““Dungeons and Dragons” is definitely more than a game. It’s a phenomenon, a phenomenon, a story. It is the forerunner of all RPGs. And that’s right, if you only know the term RPG from the TV series “Stranger Things”, or you already know perfectly well what you are eating with and you are looking for companions to experience an amazing adventure, be sure to read a shortinterview with Marta Bukowska, the Master of the Game in the Adventure LeagueOlivia’s O’E. You’ll learn what madeher fall in love with RPGs, how this love comes in handy in her professional career, and why it’s worth becoming a part of the League’s creative community.

Ela Nowak, Olivia Centre: Where did your passion for RPGs come from?

Marta Bukowska, Adventure League: I consider myself a creative person, I’ve always liked interesting stories, I wanted to do something different, exciting, new. And that’s how D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) began. One evening, bored, I started looking up Uncle Google for information about D&D. I’d heard the name before, but it wasn’t something popular with my friends. So I got to know D&D as an adult, unlike my current friends from the League, most of whom have been playing since I was a child. That’s how my love for RPGs began. I was lost and I don’t regret it.

How did you joinOlivia’s Adventure League?

I’ve played and played games before, but I don’t think they were adventures with miniatures, boards, maps. Now it’s the norm for me, but before there were only computers and electronic mats and it was definitely not enough. How did I join the League? I found her by accident on Facebook, almost a year ago, when I wasn’t Olivia’s employee yet. During one of the games, Maciek from the League mentioned that they need DMs [Dungeon Master*]. And that’s how I stayed.

*Dungeon Master – The Game Master prepares the session for the players and then supervises the course of the game. It controls all events in the world and the behavior of characters that are not controlled by the players.

What do you like about the Adventure League?

For ease and flexibility. We are all busy people. Of course, it would be nice to run epic campaigns that last for years, but hardly anyone can afford that. In the Adventure League, I can assume that for the next two or three weeks I have time to meet on Tuesdays. And that’s it. Maybe I’ll take a two-month break and then join a new adventure? It’s up to me to decide; That’s a big plus.

We also don’t have to worry about space. After all, not everyone has the conditions to run campaigns at home. Not everyone has a 4-meter table [laughs].

There are new people coming in the league all the time, which is really cool. We even do sessions in English, for foreign-speaking players. There are no limits here. Anyway, I really wanted to play in English, because that’s how I started and that’s how I learned to play. My first teammates came from the USA, Germany or France. Translating RPGs into Polish was difficult, even though it’s my native language. I still don’t like some of the translations.

If you’re familiar with RPGs, you know how valuable it is to be able to play with different Game Masters. Each of them has a different style of gameplay. There are also various systems. It’s worth trying and opening up to new things.

In the League, we run not only D&D but also Cthulu, Clanarchy, and soon maybe Vampire Masquerade. So it’s always possible to try different systems to see what works for me. Choose what turns you on the most.

What is the prIs there an entry fee? I’m new, what’s going on with me?

You are met by four very friendly Game Masters. You meet a group of people who are just as positively crazy. Everyone has started out like you at some point, so don’t worry.

On Facebook, we announce the adventures we run. Each DM posts a short description and information on how many people can take part in the game; Usually 3 to 5. I, for one, am about to host “Mysterious Excavations.”

I usually start with the so-called. “session zero”. I meet with each person individually, especially when they are new, and guide them through the character creation process. I could give them a ready-made, but I like it when my players are creative, when they can empathize with their RPG alter-ego. I also briefly present the rules, tell you what the game looks like and what the game entails.

Should I take anything with me?

You don’t need to bring anything with you. Well, maybe a pencil, because there is always a shortage of them. Someone must be eating them [laughs]. We can print the character sheet, we have dice to lend. You just have to have the willingness. We laugh in the League that a new person should bring a good mood, the aforementioned pencil and snacks to bribe the DM [laughs]. However, the most important thing is to make the game fun for everyone.

Is there any adventure thatyou remember as the best?

You know, every adventure is different. I’m sorry, but RPG savoir-vivre doesn’t let me choose. [laughs].

What would you say to those whocan’t make up their minds?

They need to know that it’s not just for complete nerds [laughs]. There is no other place where you can create such amazing stories. There is no other place like this, where even the craziest plans can be put into practice. In the League, you can let your imagination run wild and you are not judged in any way for it. It’s a safe space for creative people. After all, it was the only place where the figure of a halfling barbarian could be created, fighting with a fork twice as much as her. After all, Praline, because that’s her name, I couldn’t create anywhere else! [laughs]

Has RPG changedanything in your life?

Thanks to RPGs, you are more open in your private life. You gain distance to yourself. I, for one, had a problem with showing what I liked. I was afraid that I would be judged for my hobby or by its prism. Unnecessarily. Now I believe in myself more. In addition, RPG forces you to think creatively outside the box, because non-standard problem solving is the order of the day here. It also taught me how to manage people, and as a player – how to work in a group. It works well as a way of team building in companies.

RPGs open up the world and open people up to the world. I think that’s cool.

What you need to know:

• The adventure usually lasts 2-3 meetings
• meetings are held on Tuesdays at O4 Coworking (Olivia Four)
• start at 17:00
• Duration: 2 to 4 hours
• sign up for a specific adventure on
  Olivia’s Adventure League’s Facebook page
  
• You don’t have to take anything with you except a good attitude!

In pictures:

• Adventure League meeting, an adventure led by DM Maciej Wojciechowski
• Figurines made by a member of the Adventure League: Michał Hewelt, objectively by Adam Marczak from Olivia’s Photography Club
• The stand of the Adventure League during Olivia’s event, hosted by Marta Bukowska and Maciej Wojciechowski