To make the information more digestible, it has been sectioned out.
Anything important to note down, or do something about, has been made bold, italicised and a different colour.
You can also watch videos talking about what you need to know: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUcjYFGQ2qscIzJ2bqOm0__C1nUNewmj_
Let me introduce myself, my name is Luke, as someone on the autism spectrum, I struggled with social skills, and understanding people as I grew up.
With some time, effort, patience, and support, I have been able to grow my capacity in social skills, and now help others with neurodiversity grow their own capacity.
Growing up I played role playing games all the time with friends. I also studied game design, and disability support. So when I learned about the research into role playing games helping with social skills, I simply had to start up Spectrum Quest.
Each group runs across as many weeks as needed. For example, at the time of writing, one group at Spectrum Quest has been running the same story with the same characters they created for a full year. This allows everyone to get comfortable with each other and with me, and more opportunities for growth that comes with time. The group will finish when the story reaches its natural conclusion. This is referred to as a “campaign”.
However, you sign up for 1 term at a time. So your group will finish in the last week of the school term. There will be the normal holiday break, and the adventure continues on the first week of the next term. This pattern repeats across each school term.
Coburg North games will run at: 123 Bakers Rd, Coburg North VIC 3058 at a venue called “The Gaming Arena”
You should seek to arrive 5-15 minutes early, though we recognize school traffic may make this difficult.
What is a TableTop Role-Playing-Game?: https://youtu.be/4RUP-gdQl0s
A quick discussion on what "social gains" looks like at Spectrum Quest: https://youtu.be/xIH5_Pca0eM
Before we meet at the arena, I would love to meet you! A small get to know you through video chat.
The aim is for me to get a sense of who you are, and what you want out of the program.
This is also the best opportunity to understand any challenges you might face, and request accommodations. And you are of course encouraged to ask any questions you might have.
Please send a list of times that you would be able to have a video chat. If the person joining the group is your child, please make sure you or another adult is also present in the meeting.
Please accommodate 30-60 minutes of your time for this meeting, though it may go for less if that is all that is needed.
If you think you will have a lot of questions, please let me know ahead of time so I can make sure to set aside more than 60 minutes.
You will receive 3 documents to sign some time before the first session.
Membership
This is where you provide all your basic details. Participant's name, emergency contact, address, email etc. So you fill it out once, and never again.
Program sign up
You will be sent a program sign up before the start of each term to continue participating in the program. So if you stay in a campaign for a year, you will sign 4 program sign ups.
Volunteering
For participants under the age of 18, parents are asked if they would be willing to volunteer to sit in. This is optional, has minimal requirements, and generally you will only be asked to do so 2 or 3 times a term.
If you and/or another adult is willing to volunteer, please respond with their name and email address for further information to admin@SpectrumQuest.com.au.
Spectrum Quest has policies, procedures and a code of conduct. By engaging with Spectrum Quest, you agree to abide by them. To learn more about them, please visit our website: https://spectrumquest.com.au/
There is also an easy read code of conduct for those with accessibility needs.
We are always looking to improve at Spectrum Quest, and love to hear your praises, suggestions and welcome complaints. Please do so through the website here: https://spectrumquest.com.au/feedback/
Or you are welcome to email us at: admin@SpectrumQuest.com.au
Or talk with us in person.
Spectrum Quest is run by humans, and so we are sure to make mistakes or failures. When we do, please let us know, and speak with us politely and with an open mind so the matter may be resolved.
As mentioned, when you sign up to our program, you sign up term by term. When you do so, you commit to paying for each session of the entire term, regardless of your attendance. If using NDIS funding, please make sure you have enough funding, otherwise you may be paying out of pocket. If you have concerns about the cost, please speak with us as soon as you have the concern.
Sessions are invoiced weekly as the term progresses.
You can read more about our fees and payments policies here: https://spectrumquest.com.au/fees-and-payments-policies-and-procedures/
When attending Spectrum Quest programs, you should bring
Pencil
Rubber
Polyhedral dice, including at least one 20 sided die.
(Optional) a book for note taking.
During the program, we request certain items not be brought in, with the goal of avoiding disruption. Though please talk with us if there is a concern in this regard.
Some fidget device/toys
If the fidget item require's one's attention, such as lego, where you might think about what to build. Please do not bring it.
If the fidget item can be interacted with mindlessly, such as spinners, then they may be brought in.
Please avoid electronic devices except where they are directly used for accessibility, such as tablets for speaking.
We use a system similar to the role playing game Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). The one we use is called DC20.
If you are familiar with D&D, then that will help you learn DC20, there will be some differences you will need to get used to. Though you may find yourself picking it up fairly quickly.
If you are not familiar with D&D or have never played a role playing game before, then know that we chose to use DC20 to be more accessible, and it leverages certain advantages for the style of game we want to run here at Spectrum Quest.
It is recommended you purchase a copy of the game, though much of the rules will be learned as the game progresses.
You can read more about the game here: https://thedungeoncoach.com/pages/dc20
And purchase the core rules here: https://thedungeoncoach.com/products/dc20-core-rules
Please know that Spectrum Quest is not affiliated with DC20.
Please also know at the time of writing that DC20 is in Beta, and occasional rules updates may occur.
Here is what to expect at the first session.
Introductions
Tell us who you are, and a bit about yourself.
If you are not sure what to share, tell us your favorite: game, movie, show, or universe (e.g. the Star Wars universe, or the Marvel universe)
You can also tell us what you are looking forward to in joining Spectrum Quest.
A mini adventure
Everyone will get to play a level 0 adventure, no character sheet needed (Though something to take notes is advised), to get used to roleplaying with each other, and learn the game's rules.
Create the campaign
You read that right! YOU the PLAYER get to decide (with everyone else) what kind of campaign you want to go on. You will get to discuss the tone, the kind of adventures you want to go on etc. So start thinking up some ideas to bring for everyone.
However, the campaign must be set in a fantasy world.
That is a lot of information! So if you need to read it again, you might want to do so in a few days.
If you have questions, please don't be afraid to email me at: Luke@SpectrumQuest.com.au
Or ask me when we meet on a video chat face to face.
