The weapons: Knights, cavalry, black and white stones and a few dragons.
The stake: Kingdoms, tiles and dignity.
The warriors: Table Top Gamers.
"We play board games, card games, role playing games, strategy games -- such as chess, Go and Risk," said Mike Roselli, who founded the Table Top Gaming Club three years ago.
Roselli, a senior in civil engineering, started the club to promote philanthropy through gaming. Their most recent philanthropic endeavor took members to the Ronald McDonald House in Durham, which provides a shelter for children who have been treated at local hospitals -- including Duke Children's Hospital and Health Center -- and their families.
"We brought board games and got to play with kids and their families," Roselli said.
The club also assists with Toys for Tots during the holidays; Roselli said members collected more than 800 games for the organization this past season. The club also collects donations for Child's Play Charity.
The next event, which takes place on March 30, is an all-day gaming expo hosted by both the club and Empire Games. Although admission is free, proceeds from the concession stand will go toward Child's Play Charity.
"[Empire Games] will be showcasing their games -- new games that they're working on," Josh Dudley, a sophomore in history, said. "It's top-secret stuff."
Between philanthropic events, the gamers spend their Thursday nights in Talley Room 3125, battling for victory against other members.
But three years ago, Roselli found it hard to get a group of friends together to play a board game. Although he had friends who wanted to play, there was no place for them to gather.
"I know now that I can find enough people when I go on Thursdays," he said.
Dudley is one of those people -- he joined the club last spring.
"It's a great stress reliever before the weekend," he said.
And if members wish to play games on days other than Thursday, the club has a library full of games with up-to-date online information about which games are available. This service is available to full-time members who pay a $5 fee each semester or donate a game. Part-time memberships are free.
There are about 20 members in the club -- but Roselli said he hopes it will expand.
"There are no special requirements," Kim Kaltenecker, a sophomore in electrical engineering, said. "Just show up."
Want to get involved? Where: Room 3125, Talley Student Center When: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.
What's happening next? Gaming Expo What: Test new games When: March 30, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Where: Walnut Room, Talley Student Center
Mid-Atlantic Convention Expo When: November Where: Greensboro
