Today I want to share something from my collection that goes back 40 years. This simple booklet is the 1983 RPGA Network Member Directory.

The TSR RPGA (Role-Playing Gamers Association) was an organization for tabletop role-playing enthusiasts, established by TSR, Inc., the company who made the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) game. Founded in 1980, it aimed to bring together gamers from around the world, providing them with a shared platform to connect. One of the RPGA’s primary functions was organizing and sanctioning gaming events, including conventions and tournaments, allowing members to enjoy structured, competitive play (this was a thing back then) while also fostering a sense of community within the RPG world.

Members of the RPGA received a subscription to the Polyhedron Newszine. This periodical publication offered content for role-playing enthusiasts. It featured articles on various gaming topics, including adventures, rules discussions, and interviews with prominent figures in the RPG community. Additionally, the Polyhedron Newszine often included exclusive game content, such as new adventures, magic items, and character options (not unlike a smaller version of Dragon Magazine).

In later years, the RPGA rolled out the idea of a living campaign, where the actions of the players would have an impact on the overall campaign story arc. Their first campaign of this type was Living City, a series of adventures set in the city of Raven’s Bluff. I may be mistaken, as this was never my cup of tea, but I believe that this was the start of the concept of organized play. If you know otherwise, please leave me a note below.

With the history stuff out of the way, let me share a bit about this directory itself. A company could never do this kind of thing today but you have to remember that back in 1983 we were pre-internet and most folks didn’t even own a personal computer. The RPGA Member Directory was a comprehensive listing of RPGA members worldwide. This directory served as a tool for members seeking fellow gamers for local campaigns, conventions, or simply to connect with like-minded individuals who shared an interest in role-playing games. Members could use the directory to find fellow gamers in their region and organize gaming events. I used it myself to reach out to meet some local gamers in Rochester, as well as to start a play-by-mail game with some folks in NJ.

That’s all for now. Just thought some of you might enjoy seeing this blast from the past.

Yesterday marked the end of my first year of blogging. I have found the endeavor to be quite rewarding, as I had been longing to interact with more people who enjoy this hobby of ours. If you have stopped by to say hello over the past year, I thank you for visiting.

For more maps & plot hooks, go here.

For some random tables, go here.

Finally, for a bit about me and some general stuff, this is the spot.