Our Story Begins . . .

Quinn Forss founded KEHL'S QUEST with the firm belief in the power of playing pretend. Since the start of his recovery from substance use disorder in 2017, TTRPGs like Dungeons & Dragons, Monster of the Week, & Blades in the Dark have given him a supportive social activity and creative outlet without the presence of drugs or alcohol.

Quinn was joined by Will Lycan and Dominic Thomas in 2022 to help make the RCO a reality. All three have played TTRPGs for years and are excited to introduce the games they love to people in recovery. You can learn more about Quinn, Will and Dom on our Meet the Quest Masters page.

In Honor of Matthew Kehl

Quinn's love of "analog" gaming originated in middle school as an awkward kid walking into the after-school gaming club. A high schooler was running a D&D game, and invited Quinn to learn how to play. That young man was Matthew Kehl, a friend of Quinn's sister, and mentor to many a young nerd. Matt taught him the joy of games— that playing pretend can do a lot to help you find yourself. Known as "Kehl" (pronounced "kale") to his many mentees, Matt saw tabletop gaming as an opportunity to build spaces of creativity, positivity and support.

Matt passed away in a car accident in 2011 at the age of 25. Quinn has never forgotten how Kehl made space for everyone at his gaming table. Today, KQ strives to bring Matt’s vision of a supportive nerd-o-sphere to people in recovery with the help of our Quest Masters, players, and volunteers.