Help Our Friends Rebuild After the Tornado – Support the Hearts of Studio 6d6 / RPEX & Engrave Situations

Today, 7/27/2026, a devastating tornado tore through the Appleton/Menasha area and took nearly everything from some of the most generous, creative, and hardworking people in our local gaming community.

The folks behind Studio 6d6 / RPEX and Engrave Situations lost their studio, their workshop & dungeon, their tools, their inventory, and the physical foundation of the businesses and passion projects that bring so much joy to all of us. These aren’t just vendors or organizers—they are integral members of the board game, RPG, and D&D world in Northeast Wisconsin.

Studio 6d6 / RPEX is the creative force that built and runs the incredible full-scale dungeon adventures you’ve experienced (or dreamed of experiencing) at conventions. They create designer dice, custom game tables, and the immersive RPEX experiences that let players step into real-life quests with puzzles, combat, exploration, and unforgettable moments. They have been a fixture at Gary Con, Gamehole Con, and especially right here at home.

Engrave Situations brings custom laser-engraved magic to our tables—personalized dice, tokens, and gaming keepsakes that make every campaign and every convention feel special. They’re a valued vendor and creative partner in our scene.

And both are deeply woven into PhoenixCon, the Appleton gaming convention they help make possible every year. PhoenixCon is just a few weeks away (August 13–16, 2026 at the Hilton Paper Valley). These friends help put on the show, run the legendary RPEX full-scale dungeon and arena events, support the vendor hall, and pour their energy into making it the warm, welcoming, community-driven convention we all love. Right now, with the con so close, they’re facing the impossible task of rebuilding from nothing while still trying to show up for all of us.

They lost everything today. Clothing/costumes, furniture, tools of their trade, stock, sentimental items, the space where the magic is made. Insurance will only go so far, and the road ahead is long and expensive.

If you’ve ever rolled their dice, adventured in an RPEX dungeon, bought something special from Engrave Situations, attended PhoenixCon, or simply appreciated the inclusive, joyful spirit they bring to the hobby—please consider helping them take the first steps toward recovery.

Any amount helps. Share this widely. Tag fellow gamers. Let’s show them the same community love and support they’ve given us for years.

They’ve spent years building epic adventures and unforgettable experiences for us. Now it’s our turn to help them rebuild their own.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

— Friends of Studio 6d6 / RPEX & Engrave Situations, and the PhoenixCon family