As the chair of Panem, I am in charge of making sure that no one dies during our games, as opposed to ancient Rome. I have been successful so far, well, mostly… I am looking forward to organising all sorts of fun events and getting to know fellow game enthusiasts. I like strategic games as well as a healthy dose of exploding kittens, and am always up to trying something new. I hope to see you at our next event!
Panem is an easy-going, fun and low-key society that consists of 12 members (max). We are focused on organizing enjoyable and social activities (not necessarily related to International Relations) and playing strategic and not-so-strategic games.
What do we do?
We gather once a month for our strategic evenings to get together and to play various kinds of games, varying from board games (e.g. Risk, Settlers of Catan, Monopoly), card games (e.g. Hanabi, Machiavelli, Exploding Kittens) and party games (e.g. 30 Seconds, Codenames,Cards against Humanity).
Occasionally we organize other activities. Highlights of the last couple of years were The Strategy Games, visits to Escape Rooms, evenings at which we played The Werewolves of Miller’s Hollow and our yearly Murder Mystery Dinner. We also plan outdoor excursions such as rock climbing and sports related activities.
What kind of people are we looking for?
Do you enjoy playing games with friends until late at night? Do you imagine yourself as a new Napoleon or Julius Caesar while you are conquering continents in Risk? Ever got emotional over a particularly close game of Exploding Kittens? Or do you just enjoy laughing at nonsense playing Card against Humanity? In that case Panem et Circenses might be something for you!
What’s with the name?
Panem at Circenses refers to “bread and games”. It was termed by a Roman satirical poet who decried that it was the only thing the Romans still cared about. The name refers to our strategic evenings which typically consist of having dinner and playing games. Perhaps you also know “Panem” as the fictional country where the “Hunger Games” franchise is set and it is far from the only reference to the movie and book series.
Want to become a member?
Twice a year (autumn and spring) we organize an activity open to all members of SIB and you are welcome during those activities to find out for yourself what our society is like! Missed our open activities? No worries! You can always send us an e-mail and visit us during one of our regular evenings. If during the year any spots in our society open up, we will also announce this in the member group of SIB-Amsterdam on Facebook.
Obligations?
Since we are very easy-going you have no obligations when you join our society. If you miss an activity now and then this is not a big deal, although we do expect our members try to be there!