Events

A mythopoetic mech tragedy about conflict on a grand scale, Dragon Reactor is the most recently published TTRPG from local game designer and GM, Quinn Morris.

Dragon Reactor is about warring governments, rising rebellions, slowly-waking god-machines, and the effects forever-wars have on those involved. It’s about the ever-turning wheel of time, and how we’re always racing against it. It’s about wanting to do the right thing, but having to pull the trigger instead.

Players take on the role of pilots who have fallen into possession of the most powerful war machines in the world, Dragons. What will you do with all that power? 

Dragon Reactor runs on a d6 dice pool system with tiered successes, and the bigger the action you're taking the harder it is to succeed. Pilots gain dice based on their stats and have various resources at their disposal to increase their chances.

Reserve your seat for only $5, which will be credited towards your Gaming Pass for the evening. Players are encouraged to claim a seat on Aftergame, which will also host the waitlist should seats sell out. Novice players welcome; no experience or materials required.

Content Warnings: War and the associated possible physical and mental tragedies that it may cause.

THINGS CAN GO WRONG, FAST... 

In Fiasco, you'll play ordinary people with powerful ambition and poor impulse control. This award-winning GM-less game for 3-5 players is designed to be played in a few hours with multiple decks of cards (locations, objects, events) and no preparation. Game guru Andy will help set up and guide players! During a game you will engineer and play out stupid, disastrous situations, usually at the intersection of greed, fear, and lust. It's like making your own Coen brothers movie, in about the same amount of time it'd take to watch one. 

It all seemed like such a good idea at the time.

Fiasco is inspired by cinematic tales of small time capers gone disastrously wrong - inspired by films like Blood Simple, Fargo, The Way of the Gun, Burn After Reading, and A Simple Plan. There will be big dreams and flawed execution. It won't go well for them, to put it mildly, and in the end it will probably all go south in a glorious heap of jealousy, murder, and recrimination. Lives and reputations will be lost, painful wisdom will be gained, and if you are really lucky, they just might end up back where they started.

Reserve your seat for only $5, which will be credited towards your Gaming Pass for the evening. Players are encouraged to claim a seat on Aftergame, which will also host the waitlist should seats sell out. Novice players welcome; no experience or materials required.

Join Diversions to learn the thrilling hit game Blood on the Clocktower! This cryptic social deduction game might remind players of similar games (such as Mafia, Werewolf, or Traitors), but this game has become known for its unique roles and twists. With sessions every week, we're excited to welcome more players to the game through these introductory, learn-to-play sessions.

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. This session is geared towards folks who haven’t played before; the Storyteller (the game host) will go over the rules in depth before diving in to at least one full play-through, and will pause throughout the game to provide context and explanation to assist player understanding.

Doors open at 5:00pm and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. The game starts at 5:30 sharp! This event is FREE, but a Player Pass is required to participate!

Storyteller: Jack G.

Read more about Blood on the Clocktower here!

Dive into the world of Golarion as an agent of the Pathfinder Society, or perhaps give aid to the people of the Pact Worlds as part of Starfinder Society during Paizo Organized Play sessions at Diversions! These open role-playing sessions welcome players of all experience levels; with the option to join as your schedule allows, this format of RPG play is great for players with busy or unpredictable schedules.

Pathfinder & Starfinder Society meets at Diversions on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, starting at 5:30 PM. Session playtime varies and usually takes no less than three hours. Details of upcoming sessions can be found here!

Learn more about Pathfinder Society and Starfinder Society, or find out where our local Shifting Corridors Lodge hosts games elsewhere across the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area! 

Happy Pride Month! Join Diversions for our monthly in-house edition of Gaymers Gathering, an event focused on bringing together new and familiar friendly, queer folks to enjoy games together.

Grab a name tag and pick out your (first) game from our library of 500+ games and puzzles — it's as easy as that! We will also have a hosted table you can join to meet others and find some gaming opportunities. Diversions offers an accessible gathering space for all who want to join, and we have snacks, drinks, and seating aplenty! 

Not sure if you’re interested in games, but still looking to connect? Spectators, cheerleaders, and friendly conversation are always welcome, regardless of if you’re gaming or not.

Featured game: HerStory
Take on the role of an acclaimed author, writing a book to tell the stories of remarkable women of history! In this light strategy game featuring engine-building and set collection, taking historical research actions shapes your ability to craft new chapters and score big points. The game’s 120 portrait cards feature beautiful illustrations of historical women with stories about their lives on the backs. Featuring a queer woman designer!

About Gaymers Gathering:
Diversions hosts Gaymers Gatherings with the goal of building community and creating a safer, inclusive, and intentional space for the LGBTQ and gaming communities. We encourage you to stop by and roll some dice, puzzle over some pieces, embark on a quest, or just come to chat! As a Queer-owned business, Diversions is proud to offer these events for our community to enjoy. All ages are welcome and encouraged to attend, whether you are looking to game or not. You can bring your own game or choose as many as you'd like from Diversions' game library! Gaymers Gathering also happens monthly at Press Coffee on the third Saturday — please confirm dates and times, as holidays and extenuating circumstances may cause changes to the schedule.

About Iowa City Pride:
The mission at Iowa City Pride is to increase positive visibility of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex and asexual/agender/aromantic (LGBTQIAA) community of Iowa City. They do so by providing opportunities to express and celebrate diverse perspectives, emphasizing acceptance of all individuals regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Iowa City Pride coordinates an annual Pride festival and related events throughout the year. 

Island Spirits join forces using elemental powers to defend their home from invaders.

Looking for your next favorite game or to learn a game with others? Join local game guru Scott to enjoy a new gaming experience. With the benefit of having a knowledgeable guide to help you enjoy the game to the fullest, it’s sure to be a good time! No ticket needed, and players are encouraged to claim a seat for the game on Aftergame!

Game: Spirit Island
Spirit Island is a complex and thematic co-operative game about defending your island home from colonizing Invaders. Players are different spirits of the land, each with its own unique elemental powers. Every turn, players simultaneously choose which of their power cards to play, paying energy to do so. Using combinations of power cards that match a spirit's elemental affinities can grant free bonus effects. Faster powers take effect immediately, before the Invaders spread and ravage, but other magics are slower, requiring forethought and planning to use effectively. In the Spirit phase, spirits gain energy, and choose how / whether to Grow: to reclaim used power cards, to seek new power, or to spread their presence into new areas of the island.

The Invaders expand across the island map in a semi-predictable fashion. Each turn they explore into some lands (portions of the island); the next turn, they build in those lands, forming towns and cities. The turn after that, they ravage there, bringing blight to the land and attacking any native islanders present. The islanders fight back against the Invaders when attacked, and lend the spirits some other aid, but may not always do so exactly as you'd hoped. Some Powers work through the islanders, helping them, for example, to drive out the Invaders or clean the land of blight.

Whether you're looking to just get an overview, have a rundown of the rules, play a few rounds, or experience a full game, Scott will provide guidance and encouragement (and maybe a little friendly competition) as players try out this new game together.

YOU: A ttrpg lover or novice seeking tabletop connections. THEM: Your future ttrpg crew!

Are you new to ttrpgs? Or are you looking for a group to play with or GM for regularly? Whether your thing is D&D, Call of Cthulhu, Daggerheart, Blades in The Dark, or the wide variety of rpgs out there, this Tavern Night IS FOR YOU!

By the end of the night, our goal is for you to depart with new friends and contacts in the ttrpg community at Diversions, with bright prospects for regularly scheduled or campaign play!

The Night will include:

• TTRPG town hall: together we will discuss different systems, styles of play, and best practices in the hobby.

• Matchmaking based on preference for being a GM or Player, as well as game or system.

• Mingling with other attendees to make contacts, discuss or play games, and complete Side Quests!

Whether you’re looking to find a group to GM for, play with, or both, come ready to mingle and connect with your future ttrpg crew! Not currently looking for a group? Your experience and passion would bring joy to the space and provide help to new players!

Bring any RPGs you’re looking to discuss or even play, in order to help introduce folks to where your interests fall. We’ll even have the space for groups to run short-form session games to end the night!

Attendance is Free -- no ticket or Gaming Pass required. RSVP is appreciated on Aftergame.

Knick-knacks, baubles, and tchotchkes, oh my! Bitchin’ Market returns to Diversions for a bigger and better SUMMER edition! We will have more details soon, so check back in to see which vendors you will be able to enjoy and what kind of exciting deals we will have available.  

LET’S PLAY! Game, socialize, and build a sense of community and joy together at Diversions for our FREE Second Sunday Social! Whether you bring your friends or show up solo, you'll have a fun time gathering around a game with friendly faces.

We’ll have nametags available and ‘Open Table’ signs on most tables to make it easy to meet, greet, and play! Join our greeting game as you arrive — featuring one of our party-style games — to easily jump in and meet others. When you’re ready to try another game, our staff will be available for game recommendations, assistance with setup, or learning new games.

The main social is from 2-5PM, but gaming is free ALL DAY. Making new friends can be hard, but make it a little easier by sharing a game together! Head to Aftergame to let us know you’ll be attending and see who else might be joining!

Join Diversions for a thrilling round of Blood on the Clocktower every week! This Level Up session aims to build on prior experience while also introducing players to more complex elements of the game, such as Madness or changing alignment. Players are expected to understand the basics of the game and be ready to level up their skills!

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

• $6 for a Player Pass, which is required to participate — grab yours here!
• Spots are limited to 15 players for each session.
• Doors open at 5:00PM and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. Each game starts at 5:30 SHARP. 

STORYTELLER: Jack G.

OPENING SCRIPT: Onion Pies

Will your corporation lead the way into humanity’s new era?

Looking for your next favorite game or to learn a game with others? Join Michele to get a step-by-step explanation of the gameplay (little to no reading required!) followed by one or more plays of the game. With a knowledgeable guide to answer your questions along the way, this is the best way to get to know a new game.

Game: Terraforming Mars
Corporations are competing to transform Mars into a habitable planet by spending vast resources, and using innovative technology to raise temperature, create a breathable atmosphere, and make oceans of water. As terraforming progresses, more and more people will immigrate from Earth to live on the Red Planet.

In Terraforming Mars, you control a corporation with a certain profile. Play project cards, to build up production and your tableau, place your cities and greeneries on the map, and race for milestones and awards!

Whether you're looking to just get an overview, have a rundown of the rules, play a few rounds, or experience a full game, Michele will provide guidance and encouragement (and maybe a little friendly competition) as players try out this new game together.

No ticket required, but let us know you’re interested by claiming a seat on Aftergame!

This Advanced session is open to any scripts the Storytellers deem worthy – the possibilities are endless! Players will be expected to have a strong understanding of the game, characters, and rules and be ready for a challenge.

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

• Player Pass cost is $12, which is required to participate - grab yours here!
• Spots are limited to 15 players for each session
• Doors open at 5:30PM and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. Each game starts at 6:00 SHARP. 

STORYTELLER: Andy M.
OPENING SCRIPT: TBD

GAYME with PRIDE during Pride Week, sponsored by Iowa City Pride!

Just mention ‘Iowa City Pride’ when you stop in between 6-11PM for a FREE Gaming Pass to kick off your Pride weekend – we’ve got plenty of room for all the queer, masc, gay, femme, butch, top, sub, genderqueer, side, or chaotic bisexual energy you want to bring! Whether you are sitting solo or the besties join you, come enjoy our:

• Library of 450+ games and puzzles
• Selection of classic snacks and unique drinks
• Spacious gaming tables

Find out more about Iowa City Pride’s official lineup of Pride Week activities at iowacitypride.org. 

Diversions will have a booth at Iowa City Pride in Downtown Iowa City — come by and say hello! Parade begins at Noon with entertainment, vendors booths, and more continuing into the evening! Learn more about the festivities here.

Diversions will be open during our regular business hours.

With the current revival mahjong is experiencing in mainstream culture, we are excited to be welcoming a new monthly mahjong gathering at Diversions to introduce folks to the game, improve player skills and comfort, or help players find other folks to join a table!

New players are welcome, as are seasoned Chii callers, and everything in between. Tables will be available, some sets will be provided, and the free popcorn will be plentiful! No ticket needed, and players are encouraged to claim a seat for the game on Aftergame.

NOTE: The primary variant played so far has been Japanese/Richii, but other variants are welcome.

Join Diversions to learn the thrilling hit game Blood on the Clocktower! This cryptic social deduction game might remind players of similar games (such as Mafia, Werewolf, or Traitors), but this game has become known for its unique roles and twists. With sessions every week, we're excited to welcome more players to the game through these introductory, learn-to-play sessions.

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY. This session is geared towards folks who haven’t played before; the Storyteller (the game host) will go over the rules in depth before diving in to at least one full play-through, and will pause throughout the game to provide context and explanation to assist player understanding.

Doors open at 5:00pm and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. The game starts at 5:30 sharp! This event is FREE, but a Player Pass is required to participate!

Storyteller: Jessi H.

Read more about Blood on the Clocktower here!

Dive into the world of Golarion as an agent of the Pathfinder Society, or perhaps give aid to the people of the Pact Worlds as part of Starfinder Society during Paizo Organized Play sessions at Diversions! These open role-playing sessions welcome players of all experience levels; with the option to join as your schedule allows, this format of RPG play is great for players with busy or unpredictable schedules.

Pathfinder & Starfinder Society meets at Diversions on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, starting at 5:30 PM. Session playtime varies and usually takes no less than three hours. Details of upcoming sessions can be found here!

Learn more about Pathfinder Society and Starfinder Society, or find out where our local Shifting Corridors Lodge hosts games elsewhere across the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area! 

Jockey for the top spot on Race Day at Diversions!

Can your team of (up to) four assemble a 500 piece puzzle faster than the rest? On Thursday, June 25th from 7-10PM, gather your best puzzle pals to race against the clock (and a few other teams) to be the first to complete your puzzle!

Let your nimble fingers fly as you puzzle to completion. Whether you are competitive or simply looking for a fun group activity, this speed puzzling competition will be sure to grab your attention and challenge your skills.

Team registration is $50 and teams get to keep the puzzle after they've crossed the finish line!

Is there an idea for a game you’ve been pondering over for years? Maybe you even have a few rules written down or have a full set of cards already made! Or perhaps you’re a gamer who loves the idea of playtesting games in development and working with designers to refine their concept.

Join us for this monthly game designer meetup, which aims to support and network game designers, artists, playtesters, and the wider community with an appreciation for the game design process. We encourage any aspiring designers to bring in a game or game concept they have been working on to give a brief pitch about it – a bit of a show-and-tell so we can see all the interesting projects our community is working on.

Join us the last Friday of every month (7-10PM) for this game designer meetup, and join our Discord channel to connect with other designers!

Join us anytime during our regular hours on 6/27 to check out the games, freebies, and a bunch of cool, new RPG materials from big name and indie publishers alike. Get a preview of the games and materials at the link above and get hyped to have a chance to take some of it home!

FREE TTRPG GAMING ALL DAY! Anyone who visits our gaming space to play a TTRPG — either with a group or in search of one — won’t be required to have a gaming pass!

CHANCE TO WIN FREE RPG MATERIALS! All TTRPG players who stop in can enter our free raffle for some free merch, games, and more, while supplies last. No purchase required.

Volunteer to run a game from the list below and get a guaranteed copy of the game you run! To volunteer, create a game within the Free RPG Day event on Aftergame* – please reach out to hello@diversionsic.com for any technical assistance. Guaranteed prize materials for those who volunteer are first come first served; only one GM per game from the list below.

Quickstart Adventure Bundle from Magpie Games

The Secret Wars Expansion Preview from Marvel: The Secret Wars Expansion

KAGUYA PROTOCOL from Mythworks

Pathfinder Free RPG Day Adventure: Things Go to Hell from Paizo

Starfinder Free RPG Day Adventure: Rescue on Raxil from Paizo

Fossilized Violence from R Talsorian Games.

Tradition of Destruction from Renegade Game Studio

Legend in the Mist from Son of Oak:

Vaesen: Nordic Horror Roleplaying Quickstart from Free League

Pretenders to the Rat King's Throne from Goodman Games

Creed Shadow Stalker from Knight Vision Creative

Runes of the World Tree Quickstart from Kobold Press

Pirate Borg: Terror in Tortuga from Limithron

Dungeon Beneath the Brightspire from Loke Battle Mats

Daggerheart: The Dying Spire from Darrington Press

Zombicide: Plaguebearer RPG from Edge Studio

Dungeons & Kittens: An Afternoon Outing from Edge Studio

Arkham Horror RPG

Everyday Heroes: All Bets Are Off! From Evil Genius Games

Dolmenwood Quick-Start from Exalted Funeral

Obojima: 5e Setting

Level 1 Free RPG Day indie RPG Anthology from 9th Level Games

The Cosmere RPG: Law and Obligation from Brotherwise Games

Wizard Riders from Catalyst Games

The Age of Vikings Quickstart from Chaosium

Creature Curation Presents #1 from Creature Curation

FOR AFTERGAME:

Please Note: If you volunteer to run a game, please be prepared with the materials and knowledge needed to run the game (e.g. Core Rules if not provided by the publisher, Character Sheets, Dice, etc.), aside from the specific scenario/module text or quickstart rules provided with the Free RPG Day materials. We will assist where we can, but players and GMs arriving prepared will help immensely.

It’s back for its 9th year — Iowa City Downtown Block Party is a perfect way to celebrate summer. Diversions will be there running speed puzzling for prizes! We’ll also have casual puzzles and games. The event runs from 3-10pm.

Diversions will be open during our regular business hours.

This Advanced session is open to any scripts the Storytellers deem worthy – the possibilities are endless! Players will be expected to have a strong understanding of the game, characters, and rules and be ready for a challenge.

Click here to see all scheduled Clocktower events and details.

• Player Pass cost is $12, which is required to participate - grab yours here!
• Spots are limited to 15 players for each session.
• Doors open at 5:00PM and participants are encouraged to mingle prior to the game. Each game starts at 5:30 SHARP. 

STORYTELLER: Jessica I.

OPENING SCRIPT: Blind Man's Bluff

Join in for a weekend of gaming fun at eastern Iowa’s longest running gaming convention: Gamicon! Since 1991, Gamicon has celebrated board games, card games, roleplaying games, social games – and even video games and computer games – with a weekend of game demos, tournaments, play-to-wins, auctions, and more! It’s a gathering of community you won’t want to miss.

Learn more about Gamicon on their website.