As the Thursday role-play crowd settles into their characters at The Jaunty Mug, I work my magic. Bert spins his narrative. To their eyes, the coffee shop morphs into a seedy tavern. For the next several hours, they are in Ev’Ran, Bert’s fictional realm of the multiverse.

They sip their morning ale as watch the seedy tavern fill with creatures that exist on this plane, but not theirs. A blue-skinned dragon-man walks in, taking a seat in the corner opposite the adventurers. Four dwarves argue passionately about the ore vein recently discovered in the nearby mountain range. A pair of guards enter, look around the common room, and with a nod to Steppin, the tavern keep, they leave.

“Has anyone seen Katra?” asks Chuck/Grok, their half-orc barbarian. He has attached himself to the cleric, knowing she is the one that keeps them all alive. The truth is, they look out for each other.

“She wanted me to tell you she went to the temple this morn,” says my avatar on this side of the rift as he delivers their usual plates of food. “She said to tell you she will be indisposed with prayers for the day.” The avatar smiles and returns to the bar.

“Well,” says Mac in his role as Samson, their halfling thief, “in that case, I’ll check around town for more clues to our next step.”

“My chain mail and sword really need some care after the swamp,” adds Sandra, as their human fighter, Portia.

Nods of agreement circle the table as the party settles into their respective roles for the evening. Bert keeps them role-playing tonight, letting each player choose their own way to deal with the injury to their friend. I divert any violent disagreements that could arise during their visit. They spend their fantasy day repairing or purchasing equipment, bartering with craftsmen, searching for clues.

They find their way back to the inn four hours later, where they imbibe more ale and cider. Steppin prepares a specialty of the realm before sending them back to their reality. I make sure the meal is ambrosia to soothe their pain.

“That was fun,” says Chuck, when they return to the ‘real world.’ “Thanks for getting us going tonight, Bert. I needed that.”

“Yeah,” says Yvonne, “me too.”

“Me three,” Mac pipes up.

Sandra grins and gives Bert a thumbs-up as she joins the rest of the group outside to wait for Bert before heading to the subway.

The game master gathers his gear, neatly packing everything into his bag.

“You know why I picked this place, don’t you?” he says aloud to no one in particular, but I hear him. “It’s magical. We’re never bothered when we’re here, and our adventures always feel real. You keep us safe, and we appreciate you.”

Bert joins his friends on their way to the station. I send a Blessing for him to pass to Aislynn. Stevie turns off the lights and locks the door. He’ll keep this side safe while I join Steppin and gather gossip to pass along when they return next Thursday evening.