Award winning storytellers take global Dungeons and Dragons revival to exclusive new depths in underground Edinburgh
The Dungeon Masters at five-star Mercat Tours have recently established the new DnD Games Night as a regular fixture.
Article Source: Kirsty Innes PR
Last Updated: 2 October 2018 11:43
As the world witnesses a resurgence of the role playing game Dungeons & Dragons (DnD), with over nine million players registered all over the world and a hotly anticipated Paramount film set for 2021, a team of award-winning storytellers has taken the game to unique new depths in underground Edinburgh.
The Dungeon Masters at five-star Mercat Tours have recently established the new DnD Games Night as a regular fixture after their first night for charity received critical acclaim from those on the tour and some leading DnD aficionados, including Leesha Hannigan (an official illustrator for DnD). The company has even curated a special one off DnD games night as part of their spooktacular programme of Halloween Tours and events this October (26 to 31 October).
Mercat’s DnD nights take place in the centuries old underground Blair Street Vaults, two storeys beneath Edinburgh’s North Bridge – Mercat Tours is the only Edinburgh tour company with access to these vaults, which were rediscovered in the 1980s. Mercat’s version of the DnD game has a ghost theme, mixed with the real history of Edinburgh and DnD’s magical world full of powerful fighters, clever rogues, wise wizards and magical creatures of all kind.
Explaining further Lydia Gschosmann, chief Gamesmaster at Mercat said: “Our game is based on the alarmingly true stories of the Blair Street Vaults, adding a unique touch to the wonderful DnD escapism. It takes place in the wee hours of the morning, two levels beneath central Edinburgh in a dark and spooky, candle-lit tavern, surrounded by silence and restless spirits of those who dwelled and perished there.
“There's a special thrill I see in player's eyes every time they recognise an aspect of real history in the story, every time they realise who they're fighting is one of the characters they'd been told about on the tour.”
Lydia has also found that Mercat’s DnD Games Night has brought people and families together from all over the world:
“Our DnD Games Nights provides an opportunity for people to meet like-minded folks from all over the world. We’ve had people coming from Germany just to play the game - they planned their whole Scotland trip around it. At our last night, a family of four from Canada used the Games Night as a bonding experience with their daughter, an avid DnD gamer.
“It's really all about making, connections, finding like-minded people and enjoying the game in a unique atmosphere.”
Dungeons and Dragons first rose to popularity in the 70s and 80s, and thanks to social media channels and new digital platforms, has seen a revival with 2017 reported to be its best sales year in a decade. Over 9 million people have watched others play Dungeons & Dragons on Twitch, a streaming subsidiary of Amazon.
The game has featured in and inspired numerous films and TV series over the years from ET to more recently the hit Netflix TV series, Stranger Things. It has also influenced a number of authors including George RR Martin, whose book series A Song of Ice and Fire was adapted into the Game of Thrones TV Series. Other famous fans include Jon Favreau, (Iron Man), Vin Diesel, Matt Groening (The Simpsons and Futurama), Mike Myers and Robin Williams.
Mercat Tours next Dungeons & Dragons Games Night takes place on Wednesday 31 October (a special Halloween night) at Midnight. Tickets cost £50 per adult. Dungeons and Dragons novices and veterans are welcome.
For more information or to join Mercat Tours on a Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition homebrew adventure, visit www.mercattours.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Appeal to Restore Scottish Veterans Memorial
Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) have launched a major public appeal to restore the charity’s century-old Memorial at Eastern Cemetery in Leith, Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Bluey brought to real life in Smash Hit Show
Following a hugely successful UK tour, Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad are back by popular demand in the Olivier Award nominated live stage show Bluey’s Big Play and it's coming to Edinburgh Playhouse!
READ MORE
New and exclusive Heritage Planting and Afternoon Tea experience comes to Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a new hands-on planting and afternoon tea experience inspired by the RHS Chelsea Garden Show and Dobbies' 160-year heritage.
READ MORE
Discover a Summer of Outdoor Adventure with Dynamic Earth
This summer, Dynamic Earth - Edinburgh’s only Science Centre and Planetarium - is welcoming back children to its ever-popular Summer Outdoor Club.
READ MORE
Stories of inspiring young women sought by charity
The Young Women’s Movement, Scotland’s national organisation for young women and girls’ leadership and rights, is seeking nominations for its tenth annual 30 Under 30 list.
READ MORE
Mussel and Steak Bar will revert back to 2005 menu pricing for week long birthday celebrations
To celebrate its 20th birthday, the world famous The Mussel & Steak Bar will be offering a 20% discount from Monday 5th May - Thursday 8th May.
READ MORE
Lost Victorian relic found in attic during Edinburgh renovation
During renovation work at CoDE The Court, a rare 19th-century Crossley ‘Otto Silent’ engine, one of only three in existence, was discovered tucked away in the attic.
READ MORE
Applications open for University of Edinburgh AI enhanced Accelerator Programme 2025
An initiative which helps innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI)-focused scaleup companies to maximise their full commercial potential is now open for 2025 applications.
READ MORE
Six by Nico transforms your meal into a mission, and every guest into an explorer
Building on the success of its immersive experiences, Six by Nico is set to take diners on an adventure across the Six Wonders of the World!
READ MORE
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns next weekend with a supersized celebration
Paisley Food and Drink Festival returns on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th April for its biggest event yet with an extended site and more vendors than ever before!
READ MORE
Free beer as BrewDog is giving away 5,000 cans at Edinburgh Waverley this Thursday
Britain’s biggest independent brewer, BrewDog, is giving away 5,000 warm cans of Wingman at Edinburgh Waverley station on Thursday 17th April.
READ MORE
Edinburgh welcomes the European Arts Festivals Summit 2025
This April, Edinburgh - the world’s foremost festival city, will welcome the Arts Festivals Summit 2025, the premier annual gathering of Europe’s most visionary festival makers.
READ MORE
Edinburgh blockbuster burger joint back for another bite at Deliveroo Restaurant Awards
Foodie favourite, Luxford Burgers, has made the shortlist in the Best Burger and American category at Deliveroo Restaurant Awards and hopes to be crowned culinary champions for a second year.
READ MORE
Rosas Thai and Uber Eats team up to launch Songkran Supper Clubs in Edinburgh
Rosa's Thai and Uber Eats have launched the Songkran Supper Club – a limited-edition food experience inspired by Thai New Year, designed to spark meaningful conversations across generations.
READ MORE
Number One Restaurant announces exclusive wine dinner with world renowned Maison Trimbach
On 16th June, Chef de Cuisine Mathew Sherry and the team at Number One in The Balmoral, Edinburgh will welcome Jean Trimbach, of world-renowned Maison Trimbach winery for an exclusive dinner.
READ MORE
Trusts join forces to explore complexities of the Battle of Culloden
The National Trust for Scotland and the National Trust have teamed up to give an insight into the complexity of the Battle of Culloden in a pair of podcasts this April.
READ MORE
Love Your Lawn with Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a very special FREE Grow How event in stores across the UK this May in partnership with Alzheimer's Research UK to mark Dementia Action Week.
READ MORE
Scottish Surfing Prodigy Ben Larg Joins Lost Shore Surf Resort as Ambassador
April 2025 - Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surfing destination, has announced Scotland’s first professional surfer, Ben Larg (20 years) as its official ambassador.
READ MORE
Exclusive child planting event in honour of National Childrens Gardening Week
Dobbies Garden Centres are celebrating National Children's Gardening Week by welcoming families along to its Children's Planting and Afternoon Tea experience on Saturday 31st May.
READ MORE
Hop Into an EGGceptional Easter at Gravity Active
This Easter, get ready to bounce into an unforgettable adventure at Gravity Active.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird announces Easter weekend opening hours and holiday fun for families
Fort Kinnaird has confirmed its opening hours for the upcoming Easter bank holiday weekend and is inviting families to enjoy a packed programme of fun, food and entertainment!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Whisky Club joins forces with Indian Consulate to host Whisky Tasting Takeover
The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) has teamed up with the Consulate General of India in Edinburgh to offer a night of fine Indian single malt whisky tasting.
READ MORE
Bikepacking book launch comes to Edinburgh
One of mountaineering’s leading figures, Mike Raine, is launching his new book at Alpkit Edinburgh on 17th April to share his best ‘tales from the trails’.
READ MORE
Edinburgh launches new accessibility guide for the city
Forever Edinburgh has launched a brand-new Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide in partnership with award-winning Edinburgh-based disabled access charity, Euan’s Guide.
READ MORE
Three performing arts organisations launch unique opportunity to support Scottish theatre sector
Capital Theatres, Aberdeen Performing Arts and Eden Court Highlands have launched a unique opportunity to support Scottish theatremakers and create accessible new work for young audiences.
READ MORE
BBC Introducing comes to TRNSMT Festival, bringing 20 rising stars
Rockstar Energy presents TRNSMT has announced the BBC Introducing Stage, previously River Stage, will showcase 20 of the most exciting emerging artists in the country.
READ MORE
Ben & Jerrys Free Cone Day Returns in Edinburgh
On 8th April, Ben & Jerry’s is throwing its annual Free Cone Day celebration at participating scoop shops in Edinburgh!
READ MORE
Morningside venue serves up eggsciting family events for Easter Sunday
A community restaurant and bar in Edinburgh’s Morningside will be staging an eggs-citing line-up of free family-friendly events this Easter Sunday (20th April).
READ MORE
Edinburgh Zoo welcomes famous new arrival, Rodney the capybara
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed a new resident, 11-month-old Rodney, the capybara. The male joins his new Edinburgh Zoo roommates Luna and Cali, who arrived in February.
READ MORE
Bassoonist Emily Crump will represent Edinburgh at the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year
Bassoonist Emily Crump was named the overall winner of the Edinburgh Scottish Young Musicians final and will represent Edinburgh at Solo Performer of the Year 2025.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links