Venture-Agent, Illinois—Kakankee
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At what point can we call our group a lodge? or is there any defining qualifications?
I am currently leading a small but dedicated group of players that currently seat two full tables 2-3 times a month. We have 3 regular GMs and 10 dedicated players with a hand full of players that have never missed a run. We started calling ourselves the Pathfinder Players of Kankakee County just to get noticed and draw players. Now though I wonder if we can, need, or does it matter if we ever call ourselves a lodge. Part of me thinks it would be cool to be known as the Kankakee Lodge but I am not sure.
Any advice??? Or rules to this question??? I can t seem to find any.
Venture-Captain, Minnesota
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A long time ago, I worked for meetup.com, and became something of an expert on how groups gain critical mass. One of the biggest factors in the equation was having an organizer with a vision.
If you envision your group as the Kankakee Lodge, others will see that vision and want to take part. A group name can be a magical thing, giving a small group an identity that they can take pride in. It certainly can help attract and retain new members as people shake their hands and say, "Welcome to Kankakee Lodge!"
Build it and they will come.
All hail the Kankakee Lodge!
Hmm
Venture-Captain, Washington—Spokane
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A long time ago, I worked for meetup.com, and became something of an expert on how groups gain critical mass. One of the biggest factors in the equation was having an organizer with a vision.
If you envision your group as the Kankakee Lodge, others will see that vision and want to take part. A group name can be a magical thing, giving a small group an identity that they can take pride in. It certainly can help attract and retain new members as people shake their hands and say, "Welcome to Kankakee Lodge!"
Build it and they will come.
All hail the Kankakee Lodge!
Hmm
I cannot agree with this enough!! I would recommend contacting your local VL or VC and investigate the possibility of becoming at least a VA. Check here for the requirements for both positions.
Venture-Captain, Germany—Bavaria
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I cannot agree with this enough!! I would recommend contacting your local VL or VC and investigate the possibility of becoming at least a VA. Check here for the requirements for both positions.A long time ago, I worked for meetup.com, and became something of an expert on how groups gain critical mass. One of the biggest factors in the equation was having an organizer with a vision.
If you envision your group as the Kankakee Lodge, others will see that vision and want to take part. A group name can be a magical thing, giving a small group an identity that they can take pride in. It certainly can help attract and retain new members as people shake their hands and say, "Welcome to Kankakee Lodge!"
Build it and they will come.
All hail the Kankakee Lodge!
Hmm
I second the suggestion, while your VL/VC doesn't actually have to agree with you deciding to call it a lodge, that person can certainly support you and PFS in your area.
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There aren't any rules on this (as evidenced by certain folks even using canon names like "Shadow Lodge" for their groups). It's really just marketing plus roleplay. We even got one of our members who is a graphic artist to make us a lodge logo. All of these things help you seem more "legit" to new folks, and the organizer's passion for the game helps sell it.
V-O's are there to support PFS play in their regions; they don't have "authority" in the strictest sense - but they are your biggest ally in building yup your group. Work with them, and if there isn't one close enough, apply to be one. This resource of volunteers is one of the biggest reasons that PFS is such a successful organized play campaign.
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Venture-Agent, Illinois—Kakankee
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So far it has been a team effort that has made our group successful. With that in mind I think it's only fair and right that this be our groups decision. So I plan on addressing this topic next month (December) with them and will take a vote of our members to see if we stay the Pathfinder Players of Kankakee County or if we forge ahead as the Kakakee Lodge.
As far as VC/VL. The nearest is over an hour away from our home even with that fact several have been very supportive and encouraging from a distance. While I can say I have thought about applying for a spot I have only been doing this a few months. I think I'll wait till I hit the year mark before I apply.
But as always thank you guys for the advice and direction.
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There are many game stores in our area, and I haven't given any of them lodge names because I want to encourage cross-pollination and discourage any sense of tribalism.
"What the hell happened here?
"I don't know. The people from the Gaming goblin and the dancing dragon met each other, some dice were thrown and it went all lord of the flies...
"...but I only left for 15 minutes"
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Venture-Agent, Illinois—Kakankee
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Just an update, our group discussed the topic above and decided on re-naming our group...
The Dragon's Refuge Lodge
In not only recognition of the store that has been extremely encouraging to our humble group but also because for most of our group it’s a second home.
We move forward with a new name but with the same commitment and dedication we have always had. Ironically on the same night we adopted the new name we had our largest scenario night, 3 tables of PFS play at one time!! A Good omen for sure.
