Rockridge Improvement Club
5515 College ave, Oakland CA
December 8, 2024
It’s not every day you get to watch a drag queen wielding a scepter and casting spells in a campaign of Dungeons & Dragons. But at the Rockridge Improvement Club on Sunday, December 8, that’s exactly what happened—along with plenty of glitter, witty banter, and a bit of fantasy-themed chaos. Roll for Shade is a monthly event that brings together the magics of D&D and drag performance.
Arriving at the venue promptly at 6 p.m., I found the place quiet but quickly filling up. The dim glow of the Skee Ball lanes in the corner was tempting, but I sadly passed them by. I had a quest to complete. The real action was on the far side of the room, where the night’s players—Ava LaShay, Queera Nightly, Avery Night, and Kristina Miller—were already engaging in conversation with early arrivals in front of a crackling fire. It wasn’t long before Dungeon Master Alex called us to attention, setting the stage for the night’s campaign.
The setting was OakFen, a magical land where danger and entertainment were inextricably linked. The town of OakFen was dark and flooded, its nightlife the main source of income for its inhabitants. But danger lurked in the shadows, as nightlife workers were mysteriously disappearing—and an evil vampire queen was being controlled by an–wait for it—enchanted wig. As the players jumped into character, I was struck by how effortlessly they wove together witty commentary and a fair bit of improvisation. There were dice rolls, magical confrontations, and a lot of dramatic moments, all of which would leave even the most experienced D&D player entertained—and for those of us less familiar with the game, a quirky introduction to the world of role-playing.
At one point, when the group faced off against a particularly challenging foe, Queera Nightly didn’t miss a beat. “I take this out and yell, ‘Boom, Bitch!’” she declared, brandishing an elaborate scepter. Her dramatic flair earned a round of applause as she vanquished the enemy with style.
Between the campaign’s key moments, the queens entertained the audience with lip-sync performances. From classic pop hits to show-stopping numbers, the stage became an all-out celebration of drag. The performers didn’t just play D&D—they gave us a full spectacle, complete with the glamour, humor, and energy that drag fans crave.
I’ll admit it: I’m no Dungeons & Dragons expert. My only previous experience with the game was a single, half-hearted campaign over Zoom during the pandemic. When it came time to slay the dragon, I froze. I wasn’t sure if the dragon had feelings, or worse, if it was an endangered species. What if it was just misunderstood? The Dungeon Master was not impressed. I was promptly banished from the campaign.
So when I saw Roll for Shade combined D&D and drag, I thought, “Why not give it another shot?” The atmosphere was so welcoming that I quickly got swept up in the fun.
The show was packed with energy, and among the crowd was Logan Ramsey, a regular at Roll for Shade. Logan, a six-year veteran of D&D campaigns, had made his third journey to the event that night. "It's a confluence of my favorite things—Dungeons & Dragons and drag," he said, the thrilled by the event.
If you’re a Dungeons & Dragons aficionado or simply looking for a fun and quirky introduction to the game, Roll for Shade is definitely worth checking out. It’s a perfect blend of fantasy and flair, offering something for everyone—whether you're a die-hard fan or just in the mood for a good time.
Roll for Shade happens every month. Follow them on Instagram to stay in the loop.
