Deep in the darkness of the wizarding world, on the second floor of RCTC’s East Hall, room EA-241, a new mission was about to unfold. The fluorescent lights cast a steady glow over the round table, where adventurers had gathered for their weekly journey into the realms of Dungeons and Dragons. The Echo Newspaper staff caught up with the tabletop gaming club just before the mission unfolded.
Club advisor Professor John Tacinelii (PH.D.), describes the club as “a place to come for 5 to 6 hours and just forget about the 
world… and de-stress.”
The club has a wide variety of games, from card games and tabletop role-playing games to actual board games – really any game a student can think of. Prof. Dr.Tacinelii created the club in 2016 and it has been, as he states, “the most active club on campus.”
The warm camaraderie and enthusiasm of club members echo this sentiment. What sets this club apart is not just the array of games but the unwavering commitment of its members. Even when faced with challenging circumstances, the tabletop gaming community remained steadfast in their dedication to meet. Throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, the club still met on Zoom, and they continue to meet over Zoom when weather conditions prevent them from gathering at RCTC.
The tabletop club’s unique blend of strategy, storytelling, and social interaction creates an immersive experience that left the Echo staff with a newfound appreciation for the hidden gem that was Room EA-241. As they observed the lively exchange of ideas and laughter, it became evident that this was not just a club; it was a sanctuary where students came together to escape reality and embark on journeys limited only by the boundaries of their collective imagination.
One member, Lydia Domaolle, describes her experience joining the club last semester as it “ helped [her] feel less like [she] was just taking classes at RCTC, and [she] started to feel like an RCTC student.” If you would like to join this club and community, as Dr.. Tacinelii states “the best way to get started is literally just to show up and come, bring your friends, bring a board game from home if you have a favorite, or… just come in and ask, and we can provide.”
Join them in room EA-241 from 2:00 pm-6:00 pm on Fridays!
words and photos by Jorja Wodziak and Katie Keller