My fellow adventurers, I stand before you today to share a journey that began long ago, in 1978, when I first picked up the dice that would shape much of my life. It was a summer in Ohio, and my cousin, Brian Fender from Florida, introduced me to the world of Dungeons & Dragons. As the Dungeon Master, he crafted the stories, and I, the player, embarked on legendary quests. Our adventures transcended distance, and even though we were separated by miles, our bond remained strong. Through the power of mail, Brian sent me hand-drawn scenarios, awaiting my actions as I charted our course on paper. I still possess the Player's Handbook he sent me, a cherished relic of that time, and someday, I will share with you the letters and handouts that kept our shared adventure alive.

By 1983, my journey had expanded. I was no longer just a player; I had become the Dungeon Master myself. With my own set of D&D books—purchased from a bookstore in Springfield, Ohio—I embarked on a new chapter with my good friend Chris Colvin, who was learning the ropes of the game. Our group grew, and we welcomed many others over the years, from high school friends to old companions. Together, we crafted stories that spanned decades, gathering in school basements, college dorms, and beyond, always united by our shared love for D&D. As my collection of books grew, so did my role as an avid collector, with rare modules and books becoming my passion. Though I’ve yet to add the holy grail of D&D—the 1974 Woodgrain Basic Set—I continue my search, for the pursuit itself is part of the journey.

Then, as life brought new priorities—family, raising children—my connection to D&D shifted. For a time, the game lay dormant. But even as my daughters, Alyssa and Haley, grew up, the spark of role-playing remained. It was in 2007, with the launch of World of Warcraft’s Burning Crusade expansion, that I found a new world to explore, alongside my family. We spent years immersed in WOW, Wrath of the Lich King 2008, Cataclysm 2010, and Mists of Panderia 2012, though that adventure eventually waned, and I knew it was time to return to the roots of our gaming legacy.

In 2013, I introduced my younger children—Donny, Drew, and Danielle—to the world of Dungeons & Dragons 1st Edition. With homemade miniatures and hand-crafted terrain, I sought to create a world that would excite their imaginations. Over the next few years, our sessions grew, eventually bringing Alyssa and Haley back into the fold. What started as a family activity soon blossomed into something larger—an adventure that would lead us to Gen Con.

In 2015, we attended our first Gen Con, a journey that began with just me, Donny, and my father. By 2019, the entire family had joined in, and we made our way to Indianapolis for the world’s greatest gaming convention. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought our Gen Con travels to a halt, but rather than despair, we adapted. In 2021, with the wisdom of my good friend Chris, we forged a new path by organizing UrbanaCon. That year, I began work on creating the "Dungeon"—a place where our own adventures would unfold. And now, my friends, as history continues to be written, I invite you to join me in the next chapter of this epic tale.

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