Appalachian Region Weekly Update
Week of January 18-24, 2026
🕊️ Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Vision
This Monday, January 19th, we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day and honor the legacy of a man whose vision of justice, equality, and beloved community continues to inspire us. Dr. King’s dream was one where people would be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character—a world where all people could come together in mutual respect and dignity.
That vision resonates deeply with the values we uphold at every Pathfinder and Starfinder Society table across the Appalachian Region. When we pledge to create safe, inclusive, and welcoming gaming environments for all participants, we’re echoing Dr. King’s call for a community where everyone belongs, where everyone is valued, and where everyone has a seat at the table.
Our commitment is clear and unwavering: Paizo Organized Play is an inclusive social event open to everyone, where all participants may enjoy gaming in a fun and safe environment. We do not tolerate harassment or discrimination based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender or gender expression/identity, race, religion, sexuality, or any other reason. These aren’t just policies—they’re promises we make to each other, reflecting the values that Dr. King championed.
At our tables, we work together to create positive and memorable experiences. We respect our fellow players. We ensure that no one feels excluded or threatened. When Dr. King spoke of the “beloved community,” he envisioned a society where people of all backgrounds could come together in fellowship and mutual respect. Every time we gather to roll dice, tell stories, and share adventures together, we’re building a small piece of that dream.
This MLK Day, as we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of justice, equality, and community, let’s recommit ourselves to making our gaming tables places where those values shine. Whether you’re a veteran player or joining us for the first time, know that you are welcome here. Your voice matters, your character matters, and you matter.
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
📍 Expanding Our Reach: Games Coming to Spring Hill, TN!
🎲 New Gaming Opportunity in Middle Tennessee
We’re excited to announce that beginning this month, the Cookeville, TN lodge will be offering Pathfinder and Starfinder Society games in Spring Hill, Tennessee! This expansion brings organized play to more players in Middle Tennessee and represents our ongoing commitment to making gaming accessible throughout the Appalachian Region.
What does this mean? Players in and around Spring Hill will now have local access to regular Pathfinder and Starfinder Society games without traveling to Cookeville or Nashville. This is a fantastic opportunity for gamers in the area to try organized play or to connect with fellow players closer to home.
Looking ahead: Should these games prove popular in Spring Hill, there may be a permanent lodge established there in the future! This is how communities grow—starting with dedicated players and GMs who come together to share their love of the game.
Interested in playing? Check the Spring Hill Warhorn page for game schedules and to sign up, or visit the Regional Calendar for all upcoming dates. You can also contact the Cookeville lodge for more information about getting involved.
This expansion is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and the growing enthusiasm for organized play throughout the region. Whether you’re in Spring Hill or anywhere else in our six-state region, we’re working to bring great gaming experiences to you!
🎪 Convention Wrap-Up & What’s Next
🎌 MarsCon & 🎲 SCARAB – Final Day!
If you’re reading this on Sunday, both MarsCon in Virginia Beach and SCARAB in Columbia, SC are wrapping up their final day of gaming! To everyone who attended, GMed, or organized these fantastic events—thank you for making them special. We hope the dice were kind and the stories unforgettable!
For those who couldn’t make it this weekend, keep an eye out for both conventions next year. These are excellent regional events that showcase the best of organized play.
🎲 Dice & Diversions – Next Weekend!
January 23-25, 2026
Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria
200 Interstate North Parkway SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30339
Website: diceanddiversions.com
Just one week away! Dice & Diversions in Atlanta is shaping up to be a fantastic gaming convention with extensive Pathfinder and Starfinder Society organized play throughout the weekend. Whether you’re local to the Atlanta area or traveling in for the event, this is one of the premier gaming experiences in the Southeast.
Still want to volunteer? Contact atlantapfs@gmail.com to see if GM or coordination opportunities are still available. Convention volunteering is rewarding and often comes with perks!
Mark your calendars and we’ll see you in Atlanta next weekend!
🎲 This Week’s Gaming: 29 Scheduled Games!
The Appalachian Region is buzzing with activity this week! We currently have 29 scheduled games running across our six-state region, offering Pathfinder Society (1st and 2nd Edition) and Starfinder Society (1st and 2nd Edition) adventures at lodges throughout Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Looking for a game this week? Check out the Regional and National Calendar to find games happening near you. Whether you’re a regular at your home lodge or exploring a new venue, there are plenty of opportunities to roll dice and tell great stories!
New players: This is a perfect week to try organized play! With 29 games on the schedule, there’s likely a table near you welcoming new faces. Browse the Lodge Directory to find contact information for lodges in your area.
🤝 Building Inclusive Communities at Every Table
As we honor Dr. King’s legacy this week, it’s worth remembering that the values of inclusion, respect, and community aren’t abstract ideals—they’re commitments we live out every time we gather to game together.
Everyone is expected to contribute to a positive environment:
- Respect your fellow players and work together to create positive experiences
- Help ensure that no one feels excluded or threatened at the table
- If you see content or behavior that presents cause for concern, speak up—bring it to the GM or a Venture-Officer
- If asked to stop problematic behavior, comply immediately
GMs and Event Organizers: You play a crucial role in maintaining safe, welcoming tables. Help your tables respect all participants’ sensibilities and address issues promptly when they arise. You have the support of the entire organized play structure behind you.
If you experience or witness inappropriate conduct: Please report it to the Event Organizer, a Venture-Officer, your local lodge leadership, the Regional Venture-Coordinator at rvcapparegionop@gmail.com, or directly to Paizo at organizedplay@paizo.com. Your concerns will be taken seriously and addressed.
The full Paizo Organized Play Code of Conduct and Community Standards are available for review and apply at every organized play table worldwide.
💬 Connect With the Region
- Regional Hub Website: appaopregion.org
- Regional Calendar: Regional and National Calendar
- Lodge Directory: Find Your Lodge
- Regional Venture-Coordinator: rvcapparegionop@gmail.com
For individual lodge social media, Discord servers, and Warhorn event pages, visit the Lodge Directory to find contact information for your local community.
🎯 Looking Ahead
What a busy and meaningful week ahead! From honoring Dr. King’s vision of beloved community to expanding gaming opportunities in Spring Hill, from celebrating convention success to preparing for Dice & Diversions next weekend, the Appalachian Region continues to grow and thrive.
This week, as you join tables across our region, take a moment to appreciate the community we’re building together—one where everyone is welcome, where everyone belongs, and where the stories we create together reflect the best of what gaming can be. With 29 games on the schedule, there’s never been a better time to get involved!
Lodge leaders: Have news, achievements, or special events to share? Submit your updates for inclusion in future weekly posts. Let’s celebrate our regional community together!
See you at the tables, Pathfinders and Starfinders. May your rolls be high and your adventures unforgettable!
Roll well, friends! ⚔️🌟