May 15-18 2026
Pack your dice and don your cloak—it’s time for an unforgettable weekend of sisterhood, storytelling, and spells! Dungeons and Dames West is a 4-day, 3-night femme only retreat at Bear Lake in Northern Utah crafted for adventurers of all experience levels. Step into a magical world where you’ll play your own heroine in a thrilling immersive story with beautiful one-shot D&D campaigns, enchanted meals catered by a private chef and time relaxing in a cozy, fantasy-inspired setting. Whether you’re a seasoned Dungeon Master or a curious newbie, this retreat is your invitation to laugh, roleplay, and roll dice with a legendary party of fellow dames.
This realm is crafted for adventurers 21 and older.
Exceptions may be granted for those 18–20, upon review by the guild.
For Ticket and Add-on Pricing Click Here!
The Story
Far from familiar shores, whispers of a long-forgotten heritage stir once more. The turquoise waters cradle secrets older than memory, and the mountains stand as silent witnesses to promises never fulfilled. All around, the land hums with echoes of stories nearly lost to time, threads of destiny waiting for brave hands to pick them up once again.
Those who answer the call will find themselves stepping into a tale that blurs the line between past and present, where fellowship is tested and every choice carries weight. It is not simply an adventure, but an unfolding legend—woven with mystery, shadow, and the spark of discovery. Here, courage and cunning matter as much as the sword, and the bonds you forge may prove to be your greatest weapon.
This is no ordinary journey. It is the awakening of something long asleep, the chance to write your chapter into a story that has been waiting for you all along
The Gameplay
The story spans Friday evening to Monday morning—a full, immersive experience designed to feel like a complete campaign arc.
-Friday night kicks off with an in-character tavern dinner and story prologue. Meet your fellow adventurers, sign up for your one-shots, and get drawn into the world.
-Saturday & Sunday are game days—you’ll play in 3 epic 4-hour one-shots, written just for this retreat and run by our incredible DMs. That’s 12 hours of immersive TTRPG gameplay, plus bonus story moments, roleplay, and connection.
-Monday morning wraps things up with a cozy, heartfelt epilogue as we close out the tale.
Characters should be level 5 and rules are based off of Dungeons and Dragons 5e 2014
Options for pre-generated characters available or join us for our virtual Session Zero in April to create your own
Location
Sunrise Resort & Event Center
- Garden City, Utah -
Meet the Team
Hilary
Quest Master
Every great tale needs a story weaver—and at Dungeons & Dames, that’s Hilary. As co-owner and Quest Master, she weaves the threads of lore, laughter, and legendary adventure into an immersive retreat unlike any other. From designing the storylines to shaping the magical details that make each moment unforgettable, she is the keeper of the world our adventurers step into.
But Hilary’s role goes beyond crafting quests—she’s also the heart of the retreat. Her vision, creativity, and passion bring together players, DMs, and dreamers to build a fellowship bound by story and sisterhood.
When the dice hit the table and the adventure begins, Hilary ensures every adventurer feels the call of destiny.
Julie
Ledger Maiden
Every great adventuring party needs someone who can balance the books and keep the treasure chest in order—and for Dungeons & Dames, that’s Julie. As co-owner and our official Ledger Maiden, she ensures the retreat runs smoothly behind the scenes so the magic can shine on the surface.
But that’s not all—Julie also brings healing hands to our adventurers as a massage therapist. Whether it’s soothing weary shoulders after a long one-shot or helping restore balance between mind and body, she brings comfort and care into the heart of our retreat.
We couldn’t imagine this journey without her steady wisdom, organizational mastery, and restorative touch.
Kayla
Dungeon Master
Returning from Dungeons & Dames East, Kayla brings her boundless imagination, infectious energy, and love for storytelling back to the table for Dungeons & Dames West. With a flair for creativity (and a dash of ADHD spontaneity), she crafts sessions full of laughter, chaos, and heart—where moments can turn from tears to triumph in a single dice roll.
Kayla’s one-shots blend the best parts of long-term campaigns—plenty of looting, snooping, and treasure hunting—with surprises that make every roll count. Whether fortune smiles or fate fumbles, adventurers are sure to walk away with unforgettable memories. Get ready to roll initiative and experience the magic that only Kayla can conjure.
Jen
Dungeon Master
Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Jen returns to Dungeons & Dames after enchanting adventurers at our East retreat. A passionate storyteller and inclusive game master, Jen specializes in creating welcoming spaces where women and queer folk can explore their identities and imagination freely—no rulebook expertise required.
Her one-shots weave together rich themes of romance, unrequited love, and political intrigue, always leading to unforgettable adventures filled with courage, heart, and a touch of magic. Expect swords, sorcery, and strong, complex heroines who steal the spotlight.
Darbi
Dungeon Master
Darbi Keene (she/her) is a Certified Therapeutic Game Master and lifelong storyteller with a gift for crafting adventures that welcome every player to the table. She creates inclusive, affirming spaces where identity, connection, and imagination thrive.
As a Dungeon Master, Darbi blends whimsy with challenge, weaving tales full of heart and adventure. Her goal is simple: to help players feel safe to take bold risks, forge bonds with one another, and walk away carrying stories they’ll treasure long after the dice stop rolling.
Sheri
Dungeon Master
A seasoned adventurer in every sense, Sheri returns to Dungeons & Dames with decades of storytelling experience, a love for unicorns, and a sharp sense of humor fueled by science puns. When she’s not behind the DM screen, she travels the U.S. as a geneticist and consultant in the biotech world—proving that magic and science aren’t so different after all.
Sheri’s tables are a perfect blend of high fantasy, laughter, and camaraderie. With thrilling combat, clever twists, and heartfelt teamwork, she crafts adventures where every player shines and every quest feels like a shared triumph.
Michelle
Chef
Chef Michelle Politano is the culinary force behind Dungeons & Dames West, bringing creativity, expertise, and a flair for storytelling to every plate. A featured chef on Food Network and the owner of the beloved restaurant PiANTA, Michelle blends professional mastery with a warm, adventurous spirit that guests instantly connect with.
Her menus transform each meal into an immersive experience—balancing hearty comfort, elegant technique, and flavors that feel beautifully rooted in the world of the retreat. Attendees consistently rave that her dishes are as memorable as the quests themselves, making Michelle an essential part of the magic that defines Dungeons & Dames.
