Far Eastern University (FEU) Library recently embarked on a bold quest—one that did not involve books and silent study sessions but rather dice, character sheets, and immersive storytelling. For the first time ever, the University hosted a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) event, bringing students together for an experience that combined creativity, strategy, and camaraderie.

Dungeons & Dragons, a tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG), is known for its imaginative storytelling and teamwork-driven gameplay. Unlike traditional competitive games, D&D thrives on cooperation, problem-solving, and creativity. Through this initiative, FEU Library sought to offer students a unique and intellectually engaging way to bond while exploring new avenues of entertainment.

Organizing such an event was no easy feat. In an interview with FEU Advocate, the key organizer and library staff, Adriana Josephine Enriquez, shared the motivation behind the initiative.

“We wanted to hold an event that [has] never been done before—something fun, exciting, and engaging. So, I suggested, ‘Why not Dungeons & Dragons?’” Enriquez explained. 

Drawing inspiration from a past D&D event hosted by Greasy Snitches, which left a lasting impression on her, she sought to bring the same joy to FEU students. To make it happen, Greasy Snitches were invited to help facilitate the game, helping students navigate the uncharted lands of TTRPGs.

More than just a game, the event aligned with the Library’s mission to promote student engagement and creativity.

_{In photo: FEU students immerse themselves in a tabletop role-playing game session of Dungeons & Dragons, enjoying teamwork, strategy, and storytelling.} 

“Imagine students gathering around, rolling the dice, and creating epic tales together! This event encourages them to step into the shoes of brave adventurers, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and creative thinking,” she added.

Despite its success, organizing the event posed serious challenges, especially in scheduling. 

“We originally planned this event for last year, but conflicting schedules got in the way,” the key organizer admitted. 

The delay was due to overlapping academic and institutional activities, making it difficult to secure an ideal date that would allow maximum student participation. 

After careful planning and coordination, the event was eventually arranged to coincide with FEU’s Founding Anniversary celebrations last February, making it the perfect time for students to join the quest for fame and glory.

Bob the Goblin: A sidekick to remember

For many students, the event was an opportunity to dive into a world of adventure. A second-year Psychology student, Rake Andrew ‘Castiel’ Reyes, shared his excitement about the game. 

“I’ve been playing D&D since I was in ninth grade. When I found out the Library was organizing an event, I just couldn’t let it pass by without joining. FEU has a rich and diverse geek community, and I wanted to see how the University would bring its first D&D event to life,” he shared.  

The Dungeon Master (DM), the game’s storyteller and referee, guided players through an adventure that went beyond rolling dice and battling fantasy creatures. 

The event was filled with unexpected and heartfelt moments, with one of the most memorable highlights being the party’s encounter with Bob the Goblin, an NPC (non-player character) controlled by the DM.

“We took pity on him [Bob], saved him from a sandstorm, and in the end, had to leave him behind as collateral at a toll gate,” Reyes recalled.

Initially an enemy, Bob was spared after the players decided to befriend him instead of fighting. He joined their journey, helping them find a path through a treacherous desert storm.

“But before we left, we gave him a name—Bob the Goblin—and some matches and detonators to free himself. Everyone was so invested in Bob, hoping he’d find us again,” he added.

Another participant and also a second-year psychology student, Third Indigo Salaysay, was drawn in by the novelty of the event. 

“I’ve never really seen a school support student interests in a way like this before. It’s normally always sports or video games—tabletop games don’t get as much representation. That was enough for me to join,” he said.

For Salaysay, the most exciting moment came when his party reached a toll gate—an unexpected obstacle created by the Dungeon Master.

In D&D, players often face challenges that require creative solutions, and this was no exception. With no gold to pay the toll, they had to rely on quick thinking, persuasion, and teamwork to find a way forward. Nevertheless, their efforts paid off—his group successfully convinced the guards that someone beyond the gate could cover their fee.

“Our last-ditch attempt was convincing the guards we had people beyond the gate who could pay for us. They believed us, but one of us had to stay behind. That’s when we left Bob behind, giving him tools to escape. We lost a friend that day, but we’ll never forget him,” he conveyed.

_{In photo: Reyes & Salaysay’s team celebrate a victorious moment in a Dungeons & Dragons session.}

Rolling toward the future

Given the event’s success, many students are already looking forward to the possibility of more tabletop gaming events at FEU.

“Based on our evaluation form, this event will not be a one-time experience. ‘[Why not] host other tabletop gaming events?’ That’s absolutely something to look forward to,” Enriquez confirmed.

Tamaraws who joined the event are hopeful to see D&D become a regular fixture on campus.

“D&D isn’t just for nerds and geeks—it’s for everyone. It teaches you cooperation, strategy, and how to think outside the box. It’s an incredible way to bond with people,” Reyes said.

Building on this enthusiasm, Salaysay encouraged fellow students to take a leap into the world of tabletop role-playing games.

“All the FEU community really needs to know that it’s worth trying and doesn’t require any previous experience. You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy it,” Salaysay encouraged.

With its ability to spark creativity, forge alliances, and create unforgettable tales, the FEU Library’s D&D event proved that sometimes the best stories aren’t just read—they’re lived. 

As long as there are dice to roll, quests to undertake, and dungeons to explore, the adventures at the University are far from over. The next chapter awaits those ready to pick up their character sheets and roll for initiative—what’s next on the adventure log?

- Franzine Aaliyah B. Hicana
(Photo by Melvin James Urubio/FEU Advocate)