The Weekly Grind - July 14th, 2025 Newsletter

Critical Grind Gaming
2 days ago
4 min read

For those keeping track, there are only 15 days left until Gen Con. Don't worry, the cafe will be open during Gen Con for those of you hanging back, but it will be at half-staff so please be patient.

NEW ITEMS & RESTOCKS

We have started carrying new items from local artist, Deathmaster Artworks. They're handmade wood-block art prints with functionality. Currently we have small notebooks and pouches. We may stock more items in the future.

We restocked our fidgets and buddies from Sowers Creations. (all cactus, cats, dumpster fires, and ice creams are also clickers)

We've also restocked our copies of Darrington Press' RPG, Candela Obscura

RPG Event Updates!

--> KIDS RPG NIGHT

I will be emailing the parents directly every week a few days before Kid's RPG Night with the link for sign-ups and session descriptions. So if you are a Kid's RPG Night parent, please fill out this form (if you haven't already).

Please remember Kid's RPG Night is only the 2nd and 4th Fridays.

--> Discord Looking For Party Highlights

These are some RPGs being mentioned in our Discord that people are looking to get together and play.

Aliens..... Daggerheart.....D&D 5e....Starfinder 2e.....Dragonbane..... and probably some others I missed. Join the discord and don't miss the tables.

Tip: When you join, go to Rules to get verified. Then, VERY IMPORTANTLY: go to Roles-and-Info to select your interests. This is what will unlock the channels.

TCG Event Updates!

What is Pack Rush? Pack rush is very simple format, each player will open packs and just play with those packs as if they were a deck. You ignore the color identity rule and use every card from the packs. It's fun, super casual and you don't need anything but the packs you'll get there. — **What is Pack Rush?** Pack rush is very simple format, each player will open packs and just play with those packs as if they were a deck. You ignore the color identity rule and use every card from the packs. It's fun, super casual and you don't need anything but the packs you'll get there.

Lorcana Set Championships will be on Saturday, July 19th starting at 10am. — **Lorcana Set Championships** will be on Saturday, July 19th starting at 10am.

To sign up for our Reign of Jafar Set Championship, there are 2 steps.

Step 1: Pay on our Square Site https://square.link/u/qGWUV3cP

Step 2: Sign Up on Carde.io (Ravensburger Play) https://admin.carde.io/admin/events/159239

If you register without paying, we cannot guarantee your seat.

What is Magic & Mayhem? Magic & Mayhem: a Sealed Magic even with 3 boosters. Not a draft, just sealed. The format, or chaos effect, of the sealed even changes every week (thus mayhem). Lands provided by Critical Grind. What is Chocobo Racing? Chocobo Racing is a Magic and Mayhem event where players can earn points to get Limited Final Fantasy prizes like art Prints and the very limited AR Pins — **What is Magic & Mayhem?** Magic & Mayhem: a Sealed Magic even with 3 boosters. Not a draft, just sealed. The format, or chaos effect, of the sealed even changes every week (thus mayhem). Lands provided by Critical Grind. **What is Chocobo Racing?** Chocobo Racing is a Magic and Mayhem event where players can earn points to get Limited Final Fantasy prizes like art Prints and the very limited AR Pins

July's Miniature Painting Contest is Open

Stop by Critical Grind to pick up the mini for the July Paint Contest.

For $15 you get a July Drop-In Painting Pass for our Tuesdays and Wednesdays open-painting and the July contest miniature.

Return the mini no later than July 20th to enter.

Winner will receive a Critical Grind Gift Card, Mini Trophy, and an exclusive Free RPG Day d20 from Dispel Dice.

Pick up the July Painting Contest Mini now to participate. Minis are due back July 20th. Winner will receive a Critical Grind Gift Card, A mini trophy, and an exclusive Free RPG Day D20 from Dispel Dice

Critical Community Podcast

Click the image or HERE to find us on Podbean! Or search for us on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

I didn't have a guest last week. I've been digging out from under a lot of back-logged work. But you can listen to previous episodes.

Available on Spotify, Podbean, and Apple Podcasts.

Are you interested in being a guest on the podcast? Fill out this form.

This Month's Calendar & Specials

JULY SPECIALS --

Melted Coffee Mint Chip: Tuxedo Mocha Cold Brew with Creme de Menthe Cold Foam. It tastes like melted coffee ice cream and melted mint chip ice cream, mixed together.

Pink Cloud Summer Refresher: Peach Mango Refresher with Pineapple Syrup and Cherry Cold Foam A sweet, light, and fruity drink.

Our Take on Cake Smoothie: Pineapple Smoothie with Brown Sugar and Maraschino Cherries. If a Pineapple Upsidedown Cake could be liquified, it would be this smoothie.

Right Brain Toast: Avocado, Strawberry, Balsamic Glaze, and Basil You may have heard of the Left Brain toast. This is the same, but different.

Qozy Quizzard Toast: Peanut Butter, Raspberries, White Chocolate Sauce, and Ground Espresso.

Inspired by our Qozy Quizzard secret menu drink.