Finding people who are as passionate about D&D and TTRPGs as we are might feel like a tall order. Talking about your latest campaign or character arc doesn’t always translate well to random conversations. In fact, finding local friends who share our enthusiasm can be a true quest in itself. While the internet is a fantastic place for discovering groups, forums, and meet-ups, it doesn’t help when you’re at a party that isn’t, well, in your party.

Whether you’re getting back into tabletop games after a hiatus, diving in for the first time, or lucky enough to have never stopped rolling the dice, it can still feel isolating. There are times when we think we’re the only ones out there in our immediate orbit, especially when we aren’t actively seeking a group. But then something surprising happened to me (Michael, co-founder of Loot It or Lose It and a cast member on The Tale Untold D&D Actual Play Podcast). A few years ago, I started to wear my love for tabletop gaming on my sleeve—or rather, on the front of my shirt.

Since then, I’ve found my fellow adventurers in the unlikeliest places. From the tech store to the checkout line, strangers will notice my shirt and feel not only comfortable but eager to share their stories, favorite settings, and characters. And each time, I feel that wonderful connection, knowing I’m not so alone in this passion.

This little experience taught me a simple truth: there are more of us out there than we realize. Sometimes all it takes is a shirt or hat to bridge the gap, to turn a stranger into a fellow adventurer. So, if you’re on this journey too—new, returning, or forever riding that wave—wear your passion proudly. You might just find your next party member right around the corner.

Discover Nerdy Loot