FAQ

Can't find the answer you're looking for in these Frequently Asked Questions? Reach out to us—we're happy to help.

General

Is this LARPing?

No. You can certainly dress up and imagine being your character as much as you like. But we aren't expecting that from our players, and though we'll find ways for the environment, weather, routes, etc., to influence story and play, the distinction between "in-session" and "out-of-session" will be clear.

Do I need any tabletop RPG or D&D experience to join?

Some Adventures are oriented towards new players, while others require some experience. Each Adventure listing indicates the expected experience level, so you can find one that's right for you. Generally, we take who applies and build a group that complements and works well together, which might mean a different starting level than advertised.

Is tipping expected?

Tipping is never expected, but always appreciated. We work hard to price our trips so they are accessible to a wide variety of people. If you feel we went above and beyond to make your experience exceptional, a tip is a wonderful way to show your gratitude.

Safety

What does "player safety on and off the table" mean?

Your safety is paramount, and we take it very seriously. And safety isn't just about bears and cliffs and cold weather. It's also about feeling safe within a group of people and while playing a game together. We ensure that all Adventurers are on the same page throughout the registration process, and on the Adventure itself. That means establishing and maintaining clear boundaries.

What safety measures are in place?

Our guides carry emergency communication devices, first aid supplies, and are trained as Wilderness First Responders at minimum. We also conduct thorough pre-trip planning—including weather monitoring, route assessment, and gear checks—so that risks are managed before we set out.

What happens in a medical emergency in the backcountry?

In the event of a serious injury or illness, we can contact emergency services from anywhere on our routes.

What about bears and other wildlife?

We operate in bear country and take this seriously. Our guides carry bear spray, follow Parks Canada guidelines for food storage and travel, and brief all Adventurers on wildlife safety before we head out. Wildlife encounters are part of the experience—we just make sure they stay safe ones.

Gear & Equipment

What gear do I need to bring? What gear is provided?

Check out the Equipment section for details on what to bring and what we'll provide. We will contact you before the Adventure to make sure every required item is accounted for, and we'll double-check before the Adventure itself too, of course.

Do I need to bring my own dice and character sheet?

You're welcome to, but we provide everything you need to play.

Can I rent gear if I don't have everything?

Yes. We can help you figure things out with local rental options if we don't have the gear available ourselves.

Do I need to carry all my own gear on Expeditions?

Yes. We'll help you pack smart during the pre-trip planning so you're carrying only what you need.

Tabletop

What game system do you use?

We usually use D&D 5th edition as that's the most accessible system with the widest base, but we would like to explore other systems in the future. Stay tuned!

What is your campaign setting?

All Adventures take place in Nereolm, our homebrew setting, which spans several thousand years. However, your own actions and imagination (and dice rolls) will help us explore and develop this world.

What is a "Session 0," and do I have to attend?

Session 0 is a chance for the GM and players to get together before the campaign to set expectations, boundaries, and preferences for the upcoming adventure, as well as create characters. At Ember Range, this is also our chance to discuss the trip itself: logistics, gear, transportation, etc.

Yes, you are required to attend—but we all know that scheduling is tabletop's biggest bugbear, so we sometimes split this up.

Will I be creating my own character?

Yes! We can help you, of course, but the more ownership you have over your character, the better.

How much of the trip is spent playing the RPG versus hiking and exploring?

A typical day involves about 3-5 hours of hiking in the morning and early afternoon, with a 3-4 hour tabletop session in the evening. Plenty of time for resting, eating, fireside chatting, and sleeping under the stars.

Can I wear costumes / cosplay?

Of course! Cosplay isn't for everyone, but neither is dressing up in normal hiking gear. If you want to dress up in-character, that's great—just make sure it doesn't interfere with safety or your ability to hike, camp, etc. Also, for Expeditions (point-to-point trips), we encourage you to pack light and only what you need—so make sure you have room for you, and that you can carry it.

Outdoor Experience & Fitness

How fit do I need to be?

It depends on the Adventure. For Enclaves where we stay in one place, you will need to be able to walk on uneven terrain for a few hours per day.

For Expeditions, you need to be able to carry a loaded backpack over uneven terrain for several hours a day. Each Expedition listing includes specific distance and elevation details so you know what to expect.

For Expeditions, what if I've never been backcountry camping before?

That's okay! There's a first time for everything. We'll make sure you're prepared before the trip—that's part of what Session 0 and our pre-Adventure check-ins are for.

What happens if the weather is bad?

For Enclaves where we stay in one place, it might mean we play some other games, tell stories or riddles, or just read a book and relax. For Expeditions where we stay in different places each night, it depends on how bad the weather is. We can hike safely through a lot of different weather, but if it gets unsafe we can stay put. All Expeditions are planned with lots of leeway in terms of time and distance. And of course, we have the means to contact the outside world in the event of an emergency.

Are the trails well-marked, or are we going off-trail?

All of our current Adventures are on established, marked trails.

Food & Dietary Needs

Is food included?

Yes, all food is included.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?

Yes! We will ask you about this on the initial intake form.

Do I need to contribute to cooking?

For Enclaves, breakfasts and lunches are served buffet-style: we provide a selection and you serve yourself. Dinners are prepared by the Guide and/or team. We may ask you to help out on a roster with small chores, such as dishes and cleaning. For Expeditions, the work load is more evenly shared.

For Expeditions, do I need to bring my own water?

We will provide the water, though you will need to carry your share. One piece of personal equipment to bring is a personal water bottle.

Substance Use

Can I drink, smoke or use cannabis on an Ember Range Adventure?

Yes, within limits. Please refer to our Substance Use Policy.

What about other recreational substances?

Illegal substances are not permitted in any circumstance. Please refer to our Substance Use Policy.

Logistics & Travel

Where do Adventures depart from?

All Adventures depart from Calgary, Alberta.

I'm travelling from outside Alberta — can you help me arrange travel?

We can assist! Please contact us.

Is transportation to and from the trailhead or cabin included?

Yes, this is all part of the Adventure.

What time do Adventures typically start and end?

Adventures typically start in Calgary first thing in the morning on the starting day, and end in the afternoon on the last day with our arrival back in Calgary.

Booking & Registration

How do I sign up for an Adventure?

You can register by submitting a form on the Adventures page.

Can I book a private Adventure for my own group?

Definitely. Please contact us.

What is your cancellation or refund policy?

For our Founding Season, the small holding fee is non-refundable. Future Adventures will have a full cancellation policy.

Age & Accessibility

Is there a minimum age to participate?

You need to be at least 18 years old to join our Adventures.

Are Adventures accessible to people with disabilities?

Our Adventures take place in wilderness settings on trails that involve varied terrain and are only accessible on foot. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us—we're happy to discuss the details of any Adventure and help you figure out whether it's a good fit.

Do you offer Adventures for families or youth?

We do offer private Adventures for families that include youth. We are also hoping to offer Adventures specifically for youth in the future—stay tuned!

Group Dynamics

What if I don't know anyone else on the trip?

That's great! This is an opportunity to meet, hike and play with new people, to expand our communities and broaden our horizons! Of course, not everyone wants to join a group all by themselves. That's why we encourage you to join with a friend. In our 2026 Founding Season, you can mention who you want to join with in your application.

What if I'm a complete beginner at D&D and everyone else is experienced (or vice versa)?

The magic of tabletop is the diversity of the table. Still, we work hard to build a group that will jive well together. Part of this is assessing the different levels of experience and trying to assemble Adventures of similar backgrounds.

Technology & Disconnection

Should I expect to be off-grid for the whole trip?

Hopefully, yes. Ember Range is about nourishing a connection with nature and each other—and that means disconnecting from the usual distractions of social media, work, you name it. Some of our Enclaves offer an internet connection, and might even take place within cell range. You decide what you want to do with that. But we do ask that, at the table, we disconnect from our devices. Our tabletop experience is old-school pen-and-paper!

Can I bring my phone?

Of course. But it might not have service for most of the trip, and your battery will probably run out. Think of it as a chance to unplug.

Future Plans

Will you offer Adventures in other locations or seasons?

We'd like to. For now, our Adventures run during the summer months in the Canadian Rockies and foothills. We're exploring other seasons and regions—stay tuned.

Will you offer other RPG systems besides D&D?

Yes, that's the plan. D&D 5e is our starting point because it's the most widely known, but we're keen to bring other systems to the table in future seasons.

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