AtlantaPFS Weekly Update
🎲 July 12 – 18 — Welcome Back, Pathfinders!
Hope your Fourth of July week treated you well. This week we’ve got a Paizo update worth reading straight from the source, a lodge finishing up its first-ever convention appearance, and — as always right now — DragonCon on our minds.
Good news on that last one: sign-ups moved this week. We’re not out of the woods, but the trend is finally pointing the right direction. Please keep reading and keep signing up — details below.
🐉 THE NEEDLE MOVED. WE STILL NEED YOU.
Sign-ups this week brought our projected DragonCon cancellations down from roughly 70% to roughly 60% of what we had planned. That’s real progress, and it’s proof that every single sign-up counts. But 60% is still a bad number, and we’re now inside the final 20 days before our July 31 roster deadline.
This is do-or-die time. A five-minute form today keeps that number moving in the right direction.
🐉 Sign Up Now — Today, Please 🐉🚨 Paizo Restructuring — An Update From Alex Speidel
📣 Straight From This Month’s Organized Play Blog
Paizo published its July Organized Play Monthly Update this week, and it included a personal note from Alex Speidel, Manager of Conventions and Organized Play, addressing the restructuring directly. Alex confirmed what’s already been made public — the restructuring included eleven layoffs, including both Pathfinder Society developers, and a real reduction in Organized Play’s output going forward.
Rather than dwelling on it, he chose to focus on gratitude: for the players who’ve reached out to check on him and his coworkers, and for a community determined to keep playing no matter what. He was upfront that the road ahead is uncertain and that he doesn’t have all the answers yet, but he promised more information as soon as he has it to share.
We don’t have anything to add beyond what’s in that post right now, but we wanted to make sure you saw it directly rather than secondhand. You can read Alex’s full note, along with the rest of this month’s Organized Play news, at paizo.com/blog. As always, the moment there’s something new and public to share, you’ll hear it from us as fast as we’re able to put it together.
📢 Current Announcements & Updates
🖥️ Fantasy Grounds Unity: Scheduled All the Way Through November
Quick reminder for our VTT players: the Starfinder Society Fantasy Grounds Unity schedule runs through Season 2, Scenario 5 — a full slate of games all the way through November.
Seats are filling up quickly. If you’ve been meaning to jump in, now is the time to grab a spot before the good slots are gone. Sign-ups for FGU games specifically are on Warhorn here.
🌐 Atlanta Lodge Virtual Games – Update
Fantasy Grounds Starfinder Society games are in full swing on a real, ongoing schedule (see above).
If you were playing in one of the Atlanta-run virtual games that wrapped up last month, the official Organized Play Online Region is a great place to keep playing: temp Discord invite here. Questions, reach out to James R.
🐉 We Need to Talk About DragonCon
🐉 DragonCon 2026 — Progress, But Not Enough of It
DragonCon 2026: September 3–7, 2026 — Labor Day Weekend, Atlanta, GA
Here’s exactly where things stand: sign-ups this week nudged our projected cancellation rate down from roughly 70% to roughly 60% of what we had planned to run. That’s genuine movement, and thank you to everyone who filled out the form this week. But it means we are still on track to lose more than half of what’s planned unless that trend keeps going.
Our volunteer roster has to be finalized and submitted in 20 days — by July 31 — so DragonCon leadership has the lead time to build the schedule grid and open ticket presales a month out. Every day that passes without new sign-ups locks in more cancellations, including the Battle of Hellknight Hill cinematic run.
This is a “fill out a five-minute form today” ask, not a “someday” ask.
- GMs — for regular scenarios, the Battle of Hellknight Hill special, and everything in between
- HQ Staff — the backbone of the operation; without you, nothing else works
- Anyone who can give even one or two slots — every single commitment moves us further off that 60% number
Questions? Reach out through the GeorgiaPFS Discord or at rvcapparegionop@gmail.com.
🕊️ In Memoriam: Lee McLurkin
We continue to hold space for the memory of Lee McLurkin, whose loss touched so many in our community. A fitting tribute is being prepared for DragonCon later this year, and a memorial will be added to our Hall of Heroes once complete. Our thoughts remain with his family and all who knew him.
🏆 Hall of Heroes
Visit our Hall of Heroes page to honor those we’ve lost from our gaming community.
🎬 Rocky Horror Picture Show Night – Poll Still Open!
We’re still collecting availability for our AtlantaPFS outing to The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Plaza Theatre on Ponce de Leon Avenue. If you haven’t filled out the poll yet, please do — more responses means a better date for everyone. We’re personally leaning toward October once the dust from DragonCon has settled, but all input is welcome.
WhenIsGood: AtlantaPFS Invades the Rocky Horror Picture Show
This social event is open to the wider GeorgiaPFS and Appalachian Region community. Costumes and callbacks are strongly encouraged.
🌄 Regional Roundup – Appalachian Region News
🎲 Columbus Lodge Getting Back on Its Feet
Good news out of Columbus: after a quiet stretch following some player relocations, Dennis B and the Columbus lodge are gearing up to start scheduling games again soon at Moxie Games. If you’re in the Columbus, GA area and have been missing your local table, keep an eye on their Warhorn page over the coming weeks — and if you’d like to help build momentum as they restart, reach out to Dennis B or through the GeorgiaPFS Discord.
🎉 Congratulations, Morgantown, WV Lodge — CharCon Wraps Up This Weekend!
The Morgantown, West Virginia lodge’s first-ever convention appearance is happening right now: CharCon runs through Sunday, July 12, at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences in Charleston, WV. If you’re in the area today, stop by and say hello. Congratulations to Morgantown on a big milestone — and the lodge could still use more regular GMs and players at its home venue, Wyvern’s Wargames, going forward. Reach out to Joel H or through the GeorgiaPFS Discord if you can help.
Urgent: Venture-Officer Opening in Charleston, WV
We are still actively recruiting to establish a brand-new lodge in the Charleston, WV area. Help build something new and be the reason a whole community of players finds organized play. Interested? Reach out through the GeorgiaPFS Discord or at rvcapparegionop@gmail.com.
📋 GalaxyCon Events — Awaiting Confirmation
We’re still awaiting word from GalaxyCon regarding Pathfinder/Starfinder Society presence at this year’s shows, including the Raleigh event. Organized Play leadership has reached out and the door remains open, but as we get closer to show dates without confirmation, the lead time needed to stand up a full organized play presence gets tighter. If you were planning around PFS/SFS at a GalaxyCon event this year, it’s worth keeping a backup plan in mind. We’ll share an update as soon as we have one.
We Need Players and GMs — Especially Here
A few lodges are in particular need of additional support right now:
- Mebane, NC – Tables are running but could use more consistent turnout and GMing support.
- Charlotte, NC – A major metro area that deserves more organized play presence.
- Memphis, TN – Western Tennessee organized play needs both players and GMs to stay visible.
- Nashville, TN – Strong potential, needs more regular GM support to grow the schedule.
Regional Resources
- Appalachian Region Hub: appaopregion.org
- Regional & National Calendar: appaopregion.org/regional-and-national-calendar/
- Call for GMs & HQ Volunteers – Spring/Summer 2026: Regional Volunteer Call
- Facebook: Appalachian Region Organized Play
- X (Twitter): @AppaRegionOP | BlueSky: @apparegionop.bsky.social
- Mastodon: @apparvc@dice.camp
📅 Upcoming Events
🎲 Southern-Fried Gaming Expo 2026
July 31 – August 2, 2026 – The Renaissance Atlanta Waverly Hotel & Convention Center
Good news: Steve H has the AtlantaPFS volunteer schedule for Southern-Fried locked in. No open call right now — just watch the AtlantaPFS Discord for any last-minute updates as the convention approaches.
🌟 DragonCon 2026 – September 3–7 – Volunteers Needed Now
Five days of organized play, thousands of attendees, and our biggest regional showcase of the year — if we can staff it. We’re inside the final 20 days of scheduling, our internal deadline to lock the volunteer roster is July 31, and at current sign-up rates roughly 60% of what’s planned won’t happen. Every slot filled changes that number. Sign up here. Today. Please.
🎲 Gen Con 2026 — Not Local, But Worth the Trip
Gen Con: July 30 – August 2, 2026 — Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Gen Con isn’t an Appalachian Region event, but it’s worth flagging for anyone making the trip: this is where Paizo traditionally makes its biggest announcements of the year and kicks off the new Pathfinder and Starfinder Society seasons. Paizo’s annual rules-change blog is also expected to land this Thursday, July 16, with the changes taking effect at Gen Con. If Indianapolis is in your summer plans, this is the place to be for all things Organized Play.
🆕 New to Pathfinder or Starfinder Society?
Welcome to organized play! Whether you’re brand new to tabletop RPGs or a veteran player exploring Society play for the first time, we’re here to help you get started.
🤗 Safe, Welcoming Tables for All
Everyone is welcome at our tables. Pathfinder and Starfinder Society organized play is committed to providing a safe, fun, and inclusive gaming environment for all participants worldwide, regardless of background, identity, or experience level.
All games operate under the Paizo Organized Play Code of Conduct and Community Standards. We do not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or behavior that makes anyone feel excluded or threatened. If you experience or witness problematic behavior, please bring it to the GM, Event Organizer, any Venture-Officer, or contact Paizo directly at organizedplay@paizo.com.
Getting Started Resources:
- Read our Welcome Letter for an introduction to AtlantaPFS
- Create a free Organized Play account at paizo.com
- Browse our game schedule and sign up on Warhorn
- Join our Discord server to connect with other players
- Check out the Appalachian Region Hub for what’s happening across our six-state region
Don’t have a character yet? No problem! Pregenerated iconic characters are available at every table. If you’d like to build your own, our GMs and volunteers are happy to help — just arrive a little early and let us know you’re new.
❓ Did You Know?
🎁 Achievement Points (AcP): New to Organized Play? You get 80 AcP free on your Paizo Organized Play account to spend on cool boons and character options!
💬 Connect With Us
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| AtlantaPFS Website | https://atlantapfs.org/ |
| Appalachian Region Hub | https://appaopregion.org |
| AtlantaPFS on Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/groups/AtlantaPFS/ |
| @AtlantaPFS on X/Twitter | https://twitter.com/AtlantaPFS |
| AtlantaPFS on Mastodon | https://dice.camp/@atlantapfs |
| AtlantaPFS on BlueSky | https://bsky.app/profile/atlantapfs.bsky.social |
| GeorgiaPFS Discord | https://discord.gg/CvsJcMJ |
| Warhorn | https://warhorn.net/events/atlantapfs |
📝 Feedback Forms
We value your input! Please use these forms to share your feedback and requests:
| Form | Link |
|---|---|
| Venue and Event Staff Feedback Form | Venue and Event Staff Feedback |
| Event Feedback Form | Event Feedback |
| Event or Venue Request Form | Event or Venue Request |
| Adventure Request Form | Adventure Request |
| Chronicle Sheet or Reporting Error Form | Chronicle Sheet or Reporting Error |
| GM Feedback Form | GM Feedback |
| Player Feedback Form | Player Feedback |
| Player Game Withdrawal Form | Player Game Withdrawal |
👥 Current Venture-Officers & Venues
Physical Venue Coordinators
Venue Coordinators are Venture-Agents who report to their area Venture-Lieutenant. This structure shows the chain of command for venue-related questions or concerns.
Atlanta – James R (VC)
Alex H (VL)
| Venue | Location | Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| Level-Up Games | Dawsonville | Steve H |
| Level-Up Games | Johns Creek | Jamey D |
| The Crazy Book Lady | Acworth | TBD |
| Battle & Brew | Sandy Springs | TBD |
Will H (VL)
| Venue | Location | Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| Manuel’s Tavern | Atlanta | Boo F |
| Giga-Bites Cafe | Marietta | Brienne S |
| Titan Games & Comics | Smyrna | TBD |
| Hobbytown USA | Kennesaw | Will D |
| East Atlanta Comics Dice City | Atlanta | Josh C |
Columbus – Dennis B (VC)
| Venue | Location | Coordinator |
|---|---|---|
| Moxie Games | Columbus | Dennis B |
VTT Coordinators
| Platform | Coordinator(s) |
|---|---|
| Foundry | James R, Josh C, Dennis B, Alex H |
| Fantasy Grounds Unity | Joel H |
Lodge Officers
| Position | Officer(s) |
|---|---|
| Regional Venture-Coordinator (Appalachian Region) | Joel H |
| Venture-Captain (Atlanta) | James R |
| Venture-Captain (Columbus) | Dennis B |
| Venture-Lieutenant (Atlanta) | Alex H, Will H |
| Venture-Agent (Atlanta) | Brienne S, Boo F, Christopher K, Jamey D, Josh C, Kaiser S, Steve H, Will D |
Convention Coordinators
| Convention | Coordinator |
|---|---|
| DragonCon | Joel H |
| MomoCon | Will H |
| Southern-Fried Gaming Expo | Steve H |
🤝 Volunteer Opportunities
Interested in helping AtlantaPFS grow and thrive? We’re always looking for dedicated volunteers to GM, coordinate venues, assist with conventions, and more.
Current Opportunities:
- DragonCon 2026 (September 3–7): We’re on pace to cancel roughly 60% of what’s planned without continued sign-ups — volunteer form is open now. Roster needs to be finalized in 20 days, by July 31.
- Venue Coordinators (Venture-Agents): Immediate needs at Titan Games & Comics (Smyrna) and Battle & Brew (Sandy Springs).
- Regional VO Opening: Charleston, WV (new lodge) — see Regional Roundup above for details.
- General GMs and Players: Especially needed in Mebane NC, Charlotte NC, Memphis TN, and Nashville TN.
Fill out our Volunteer Form to get started, or reach out to joel@atlantapfs.org. Learn more about Venture-Officer roles in the VO Handbook.
📅 Weekly Game Schedule July 12–18, 2026
As always, the schedule below is subject to change and new games can be added at any time — your best resource is the Upcoming Games page on Warhorn. Want a specific adventure? Use our Adventure Request Form!
| Day | Date | Time (EDT) | Venue | Scenario and Sign-Up Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | July 12 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM | Battle & Brew (Sandy Springs) | PFS2 1-01: The Absalom Initiation (Full) |
| Monday | July 13 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Online (Fantasy Grounds Unity) | SFS2 1-03: Disaster at Dreamlink Labs |
| Wednesday | July 15 | 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Manuel’s Tavern (Atlanta) | SFS2 1-25: The Hollowed Shell (Full) |
| Thursday | July 16 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Online (Fantasy Grounds Unity) | SFS2 1-04: The Great Absalom Relay |
🎲 Until Next Week, Pathfinders!
Big congratulations to Morgantown on wrapping up their first CharCon this weekend — that’s the kind of milestone worth celebrating. And thank you to everyone who signed up for DragonCon this week; the number moved because you did something about it. It’s still not where it needs to be, so if you haven’t signed up yet, please do it today.
Southern-Fried’s schedule is locked in — no ask there, just watch the Discord for updates. Gen Con’s rules-change blog is expected this Thursday, and if Indianapolis is in your summer plans, that convention (July 30–August 2) is where Paizo will be making this year’s big announcements.
Watch the GeorgiaPFS Discord and the Warhorn agenda for additions and changes throughout the week. Roll well, friends — we’ll see you out there. ⚔️🎲