Ember Range Adventures - About Your Guidemaster

Your Guidemaster

"30 years ago I fell in love with two things at once: the wilderness and D&D. I was a little boy in the bush, which was suddenly filled with mages, monsters, heroes and vast alternate universes. I became proficient in the outdoors at the same time as I discovered pen-and-paper systems that allow people to imagine, create and play together in other worlds. Ever since, these two passions of mine have remained separate: I go hiking in the mountains, and then I play with friends at a kitchen table. But being out in the wilderness and playing TTRPGs go together like peanut butter and jam. It's time to make the sandwich."

I'm Ben Charland, outdoorsy-fantasy-theatre nerd and founder of Ember Range Adventures. I recently returned to my hometown of Calgary, Alberta, after six years in the Yukon. I've run several successful D&D campaigns and countless one-shots, with hundreds of sessions under my belt. I've built several worlds, including the Nereolm setting we use at Ember Range.

I worked as a tour guide in London, UK, and have been a theatre actor, writer and director across Canada and the UK. I'm also a veteran outdoorsman, with experience in boots, snowshoes, canoes, dogsleds and bicycles across a dozen countries and three continents. From climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to hiking the nine-day Northwest Circuit in New Zealand, I've been exploring the great outdoors for my whole life. I am a certified Wilderness First Responder with Advanced First Aid, currently working towards my IGA Professional Interpreter and ACMG Hiking Guide certifications.

When I'm not out in the bush or running a D&D table, you can probably find me doing communications work as a writer and consultant or teaching online for Yukon University. Or, better yet, spending time with my wife and two kids.

Testimonials

In a custom world of Ben’s own design, Ben made the game a welcoming environment for both new, old, and, in my case, returning players. He eased the group, which included new players, into the session, where he brought us along a tension-filled journey that held our attention for four hours.

Ben brings a unique combination of tension, mystery and plothooks to bring you into the story, and encouraged the participation of those around the game table to push the story forward. It was a highlight and prompted me to learn more about Dungeons and Dragons, and rekindled my interest in table top gaming.

I recommend him as a dungeon master, event host and guide without reservation.

- Vincent S., Calgary, Alberta

As a new player Ben helped me from the beginning to end to understand this game. I was so impressed with his DM skills and engaging story telling. Hours would easily fly by as we dived into the world he created. Add on the scenic hikes, this getaway was a really incredible experience. I highly recommend!!

- Will C., Barrie, Ontario

Went on a cabin adventure with my partner this summer. Ben came so prepared and enthusiastic and brought us all on adventures in the beautiful mountains and in the fantasy world he had created for us. Hope to go again sometime! - Bard lvl 5 going cleric

- Alma M., Seattle, Washington

Ben’s DM skills are second to none. His homebrew was a blast. The world really felt limitless and yet as a DM he was adaptable enough to get us through a fun story.

- Scott H., Calgary, Alberta

Ben's an amazing DM and a great guy, all around! A pleasure to be around, so passionate and experienced, and committed to ensuring players have a good time. 100% would recommend.

- Eric L., Whitehorse, Yukon