Appalachian Region Weekly Update
Week of July 26 – August 1, 2026
📋 This Week at a Glance
Welcome back, Pathfinders and Starfinders! We’ve got 27 scheduled sessions on the calendar this week across the six-state region — details below.
Good news on the Paizo front: after a wave of community feedback, Paizo and Archives of Nethys have reached a revised agreement that walks back several of last week’s harsher changes. We’ve also got word from the Raleigh area about Playthrough taking 2026 off to rebuild.
DragonCon volunteer sign-ups close July 31. We’re down to roughly 46% of the tentative schedule still at risk of cancellation — real progress, but still nearly half our planned tables. See immediately below.
🐉 DRAGONCON SIGN-UPS CLOSE JULY 31
DragonCon 2026 volunteer sign-ups close on July 31. We’re currently on pace to cancel roughly 46% of what we planned to run — down from last week thanks to everyone who’s already stepped up, but still nearly half our tables. Once the roster is submitted, unfilled slots are gone for good.
🚨 An Update on Archives of Nethys
📣 Paizo & Archives of Nethys Reach a New Agreement
Last week’s news about the end of the Paizo/AoN commercial license drew a lot of community concern — and it worked. Paizo and Archives of Nethys have now announced a revised arrangement that walks back several of the harsher changes:
- AoN remains the official rules archive for Pathfinder and Starfinder, now under a less formal agreement that also removes the royalty-reporting requirement that had been a sticking point.
- AoN will keep receiving new-book PDFs ahead of street date, on the same schedule Paizo gives its own staff and freelancers — not as early as the old printer-file access, but the AoN team is optimistic new content can keep going up with minimal delay.
- The legacy Pathfinder First Edition PRD mirror (legacy.aonprd.com) is staying up after all — it is not being retired.
- Non-CUP-compliant art still came down as planned, but Paizo says more art is headed into the Community Use Policy soon, which should expand what AoN (and other CUP creators) can use.
- Expected lore/flavor text changes on AoN are described as minimal, if any are needed at all.
The statement was posted jointly by both sides: Paizo’s follow-up blog post and Archives of Nethys’s own page carry the same message.
— Joel H, Regional Venture-Coordinator, Appalachian Region
🎮 An Update on Playthrough 2026
Passed along by the Raleigh lodge: Playthrough, the developer-focused gaming showcase, won’t be running in 2026. The organizers describe themselves as a small team working around day jobs and family life, and say one of their own families just welcomed a new baby — so rather than rush out another show before they’re ready, they’re taking the year to make the next one better. They’re inviting the community to keep hanging out and discovering games together on their Discord in the meantime, and they’re asking for feedback on what makes the show worth attending. They’re aiming to return in 2027.
🎲 Southern-Fried Gaming Expo & Gen Con — Both Land Next Weekend
🎰 Southern-Fried Gaming Expo — Atlanta, GA
July 31 – August 2, 2026 — The Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
AtlantaPFS’s volunteer schedule is locked in and recruiting is closed — thank you to everyone who signed up. The region’s biggest non-DragonCon convention presence is just about here. Watch the AtlantaPFS Discord for any last-minute updates.
🎲 Gen Con 2026 — Indianapolis, IN
July 30 – August 2, 2026 — Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium
One of the largest tabletop gaming conventions in the world lands the same weekend as Southern-Fried. This year it matters even from home: the new Pathfinder and Starfinder Society program year launches there, right on the heels of this year’s rules-change blog. Watch paizo.com/blog for whatever comes out of it.
📢 Regional Announcements & Opportunities
🎲 Columbus, GA Lodge Still Gearing Up
The Columbus lodge, led by Dennis B, continues preparing to get games back on the calendar at Moxie Games. Keep an eye on their Warhorn page over the coming weeks, and reach out to Dennis B if you’d like to help build momentum as they get back up and running.
🎉 Morgantown Gearing Up for WVPopCon
Fresh off CharCon, the Morgantown, WV lodge is preparing for its next convention appearance at WVPopCon, August 22–23 at Mylan Park in Morgantown. It continues its regular schedule of Pathfinder Society sessions at Wyvern’s Wargames and could still use more regular GMs and players — if you’re in the area, reach out to Joel H or email rvcapparegionop@gmail.com.
📋 GalaxyCon Raleigh — Still in Discussion
Conversations between GalaxyCon’s gaming lead and the Raleigh lodge remain ongoing. Nothing new to report this week, but nothing has fallen through either — we’ll share confirmation the moment we have it.
🚨 Venture-Officer Opening: Charleston, WV — Ground Floor Opportunity
We are working to establish a new lodge in Charleston, WV. Morgantown continues to show what’s possible for a young lodge with strong local support — but a lodge with roots in Charleston itself is what makes sustained convention support and regular game days possible going forward. If you’re willing to be the person who builds organized play in West Virginia’s capital city, reach out now.
What being a Venture-Officer actually involves: scheduling games at a local venue, welcoming new players, keeping the lodge’s Warhorn page current, and being a point of contact for the region. You don’t need to be an expert — you need to show up and care. The VO Handbook covers everything else.
Contact us at rvcapparegionop@gmail.com or through the Appalachian Region Hub.
🎯 Lodges That Need You at the Table
The single most important thing you can do for organized play in this region is show up regularly and occasionally run a game. These lodges need that from you right now:
- Mebane, NC — Tables are running but attendance is inconsistent and GM support is thin. If you are in the Triangle or Triad area, this lodge needs warm bodies in chairs.
- Charlotte, NC — Real momentum recently — keep it going by showing up regularly, not just for the big weeks.
- Memphis, TN — Keep the growth going with more players and GMs.
- Nashville, TN — Strong existing interest, real potential. The schedule could be bigger with more GMs willing to step behind the screen.
- Morgantown, WV — Riding high after CharCon with a WVPopCon appearance ahead, this lodge could use more regular GMs and players at Wyvern’s Wargames.
If you are near any of these cities, reach out through the Lodge Directory or email rvcapparegionop@gmail.com to get connected.
🐉 DragonCon 2026 — Sign-Ups Close July 31, Still at Risk of Losing 46%
September 3–7, 2026 — AmericasMart Building 3, Atlanta, GA
DragonCon is still on pace to lose roughly 46% of what we had planned to run this year — real progress from where we started, but still nearly half the schedule. DragonCon is the Premier Paizo Organized Play event in the Appalachian Region — five days, thousands of attendees, one of the biggest stages in the country to showcase what Pathfinder and Starfinder Society can be. We do not want to lose nearly half of it to empty volunteer slots.
The volunteer roster closes July 31. Once it’s submitted to DragonCon leadership, unfilled slots are gone.
- Early sign-ups get first pick of time slots — run what you want, when you want.
- Every table you run may be a player’s very first Society game. Make it count.
- HQ and operations volunteers are the backbone of the whole event: check-in, GM support, slot coordination. Unglamorous work that makes everything else possible.
- You will be part of a well-run regional team with experienced convention leadership behind you.
The DragonCon 2026 Volunteer Form is open right now. Fill it out today — sign-ups close July 31. Questions? Email rvcapparegionop@gmail.com.
🎪 Upcoming Conventions – Next 90 Days
The Regional & National Calendar tracks conventions and game days across the six-state region. If you are interested in volunteering at any of these events, contact the hosting lodge or email rvcapparegionop@gmail.com.
🎰 Southern-Fried Gaming Expo – Atlanta, GA — This Weekend!
Dates: July 31 – August 2, 2026
Venue: The Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center — Atlanta, GA
Lodge: AtlantaPFS (coordinated by Steve H)
Website: gameatl.com
Recruiting is closed and the schedule is locked — come out and support the region’s biggest non-DragonCon convention presence.
🎲 Gen Con – Indianapolis, IN — Also This Weekend
Dates: July 30 – August 2, 2026
Venue: Indiana Convention Center & Lucas Oil Stadium — Indianapolis, IN
Website: gencon.com
One of the largest tabletop gaming conventions in the world — and traditionally where Paizo makes its biggest Organized Play announcements and kicks off new campaign seasons. Watch Paizo and organized play channels closely.
🎉 WVPopCon – Morgantown, WV
Dates: August 22–23, 2026
Venue: Mylan Park — Morgantown, WV
Website: wvpop.com
The Morgantown lodge is bringing Pathfinder and Starfinder Society to WVPopCon — its second convention appearance in as many months, right on the heels of CharCon. Details on volunteer needs to come as planning firms up.
🐉 DragonCon – Atlanta, GA
Dates: September 3–7, 2026
Venue: AmericasMart Building 3 — Atlanta, GA
Website: dragoncon.org
The Premier Paizo Organized Play event in the Appalachian Region — still at risk of losing about 46% of its planned schedule to empty volunteer slots. GM and HQ volunteer recruiting is open now at the DragonCon 2026 Volunteer Form. Sign-ups close July 31.
🎲 This Week’s Scheduled Games – July 26 – August 1, 2026
27 scheduled sessions across Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia — physical and virtual. Check your lodge’s Warhorn page directly for the most current information and sign up early — some sessions are filling quickly.
Sunday, July 26 – Saturday, August 1
| Date | Time (EDT) | Scenario | System | Lodge / Venue | Sign Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Jul 26 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Seize and Destroy (SFS2 1-07) — Tentative | SFS2 | AtlantaPFS – Titan Games & Comics (Smyrna, GA) | Warhorn |
| Sun, Jul 26 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | The Home of Empty Breath (PFS2 7-21) | PFS2 | East TN PFS (Knoxville) – Paragon Gaming (Knoxville, TN) | Warhorn |
| Sun, Jul 26 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | In Glorious Battle (PFS2 4-15) | PFS2 | Hampton Roads – Atlantis Games & Comics (Portsmouth, VA) | Warhorn |
| Sun, Jul 26 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Psychic Echoes (SFS2 1-23) | SFS2 | Cookeville PFS/SFS – Knighthood Games (Cookeville, TN) | Warhorn |
| Sun, Jul 26 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | In the Footsteps of Horror (PFS2 Quest S2-15) | PFS2 | Morgantown PFS – Wyvern’s Wargames (Morgantown, WV) | Warhorn |
| Mon, Jul 27 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Power of Legends (PFS2 6-09) | PFS2 | Raleigh PFS – Game Theory – Duraleigh (Raleigh, NC) | Warhorn |
| Mon, Jul 27 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Doom of Cassomir (PFS2 1-22) | PFS2 | Raleigh PFS – Game Theory – Duraleigh (Raleigh, NC) | Warhorn |
| Mon, Jul 27 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Shattering Golden Chains (PFS2 4-14) | PFS2 | East TN PFS (Knoxville) – Old Black Mountain Games and Toys (Knoxville, TN) | Warhorn |
| Mon, Jul 27 | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Psychic Echoes (SFS2 1-23) | SFS2 | Hampton Roads – Tap N Roll – Newport News (Newport News, VA) | Warhorn |
| Mon, Jul 27 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Seize and Destroy (SFS2 1-07) — Full | SFS2 | AtlantaPFS – Online (Fantasy Grounds Unity) | Warhorn |
| Tue, Jul 28 | 6:00 PM | DA-2: Shaking the Helping Hand | PFS2 | Garden River Lodge (Augusta, GA) | Garden River site |
| Tue, Jul 28 | 6:00 PM | An Agent’s Obligation (PFS2 2-23) | PFS2 | Garden River Lodge (Augusta, GA) | Garden River site |
| Tue, Jul 28 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Psychic Echoes (SFS2 1-23) | SFS2 | East TN PFS (Knoxville) – The Game Piece (Knoxville, TN) | Warhorn |
| Tue, Jul 28 | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM | The Second Confirmation | PFS2 | Richmond & Central VA PFS – Online (Richmond Discord) | Warhorn |
| Wed, Jul 29 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | The Home of Empty Breath (PFS2 7-21) | PFS2 | Richmond & Central VA PFS – Online (Richmond Discord) | Warhorn |
| Wed, Jul 29 | 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM | Godsrain in a Godless Land (PFS2 6-03) | PFS2 | Palmetto Lodge (Columbia) – Firefly (Columbia, SC) | Warhorn |
| Wed, Jul 29 | 6:30 PM – 11:30 PM | Midnights in Maro (SFS2 1-18) | SFS2 | Palmetto Lodge (Columbia) – Firefly (Columbia, SC) | Warhorn |
| Thu, Jul 30 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Intro: Year of Boundless Wonder (PFS2 4-01) | PFS2 | East TN PFS (Knoxville) – Paragon Gaming (Knoxville, TN) | Warhorn |
| Thu, Jul 30 | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM | The Handmaiden’s Gaze (PFS2 7-22) | PFS2 | Durham PFS – Atomic Empire (Durham, NC) | Warhorn |
| Thu, Jul 30 | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Lost on the Spirit Road (PFS2 1-06) | PFS2 | Durham PFS – Atomic Empire (Durham, NC) | Warhorn |
| Thu, Jul 30 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Compliance Protocol (SFS2 1-08) | SFS2 | AtlantaPFS – Online (Fantasy Grounds Unity) | Warhorn |
| Fri, Jul 31 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Killer in the Golden Mask (PFS2 4-09) | PFS2 | East TN PFS (Knoxville) – Old Black Mountain Games and Toys (Knoxville, TN) | Warhorn |
| Sat, Aug 1 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | The Seven Secrets of Dacilane Academy (PFS2 2-09) | PFS2 | Richmond & Central VA PFS – Battlegrounds RVA (Richmond, VA) | Warhorn |
| Sat, Aug 1 | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM | The Crashing Wave (PFS2 2-06) | PFS2 | Richmond & Central VA PFS – Battlegrounds RVA (Richmond, VA) | Warhorn |
| Sat, Aug 1 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Freedom on the Sea (PFS2 7-18) | PFS2 | Upstate SC PFS (Greenville) – Boardwalk (Greenville, SC) | Warhorn |
| Sat, Aug 1 | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Hillcross Roundup (Bounty) | PFS2 | East TN PFS (Knoxville) – Old Black Mountain Games and Toys (Knoxville, TN) | Warhorn |
| Sat, Aug 1 | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | The Handmaiden’s Gaze (PFS2 7-22) | PFS2 | East TN PFS (Knoxville) – The Game Piece (Knoxville, TN) | Warhorn |
All times Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Virtual games hosted on each lodge’s platform — check the Warhorn listing for access details. Garden River Lodge (Augusta) uses its own scheduling site rather than Warhorn — visit gardenriverlodge.com for details. Sunday’s Titan Games & Comics session in Atlanta is tentative due to a real-life scheduling situation. Game listings reflect the regional calendar as of publication; always verify with your lodge’s page for the latest. The schedule is subject to change and new sessions can be added at any time — check the Regional Calendar regularly.
💬 Connect With the Region
- Regional Hub Website: appaopregion.org
- Regional & National Calendar: Regional and National Calendar
- Lodge Directory: Find Your Lodge
- Facebook: Appalachian Region Organized Play
- X (Twitter): @AppaRegionOP
- BlueSky: @apparegionop.bsky.social
- Mastodon: @apparvc@dice.camp
- Regional Venture-Coordinator: rvcapparegionop@gmail.com
For individual lodge social media, Discord servers, and Warhorn event pages, visit the Lodge Directory.
🆕 New to Pathfinder or Starfinder Society?
Welcome to organized play! Whether you’re brand new to tabletop RPGs or a veteran player exploring Society play for the first time, here’s how to get started anywhere in the Appalachian Region.
🤗 Safe, Welcoming Tables for All
Everyone is welcome at our tables. Pathfinder and Starfinder Society organized play is committed to providing a safe, fun, and inclusive gaming environment for all participants worldwide, regardless of background, identity, or experience level.
All games operate under the Paizo Organized Play Code of Conduct and Community Standards. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or behavior that makes anyone feel excluded or threatened. If you experience or witness problematic behavior, please bring it to the GM, Event Organizer, any Venture-Officer, or contact Paizo directly at organizedplay@paizo.com.
Getting Started Resources:
- Create a free Organized Play account at paizo.com
- Find the lodge nearest you in the Lodge Directory and check their Warhorn page for upcoming games
- Most lodges have a Discord server — a great place to ask questions before your first session
- Check the Regional & National Calendar for conventions and game days across the six-state region
Don’t have a character yet? No problem! Pregenerated iconic characters are available at every table. If you’d like to build your own, GMs and volunteers at any lodge are happy to help — just arrive a little early and let them know you’re new.
❓ Did You Know?
🎁 Achievement Points (AcP): New to Organized Play? You get 80 AcP free on your Paizo Organized Play account to spend on cool boons and character options!
🎯 Looking Ahead
Good news on the Paizo/AoN front this week — the community made itself heard, and Paizo and AoN listened. We’ve also got a heads-up about Playthrough taking a year off to rebuild. Southern-Fried Gaming Expo and Gen Con both land this weekend, and both are worth watching. But DragonCon remains the most urgent item on our plate: volunteer sign-ups close July 31, and we are still on pace to lose roughly 46% of what was planned. Please sign up today if you haven’t already.
The Charleston, WV opening remains one of the region’s most exciting structural stories right now. If you’re the person who could help build organized play in Charleston, reach out today.
Lodge leadership and VOs: If your lodge has news, milestones, or events to share in a future regional update, email rvcapparegionop@gmail.com. The more you share, the better we can spotlight what is happening across the region.
Roll well, Pathfinders and Starfinders. See you at the tables. ⚔️🎲
