Unique Dungeons and Dragons events to celebrate Port Glasgow 250
A group of dedicated Dungeons and Dragons players have come up with a unique way to celebrate Port Glasgow 250.
The group meet regularly at Port Glasgow library to play the popular tabletop game.
And they’ve designed a bespoke version of Dungeons and Dragons set in the town which will be played lived at two events – in Port Glasgow library and Newark Castle – as well as a booklet and downloadable PDF for people to play the unique game themselves.
The initiative is part of Inverclyde Council’s Port Glasgow 250 celebrations. The event at Port Glasgow library on Thursday 21 August is now sold out however the free printed booklet and PDF download are being finalised and will feature images from local illustrator, Lost Haven Art.
The second free performance of Save the Port: A live Dungeons and Dragons performance is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 21 October in the Grand Hall of Newark Castle as part of the Galoshans Festival. Further details will be issued nearer the time.
Dungeons and Dragons is a tabletop game which was launched in 1974 and is still played by millions around the world. Each game, known as a campaign, is led by a Dungeon Master who narrates the play. Players roll dice to decide their next move and games can last for days.
This unique campaign is set in Port Glasgow where a terrible storm has occurred. Players need to work out what’s causing the storm, how they can stop it and save the town. It features several historic figures from Port Glasgow including Stanley Spencer, Chippy McNish and Patrick Maxwell.
Professional Dungeon Master, the Game Master, will be in charge on the night and the young people have been receiving improvisation lessons to boost their performance.
Deputy Convener of Education and Communities committee, Councillor Natasha McGuire, said it was a unique and engaging way to get involved in the celebrations. She said:
“Many people will have heard of Dungeons and Dragons but not everyone knows how to play it. Attending the live event will help bring the game to life and I hope many people pick up a booklet or download the PDF to play their game at home. I’m looking forward to downloading the PDF and playing at home with my family.”
“This is a fantastic, unique idea and well done to the young people who attend the Dungeons and Dragons Club at Port Glasgow library who were involved in designing the game.”
The origins of Port Glasgow date back to the late sixteenth century when the authorities in Glasgow purchased land by the village of Newark to establish a port for the city.
In 1710, the principal custom house on the River Clyde was constituted at the Port of Glasgow.
The settlement around the port grew quickly and soon absorbed the fishing village of Newark.
Newark was a burgh of barony belonging to Hamilton of Wishaw, while Port Glasgow remained under the municipal authority of the City of Glasgow.
Recognising the complexities of this arrangement, an act of parliament was passed in 1775 establishing Port Glasgow as a burgh in its own right.
The Port Glasgow (Improvement) Act 1775 defined the burgh’s municipal responsibilities and its authority to raise duty.
The Act was passed on 22 May 1775 and Port Glasgow was born.
For the latest on all the Port Glasgow 250 activities, go to Discover Inverclyde, link above.