Who We Are:
Hello, and welcome, brave adventurers! We’re Ben and Alex Mackie, the creators behind the Isles of Edren. Our goal is to bring people together—around the table, around the story, and around the adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned Dungeon Master or running your very first game, we’re here to help you create unforgettable evenings filled with laughter, immersive storytelling, and, of course, delicious themed food.
Tabletop games have always been a part of our lives, starting with classic board games like Clue and Jumanji. For Ben, a love of storytelling grew from video games like World of Warcraft and Divinity: Original Sin 2, paired with hours spent dreaming up new worlds through Nintendo Power magazines. Alex's adventures began with family game nights and Champions of Norrath, where she always chose to play the strong female barbarian. Together, these experiences led us to the incredible world of tabletop role-playing games, where creativity, collaboration, and connection take center stage.
Our TTRPG journey began in earnest in 2019, when Ben attended GenCon for the first time. Inspired by the vibrant community, we started running a West Marches-style D&D campaign with 20 players. These episodic one-shots taught us the value of creating complete arcs in a single session, embracing the unexpected, and weaving collaborative stories that left everyone wanting more. Along the way, we’ve hosted everything from chaotic heists to heartfelt character-driven moments that reminded us why we love this hobby.
The idea for the Isles of Edren and our first adventure, Set Sail!, came to life during a cruise we took together. Inspired by the sea and a shared passion for storytelling, we envisioned an archipelago filled with mystery, innovation, and adventure. Over time, our brainstorming evolved into a rich setting and countless one-shots, each designed to immerse players in an unforgettable experience.
We also wanted to elevate these adventures beyond the game itself. Alex’s love for crafting and cooking added an extra layer of magic, with themed decorations, personalized gifts, and meals that tied directly into the story. Meanwhile, Ben’s passion for world-building and map-making ensured that every session felt vibrant and alive. Combining these elements into Set Sail! was a natural step, creating not just a module, but an entire dinner party adventure.
Our mission is simple: to share the magic of tabletop gaming and help others create meaningful memories around the table. Whether you’re diving into Set Sail! as a one-shot or weaving it into a larger campaign, we hope you’ll make it your own, embrace the unexpected, and let your players’ choices shape the story.
The Isles of Edren is a world built on possibilities, and Set Sail! is just the beginning. We’re so excited for you to explore this world and hope it brings as much joy to your table as it’s brought to ours.
Now grab your dice, set sail, and let the adventure begin!
– Ben & Alex Mackie
