spend it doing more gaming. We’ll work with the group to organize options for free time each day to help everyone find something to do. 

What are the spiritual backgrounds of people who attend?
The organizers are pastors in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Past participants have included people from a mix of backgrounds: mainline protestant, non-denominational Christian, and non-Christian. While theological content will be shared and discussed, the goal of this retreat isn’t that we all come away with the same theology. Rather our hope is that we come together in an inclusive way as diverse people of faith with a shared interest in D&D, and that we see our differences as opportunities to learn from each other, not make each other uncomfortable or argue or judge one another.

Will this event be streamed online?
At this time there are no plans to record the event or stream it online. This is the kind of event best experienced in person!

I have a question not covered here!
Contact us  with any other questions you might have.