What is a TTRPG? Great question! TTRPG stands for Tabletop Role-Playing Game. You’ve probably heard of Dungeons & Dragons—it’s one of the most popular and well-known examples of the genre. Other favorites include Pathfinder, Shadowrun, and Vampire: The Masquerade.

If those names are new to you, no worries—here’s the gist! TTRPGs are cooperative storytelling games where players create characters and go on adventures together. Typically, one player takes on the role of the Game Master (GM), guiding the story and interpreting the rules that determine actions, outcomes, and challenges.

As you play, your group builds a shared story full of suspense, humor, unexpected twists, and the occasional dramatic consequence. It’s part game, part improv, and all about creativity and collaboration.

TTRPGs have exploded in popularity in recent years—and for good reason! They’re an amazing outlet for creativity, problem-solving, storytelling, character design, and even a little bit of acting. No two games are ever the same.

Why Try a Solo TTRPG?

TTRPGs are usually thought of as group experiences—and they often are—but there’s a whole world of adventures designed just for one player!

Solo TTRPGs offer a flexible, creative way to enjoy the hobby on your own terms. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why would I role-play alone?”—here are a few great reasons:

Skill Building:
Solo play is a fantastic way to learn game mechanics, pacing, and tone. It’s especially helpful for new players who want to build confidence before joining a group.

Flexibility:
Coordinating schedules can be tough. Solo RPGs let you play whenever you want, for as long as you want—no scheduling headaches required.

Freedom:
Chase wild ideas, follow your curiosity, and explore unusual story paths. There’s no need to compromise—the story is entirely yours.

Self-Discovery & Community:
Solo play isn’t about replacing group games—it’s about learning what you enjoy. Discover your preferred playstyle, pacing, and storytelling approach. And when you come together with others, you’ll have even more to share!

Self-Care:
Solo RPGs can be a relaxing and reflective experience. You can even explore real-life challenges through storytelling, gaining new perspectives along the way.

Creativity:
You’re crafting your own journey within a guided framework. It’s structured enough to keep you moving forward, but open enough to let your imagination run wild.

What to Expect from Our Single Player TTRPG Club!

Our Solo TTRPG Club is a unique twist on a traditional game night—think of it like a book club, but instead of reading the same story, everyone is playing their own!

Single player or solo tabletop roleplay games (TTRPGs) are a unique roleplaying experience designed for one player. Most solo TTRPGs offer a more introspective and immersive story meant to be enjoyed at your own leisure. There’s no assignment of a traditional Game Master, and the book will provide you with the guidance you need.

Individually journal your responses to prompts and join in to discuss your adventures in a book club style roleplaying session at Gnome Games Green Bay East.

Players are encouraged to participate however best suits them – journaling, bullet point lists, prose, sketches, or whatever else that fits!

Our First Featured Game: Be Like a Crow

Be Like a Crow is a solo (or two-player) role-playing game where you take on the role of a clever corvid exploring a strange and fascinating world.

Play as a crow, raven, rook, jackdaw, or magpie as you travel through one of six unique settings—urban, cyberpunk, steampunk, fantasy, gothic, or even the Tower of London! Along the way, you’ll complete objectives, encounter other creatures, and collect all sorts of weird and wonderful items.

Our first session will be May 16th 2pm and will continue on Saturdays at 2pm!

Sneak Peek at Future Titles

We’ve got some fantastic games lined up for future club seasons, including:

All Night Breakfast at the Midnight Owl
You’re the creator of a supernatural investigation podcast who’s just moved to a quiet, mysterious town. Strange happenings are everywhere—perfect material for your next big episode… if you can uncover the truth.

Waffles for Esther
You’re a waitress on a simple mission: deliver a fresh plate of waffles to your favorite regular. But when Esther disappears, your routine task turns into a heartfelt mystery that you’re determined to solve.

The post What is a TTRPG? appeared first on Gnome Games.

There’s a certain kind of magic in walking into a party and immediately realizing… someone in the room is a murderer.

Murder mystery parties turn an ordinary gathering into an interactive story where everyone has a role to play. Each guest steps into the shoes of a unique character, complete with a backstory, motivations, and just enough secrets to keep things interesting. Somewhere in the mix is the culprit, and it’s up to the group to piece together clues, question each other, and uncover the truth before the mystery goes unsolved.

It doesn’t take long for the room to fill with dramatic accusations, suspicious glances, and the occasional over-the-top performance. Even the quietest guest can suddenly become deeply invested in defending their innocence, while someone else is having a little too much fun stirring the pot. That’s part of the charm—everyone gets to let loose, lean into the absurd, and fully embrace the experience.

What makes murder mystery parties stand out is how naturally they bring people together. Instead of passively watching a movie or making small talk over dinner, everyone becomes part of the action. Conversations have a purpose, laughter comes easily, and the shared goal of solving the mystery creates an energy that sticks with you long after the party ends. It’s not just a hangout—it’s a story you all get to tell together.

Hosting Your Own Party!

If hosting something like this sounds intimidating, it’s easier than you might think. Modern murder mystery kits are designed to handle the hard parts for you. They come with structured storylines, detailed character guides, and themed materials that help set the scene. Rather than building a party from scratch, you’re stepping into a fully realized world that’s ready to go as soon as your guests arrive.

Another bonus is how flexible these experiences can be. While murder mysteries might feel like a Halloween staple, they’re not limited to the spooky season. You could find yourself solving a crime at a sunny vineyard, unraveling secrets during a festive celebration, or navigating drama at a casual backyard gathering. The themes shift easily with the mood, making it a party idea that works year-round.

Join Us!

For those looking to jump right in, Gnome Games is hosting its own interactive event: Murder Mystery Party: A Taste for Wine & Murder. Set against the backdrop of California wine country, the scene begins with a picturesque festival—rolling vineyards, flowing drinks, and good company. But the atmosphere quickly changes with the discovery of Barry Underwood, a local vineyard owner who has been missing for six years, now found hidden beneath his own wine cellar. With new clues emerging and every guest under suspicion, the group must work together to uncover what really happened. Of course, anyone could be hiding something… including you.

The event takes place on Saturday, May 9th at 1:00 PM, with entry set at $20 and space limited to just six participants. It’s an intimate, story-driven experience where every player has a part to play and every detail matters.

Publishers of Murder Mystery Party: A Taste for Wine & Murder

The game itself comes from University Games, a company that has been creating interactive and engaging experiences since 1985. Founded by Bob Moog and Cris Lehman, the company began with a simple idea: games should bring people together through imagination and shared experiences. Their very first release, Murder Mystery Party, helped define the genre and continues to be a favorite decades later. Over the years, they’ve expanded their catalog to include a wide variety of games for all ages, all built around the same philosophy of encouraging connection, creativity, and fun. Today, their games are enjoyed around the world, but the heart of what they do remains the same—creating moments where people can gather, play, and make lasting memories.

Whether you’re hosting your own gathering or joining one already in motion, a murder mystery party offers something a little different. It’s a chance to step into a character, share a few laughs, and maybe—just maybe—get away with the perfect crime.

The post A Beginner’s Guide to Hosting the Perfect Murder Mystery Party appeared first on Gnome Games.

Our stores have planned a vast list of classes you can sign up for this year at Strixhaven! We are looking forward to what classes you choose to sign up for this year. Classes will be listed below.

Check our calendar to find classes near you!

Strixhaven Casual Prerelease 101

Welcome, students! This introductory course is the perfect way to explore the magical curriculum of the Strixhaven set. Whether you’re a first-year player or a returning scholar, this class is designed to provide a fun, low-pressure environment to learn and experience a Prerelease event.

Class begins with a lesson in deckbuilding, where students will construct their decks using materials from their chosen college. From there, you’ll participate in three “group projects” (rounds), each consisting of a best-of-three match against fellow students.

This course emphasizes learning, exploration, and enjoying the newest set at your own pace—no prior experience required.

Enroll today and begin your studies at Strixhaven!

Here is additional info Students can use to prep for the class: Prerelease Info

Strixhaven Prerelease 201

Welcome back, students! In this intermediate-level course, you’ll put your knowledge to the test and represent your college with pride. Building on the fundamentals introduced in 101, this class leans into a more competitive environment while still keeping the experience fun and engaging.

Class begins with deckbuilding, where you’ll craft your strategy using your college’s materials. From there, students will be paired into groups to compete in three structured rounds of play. Each round is a best-of-three match, challenging you to adapt, strategize, and outplay your opponents.

This is the standard Prerelease experience—perfect for students ready to sharpen their skills, embrace a little rivalry, and prove their mastery of Strixhaven’s curriculum.

Prepare your spells, trust your studies, and may your college come out on top! Click here for a sneak peak at some class materials you may receive!

Welcome, students, to Strixhaven’s premier class! This limited-enrollment honors class is the ultimate way to experience everything the set has to offer. Designed for all skill levels, this is a celebration of the game, the community, and the magic of Strixhaven.

Begin your evening with deckbuilding as you dive deep into your college’s materials, then compete in three rounds of play, each consisting of best-of-three matches. Whether you’re here to test your skills or simply enjoy the experience, this event is all about bringing players together.

Students in attendance will also enjoy special Strixhaven-themed snacks and have the opportunity to collect unique memorabilia to commemorate the occasion.

Spots are limited, so be sure to enroll early—this is one class you won’t want to miss! Click here to find a 301 class near you!

Strixhaven Two-Headed Giant Prerelease 401

Collaboration is key in this advanced-level course! In this Partner Project, students will team up in pairs to take on other duos in a cooperative, strategy-focused experience.

Each team will receive two Prerelease kits to build from, combining their knowledge and resources to create powerful decks. This event consists of three rounds of play, with each round being a best-of-one match—so every decision counts.

For each round your team wins, both partners will earn a booster pack prize.

This course is perfect for players of all experience levels. We highly encourage upperclassmen to partner with newer students to help guide them through the experience—but all team combinations are welcome.

More info on what a Two-Headed Giant is here!

The post Strixhaven Class List! appeared first on Gnome Games.

The Creators

Tray and Jennifer Green are the creative minds behind this fantastic new game, and Tray himself will be joining us to teach it! The Green family has a long-standing passion for CCGs, tabletop games, and roleplaying games—something they’ve enjoyed together for years.

They’ve channeled that shared passion into designing games of their own, driven by the belief that “families that game together, stay together.” Their love for innovative mechanics and engaging design shines through in their work, resulting in experiences that are fun, unique, and built to bring people together.

You may recognize the name Plague & Pestilence, a medieval-themed game originally created by Tray Green in 1993. If you’ve had the chance to play it, you’ll notice its strong influence on their newest title, Popes & Plagues. The Greens have shared that, throughout development, they worked to stay true to the spirit of the original while introducing updated mechanics and a fresh, new design.

Be sure to find your local event and come out to support this talented, game-creating family!

Popes & Plagues

Popes & Plagues is a fast-paced card game set in the Middle Ages, filled with strategy, chaos, and a touch of dark humor. This is not just a reprint—it’s a full recreation. Classic elements have been reimagined, and new content has been added to create an exciting, updated experience. Build your village, wage war against your enemies, lead holy crusades, grow your population—and prepare for the plague!

Plague & Pestilence

A light, fast-paced card game centered on the rise—and inevitable fall—of medieval towns. During the “Prosperity” phase, players grow their populations by building improvements or cleverly stealing resources from their opponents. But prosperity never lasts for long…

The game’s artwork, inspired by medieval woodcuts, features striking imagery of the Grim Reaper, adding a darkly thematic touch to the experience.

The post Play The Designers! Popes & Plagues! appeared first on Gnome Games.

Welcome back to the College of Strixhaven. For those of you who this is your first visit, welcome. Allow us to give you a brief glimpse into the vast knowledge held within this school’s magical walls.

Here are the established colleges:

Lorehold: College of Archaemancy

This red & white school is full of diligent researchers, daring adventurers, and those with a deep passion for history. For those who seek what is forgotten, the study of the past requires much discipline. The mage, Quintorius, is a well-traveled adventurer through the paths of the past. With his help, make history your weapon. Bring those gone and forgotten back to assist you with power and knowledge.

Prismari: College of Elementals Arts

Assigned the color pair of blue & red, this college draws power from expressive, passionate, and explosive art. Connect your mind and body to make the world your stage. Rootha, a passionate performer, will show you how to make a lasting impression with bombastic spells and extraordinary Elementals that assist her with putting on a show. Let your creativity run wild.. and even dangerously.

Quandrix: College of Numeromancy

This study of patterns, fractals, and symmetries is categorized by the colors green & blue. With calculated studies, learn to command the fundamental forces of nature. Mages in this study can easily contemplate the vast properties of the universe while reciting pi backwards. Zimone will be the math genius who guides you through this school. They will teach you to carefully calculate spells to increase your probability of victory. With numbers on your side, your board will compound into success.

Silverquill: College of Eloquence

White & black are the dual colors assigned to this college. In this focus, stylish spell casters learn the art of wielding words for power. Mages here use their razor-sharp wit to craft an intimidating presence. With a deep competitive drive, they develop their charisma to be a powerful weapon. Silver-tongued, Killian will show you how to lead others and how to encourage those to do your bidding for you. Convince allies to fight for you, force opponents to fight each other, & charm your way into control. With clever words, control the flow of battle and savor in the mayhem.

Witherbloom: College of Life & Death

These mages draw power from the essence of living things around them. This categorizes them in the color combo of black & green. These mages find sanctuary with zombie crocs, amongst herbs they grow for potions, or hiding in the isolation of the swamp. They know how to enhance nature around them and, when necessary, exploit it. Dina will be your teacher in Witherbloom. She will teach you the art of cultivating growth through necessary sacrifices.

Prerelease Opportunities!

The official release date of Secrets Of Strixhaven is April 24th. If you want early access to the product, come to one of our Prerelease events at any of our locations! Our Prereleases start as early as April 17th!

Check out all of our locations’ events on our calendar!

What is a Prerelease Event?

These events are hosted at Gnome Games and let you play with a new set a week ahead of its release.

Prerelease is a player’s first opportunity to get their hands on the newest Magic: The Gathering release and explore what the set has to offer. A Prerelease Box contains everything a player needs to build a deck and begin facing off in epic one-on-one matches. Prereleases are ran as Sealed events, which means you’ll construct a 40-card deck out of the contents of your Prerelease Box and any number of basic lands. For more information from Wizards on the prerelease, check here: https://magic.wizards.com/en/formats/sealed-deck

The post Return to Strixhaven! appeared first on Gnome Games.

All of our creative gnomes on staff are super excited to talk about the new Dungeons & Dragons Crochet book coming out! 

The book is going to be filled with your favorite Dnd elements! Twenty patterns of all your favorite in-game content fill out this book. There will be patterns like a Bag Of Holding, a dangerously cute Owlbear Cub plushie, and even a Mind Flayer! 

The book includes high-quality images and clear instructions to help create your project. When opened, the book will lay completely flat, so you can easily use both hands to work on the project with no issues. 

Crochet patterns by: Sharon Posey, Alysia Sly, Rebecca Stone, and Lydia Viatoris

“Crochet and D&D go hand-in-hand in the most exciting way. Much like a wizard, a fiber artist can work magic. A crocheter’s collection of patterns is like a spellbook. . . . Stacy King and four fiber artists from across the U.S. combine their efforts in this magical tome, bringing 20 unique crochet patterns specifically designed for Dungeons & Dragons lovers.”—Comic Book Resources

___________________________________________________________

Our stores will be hosting Crochet Social Hours! 

We are inviting crafters to come in, crochet, chat and hang out with fellow D&D crafters. Anyone that pre-orders the book receives a School of Magic Granny Squares PDF, featuring 8 school-symbol designs that are beginner-friendly and endlessly customizable!

We’ll be taking pictures of people’s projects (if they’d like!) and posting them on social media. These photos have a chance to be featured on official D&D socials and newsletters! Social Hour is open to all skill levels, whether it’s your very first time crocheting or your 100th project. Crochet, learn, or simply discuss which school of magic you belong to with other fans!

Check out our event calendar to find what a store near you is hosting it!

The post D&D Crochet Book Release! appeared first on Gnome Games.

Hold your paws, it gets better! We have a copy of Dog Fluxx, signed by the creators, that we want to giveaway! Click the link below to read more about the giveaway and how to enter!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1APWnUxdah

Don’t know how to play Fluxx? We got you!

We have partnered with Lucky 7 and will be hosting a Learn To Play Event along side adorable, adoptable dogs rigth at the rescue! The event will be March 22nd from 1-4pm at Lucky 7 Dog Rescue. The rescue is located at 239 N Broadway, Green Bay, WI 54303. While attending the event, any participant who makes a donation to the rescue will be entered to win a one-of-a-kind Fluxx Art Card! These specialty cards have been designed by local artists! There is no amount requirement for the donation; anything that helps out the doggies is highly appreciated!

Come celebrate, play games, and support a great cause—we can’t wait to see you there! 

Learn about Lucky 7

Lucky 7 Dog Rescue began in 2015 when founder Maddy Szymanski discovered a video of seven mixed-breed puppies scheduled for euthanasia at an overcrowded shelter in Texas. At just 20 years old and new to animal welfare, Maddy teamed up with friends Sam and Elizabeth, drove to Houston, and helped rescue the puppies by partnering with Lola’s Lucky Day to bring them to Wisconsin for adoption.

What started as a single rescue mission quickly revealed the urgent challenges facing southern shelters. After eight months and ten trips to Texas, Lucky 7 Dog Rescue was officially born.

Today, the organization is a volunteer-run rescue dedicated to helping dogs in need while strengthening the bond between people and pets. Through fostering, adoption, education, and partnerships with rescue organizations, Lucky 7 continues working to save lives and support communities across Wisconsin and beyond.

https://www.lucky7dogrescue.com/?utm_source=local&utm_medium=gmb

The post Let me hear you howl! Dog Fluxx Release Celebration! appeared first on Gnome Games.

Cat Fluxx Launch Party at the Pawfee House Sept 9 to benefit Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary

Are you ready for a purr-fectly unpredictable evening? Gnome Games is thrilled to announce the official Cat Fluxx Launch Party at The Pawffee Shop Cat Cafe! Join us for a night of feline fun, strategic card-playing chaos, and a chance to support a wonderful cause – Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary!

GET YOUR TICKETS OR RESERVE YOUR COPY OF CAT FLUXX TODAY

Cat Fluxx Launch Party Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, September 9th, 2025
• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: The Pawffee Shop Cat Cafe, 1745 Casaloma Dr., Appleton, WI
• Entry Fee: $20 (includes your very own copy of the new Cat Fluxx game!)

Get ready to experience the ever-changing rules of Fluxx with an adorable cat twist! Whether you’re a seasoned Fluxx player or new to the game, Cat Fluxx promises a unique and hilarious experience. Plus, you can enjoy delicious drinks and treats available for purchase directly from The Pawffee Shop Cat Cafe.

About Looney Labs: The Minds Behind Fluxx

We’re excited to celebrate the release of Cat Fluxx from our friends at Looney Labs! Looney Labs is renowned for creating quality games that connect people and bring fun and joy to their lives. Their vision extends beyond just games; they aim to spread peace, love, happiness, and fun, while also building community, contributing to social equality, and being environmentally responsible.

Learn more about Looney Labs and their innovative games on their official website: Looney Labs.

Connect with them on social media:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube

Our Host: The Pawffee Shop Cat Cafe

We’re delighted to partner with The Pawffee Shop Cat Cafe for this special event. While we couldn’t retrieve specific details about their business directly, we know they provide a wonderful, cozy environment where you can enjoy coffee and treats in the company of adorable adoptable cats. It’s the perfect setting for a Cat Fluxx launch!

Visit their website to learn more about their offerings and their mission: The Pawffee Shop.

You can also find them on their social media channels https://www.facebook.com/pawffeeshop

A Cause Close to Our Hearts: Supporting Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary

The Cat Fluxx Launch Party event is more than just a game launch; it’s a fundraiser for a truly deserving organization – Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary! For every Cat Fluxx game preordered from Gnome Games or sold at this event, $2 will be donated directly to Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary.Image of

Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) no-kill, cage-free sanctuary located in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Their incredible mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, care for, and find forever homes for cats and dogs with special needs and disabilities, as well as to educate the public on their care and nutritional needs. They bravely accept cases of abuse, neglect, hoarding situations, and animals with various physical and psychological disabilities, including FIV+, FELV+, blindness, paralysis, and missing limbs, as well as neonatal kittens and puppies and senior animals. Operating entirely on donations, they only euthanize animals when they are suffering and there are no other options.

Learn more about their vital work and how you can help: Safe Haven Pet Sanctuary.

Follow them on social media or sign up for their “Mewsletter” for monthly updates.

Gnome Games: Our Mission and Values

The Gnome Games mission is simple: to bring fun, fellowship, and the finest tabletop games to your table. We believe in the power of games to connect people and create lasting memories. The Cat Fluxx Launch Party perfectly aligns with our values of community and supporting local organizations, and we want to invite you to be a part of it.

Discover more about our mission and values here: Gnome Games Mission and Values

We can’t wait to see you at The Pawffee Shop for a night of Cat Fluxx fun, all for a great cause! Mark your calendars and get ready to play!

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Become a Gnome Games Secret Agent at Anime Detour!

Calling all secret agents! Gnome Games needs your help at Anime Detour. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to infiltrate our tabletop room and uncover our daily secret phrases. Each day, a new code will be revealed on our posters, website, and social media. Once you’ve cracked the code, discreetly whisper it to a Gnome Games agent in our tabletop room to receive a special “Secret Agent” ribbon for your badge. Collect all three ribbons throughout the weekend to prove your super spy status!

Where to Find Clues:

• Check our posters around the convention. QR Codes will take you to the daily Secret Code
• Follow the Gnome Games World Headquarters Facebook! We’ll post the daily secret codes every morning before the tabletop room opens at 10 AM
• Watch the Anime Detour socials as well!

Secret Agents are asked to share your status using Hashtag: #GnomeGamesSecretAgent

The post Become a Gnome Games Secret Agent at Anime Detour! appeared first on Gnome Games.

Gnome Games takes the safety of our staff and the community seriously in all matters. This is especially true when it comes to highly sought after products like the upcoming Pokemon Prismatic Evolutions releases.

For this reason, and because of the extreme shortage of the Pokemon Prismatic Evolution product we have made the difficult decision to restrict purchasing of these products as follows. There will not be ANY online sales of Pokemon Prismatic Evolutions at this time

Friday January 17th, 2025

Customers that have played in a Pokémon Sanctioned and reported activity (Pokémon League, Club, League Challenge, League Cup, Weekly Tournament or special event like the Pokémon Bingo events at The Gnoshery) will be allowed to purchase no more than 1 of the new release items at the store where they were reported playing.

Access to the Pokemon Prismatic Evolutions product is a per player/customer limit and will be tracked based on the customer POP (Pokémon Organized Play) ID. These items will be priced at our Pokémon Supporter level.

If you have not played or participated in one of our events, you may be allowed to purchase 1 of the items if we have remaining stock starting Friday January 24th at a Non-Pokémon Supporter price. We will announce what stores have stock, if any on Thursday January 23rd.

We do apologize for not being able to fill any other requests. We simply did not receive anywhere near the quantity we ordered.

Anyone that conducts themselves inappropriately or is disrespectful to any Gnome Games employee, our property, or another customer will be asked to leave the premises and not return.

Finally, we do want to say thank you for your support and patronage over the last 20+ years. We look forward to putting more fun on your table, and for Pokémon, that will be as soon as we are able to secure more for you.

Here is a list of the Pokemon Players ID’s that we have registered for events. If your ID is not here please contact us via email at HQ@gnomegames.com with your name, Year of Birth, what store your played at and what event and when you think you played, and we will verify.

POP ID (Pokemon Organized Play) ID

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