VOLUNTEERS

PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT THOROUGHLY BEFORE APPLYING!

 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for True Dungeon at San Japan! Our application process is thorough so that we can best match your interests and skills with a volunteer position.

San Japan will be different than most of the in-person conventions we do. It is a 3-day convention, and the dungeon itself will only be open for two of those days. As such, the shifts look rather different and some volunteer options (such as fill-in roles) are not available. Please read the commitment requirements carefully before applying.

 

We have three different levels of commitment for True Dungeon Volunteers:

• Full Time -- Attend the All Hands Meeting on Friday morning, one event shift on Friday afternoon (August 30^th, approximately 8 hours with one short break and one meal break), one event shift on Saturday (August 31^st, approximately 10 hours with two short breaks and one meal break), one hour of teardown on Saturday evening (August 31^st, to be completed immediately following dungeon shift), and a short teardown/loadout shift on Sunday morning (September 1^st).
• Local Install & Dismantle -- Volunteer for dungeon installation shifts on Wednesday and Thursday (August 28^th and 29^th) as well as teardown shifts on Saturday evening (August 31^st, starting at 8:00pm) and briefly on Sunday morning (September 1^st, beginning at 10:00am).
• Part Time -- Attend the All Hands Meeting on Friday morning (August 30^th, approx. 10:00am) and one event shift (Friday, August 30^th, or Saturday, August 31^st). Part Time volunteers scheduled to work a Friday event shift may also be asked to work two (2) hours of teardown on Saturday (August 31^st, starting at 9:00pm). Because we are only taking one 4-room dungeon to San Japan we do not anticipate needing Part Time volunteers. Please take this into account when filling out your application.

See below for specific details on each time commitment and benefit level!

 

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** Full Time Volunteer Benefits **

If you are selected as a Full Time volunteer, you will receive the following benefits:

• Stipend:  If you complete all your shifts, at the end of the loadout shift on Sunday (unless noted otherwise), you will be given all the swag listed below plus a stipend check for an amount depending on your volunteer position. Though they are higher than 2023 stipend amounts, stipends for San Japan are lower than our other in-person conventions for 2024 to reflect the reduced number of event days.
  • Coach or Combat DM: $450 
  • Specialized Roles (such as traveling NPCs and NPCs that also serve as DM): $400
  • Single Room NPCs that work with a DM (i.e. combat NPCs): $300
  • Puzzle DM or General Volunteer: $250
• An EXCLUSIVE Ultra Rare token:  Full time volunteers receive an Ultra Rare, limited-edition, volunteer-exclusive token (Ankh of the Ancients).
• TD T-Shirt and Swag Bag
• FREE 3-day San Japan badge (will be distributed after Friday morning All Hands Meeting)
• FREE hotel spot: We have a limited number of spots in hotel rooms. Out-of-town volunteers may qualify for a free spot in a 4-person hotel room with two queen or double beds.  
  Note:  Your hotel room will be available for Thursday check in so you can arrive on that day to ensure your attendance at the mandatory All Hands Meeting and Training on Friday morning. You are expected to attend this mandatory meeting unless you communicate an acceptable reason for missing it. Should any travel mishap prevent your attendance, please contact volunteer@truedungeon.com immediately to let us know.
• Bonus for volunteering at multiple events: If you successfully volunteer Full-Time at three different events in calendar year 2024, you get the extra bonus of an Ultra Rare token of your choice from the 2023 or 2024 print runs (subject to availability). This applies to both virtual and in-person events. This bonus also stacks with Part-Time events both virtual and in-person. For example, if a vol works two Part-Time shifts for VTD 20, VTD 21, and VTD 22 (six shifts total), and also works Full-Time at Gen Con (three in-dungeon shifts) they would be eligible for a PYP. PYPs are tracked by HQ, and you may request your current PYP status at any time by e-mailing volunteer@truedungeon.com.
  • NOTE: Please bear in mind that while in-dungeon shifts are what get counted toward the total, volunteers are still expected to show up for install/teardown/tech check/etc. shifts as required by their role at each event. Failure to attend those shifts without prior written permission from TD HQ may disqualify a vol from the PYP program.

 

** Full Time Volunteer Commitment **

If you are a Full Time volunteer, you are required to help out during these hours at San Japan 2024:

• Friday (August 30^th):  Attend the All-Hands Meeting and Training at 10:00am. This meeting is mandatory.  If you have work or travel issues that will impact your attendance, PLEASE let us know BEFORE accepting your schedule so we can see if we can accommodate the issue.
• Friday and Saturday (August 30^th & 31^st):  You will work both days of the event. Friday’s shift is roughly 8 hours with a short break in the first half of the day and a longer meal break around dinnertime. Saturday’s shift is longer (roughly 10 hours) with a short break in the first half of the day, a longer meal break in midafternoon, and another short break closer to the end of the shift. Saturday's shift will be followed by 1 hour of teardown time.
• Sunday (September 1^st):  You will report at 10:00am to help transport the packed dungeon materials to the loading dock so it can get on the truck. At the end of this shift, you will receive your stipend check and swag mentioned above, provided you have fulfilled your volunteer commitments.

You must be available at all the times listed above to be eligible for Full Time status.  Please do NOT make travel arrangements outside of this schedule unless you have prearranged an alternative schedule with TD HQ.  We cannot guarantee hotel accommodations if you do not have the details arranged with TD HQ BEFORE you accept your schedule.

====================================================================

** Part Time Volunteer Benefits **

If you are selected as a Part Time volunteer, you will receive the following benefits:

• Stipend:  If you complete all your shifts, at the end of the 2-hour dismantle shift on Sunday (unless noted otherwise), you will be given all the swag listed below plus a stipend check for an amount depending on your volunteer position. Though they are higher than 2023 stipend amounts, stipends for San Japan are lower than our other in-person conventions for 2024 to reflect the reduced number of event days.
  • Coach or Combat DM: $225 (part time)
  • Specialized Roles (such as traveling NPCs that also serve as DM): $200 (part time)
  • Single Room NPCs that work with a DM (i.e. combat NPCs): $150
  • Puzzle DM or General Volunteer: $125
• An EXCLUSIVE Rare token:  Part time volunteers receive a Rare, limited-edition, volunteer-exclusive token (Bead of the Hero).
• TD T-Shirt and Swag Bag
• FREE 3-day San Japan badge (will be distributed after Friday morning All Hands Meeting)
• Bonus for volunteering at multiple events: If you successfully volunteer for a total of NINE (9) Part-Time shifts at events in calendar year 2024, you get the extra bonus of an Ultra Rare token of your choice from the 2023 or 2024 print runs (subject to availability). You earn this "PYP" for every nine full shifts you work, and it applies to both virtual and in-person events. This bonus also stacks with Full-Time events both virtual and in-person. For example, if a vol works two Part-Time shifts for VTD 20, VTD 21, and VTD 22 (six shifts total), and also works Full-Time at Gen Con (three in-dungeon shifts) they would be eligible for a PYP. PYPs are tracked by HQ, and you may request your current PYP status at any time by e-mailing volunteer@truedungeon.com.
  • NOTE: Please bear in mind that while in-dungeon shifts are what get counted toward the total, volunteers are still expected to show up for install/teardown/tech check/etc. shifts as required by their role at each event. Failure to attend those shifts without prior written permission from TD HQ may disqualify a vol from the PYP program.

**PLEASE NOTE: Part time volunteers are not eligible for a spot in a TD-provided hotel room. If you require a hotel room you will either need to provide it yourself or volunteer Full Time.

 

** Part Time Volunteer Commitment **

If you are a Part Time volunteer, you are required to help out during these hours at San Japan 2024:

• Friday (August 30^th):  Attend the All-Hands Meeting and Training at 10:00am. This meeting is mandatory.  If you have work or travel issues that will impact your attendance, PLEASE let us know BEFORE accepting your schedule so we can see if we can accommodate the issue.
• Friday and Saturday (August 30^th and/or 31st):  You will work one of the two event days. Friday’s shift is roughly 8 hours with breaks. Part Time volunteers who work the Friday shift may also be asked to put in two hours of teardown on Saturday night. Saturday’s shift is approximately 10 hours (includes two short breaks and a longer meal break). Part Time Volunteers who work the longer dungeon shift on Saturday are not expected to work teardown.
• Sunday (September 1^st):  You will report at 10:00am to help transport the packed dungeon materials to the loading dock so it can get on the truck. At the end of this shift, you will receive your stipend check and swag mentioned above, provided you have fulfilled your volunteer commitments.

You must be available at all the times listed above to be eligible for Part Time status.  Please do NOT make travel arrangements outside of this schedule unless you have prearranged an alternative schedule with TD HQ.  We cannot guarantee hotel accommodations if you do not have the details arranged with TD HQ BEFORE you accept your schedule.

====================================================================

** Local Install and Dismantle Benefits **

• Stipend:  If you complete all your shifts, at the end of the dismantle shift on Sunday (unless noted otherwise), you will be given all the swag listed below plus a stipend check for $400. 
• An EXCLUSIVE Ultra Rare token:  Local Install & Dismantle volunteers receive an Ultra Rare, limited-edition, volunteer-exclusive token (Ankh of the Ancients).
• TD T-Shirt and Swag Bag
• FREE 3-day San Japan badge (will be distributed after completion of Thursday installation shift)

** Local Install and Dismantle Commitment **

• Wednesday and Thursday (August 28^th and 29^th):  Full day install shift starting at approximtely10:00am with one hour meal break (TD does not provide food and/or beverage).
• Saturday (August 31^st):  Dismantle shift starting from 8:00 PM.
• Sunday (September 1^st):  You will report at 10:00am to help transport the packed dungeon materials to the loading dock so it can get on the truck. At the end of this shift, you will receive your stipend check and swag mentioned above, provided you have fulfilled your volunteer commitments.

You must be available at all the times listed above to be eligible for a Local Install Group (LIG) role.  Please do NOT make travel arrangements outside of this schedule unless you have prearranged an alternative schedule with TD HQ.

====================================================================

ANYONE interested in volunteering must fill out the volunteer application by May 31^st, 2024. All volunteers MUST fill out all the applicable fields. This information will be kept secure, and it will be used to select and schedule all volunteers. While we will accept applications AFTER 5/31/2024, scheduling will begin 6/1/2024.  Apply before that date in order to have the best chance at getting the volunteer role you prefer.

Please contact volunteer@truedungeon.com if you have any questions.

 

Thank you for your interest in volunteering for True Dungeon!

PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT THOROUGHLY BEFORE APPLYING!

 

By submitting your application, you agree that you have read this Benefits & Responsibilities document in its entirety and are aware of all requirements you agree to meet.

 

Virtual True Dungeon – Cravenmoor: Through Fear & Fog

August 28^th – August 30^th, 2026

 

Virtual TD events are run with a combination of remote volunteers and on-site volunteers at our workshop and office in Carbondale, Illinois. Please consider carefully whether or not you are willing to travel to Carbondale and indicate this preference in your application.

 

Approximate event start times for Through Fear & Fog are listed below. Each individual volunteer’s schedule will depend on the position for which they are selected. For example, an NPC in Room 2 will have an earlier start time than someone in an Epilogue role.

Friday, August 28^th – 5:00pm to 9:00pm Dungeon (Central) Time

Saturday, August 29^th – 10:00am to 7:00pm Dungeon (Central) Time

Sunday, August 30^th – 10:00am to 7:00pm Dungeon (Central) Time

 

FULL TIME

Full Time volunteers all work a full shift each day of the event. Additionally, there are two pre-event preparation and training sessions. The Adventure Playtest is open to all volunteers but is required for Virtual DMs and NPCs. The DM Tech Check is closed to everyone but DMs and DMs-in-Training, who are required to attend.

Please refer to this table for requirements by role:

ROLE	LOCATION	PLAYTEST	TECH CHECK	FRI	SAT	SUN
Virtual DM	Remote	Required	Required	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
NPC	On-Site	Required	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Player Coach	Remote	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Admin (Innkeeper & Epilogue)	Remote	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Golem	On-Site	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
DM-in-Training	Remote	Required	Required	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Admin-in-Training	Remote	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift

 

The Adventure Playtest typically takes place about ten days before the event, but the date is variable. Because of the timing of this event, the current plan is to have the Adventure Playtest in JULY so it does not interfere with Gen Con. Our current preliminary playtest date is Monday, July 13, 2026.

Playtest details will be communicated to volunteers via email from volunteer@truedungeon.com.

The DM Tech Check takes place the night before the event starts (Thursday, August 27^th, 2026) at 5:30pm Dungeon (Central) Time.

Upon successful completion of their scheduled shifts, Full Time volunteers will receive the following benefits:

• Stipend – Payable via check, Venmo, or a Funds Credit towards a future online token order. Stipends vary by role. For this event Full Time stipends are:
  • Virtual DM - $500
  • NPC - $450
  • Player Coach - $400
  • Admin (Innkeeper or Epilogue) - $350
  • Golem - $450
  • DM- and Admin-in-Training - $300
• Volunteer Exclusive Ultra-Rare token (Charm of Banewatch) OR 2x Volunteer Exclusive Rare tokens (Belt of Biting)
• Survivor pins from the event
• XP card from the event
• Participation token from the event
• 20 random treasure draws

 

PART TIME

Part Time volunteers work one or two days during the event. Part Time Virtual DMs are still required to attend both the Adventure Playtest and Tech Check as mentioned in the Full Time details above. Refer to the table below for Part Time requirements by role:

ROLE	LOCATION	PLAYTEST	TECH CHECK	EVENT DAYS
Virtual DM	Remote	Required	Required	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
NPC	On-Site	Required	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
Player Coach	Remote	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
Admin (Innkeeper & Epilogue)	Remote	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
Golem	On-Site	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
DM-in-Training	UNAVAILABLE FOR PART TIME – DMs must be trained Full Time
Admin-in-Training	Remote	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts

 

The Adventure Playtest typically takes place about ten days before the event, but the date is variable. Because of the timing of this event, the current plan is to have the Adventure Playtest in JULY so it does not interfere with Gen Con. Our current preliminary playtest date is Monday, July 13, 2026. Playtest details will be communicated to volunteers via email from volunteer@truedungeon.com.

The DM Tech Check takes place the night before the event starts (Thursday, August 27^th, 2026) at 5:30pm Dungeon (Central) Time.

Upon successful completion of their scheduled shifts, Full Time volunteers will receive the following benefits:

• Stipend – Payable via check, Venmo, or a Funds Credit towards a future online token order. Stipends vary by role. Part Time stipends differ depending on the shifts worked as some days have shorter shifts than others. Refer to the table below for this event’s Part Time stipends by role:

ROLE	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
Virtual DM	$100	$200	$200
NPC	$90	$180	$180
Player Coach	$80	$160	$160
Admin (Innkeeper & Epilogue)	$70	$140	$140
Golem	$90	$180	$180
Admin-in-Training	$60	$120	$120

• Volunteer Exclusive Rare Token (Belt of Biting)
• Survivor pins from the event
• XP card from the event
• Participation token from the event
• 20 random treasure draws

 

MULTI-EVENT VOLUNTEERING PICK-YOUR-PURPLE BONUS

Volunteers who work multiple events are eligible for a bonus Ultra Rare token of their choice from the 2025 and 2026 Standard Pack Ultra Rare tokens. In order to earn this PYP, volunteers must successfully complete either 3 events as a Full Time volunteer, 9 total Part Time event shifts, or some combination of the two. Both Virtual and In-Person events are counted towards this.

TD HQ tracks volunteer shifts for this PYP bonus. You may inquire about your PYP status at any time by emailing volunteer@truedungeon.com.

Here are three examples of volunteers earning their PYP:

• Joe T. Vol works as a Full Time VDM for the January VTD, a Full Time Player Coach for the March VTD, and then volunteers Full Time as a Combat DM at Gen Con. After Gen Con he picks a Charm of Fickle Fate as his bonus token.
• Anna May Vol is unable to work Full Time around her other responsibilities. So, she works 1 shift for the January VTD, 2 shifts for the February VTD, 2 shifts for the March VTD, 2 shifts during Gen Con, and 2 shifts during Gamehole Con. After Gamehole Con she chooses to add a Bead of Greed to her collection.
• K.T. Vol has a chaotic schedule and has to work a combination of Part Time and Full Time for various events. They DM Full Time for the February VTD, work two shifts in Epilogue for the March VTD, work full time as an NPC at Ring Con, and then work a single shift as Innkeeper at Gamehole Con. After Gamehole Con they ask for a Belt of the Hunter for their Ranger build.

 

A NOTE ABOUT IN-TRAINING ROLES

Training remotely is a tricky process, and we try to give all of our volunteer trainees the best chance to succeed that we can. Admins-in-Training will learn both the Innkeeper and Epilogue roles. Our usual process is to go through the process and then have the trainee work with the players in a supervised environment during the event. Both of these jobs are fairly simple to train and can be done Part Time if needed.

Virtual DMs must be trained Full Time during an event weekend. After attending both the Adventure Playtest and DM Tech Check they spend their Friday shift getting programs installed and then getting familiar with all the different tools. They will spend the rest of the weekend observing other VDMs and working one-on-one with one of our experienced VDMs to make sure they understand the VTD DMing process. On Sunday, if both the trainee and the VDM they’ve been working with feel comfortable, they will DM for players in a supervised setting. Virtual DMs must go through an event as a VDM-in-Training before they can do an event as a VDM without supervision.

Player Coaches are one of our least-needed roles in VTD. They are trained individually on an as-needed basis.

 

PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT THOROUGHLY BEFORE APPLYING!

 

By submitting your application, you agree that you have read this Benefits & Responsibilities document in its entirety and are aware of all requirements you agree to meet.

 

Virtual True Dungeon – Cravenmoor: Shrine of Shadow

September 25^th – 27^th, 2026

 

Virtual TD events are run with a combination of remote volunteers and on-site volunteers at our workshop and office in Carbondale, Illinois. Please consider carefully whether or not you are willing to travel to Carbondale and indicate this preference in your application.

 

Approximate event start times for Shrine of Shadow are listed below. Each individual volunteer’s schedule will depend on the position for which they are selected. For example, an NPC in Room 2 will have an earlier start time than someone in an Epilogue role.

Friday, September 25^th – 5:00pm to 9:00pm Dungeon (Central) Time

Saturday, September 26^th  – 10:00am to 7:00pm Dungeon (Central) Time

Sunday, September 27^th – 10:00am to 7:00pm Dungeon (Central) Time

 

FULL TIME

Full Time volunteers all work a full shift each day of the event. Additionally, there are two pre-event preparation and training sessions. The Adventure Playtest is open to all volunteers but is required for Virtual DMs and NPCs. The DM Tech Check is closed to everyone but DMs and DMs-in-Training, who are required to attend.

Please refer to this table for requirements by role:

ROLE	LOCATION	PLAYTEST	TECH CHECK	FRI	SAT	SUN
Virtual DM	Remote	Required	Required	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
NPC	On-Site	Required	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Player Coach	Remote	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Admin (Innkeeper & Epilogue)	Remote	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Golem	On-Site	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
DM-in-Training	Remote	Required	Required	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Admin-in-Training	Remote	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift

 

The Adventure Playtest typically takes place about ten days before the event, but the date is variable. Playtest details will be communicated to volunteers via email from volunteer@truedungeon.com.

The DM Tech Check takes place the night before the event starts (Thursday, September 24^th, 2026) at 5:30pm Dungeon (Central) Time.

Upon successful completion of their scheduled shifts, Full Time volunteers will receive the following benefits:

• Stipend – Payable via check, Venmo, or a Funds Credit towards a future online token order. Stipends vary by role. For this event Full Time stipends are:
  • Virtual DM - $500
  • NPC - $450
  • Player Coach - $400
  • Admin (Innkeeper or Epilogue) - $350
  • Golem - $450
  • DM- and Admin-in-Training - $300
• Volunteer Exclusive Ultra-Rare token (Ioun Stone of the Champion) OR 2x Volunteer Exclusive Rare tokens (Ioun Stone of the Hero)
• Survivor pins from the event
• XP card from the event
• Participation token from the event
• 20 random treasure draws

 

PART TIME

Part Time volunteers work one or two days during the event. Part time Virtual DMs are still required to attend both the Adventure Playtest and Tech Check as mentioned in the Full Time details above. Refer to the table below for Part Time requirements by role:

ROLE	LOCATION	PLAYTEST	TECH CHECK	EVENT DAYS
Virtual DM	Remote	Required	Required	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
NPC	On-Site	Required	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
Player Coach	Remote	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
Admin (Innkeeper & Epilogue)	Remote	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
Golem	On-Site	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
DM-in-Training	UNAVAILABLE FOR PART TIME – DMs must be trained Full Time
Admin-in-Training	Remote	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts

 

The Adventure Playtest typically takes place about ten days before the event, but the date is variable. Playtest details will be communicated to volunteers via email from volunteer@truedungeon.com.

The DM Tech Check takes place the night before the event starts (Thursday, September 24^th, 2026) at 5:30pm Dungeon (Central) Time.

Upon successful completion of their scheduled shifts, Full Time volunteers will receive the following benefits:

• Stipend – Payable via check, Venmo, or a Funds Credit towards a future online token order. Stipends vary by role. Part Time stipends differ depending on the shifts worked as some days have shorter shifts than others. Refer to the table below for this event’s Part Time stipends by role:

ROLE	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
Virtual DM	$100	$200	$200
NPC	$90	$180	$180
Player Coach	$80	$160	$160
Admin (Innkeeper & Epilogue)	$70	$140	$140
Golem	$90	$180	$180
Admin-in-Training	$60	$120	$120

• Volunteer Exclusive Rare Token (Ioun Stone of the Hero)
• Survivor pins from the event
• XP card from the event
• Participation token from the event
• 20 random treasure draws

 

MULTI-EVENT VOLUNTEERING PICK-YOUR-PURPLE BONUS

Volunteers who work multiple events are eligible for a bonus Ultra Rare token of their choice from the 2025 and 2026 Standard Pack Ultra Rare tokens. In order to earn this PYP, volunteers must successfully complete either 3 events as a Full Time volunteer, 9 total Part Time event shifts, or some combination of the two. Both Virtual and In-Person events are counted towards this.

TD HQ tracks volunteer shifts for this PYP bonus. You may inquire about your PYP status at any time by emailing volunteer@truedungeon.com.

Here are three examples of volunteers earning their PYP:

• Joe T. Vol works as a Full Time VDM for the January VTD, a Full Time Player Coach for the March VTD, and then volunteers Full Time as a Combat DM at Gen Con. After Gen Con he picks a Charm of Fickle Fate as his bonus token.
• Anna May Vol is unable to work Full Time around her other responsibilities. So, she works 1 shift for the January VTD, 2 shifts for the February VTD, 2 shifts for the March VTD, 2 shifts during Gen Con, and 2 shifts during Gamehole Con. After Gamehole Con she chooses to add a Bead of Greed to her collection.
• K.T. Vol has a chaotic schedule and has to work a combination of Part Time and Full Time for various events. They DM Full Time for the February VTD, work two shifts in Epilogue for the March VTD, work full time as an NPC at Ring Con, and then work a single shift as Innkeeper at Gamehole Con. After Gamehole Con they ask for a Belt of the Hunter for their Ranger build.

 

A NOTE ABOUT IN-TRAINING ROLES

Training remotely is a tricky process, and we try to give all of our volunteer trainees the best chance to succeed that we can. Admins-in-Training will learn both the Innkeeper and Epilogue roles. Our usual process is to go through the process and then have the trainee work with the players in a supervised environment during the event. Both of these jobs are fairly simple to train and can be done Part Time if needed.

Virtual DMs must be trained Full Time during an event weekend. After attending both the Adventure Playtest and DM Tech Check they spend their Friday shift getting programs installed and then getting familiar with all the different tools. They will spend the rest of the weekend observing other VDMs and working one-on-one with one of our experienced VDMs to make sure they understand the VTD DMing process. On Sunday, if both the trainee and the VDM they’ve been working with feel comfortable, they will DM for players in a supervised setting. Virtual DMs must go through an event as a VDM-in-Training before they can do an event as a VDM without supervision.

Player Coaches are one of our least-needed roles in VTD. They are trained individually on an as-needed basis.

 

PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT THOROUGHLY BEFORE APPLYING!

 

By submitting your application, you agree that you have read this Benefits & Responsibilities document in its entirety and are aware of all requirements you agree to meet.

 

Virtual True Dungeon – Cravenmoor: The Ebony Altar

November 6^th – 8^th, 2026

 

Virtual TD events are run with a combination of remote volunteers and on-site volunteers at our workshop and office in Carbondale, Illinois. Please consider carefully whether or not you are willing to travel to Carbondale and indicate this preference in your application.

 

Approximate event start times for The Ebony Altar are listed below. Each individual volunteer’s schedule will depend on the position for which they are selected. For example, an NPC in Room 2 will have an earlier start time than someone in an Epilogue role.

Friday, November 6^th – 5:00pm to 9:00pm Dungeon (Central) Time

Saturday, November 7^th – 10:00am to 7:00pm Dungeon (Central) Time

Sunday, November 8^th – 10:00am to 7:00pm Dungeon (Central) Time

 

FULL TIME

Full Time volunteers all work a full shift each day of the event. Additionally, there are two pre-event preparation and training sessions. The Adventure Playtest is open to all volunteers but is required for Virtual DMs and NPCs. The DM Tech Check is closed to everyone but DMs and DMs-in-Training, who are required to attend.

Please refer to this table for requirements by role:

ROLE	LOCATION	PLAYTEST	TECH CHECK	FRI	SAT	SUN
Virtual DM	Remote	Required	Required	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
NPC	On-Site	Required	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Player Coach	Remote	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Admin (Innkeeper & Epilogue)	Remote	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Golem	On-Site	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
DM-in-Training	Remote	Required	Required	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift
Admin-in-Training	Remote	Optional	n/a	Full Shift	Full Shift	Full Shift

 

The Adventure Playtest typically takes place about ten days before the event, but the date is variable. Playtest details will be communicated to volunteers via email from volunteer@truedungeon.com.

The DM Tech Check takes place the night before the event starts (Thursday, November 5^th, 2026) at 5:30pm Dungeon (Central) Time.

Upon successful completion of their scheduled shifts, Full Time volunteers will receive the following benefits:

• Stipend – Payable via check, Venmo, or a Funds Credit towards a future online token order. Stipends vary by role. For this event Full Time stipends are:
  • Virtual DM - $500
  • NPC - $450
  • Player Coach - $400
  • Admin (Innkeeper or Epilogue) - $350
  • Golem - $450
  • DM- and Admin-in-Training - $300
• Volunteer Exclusive Ultra-Rare token (Charm of Banewatch) OR 2x Volunteer Exclusive Rare tokens (Belt of Biting)
• Survivor pins from the event
• XP card from the event
• Participation token from the event
• 20 random treasure draws

 

PART TIME

Part Time volunteers work one or two days during the event. Part time Virtual DMs are still required to attend both the Adventure Playtest and Tech Check as mentioned in the Full Time details above. Refer to the table below for Part Time requirements by role:

ROLE	LOCATION	PLAYTEST	TECH CHECK	EVENT DAYS
Virtual DM	Remote	Required	Required	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
NPC	On-Site	Required	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
Player Coach	Remote	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
Admin (Innkeeper & Epilogue)	Remote	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
Golem	On-Site	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts
DM-in-Training	UNAVAILABLE FOR PART TIME – DMs must be trained Full Time
Admin-in-Training	Remote	Optional	n/a	Work 1 or 2 of the 3 event shifts

 

The Adventure Playtest typically takes place about ten days before the event, but the date is variable. Playtest details will be communicated to volunteers via email from volunteer@truedungeon.com.

The DM Tech Check takes place the night before the event starts (Thursday, November 5^th, 2026) at 5:30pm Dungeon (Central) Time.

Upon successful completion of their scheduled shifts, Full Time volunteers will receive the following benefits:

• Stipend – Payable via check, Venmo, or a Funds Credit towards a future online token order. Stipends vary by role. Part Time stipends differ depending on the shifts worked as some days have shorter shifts than others. Refer to the table below for this event’s Part Time stipends by role:

ROLE	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
Virtual DM	$100	$200	$200
NPC	$90	$180	$180
Player Coach	$80	$160	$160
Admin (Innkeeper & Epilogue)	$70	$140	$140
Golem	$90	$180	$180
Admin-in-Training	$60	$120	$120

• Volunteer Exclusive Rare Token (Belt of Biting)
• Survivor pins from the event
• XP card from the event
• Participation token from the event
• 20 random treasure draws

 

MULTI-EVENT VOLUNTEERING PICK-YOUR-PURPLE BONUS

Volunteers who work multiple events are eligible for a bonus Ultra Rare token of their choice from the 2025 and 2026 Standard Pack Ultra Rare tokens. In order to earn this PYP, volunteers must successfully complete either 3 events as a Full Time volunteer, 9 total Part Time event shifts, or some combination of the two. Both Virtual and In-Person events are counted towards this.

TD HQ tracks volunteer shifts for this PYP bonus. You may inquire about your PYP status at any time by emailing volunteer@truedungeon.com.

Here are three examples of volunteers earning their PYP:

• Joe T. Vol works as a Full Time VDM for the January VTD, a Full Time Player Coach for the March VTD, and then volunteers Full Time as a Combat DM at Gen Con. After Gen Con he picks a Charm of Fickle Fate as his bonus token.
• Anna May Vol is unable to work Full Time around her other responsibilities. So, she works 1 shift for the January VTD, 2 shifts for the February VTD, 2 shifts for the March VTD, 2 shifts during Gen Con, and 2 shifts during Gamehole Con. After Gamehole Con she chooses to add a Bead of Greed to her collection.
• K.T. Vol has a chaotic schedule and has to work a combination of Part Time and Full Time for various events. They DM Full Time for the February VTD, work two shifts in Epilogue for the March VTD, work full time as an NPC at Ring Con, and then work a single shift as Innkeeper at Gamehole Con. After Gamehole Con they ask for a Belt of the Hunter for their Ranger build.

 

A NOTE ABOUT IN-TRAINING ROLES

Training remotely is a tricky process, and we try to give all of our volunteer trainees the best chance to succeed that we can. Admins-in-Training will learn both the Innkeeper and Epilogue roles. Our usual process is to go through the process and then have the trainee work with the players in a supervised environment during the event. Both of these jobs are fairly simple to train and can be done Part Time if needed.

Virtual DMs must be trained Full Time during an event weekend. After attending both the Adventure Playtest and DM Tech Check they spend their Friday shift getting programs installed and then getting familiar with all the different tools. They will spend the rest of the weekend observing other VDMs and working one-on-one with one of our experienced VDMs to make sure they understand the VTD DMing process. On Sunday, if both the trainee and the VDM they’ve been working with feel comfortable, they will DM for players in a supervised setting. Virtual DMs must go through an event as a VDM-in-Training before they can do an event as a VDM without supervision.

Player Coaches are one of our least-needed roles in VTD. They are trained individually on an as-needed basis.