Hey Hey Everyone! Welcome back to Urban Sunrises. Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) are an incredible way to bring your friends and family together. Escaping real life, if only for an hour or two, is something we all need. While many associate TTRPGs with sitting around a table in your parent's basement, it's truley not that way anymore and in fact Melissa and I argue that you can take your game outside. Telling stories around a campfire, and immersing yourself in the fantasy world you've created is an experience you will never forget.
Telling Stories Around a Campfire in the Forest
One of the coolest parts of playing role-playing games in the forest is the ability to tell stories around a campfire. Sitting in the flickering light of a fire and surrounded by nature is just epic, so very epic. It's also a great to let your imagination run wild. Creating a story that transports you and your friends to another world, epic! What stories come to life dancing in the fire? The flames will help inspire new thoughts and new ideas.
Feel the Wind on Your Face
Playing TTRPGs in the forest creates this mystical mood of being in the story because you are literally in the place that you are fantasizing about. Imagine having a session in your house one week, using the below dnd forest map and the next session actually being in the map! The sights, sounds, and smells of the forest bring your story to life. The smell of the forest air, the warmth of the fire on your skin, the night sky above you, and your friends gathered around you. It's magical.
Weather and Waterproof Bags
Make sure to check the weather before you head out to the forest. Your character sheets, rule books, and other game materials may get damaged in the rain. To prevent this, use waterproof bags or containers to store your game materials. Melissa and I found these great waterproof map cases on Amazon to hold our dnd forest map, character sheets, and gear. Or honestly don't and let your books get worn like they came straight out of a wizards tower!
Setting the Table - Let's Make it Pretty!
Decorating your table further sets the scene for an epic night of role-play in the forest. This doesn't have to be complicated! Bring cups, candles, bottles of mead, forest maps, or other items that will help to create the atmosphere you want. Forage around the forest for leaves, rocks, and flowers to add to your table decor. Who doesn't love a good Druid forage?
Appropriate Warmth Blanketry
Make sure to bring blankets and appropriate clothing for staying warm while playing late into the night. The forest can get chilly, even in the summer. Make sure you dress in layers so you can toss the sweatshirt when the story gets heated. My personal favorite is my eleven cloak and hood. Sitting in a forest around a campfire wearing a warm cloak and hood. sigh... Let's go to the forest right now.
Start Slow with Stories Around the Campfire
If you're new to TTRPGs or playing in the forest, start slow by just telling stories around the campfire. This can help you get used to the outdoors and get your creative juices flowing. You can even start by just using a journal, no game manual, no dnd forest map, no monsters, just the story. As you become more comfortable, you can start to introduce game mechanics and characters.
The Windstone Chronicles
If you're looking for a TTRPG that has been played in the forest, check out The Windstone Chronicles. Using the forst as a backdrop for your adventure, your session will come alive like never before. If you want you can download and print the dnd forest map below.
Playing TTRPGs in the forest will be an experience you will never forget. By using waterproof bags, setting the table, bringing appropriate blanketry, and starting slow with stories around the campfire, you can create an unforgettable experience for everyone. Grab your books and head out into the forest for your next TTRPG adventure!
Download Your Free DnD Forest Map
Melissa and I take inspiration from every adventure we take in this realm and bring it into the Windstone Chronicles. This map was inspired by our trip to the forest. Feel free to use it as a Roll20 Forest map encounter, or for your next DnD Forest session, or better, use it for your next encounter in the Copperbind Forest in the Windstone Chronicles. (You know Melissa and I will be!)
Do you plan on running a session with the Dnd Forest Map? Share your session experience in the comments! Better yet did you play the session outdoors? We would love to hear about it.