Games in December 2025
I've changed the structure of this newsletter around a bit. Now all the ongoing events can be found over at https://games-in-melbourne.ghost.io/ongoing-groups/. There's lots of ongoing groups in there that are always posting games open to newcomers. The newsletter will now focus on new or specific events.
Once again, if you have any tips on events or if you're creating an event please let me know! I like to think that I'm pretty plugged into what's happening but it turns out that Melbourne is a big place!
I'm especially interested in any venues with rentable room or that are happy to have people play TTRPGs there, I'd love to compile a list of these around the city. If you have anything you'd love to be shared please comment or email gamesinmelbourne@gmail.com.
Ren's Fantasy Faire
This is a fantasy arts market run by Ren who is a really cool artist and writer I've bough these cool one page adventure zines from in the past. This looks the kind of event that deserves support so that more things like this can happen in Melbourne.
Description from the event:
Join us for a fantasy themed art market ✨🏰📜🖋️ We'll be transforming Canterbury Street Stables into a whimsical marketplace celebrating the incredible talent of local artisans and creators.
We have Let's Roll For Dragons running Dungeons and Dragons one-shots throughout the day, as well as quests, adventures and of course, best dressed prizes!
Date: 13th of December, Melbourne
Location: Canterbury Street Stables
Links: https://www.instagram.com/rensfantasyfaire/
Conquest Event Submissions Open
Hosted in Melbourne each year Conquest is a really fantastic convention that brings together a wide variety of games and some stalls. Last year I made the ill advised decision to run Eat The Reich 5 times over the course of the weekend (you can read about my experience of that here) and the year before I got exposed to Parlor Larps which was a really unique experience.
Submissions for games are open now.
For more info check out all their links here.
Lost Settlers - First Crossing
This is a really exciting looking 3 day LARP that's happening next year where we will be camping in the woods. From the event description.
If you are looking for a game that combines roleplay, conflict, survival, settling, and exploration in a historical setting, you will be interested in this game. You will play as an adventurer who belongs to one of three groups inspired by the cultures and histories of the 1700s British and Dutch, the 1600s Spanish and Germans, or the 1st century Picts, Gauls, and Celts. You will have to choose your items and skills wisely, as they will help you face the dangers and opportunities of the new land. You will also have a secret goal that will shape your actions and decisions. You will have to deal with challenges that may require you to be brave, cruel, or sacrificial. You will also discover the mystery of what happened to the settlers who came before you and disappeared. This game is not about pure combat; it is about creating a rich and immersive story with your fellow players in a historical context. If this sounds like something you would enjoy, come with us and discover the fate of the Lost Settlers.
As of writing this the tickets are nearly sold out with the only remaining tickets being for the faction I'll be playing in (the celt inspired Broch’Tír). This looks like it's going to be a load of fun.
Link to tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/lost-settlers-1 and discord: https://discord.gg/MMvHMWwm.
TTRPGs
Dolmenwood open table roleplaying adventure game
Hattie, who is part of a group that plays OSR games regularly at the Arcadia Whisky Lounge is starting up a Dolemenwood game. Although I haven't played with this group myself I think this kind of game would be an excellent starting point for anyone who wanted to either get into the hobby or try a game other than 5th edition dungeons and dragons.
Description from the group:
Dolmenwood is a fantasy adventure game of dark whimsy and weird wonders set among tangled woods, fungus-encrusted glades, and foetid marsh on the wild borders of civilisation. Rife with intrigue, secrets, and magic, Dolmenwood is inspired by the fairy tales and eerie folklore of the British Isles. Experienced gamers will appreciate the richly detailed campaign and timeworn elegance of old-school play, while beginners will be warmly welcomed and given an approachable introduction to the hobby. Roll to discover your character on the day, all play materials provided. About: https://necroticgnome.com/pages/about-dolmenwood Rules: https://www.dolmenwood.necroticgnome.com/
Venue: 6pm-8pm Sundays Arcadia Whisky Lounge, Ormond
Cost: No charge, happy hour cocktails and pizza available
Contact: hattie.lloyd@icloud.com to confirm
