Award winning storytellers take global Dungeons and Dragons revival to exclusive new depths in underground Edinburgh
The Dungeon Masters at five-star Mercat Tours have recently established the new DnD Games Night as a regular fixture.
Article Source: Kirsty Innes PR
Last Updated: 2 October 2018 11:43
As the world witnesses a resurgence of the role playing game Dungeons & Dragons (DnD), with over nine million players registered all over the world and a hotly anticipated Paramount film set for 2021, a team of award-winning storytellers has taken the game to unique new depths in underground Edinburgh.
The Dungeon Masters at five-star Mercat Tours have recently established the new DnD Games Night as a regular fixture after their first night for charity received critical acclaim from those on the tour and some leading DnD aficionados, including Leesha Hannigan (an official illustrator for DnD). The company has even curated a special one off DnD games night as part of their spooktacular programme of Halloween Tours and events this October (26 to 31 October).
Mercat’s DnD nights take place in the centuries old underground Blair Street Vaults, two storeys beneath Edinburgh’s North Bridge – Mercat Tours is the only Edinburgh tour company with access to these vaults, which were rediscovered in the 1980s. Mercat’s version of the DnD game has a ghost theme, mixed with the real history of Edinburgh and DnD’s magical world full of powerful fighters, clever rogues, wise wizards and magical creatures of all kind.
Explaining further Lydia Gschosmann, chief Gamesmaster at Mercat said: “Our game is based on the alarmingly true stories of the Blair Street Vaults, adding a unique touch to the wonderful DnD escapism. It takes place in the wee hours of the morning, two levels beneath central Edinburgh in a dark and spooky, candle-lit tavern, surrounded by silence and restless spirits of those who dwelled and perished there.
“There's a special thrill I see in player's eyes every time they recognise an aspect of real history in the story, every time they realise who they're fighting is one of the characters they'd been told about on the tour.”
Lydia has also found that Mercat’s DnD Games Night has brought people and families together from all over the world:
“Our DnD Games Nights provides an opportunity for people to meet like-minded folks from all over the world. We’ve had people coming from Germany just to play the game - they planned their whole Scotland trip around it. At our last night, a family of four from Canada used the Games Night as a bonding experience with their daughter, an avid DnD gamer.
“It's really all about making, connections, finding like-minded people and enjoying the game in a unique atmosphere.”
Dungeons and Dragons first rose to popularity in the 70s and 80s, and thanks to social media channels and new digital platforms, has seen a revival with 2017 reported to be its best sales year in a decade. Over 9 million people have watched others play Dungeons & Dragons on Twitch, a streaming subsidiary of Amazon.
The game has featured in and inspired numerous films and TV series over the years from ET to more recently the hit Netflix TV series, Stranger Things. It has also influenced a number of authors including George RR Martin, whose book series A Song of Ice and Fire was adapted into the Game of Thrones TV Series. Other famous fans include Jon Favreau, (Iron Man), Vin Diesel, Matt Groening (The Simpsons and Futurama), Mike Myers and Robin Williams.
Mercat Tours next Dungeons & Dragons Games Night takes place on Wednesday 31 October (a special Halloween night) at Midnight. Tickets cost £50 per adult. Dungeons and Dragons novices and veterans are welcome.
For more information or to join Mercat Tours on a Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition homebrew adventure, visit www.mercattours.com
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Michelin success for top new restaurant of the year in Edinburgh
Barry Fish, one of Edinburgh’s most celebrated new restaurants of 2025, has earned its place in the prestigious Michelin Guide for Great Britain and Ireland, just 8 months after its launch.
READ MORE
Deer Park Golf and Country Club Tees Up Championship Quality Golf All Year Round
Deer Park is offering golfers the chance to enjoy superb playing conditions 365 days a year, ensuring the course remains in peak form, whatever the weather.
READ MORE
National Galleries of Scotland celebrates Halloween by sharing rare images from Egyptian Book of the Dead
This Halloween National Galleries of Scotland is diving into the special books collection to share the rare work 'Le Livre des morts des Anciens Egyptiens' by Anton Prinner.
READ MORE
Santa Opens a Brand New North Pole HQ at Conifox
Edinburgh’s Ultimate Christmas Experience Arrives in a Spectacular New Purpose-Built Building at Conifox Adventure Park.
READ MORE
Final call for Edinburgh walkers to join autumn challenge
THE FINAL countdown to Walking Scotland’s Autumn Step Count Challenge has begun, with teams across the country being urged to register before the event starts on Monday, 3 November 2025.
READ MORE
Sail into the festive season with five star luxury floating hotel Fingal
Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, is adding some festive magic to its guest experiences this Christmas and Hogmanay.
READ MORE
First Bus gives Remembrance free travel for all Armed Forces, veterans and cadets
First Bus is offering free travel for all veterans and UK Armed Forces personnel travelling to Remembrance Day activities of Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
READ MORE
Scotland Meats Germany
Scotland's favourite beer, Tennent's Lager, has unveiled the world's first ever Square Wurst - a Scottish classic with a German twist - to mark the launch of Tennent's Bavarian Pilsner.
READ MORE
Palm Court at The Balmoral unveils new Elevenses menu
Palm Court at The Balmoral has launched a new ‘Elevenses’ menu, showcasing the pastry team’s viennoiserie skills.
READ MORE
Vault City launches blood red strawberry sour beer for Halloween season
A POPULAR Halloween treat is being reimagined for grown-ups this year, as Edinburgh’s wizards of sour beer unveil their latest spooky special.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble brings warmth to wintry nights with Concerts by Candlelight tour
Concert by Candlelight, Scottish Ensemble's celebrated long-running winter tour, returns for eight awe-inspiring performances in intimate settings around Scotland this December.
READ MORE
Feel the festive cheer at Dobbies Charity Christmas Shopping Night
Dobbies is encouraging customers to come along to their nearest store and to be the first to shop exclusive Black Friday offers at its late-night shopping event, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK.
READ MORE
Red Hot Chilli Pipers announced to headline Ross Bandstand programme
With just under three weeks left until Edinburgh’s Christmas events and attractions open to Edinburgh residents and visitors, the full Ross Bandstand programme is unveiled today.
READ MORE
Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
Mowgli Street Food unveils its Christmas feasting menus
Mowgli Street Food restaurants have launched their special Christmas menus - a vibrant celebration of Indian home-style cooking, made for sharing.
READ MORE
50 Scottish entrepreneurs gather in Edinburgh for National Mentoring Day
More than 50 entrepreneurs from across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh this week for Edinburgh Mentor Match - a free business speed mentoring session run by Virgin StartUp.
READ MORE
OMNi teams up with local school and partners for Creative Milestone Initiative
Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre has teamed up with Scottish artist Helen Denerley and Edinburgh Zoo to deliver a primary school design project for the Dreaming Spires sculpture’s 20th anniversary.
READ MORE
The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries
Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.
READ MORE
Halloween Events Round Up for Edinburgh Restaurants
Take a look at some of the Halloween events taking place in Edinburgh Restaurants this week!
READ MORE
Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation
Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids
Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.
READ MORE
Simply Greek Opens Vibrant New Home Near the Playhouse
Simply Greek, the family-owned restaurant adored for its authentic Greek flavours, is proving a hit with diners in its stunning new home, right across from the iconic Edinburgh Playhouse.
READ MORE
Five star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade
The One Spa, one of Scotland’s most luxurious spas, has secured the highest honour from the UK’s most prestigious spa authority.
READ MORE
One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back
To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!
READ MORE
Illusions, Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries at MagicFest
Unleash your inner magic – MagicFest, Edinburgh’s annual avalanche of illusion, sleight of hand, mystery and laughter.
READ MORE
Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh
The draw and schedule for the BetVictor Scottish Open in Edinburgh is out now and fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast!
READ MORE
Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh
The Scott Hotel and its restaurant, Bonnars, have unveiled its highly anticipated festive packages, offering both luxurious overnight escapes and festive fine dining for visitors and Edinburgh locals.
READ MORE
Edinburghs Hogmanay announces music and comedy programme
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a music and comedy programme spanning four days of the festival, with Scottish talent topping the bill.
READ MORE
Loganair marks four year partnership with CHAS with aircraft naming
Loganair has marked the fourth anniversary of its partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) by naming one of its aircraft in honour of the charity.
READ MORE
Vittoria Group teams up with Hirundine Whisky for Edinburgh wide partnership
Edinburgh’s top restaurant group is raising a glass to a new partnership with Hirundine Whisky, the premium single malt created by Scottish rugby stars Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links