Have you ever seen real magic? Pure, unfiltered magic unfolding before your eyes? That’s what D&D in a Castle is all about—mixing a medieval castle, an epic adventure, and a spectacular group of players to create something unforgettable. D&D in a Castle isn’t just an event—it’s an experience that takes everything we love about tabletop role-playing games and immerses us in a world where storytelling meets reality.

D&D in a Castle 2024: What Makes It Truly Magical

When I arrived at Lumley Castle this year, I had one overwhelming thought: HOLY CRAP I’M BACK AT THE CASTLE! A wave of joy, excitement, and gratitude washed over me. Like, I get to do D&D… In. A. Castle. Again! It still feels surreal every time. This year was exceptionally so. Waking up in my bedroom in the old stable house and looking out the window to see a towering keep in front of me is a moment of pure inspiration. It’s impossible not to feel like you’re stepping into the pages of your own adventure.

What sets D&D in a Castle apart from any other gaming event? It’s not just the castle itself, although playing D&D in one of the game’s core settings is beyond cool. It’s the way the event creates a fully immersive experience. Unlike conventions or cruises where your time is split between gaming and other distractions, at the castle, you are all in. Eight or more hours of gameplay each day, shared meals, and even downtime filled with tasks and conversations steeped in the magic of D&D. Everyone is here to play—to be present, to invest, and to create something unforgettable together.

Chronicle Mode: Crafting Epic Stories Across Six Days

Traditionally you would get a 3-day campaign, though as the years have gone on, the Castle has started to see more people stay for a second set because they “were already here”. Chronicle Mode was an entirely new way to experience D&D in a Castle, giving us six days to delve deep into the story, double the usual three days. It was a privilege to be part of this innovation, and as I set my table for this epic campaign, I couldn’t help but think, ‘Whose dice did I suck to be here?’ Seriously though, this style of gaming allowed my group and me to craft a deeper, more expansive story that couldn’t have happened in just three days. Honestly? It was one of the best campaigns I’ve ever run, like a reward for the love and effort we all pour into this game. Every moment felt like stepping into a legendary tale, some stood out as truly unforgettable.

Unforgettable Highlights: Legendary Tales and Epic Moments

One standout memory was something I planned with another DM, Mháire Stritter. She came into the room under the guise of filming part of her D&D stream, just dropping in during one of my sessions. I was narrating a moment where a Deva (angel) from one of my player’s gods was undergoing a horrific mitosis. The players were frozen, utterly captivated. As I got ready to reveal the creature that had divided from the angel, Mháire stepped in to portray it—Zariel, the Archduchess of Avernus, cursing the characters in Infernal as she placed the mini on the table—we made Infernal translate as German because, frankly, it sounded badass. The kicker? One of my players, whose character spoke Infernal, cursed back at Zariel/Mháire in German, delightfully shocking all of us. That moment? Pure WOOOOAH energy as we rolled initiative.

The whole experience was a whirlwind of creativity and jaw-dropping gameplay. I’ve had some mithril players at my tables, this year’s was exceptional. This group. Well, they bring a tear to my eye thinking about them. If you ever catch me in person and have an hour over a drink to listen to me excitedly breeze through the campaign, I’d be happy to oblige.

Immersive Gaming: How the Castle Changes Everything

I’ve been doing D&D in a Castle since the first in 2018 (I am DM #1 on the lists). I learned at that first Castle in France that Environmental storytelling and multiple DM integration is where D&D in a Castle shines for me, and I love leaning into it. This year was no exception to that. My finale featured an Ancient Void Dragon where One-Shot DM and staff member, Liam, playing the dragon’s actions while another staff, Executive Assistant Hopper, portraying its disembodied voice, taunting the players as they fought. I also love using the castle itself as part of the game, moving players into different spaces—like chapels, the hall of heads, and even the library—to make at least one encounter come to life, moving ourselves as we would our characters on the board. It’s immersive, it’s theatrical, and it’s uniquely Castle D&D.

Building Community: The People Who Make It Magic

The Dungeon Master community at D&D in a Castle is something special. It feels like summer camp—if summer camp was filled with brilliant, creative people who all love D&D as much as you do. Seeing familiar faces from past years, deepening friendships, and connecting with fresh players creates an atmosphere of camaraderie that’s hard to put into words. It’s joy. It’s giddy excitement. It’s genuine care for one another.

I got to see my friends, Mark Meer, Belinda Cornish, Elisa Teague, Alcuin Gersh, B. Dave Walters, Kelly Lynne D’Angelo and Jason Carl. This group of people bring out a joy in me akin to a puppy seeing its human. This year I befriended Jim Zub, Thor Knai, and Jeremy Cobb. Also, Clint McElroy gave me a glimpse into the delightful jackassery I expect I’ll bring to my tables in 30 years. OH! I was interviewed for the D&D documentary “50 Years of Fantasy”! That was an amazing moment of validation. Also, the players at my table made this year unforgettable with their constant enthusiasm and buy-in. For the first time after D&D in a Castle, I walked away without a shred of Imposter Syndrome. I felt completely at home in my role as a GM.

What I Learned as a DM: Dauntlessly Going Big and Trusting My Instincts

This year, I learned to go big. To trust my instincts and lean into those massive, ambitious ideas. My campaign spanned realms and villains from 50 years of D&D, starting with a falling star in the Barrier Peaks and spiraling into plane-hopping chaos. One moment, the players were laying the finishing touches to a newly built temple-tomb in Chult; the next, they were delivering a mirror to The Order of the Silver Dragon from Baron Sergei—yes, that Sergei. The story was rich, layered, and, frankly, awesome.

A mid-campaign twist forced me to completely rework the next day’s adventure overnight. With some brainstorming help from Chris Hately, I built a session that became one of the most memorable of the campaign, featuring Mháire’s Zariel cameo. It reminded me that I know what I’m doing. I just have to trust myself and do it. 

Then there was my players, Fuji, Ed, Chris, Abdul, and Grant. By the gods, these folks were simply exquisite. I would like to think I am rather good at trusting my players in my games, both at the castle and privately. As I said before, I have been really blessed with the different players that have come across my tables over the last 7 years of The GM Tim. Wow though, if this group didn’t remind me how amazing it is when you trust players to play in your story, AND when you have a solid story how well they can play.

On a personal level, this event came at the perfect time. This year has been tough: friends moving away, job changes, and rejection from programs I worked hard for. At the castle, none of that mattered. The sense of community, creativity, and belonging lifted me up. Leaving was bittersweet, and I’m still reflecting on how special this experience was.

Why Events Like This Matter: Breaking Stereotypes and Fostering Inclusivity

Events like D&D in a Castle show just how far TTRPGs have come, shattering outdated basement dwelling stereotypes and proving that rolling dice is more than just a game or hobby—it’s an intimate, collaborative storytelling experience. In a world that often measures worth through price tags, events like these validate the creativity, connections, and shared experiences of ‘that really cool thing’ your character did earlier that day.

These smaller events also create safer spaces, particularly for queer participants and others who may feel marginalised in larger gaming spaces. At the castle, everyone has the chance to connect, to feel seen, and to let their guard down in a way that’s rare. One player described it as “the first time I felt I could just be me at a table,” and that sentiment is why these spaces matter so much. That kind of intimacy fosters a real community, allowing everyone to connect and feel seen in ways that larger conventions can’t match. The success of smaller events like these makes our games better and our communities stronger.

Looking Ahead: Join Me for More Adventures in 2025

So that was D&D in a Castle 2024. I have had the privilege honour of going every year since that first in 2018. This past one was my favourite, and words struggle to describe how high that bar was already set. I am still thrilled that I was given a set of dice to one of the two Chronicle Modes, and was able to prove that there is real value in this style of play, and I look forward to doing more in the future.

Next summer, I’ll be running “The Crown of the Green King” at Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Ohio—a tale of a legend lost, a crown forgotten, and a dare to reclaim what the forest protects. There are still a few seats left for that game at the stunning Landoll’s Mohican Castle in Ohio. Don’t miss your chance to join me there.

Next fall, I’m pitching a queer-focused table at D&D in a Castle in England—an adventure crafted for my fellow rainbow dice rollers to celebrate the epic, campy, and wonderfully slay D&D experience we all deserve. If this sounds like your dream game, head to the D&D in a Castle website and request me as your DM. With enough interest, we can make this table a reality together.

Of course you can always hire me for your own group, or a private mini campaign at a private event. For more information or have questions you can Contact Me. To stay updated on my games, tips, and more, you can find me @thegmtim on Bluesky, Instagram, Threads, Twitch, YouTube, and Discord. Keep visiting this blog for more great nerdy goodness. Whether you’re new to D&D or a seasoned adventurer, I hope to see you at the table.

Dream big, roll often.