VAL

VAL (Veterans Adventure League)

VAL at MSU — uniting veterans and military-connected community through tabletop role-playing games.

Leadership Events Email VAL at MSU VAL Website

About VAL

The Veterans Adventure League (VAL) is a community of servicemembers, veterans, and their families united by a love of tabletop gaming, with a mission to end social isolation and reduce suicide in our community. Through collaborative storytelling, teamwork, and consistent connection, VAL builds friendships and supports mental well-being.

The VAL Table at MSU is our Lansing-area chapter, open to all veterans, servicemembers, and military-affiliated individuals—including students, alumni, family members, and community supporters dedicated to the well-being of those who have served. Whether you’re part of VAL at MSU or a veteran in the greater Lansing area, you’re welcome at our table.

VAL at MSU is a “table” within the organization. In VAL, a “table” is any group that plays together regularly under shared standards for safety, inclusion, and training.

How VAL Is Organized

Each VAL table has a Table Champion (often the DM/GM) who coordinates sessions and stays connected with VAL’s Table Development Team for DM support, space planning, and startup resources. The SENTINEL Team provides mental-health first-aid style onboarding and ongoing trainings for members.

  • Table Champion: Coordinates sessions and ensures a welcoming, safe table.
  • Table Development Team: Helps with DM coaching, locations, and growth.
  • SENTINEL Team: Trains members in crisis awareness and referral know-how.

Programs & Activities

  • Regular Campaign Play: D&D and other tabletop RPGs, welcoming all experience levels.
  • Peer Support Gatherings: Opportunities for veterans and servicemembers to share and connect.
  • Training & Workshops: SENTINEL Team sessions (e.g., crisis basics, problem gambling, PTSD, TBI, opioids) and table safety tools.
  • “Side Quests” (Optional): Low-pressure socials like one-shots, paint nights, hikes, or world-building jams.

Join VAL at MSU

New to gaming or a seasoned adventurer — either way, you’re welcome. VAL at MSU focuses on connection, consistent play, and peer support. Start with the steps below:

  1. Say hello: Email VAL at MSU to get session times and onboarding info.
  2. Get trained: Complete the quick SENTINEL introductory training.
  3. Play & connect: Join a campaign or a one-shot; no experience required.
Email VAL at MSU VAL Website
Want to start another table? If you’re part of the MSU community and want to spin up an additional VAL table (or host special events), we can help coordinate with the VAL Table Development Team.

Contact

For VAL at MSU scheduling and onboarding, contact the Center for Veteran and Military-Affiliated Students (CVMAS) at Veterans@msu.edu or call (517) 884-5973.

Guests may be asked to present a valid photo ID when entering MSU buildings.

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. Anyone with a disability who needs special accommodations should contact CVMAS at (517) 884-5973 or Veterans@msu.edu at least 72 hours in advance. For MSU’s policy on nondiscrimination, visit https://civilrights.msu.edu/policies/.