Also see the RPG Trailer's gaming schedule, and RPG Research panels schedule.
Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer Public Tour Schedule.
3:00 pm to 5:00 pm - Tour Host: Hawke Robinson of RPG Therapeutics LLC.
7:00 pm to 11:00 pm - Tour Host: Danielle Whitworth of The RPG Research Project.
8:00 am to 11:00 am - Tour Host: Jacob Jones of The RPG Research Project.
11:00 am to 12:00 pm - Tour Host: Hawke Robinson of RPG Therapeutics LLC.
3:00 pm to 6:00 pm - Tour Host: Hawke Robinson of RPG Therapeutics LLC.
7:00 pm to 11:00 pm - Tour Host: Danielle Whitworth of The RPG Research Project.
8:00 am to 10:00 am - Tour Host: John Welker of Spokane Area Gaming Alliance (SAGA) and The RPG Research Project.
10:00 am to 12:00 pm - Tour Host: Danielle Whitworth of The RPG Research Project.
I have been involved with RPGs since the 1970s. I have been known to juggle a dozen or more monthly campaigns, all with completely different settings and game systems, simultaneously, so organization and efficiency are critical. Any methodologies or tools that can help improve this are very much welcomed. This might not be a bad topic to add to the RPG Optimization document: http://www2.rpgresearch.com/blog/rpg-optimization-1
Here is the link to the original post that triggered this discussion, and you can see others' responses there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GeekTherapy/permalink/1773320066305888/
Here is a Google Plus (G+) thread on the same topic: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110136358070289646661/posts/9fsgR7UvBM9?cfem=1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hashtag/rpgtools?src=hash
What tools do you use for your #rpgcampaign? #rpgtools #rpg #gaming #rpgresearch https://t.co/g0QD3indPA
— RPG Research (@rpgresearch) October 4, 2017
LibreOffice Writer for most of the text, but also use: Draw, Sheet, Plan . Visio / Kivio / Dia (for flowcharts / mindmapping / event mapping/logic), Campaign Cartographer and Gimp for maps, Sweet Home 3d for other maps and especially video/VR walkthrough/videos, and iPad Pro 12.9" draw for sketches, scenes, etc., all gets bundled in my campaign folder on my OpenSuse linux system, and an online copy on my website, and hard copies printed (just in case) and stored in a 3 ring binder. And finally: battlemats, whiteboards, dungeon tiles, and Costco large clear lidded tubs to store for each campaign and/or group which Okay, now I'm tired just thinking about all that work. Even more details are provided in the "Why" section below...
http://www.rpgtrailer.com -- http://www.rpgbus.com -- Donate today: http://gofundme.com/rpgtrailer
I used to have to drag ALL of the items listed below, back and forth to/from my offices or whatever location I was running the games at.
Now it can all be prepared and stored in the RPG Trailer and RPG Bus! (mostly)
This can be not only a huge time saver, but also saves my injured back and knees considerably!
I am a strong opensource advocate, and I mostly use Linux, but also do have OpenBSD, Mac, and Windows sytems, so I need something that will work on all platforms.
Opensource equivalent to Microsoft Word.
This is where I spend the majority of the time in creation, preparation, and logging. Often much is copy-pasted from here to the various other tools as needed.
I have dysgraphia which means both that my handwriting is atrocious, but also that it is extremely painful to write with a pen/pencil for more than 5 minutes.
Typing is far, far, better.
I do create a table of contents, and try to use headings liberally, and then update the TOC frequently, to make it much easier to find sections of information.
Also, when your campaign notes stretch into the hundreds, and thousands of pages per campaign, you can CTRL+F to find the keywords you need, though you better have a TOC or else it could take a while to find.
Also for larger campaigns, I try to start utilizing the Index features, so that specific instances can be found more readily.
I can't stand RPG books that do not have a decent TOC and a decent Index, that is just plain laziness any company that publishes their books without decent versions of each. This has become a terrible trend since the early 2000s.
Opensource equivalent to Microsoft Excel.
Statistical information, npcs, etc.
Extremely useful for keeping long term statistical information on key NPCs, creatures, weather, random encounters, character generation, and much more.
Can also be useful for creating charts to visually find information or analyze some concepts, it is surprising the stuff you come across visually that you might have missed otherwise.
A basic (mostly vector) graphics program.
(Gannt charting for orders of events, milestones, dependcies, resource allocation, and branching)
I haven't really settled on any one PM software product, I just listed that one for convenience. The key thing is a project management application can be very helpful for laying out epic quest, key events, tracking NPCs, minions, armies, etc. Gannt charts are very helpful visual aid for these events.
A powerful, but somewhat klunky, CAD-style mapping software suite. Very powerful, but lengthy learning curve. Not good for quick and dirty map creation, but if you have the time, great for well prepared multi-verse down to galaxies, solar systems, worlds, continents, countries, cities, streets, building, dungeons, and more.
Also has a basic character creation (image) tool that is somewhat useful, though I tend to use something like character animation programs instead for those features.
Really awesome opensource, free, community supported, floorplan software that also can render 3d photorealistic images, real-time 3d walkthroughs, and produce 3d rendered video walkthroughs/flyovers, etc.
Not really useful for medieval style castles and dungeons (see Campaign Cartographer for that), but any modern-to-semi-modern structures, extremely useful.
Both a powerful, but also easy to use, tool.
Opensource, cross platform, graphics and photo editing software.
Use the stylus a lot to whip up sketches, scenes, etc.
Also, with the protective case I bought providing a stand, I can prop it up on the table to use for signage, video presentations, etc.
I don't really use it for anything else.
Up to version 13.2 my preferred OS. Since LEAP I have not been happy with them, but I am even less happy with Ubuntu, Fedora, Mint, and many others. OpenSuse has had the best laptop compatibility for me, though again LEAP has been disappointing.
I have been an OpenBSD supporter for nearly 20 years. It is the most secure operating system you can get your hands on. It has a lot of limitations on hardware and software, but for a web server it will make your life so much safer than any other option, which means a lot less hassle with constant patching, fighting off hackers, etc, so you can spend your time being productive working on, and running, your campaigns. :-)
A valuable resource for campaigns, and your players. You can have a lot of shared resources available.
Opensource, free, Python-based content management system (CMS)
This is what I run all my sites with. It is an incredibly powerful CMS.
I can control easily who can access which information based on their group membership.
So one group can see one part of the wiki or forum postings, while another group cannot, etc.
Extremely useful for sharing static world information. Especially when players wanting to make characters that fit the world, having this at their fingertips is very useful.
Also a useful format for organizing a lot of the concepts and ideas of the campaign, especially cultures, locations, events, etc.
Example: http://www2.spokanerpg.com/beru/
A nice way to have long-lasting conversations, rather than the fly-by-night social media sites like FB. This has longevity, and you can reference back easily. Much preferred format.
Useful especially for notifying groups of schedule/location changes, quick idea discussions, etc.
Can also be archived, but forums better for that.
Real-time chat is great for real-time needs.
Not good for long term archival (though logs can be stored and shared on website, not a clean format for long term use).
Lots of bots and plugins for RPG solutions.
Placed strategically
I video/audio record most of my sessions. This is useful for refreshing before each group about significant events and/or where we left off.
It is important that I am keeping a log, roughly timestamped so I can quickly jump to sections in the video as needed.
Also useful for long term research.
Also useful if contention about what happened previously.
Also useful if I improvised or let something slip, that I need to update/correct in the campaign for the future.
Also useful if some player(s) missed a session, they can catch up.
The list of benefits is considerable!
1 overhead above the table
1 showing group view, and/or one for each participant
Especially useful for LARPs
3 ring binder with pouches and/or accordion folder.
Not just for mapping, much of it is used to for PC and NPC rosters to have their stats at my fingertips for that session. Longer term I store them in spreadsheets and/or word processor documents.
Miniatures
Dungeon Tiles
Legos
Lincoln Logs
Large Costco, clear, lidded, tubs (storage for each group/campaign)
The RPG.net thread started by rpgresearch: http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?630170-Stigma-or-embarrassment-as-a-tabletop-role-playing-gamer
The geekandsundry.com thread started by rpgresearch: http://www.geekandsundry.com/forums/discussion/902/gamer-social-stigma
http://sthinking.tumblr.com/post/2071957291/the-social-stigma-of-tabletop-gaming-roleplaying
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_role-playing_games
http://dglasinquest.blogspot.com/2012/04/neil-degrasse-tyson-thinking-small.html
http://www.gnomestew.com/crock-pot/dd-social-skills-and-the-zen-of-roleplaying-games
http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Role-playing_game
http://www.examiner.com/article/larping-is-a-great-way-to-enjoy-a-hobby
http://www.examiner.com/article/interview-with-rpg-scholar-sarah-lynne-bowman
http://my.mmosite.com/289425/blog/item/the_gaming_stigma_in_politics_colleen_lachowicz.html
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/checkfortraps/7581-The-Stigma-of-Role-Playing-Must-Die
http://rpg-directory.com/threads/the-stigma-to-female-sexuality.34575/
http://www.herogames.com/forums/showthread.php/81484-Tabletop-RPG-Social-Stigma - 2010
http://www.theescapist.com/rpgpaper.htm- 1995
http://ecleader.org/2011/11/15/role-playing-games-continue-to-lose-their-stigma/ -2011
http://www.covchurch.org/news/2012/10/18/role-play-games-provide-reach-into-community/ - 2012
http://www.helium.com/knowledge/21799-the-dungeons-and-dragons-stigma - http://www.helium.com/knowledge/21799-the-dungeons-and-dragons-stigma
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:woN_fE7IPaQJ:silver.skiles.gatech.edu/~dharrell3/pps/Harrell-ComputationalStigma.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEEShWp9E_BJHktNJA3Q7CpdCtJsJtvfxibfFcF1_IZjHC1yN_uDEnSq0GS4grd7x4ThvGiDPCviPQ7gnprTMEz5TGkOb4adAxrQR0Mc6K4EFEUWr0vyET0MPZl9OfP4vLoBeNJZiX&sig=AHIEtbSqV5GZnR_AQ597p02g3e28pl7y_A - just a general paperon stigma, not RPGs (I haven't read through it yet, so it might mention RPG stigma)
http://mogglesby.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/entering-the-world-of-role-playing-games/ - 2012
http://www.helium.com/items/470202-the-dungeons-and-dragons-stigma - 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4pyJqW-VsQ -
search part 2
later the same evening
http://www.avclub.com/articles/1-dungeons-dragons,71111/
http://diaryofagamergirl.blogspot.com/2010/09/gaming-addictions-stereotypes.html
http://blog.obsidianportal.com/haste-podcast-wotcs-layoffs-paizos-rpg-superstar-rpg-fact-sheets/
http://wilwheaton.typepad.com/wwdnbackup/2012/03/this-is-my-new-show-tabletop.html
https://wordpress.morningside.edu/jcr004/2012/10/08/gaming-on-campus/
http://swordandshieldrpg.blogspot.com/2012/03/throne-remains-vacant.html
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:yZK0cduOKKwJ:www.marinkacopier.nl/ijrp/wp-content/issue2/IJRPissue2-Article5.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj-Bl4Fzf0p4e9l6KKlsVGqUlB7oiyFME1Zz7ToXwBcXXv_ohzj4jyrnxYsu0Qg_4XBW0IUG5ZpEzp0j6Bn8juSg44ZAe0JhBwpOp6R6Ka4SLYAJQSwWQ2eHuvkCl3aAOCsiRP8&sig=AHIEtbS76sZWV8H1iy3CkgxkOYQ6kIDyrQ
http://ogres.wikia.com/wiki/History_of_Role-playing_Games
http://www.helium.com/items/304184-the-dungeons-and-dragons-stigma
http://www.helium.com/items/676688-the-dungeons-and-dragons-stigma
http://initorwhat.blogspot.com/2011/05/future-of-dungeons-dragons-what-if-d-5e.html
http://rampantgames.com/blog/?p=3419
http://askthedm.wordpress.com/2011/11/01/roleplaying-isnt-that-for-nerds/
http://ptgptb.org/0025/moral.html
http://www.theescapist.com/blog/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=5&postId=318
http://websterjournal.com/2012/03/21/webster-students-play-popular-role-play-game-dungeons-dragons/http://www.helium.com/items/470654-the-dungeons-and-dragons-stigma
http://www.examiner.com/article/gen-con-2012-interview-with-dungeon-crawlers-radio
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=tabletop%20games
http://www.g33kwatch.com/tabletop/rpg/geek-advice-how-to-get-your-friends-to-try-tabletop-role-play/
http://www.theescapist.com/blog/tiki-view_blog_post.php?blogId=5&postId=319
http://www.reocities.com/innocent_eric/thesis.html
http://www.ugcs.caltech.edu/~kel/KDD/playerintro.shtml
http://critical-hits.com/category/podcasts/
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:imSGw2LcavwJ:www.folioweekly.com/documents/folio0628wkl030_000.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESjI4g1RA4q-4WYJphdi8BNIljZxHvCaMKGYhjmi9aC9pI01QhqjNJFsq4iW4WMkRIsPblejRnF_x1bGn3e55ORIHuT_0q0PducHlg4lck5exkY7MZTtDG7wi9bw68Kmj7dVjaE0&sig=AHIEtbRJjK3JS3rX_YeZ6Nt10Our2HUxSg
http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2opus?For-all-the-female-fans-of-Pathfinder
http://www.squidoo.com/tabletop-gaming-web-series
http://www.willamettelive.com/2010/news/geek-chic/
http://playingwithmeaning.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-is-there-still-gaming-stigma.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10883404
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/160019/opinions-lol-whatever-happened-to-the-rpg
http://www.blogher.com/there-social-stigma-geek-girls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbZDldrK0Pw
http://www.meez.com/community.dm?furl=http%3A//forums.meez.com/forums/serious-topics/6019684-role-playing-games-detachment-reality.html
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084314/reviews
http://www.dailybruin.com/article/2012/10/ucla-game-lab-launches-its-first-live-action-role-playing-event
http://csusap.csu.edu.au/~ldowde04/Role%20playing%20games.html
http://www.monkeyinthecage.com/2012/05/22/episode-32-gamer-shame/
http://voices.yahoo.com/de-mystifying-role-playing-games-rpgs-gaming-culture-11034484.html
http://www.gamesforchange.org/play/at-risk/
http://vanisesocdeviance.blogspot.com/2012/04/final-project-kitchen-or-computer-how.html
http://lizziestark.com/2011/12/05/in-defense-of-larp/
http://www.geheee.com/famousgamers.html
http://io9.com/5874922/why-is-the-5th-edition-of-dungeons--dragons-a-big-deal
http://rpg.stackexchange.com/questions/15863/mechanical-ways-to-handle-dark-power-temptation
http://tl-dr.ca/?p=1257
http://mogglesby.wordpress.com/category/the-categories/gaming/
http://manhackarcade.com/why-do-i-play-games-overcoming-the-stigma-of-being-a-gamer/
http://austin.culturemap.com/newsdetail/06-20-12-12-28-bookpeople-gets-into-the-roleplaying-game-with-world-of-dorkness-book-club/
http://www.flurtsite.com/2012/04/the-stigma-that-gaming-is-easier-for-girls/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHZ41UXoubM
While looking for some new/uncovered material to add to the site, I ran across this presentation summary by Dr. Persinger at Emporia State University (located in Emporia, Kansas), which I thought provided some handy insight into RPG therapy from an administrator's point of view. It includes 14 tips on how best to utilize a table-top RPG for assessment and therapy purposes and cites numerous studies of the effects of role-play use in therapy.
There's a numbering issue with the tips: #6 is actually #5, and the first #7 is actually #6. That aside, I found it a fascinating read. Give it a look yourself!
Question #7. Though decades of research in the psychiatric, psychological, sociological, and educational professions show significant benefits from participation in various forms of role-playing games (RPG) for many different populations, in both clinical and leisure settings, including especially with the tabletop and live-action variants, there does not appear to be any published research or programs in the TR industry utilizing these recreational activities in any form (tabletop, live-action (LARP), or computer-based). Do you have any thoughts or opinions as to why TR Specialists do not consider utilizing role-playing games in various forms as intervention modalities?
Considering the strong evidence of benefits indicated by decades of research in the psychological (Bay-Hintz, Peterson, & Quilitch, 1994), sociological (Fine, 1989, p. 319) and psychiatric (Blackmon, 1994, p. 624) professions, when considering different intervention modalities in the TR profession, when you hear the term RPG, as in role-playing game, what is your immediate reaction? How would you define the activity? Why do you think the TR industry does not appear to have anyone incorporating this activity into TR / RT program plans?
A number of studies have been published on a wide range of benefits from participation in tabletop and live-action RPG, but there is also research indicating therapeutic benefits from correctly applied computer-based games (Favelle, 1994, p. 151) (and many other more recent studies, though also caveats on overuse of computer-based RPG).
Especially significant to consideration for TR, is a key section from Stumbo (2009) regarding Avedon's 1974 intragroup interaction pattern:
Action of a cooperative nature by two or more persons intent upon reaching a mutual goal. Action requires positive verbal and nonverbal interaction... Learning how to cooperate and function successfully as a group member is a difficult task, but one that most clients need...Programming activities in this category is overwhelmingly important when we wish to assist clients in the development of positive and cooperative interactional skills... Many individuals feel that competitive activities are overemphasized in therapeutic recreation programs...Finding or creating good activities that utilize the intragroup pattern is a challenge... often difficult to establish a mutual goal that is attractive enough to the participants...the benefits resulting from successful participation in intragroup activities make the effort well worthwhile. (Stumbo, 2009, pp. 191-192)
Role-playing games, especially tabletop RPG, are exceedingly well-designed to meet this specific under-served need in the TR profession.
References
Bay-Hinitz, A. K., Peterson, R.F., & Quilitch, H.R. (1994, Fall). Cooperative Games: A Way to Modify Aggressive and Cooperative Behaviors in Young Children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27(3), 433-446. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1297825/pdf/jaba00009-0017.pdf
Blackmon, Wayne D. (1994, Fall). Dungeons and Dragons: The use of a fantasy game in the psychotherapeutic treatment of a young adult. Journal of Psychotherapy, 48:4, 624-632.
Retrieved from http://rpgresearch.com/documents/other-projects-documents/1994-use-of-d-d- as-a-therapy-for-suicidal-schizoid
Fine, Gary Alan (1989). Mobilizing Fun: Provisioning Resources in Leisure Worlds. Sociology of Sport Journal, 6, 319-334.
Favelle, G. K. (1994). Therapeutic Applications of Commercially Available Computer Software. Computers in Human Services, 11 (1-2), 151-158.
Stumbo, N. J., & Peterson, C. A. (2009) Therapeutic Recreation Program Design. Fifth Edition. San Francisco, CA: Pearson.
Experiment with different RPG scenarios to see when measurable physiological responses are indicated as monitored by using bio-feedback equipment. Experiment with states or relaxation, excitement, etc.
Refine the experiments further using neur-feedback monitoring equipment for more detailed results based on brainwave patterns to indicated focus, potential indicators of "flow state", etc.
After determining periods of significantly measurable states, and being able to repeat these responses consistently with other subjects, apply what is learned toward further experiments using even more detailed brain-mapping technologies such as fMRI and PET scanning as baseline, and before, during, and after sessions, and to compare to control subjects.
Looking not just for real-time neurological activity during game sessions, but also if any significant long term changes are indicated in brain wave, brain activity patterns.
Thanks to the Zombie Orpheus Entertainment folks, makers of the webisodes/movies The Gamers, Journey Quest, and many others, they hosted their second "convention", ZoeCon, in Seattle at the downtown Crown Plaza. Things were rather haphazardly arranged and chaotic, and they were unable to get one of their "Celebrity Artemis" sessions up and running, so they asked me to go ahead and fill the slot with my introduction to RPG Research and related topics.
Unfortunately none of their audio or video recording/streaming equipment was working, so I just had my laptop off to the side recording "just in case". So, the video angle is terrible, and the audio is very poor (I will try to boost the volume as best as I can), but enough folks missed the talk on Friday, and were asking more about it Saturday, so I am going to put it up on the website and the RPG Research Youtube.com/rpgresearch channel roughly edited and audio-enhanced for those that want to get a general overview. If I get time during the Thanksgiving holiday, I might try to just create an "at the camera" version that will be more palatable, but I have a lot of deadlines coming up, so I can't promise that.
As bad as the video/audio quality is, many folks commented that they thought I "nailed it" in covering a lot of information in a short time, effectively.
This was a less-formal audience than I will be presenting to elsewhere (hopefully WSTRA in April, and ATRA the following year), so a more casual approach was called for.
I hope you find it useful. Again apologies for the terrible video/audio quality.
I will post either late tonight, or tomorrow when the link for the video is available.
Happy Gaming!
-Hawke
I am now volunteering as an activity facilitator volunteer (under the direction of their Therapeutic Recreation (TR) staff). And getting to go ahead with both music and RPG related activities.
It will take months (and longer) before I can report anything meaningful, but it is a significant step in the right direction! Their environment is perfect for the potential of using RPG for rehabilitation of TBI and other needs.
Videos here:
Video Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCKi9QbKPRU
Video Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFeiXiE-ptM
Story Summary
Coming soon...
My thoughts on the session
While the ambiance worked well, I believe, I had a frantic week and was not well prepared unfortunately. So this showed up a little too much I'm afraid. And needed to take a break mid-game to finish preparing. Definitely not my best GMing alas.
Initially the group was milling about a lot. I had to directly, verbally, push them to get on the ball and get things rolling, since it was a one-shot session, and they weren't coordinating well. After the directive, they started to improve.
While I know a few players had a good time, both from their reactions and their direct comments to me post-game, I wonder if a few others were bored with the mystery aspect and only wanted to get to the hack and slash. One in particular really seemed disengaged after a bit. I didn't run a formal assessment to find out, and I wish I had. I will see if they give me some honest feedback at tomorrow's game session, back on track with the Worlds of Beru campaign.
UPDATE 20161004: Just had conversation with KREM2 reporter, Kaitlin, about the RPG Trailer. She wishes to schedule a live segment, on site with the RPG Trailer! This would be Monday, next week, somewhere between 5:20 am to 7:00 am.
TODO: I am trying to find an affordable minimum 12' fold-able (better if could find 14'), portable, wheelchair ramp (minimum 600 lbs, but better around 800+ lbs). So far least expensive is around $770+ shipping. While non-electric wheelchairs can be assisted in and out using the built-in ramp, electric wheelchairs and scooters need a much lower angle of incline. It needs to be minimum 30" width (prefer 36+"), with side guards, end flaps, and traction surface. Most cost around $1,000 USD. So I am thinking of maybe adding that in the goals for the Patreon account. I need to get that Patreon page finished and launched before the Monday morning news piece. I also need to come up with a quick 15-20 seconds summary of the trailer, RPG research project, and RPG Therapeutics so that can sum up quickly on the camera (before Monday).
TODO: Temporary stickers to put on trailer for:
"The Wheelchair Friendly RPG Trailer (prototype)" "www.rpgtrailer.com" "email address" "phone" "TTY:"
And something to cover up the "Vengeance text".
Down the road find artist to make logos, text, and such for a wrap along all sides.
Join us for Session #2 - Spartan Show Adventurer's Guild - I will be DM as we broadcast live the 2nd RPG session, D&D 5th Edition, set in Hawke's Worlds of Beru campaign..
Includes new sketch artist drawing scenes real-time during the game! Upcoming features include audience ability to influence events and other factors in future games!
The Spartan Show TV website: http://thespartanshow.tv/
Watch the live stream through Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/thespartanshow
Webpage for Worlds of Beru campaign setting: http://spokanerpg.com/beru
We welcome audience participation.
Part 1 Character Generation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqSuMTBvbqw
Part 2 Character Generation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1As4P9npyI
Part 3 - Beginning of Adventure - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XL0lja9hytY
Episodes 4, 5, & 6: http://spokanerpg.com/adventurers-guild
Watch upcoming live stream here: http://www.twitch.tv/thespartanshow Tuesdays 8:00 pm to Midnight (Pacific time).
More information about The Spartan Show's other programs here: http://thespartanshow.tv/
Archived Video & Article from KREM 2 News, original URL: http://www.krem.com/news/local/spokane-county/local-man-opens-unique-mobile-therapy-unit-to-help-physically-disabled/333302903
Also they posted it on Northwest Cable News here: http://www.nwcn.com/news/local/spokane-county/local-man-opens-unique-mobile-therapy-unit-to-help-physically-disabled/333306503
Local man opens up unique mobile therapy unit
SPOKANE, Wash. – One local man said Monday he is on a mission to help people with physical disabilities by using one unique method – RPGs, or role playing games.
Hawke Robinson first thought of the idea two years ago. He is offering mobile therapy called “RPG Research” which brings a therapy trailer right to the patient’s doorstep.
As a recreation therapist for the Washington State Department of Health, Robinson has been studying ways to help people recovering from traumatic brain injuries, ADD and ADHD, and Cerebral Palsy, through different methods.
What Robinson found was a bit unconventional. He purchased a wheelchair-friendly trailer he was able to customize and turn into a mobile therapy unit. Inside, it has up to 50 different musical instruments for patients to use during the healing process, along with his primary focus – tabletop role playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons.
Robinson said he has taken extensive neuroscience research and used it to understand how beneficial RPGs are in the therapy process for these patients.
Robinson paid for everything out of his own pocket and said he does not charge patients. He does have a GoFundMe account set up for people wanting to help him continue to serve and expand the service to more people across the region.
To learn more about his project, visit the RPG Research Project website.
Mobile therapy unit
Original URL: http://www.krem.com/news/local/spokane-county/local-man-opens-up-mobile-therapy-unit/333209401
I couldn't get embed code to work for the FB video, so here is a youtube version of the same video
Original Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/KREM2/videos/10153881882091301/
Teaser at 0:15 to 00:24, main segment at 03:06 to 05:56
Some clarifications and corrections that didn't make it into the clips or need clarification in the article.
I am registered with the Washington State Department of Health, I do not work for them.
I am working on an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree in Recreation Therapy, Music Therapy, Neuroscience, and Research Psychology through Eastern Washington University.
I am still working toward getting the national Therapeutic Recreation (TR) certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) through NCTRC. I have completed the required TR courses (and most of my other degree requirements), and I am now chiseling away at finishing my last few research psychology courses. I also have 2 internships to complete, one is a 16 week (40 hours/week) TR internship required to sit for the CTRS test, and a 10 week research psychology internship. Hopefully I will have all my degree requirements, the internships, and the CTRS requirements completed by the end of 2017, but no later than end of 2018.
I am an active member in good standing since 2014 for: American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) - http://www.atra-online.com, Washington State Therapeutic Recreation Association (WSTRA) - http://www.wstra.org, Pacific Northwest American Therapeutic Recreation Association (PNWATRA) - http://www.pnwatra.org (since January 2016), and I am Mental Health USA First Aid Certified - MHFAC.
More information about Hawke Robinson here: http://rpgresearch.com/about/staff/hawke-robinson
"Everything bad is good for you," as the saying (and book by Steven Johnson) goes. While there has been plenty of negative stigma about table-top RPGs, the reality is that engaging in them actually helps develop a number of positive social skills, such as creativity, communication, team work, and problem solving.
If you've been playing for a while, then a lot of this information is well-known, but if you're new to the idea, and perhaps a bit hesitant due to tales of bespectacled nerds sitting around in their basement trying to summon demons, this article should go a long way to dispelling your fears.
Check it out over at Lifehacker!