Last night at Manuel’s Tavern, we gathered for more than just our weekly Pathfinder Society game. We came together during Juneteenth and Pride Month to celebrate the values that make our community strong: diversity, equity, inclusion, and the recognition of excellence.
Honoring Juneteenth and Pride
June 19th marks Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and celebrating African American freedom and achievement. This observance falls during Pride Month, a time when we honor LGBTQ+ rights and celebrate the diversity of human identity and expression.
At AtlantaPFS, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords or political talking points—they’re fundamental values that make our gaming community stronger, more creative, and more welcoming. Despite attempts by some to demonize DEI initiatives, we’ve seen firsthand how fostering an environment where everyone can be their authentic selves enriches our shared storytelling experience.
This isn’t just our local philosophy—it’s built into the very foundation of Paizo’s Organized Play program. The official code of conduct makes it clear that Organized Play is designed as “an inclusive social event open to everyone, where we intend that all participants may enjoy gaming in a fun and safe environment.” The policy explicitly prohibits harassment or discrimination based on age, disability, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or any other reason, because Paizo recognizes that great gaming happens when everyone feels welcome and safe.
Our tables are places where heroes come in all forms, where stories reflect the beautiful complexity of our world, and where every player—regardless of background, identity, or experience level—can find their place in the adventure. We actively work to maintain a welcoming space for all, because great gaming happens when everyone feels safe to bring their whole selves to the table.
Celebrating Excellence: James R Earns His 5th Glyph
Last night was also special because we witnessed a remarkable achievement in our community. James R, one of our dedicated Venture-Lieutenants, ran his 150th table—a milestone that, combined with other rigorous requirements, qualifies him for his 5th Glyph. While the achievement won’t be officially recognized until it’s published on the Paizo Community Blog, James has completed all the requirements for this prestigious recognition.
For those unfamiliar with the Organized Play recognition system, earning a 5th Glyph (or “donut” as many of us affectionately call these achievements) represents the pinnacle of GM dedication and skill. It’s not just about running 150 tables—though that alone represents hundreds of hours of preparation and play. James also had to:
- Run 50 different adventures, showcasing versatility and breadth of experience
- Successfully complete exclusive and high-level content requirements
- Pass three formal evaluations from qualified assessors, demonstrating mastery of rules, storytelling, and community standards
This achievement represents his commitment to our community, countless hours of preparation, and a dedication to excellence that elevates the experience for every player who sits at James’s table. Since joining AtlantaPFS as a Venture-Agent on September 8, 2022—our first year back in venues after the height of Covid—and being promoted to Venture-Lieutenant on March 19, 2023, James has taken on significant leadership responsibilities. He provides direct oversight for several Venture-Agents and organizes AtlantaPFS Organized Play activities at both Dice & Diversions and Southern-Fried Gaming Expo.
We expect James will continue reaching new heights, helping us successfully launch Starfinder Society for Starfinder 2nd Edition in Atlanta, and tackling whatever other challenges the future may hold for our community. His 150 tables of Pathfinder 2nd Edition experience will give him a significant advantage when running Starfinder 2nd Edition, since both games use the same base engine. Once officially recognized, he’ll join the ranks of 5-Glyph GMs—a select group that represents the pinnacle of organized play leadership.
A Night of Celebration
While these might seem like separate celebrations, they came together beautifully last night. We gathered as a community that values both recognition of historical significance and individual achievement. James’s dedication to running excellent, welcoming games has helped create the kind of inclusive space where everyone can enjoy great gaming, regardless of who they are or where they come from—even if I couldn’t pull my usual character shenanigans that night (the scenario and dice had other plans for this GM’s wild player antics), though the screaming goat sound effect still made an appearance, even though the goats weren’t involved in this session.
I’m glad I was at the table to witness the culmination of this journey. His qualifying for the 5th Glyph represents not just personal accomplishment, but the kind of community leadership that helps make our values real at the table.
Looking Forward
As we celebrate these milestones and as Pride Month continues, we continue to remember and celebrate both Juneteenth and the individual contributions that come together to make all of our gaming experiences memorable. We recommit ourselves to the values that make AtlantaPFS special. We’ll continue fostering spaces where everyone can be heroes in their own stories, where excellence is recognized and celebrated, and where the rich diversity of our community makes every game better.
Congratulations, James R, on this incredible achievement. Thank you for your years of service to our community and for showing us what dedication and excellence look like in action.
Here’s to freedom, pride, inclusion, and the amazing adventures yet to come.
Join us at our regular games to experience the welcoming, excellent gaming that makes AtlantaPFS special. Check our website for upcoming events and learn how you can be part of our inclusive gaming community.