Thankful for Games

Today I am thankful for paper-based Role Playing Games. I first played an RPG back in 7th grade. It was AD&D (back before there was a 2nd edition). My first real PC was Martin Ravenwood, a Paladin from the Unearthed Arcana. I ran that character for several years before he retired to a palace on the elemental plane of air. After that came Star Frontiers, AD&D 2e, D&D 3 and 3.5 (haven't gotten to play 4, sigh), TSR's Marvel Super Heroes, GURPS, Deadlands, Call of Cthulhu, ShadowRun....

Gaming gave me friends I never would've met otherwise. It gave me memories of epic fictional scenes, of long nights and geeky activities. It gave me something to think about when I didn't want to think about my lack of athletic ability or social skills in school. It gave me a safe place in my mind. It gave me something to do on the weekends with other people that never involved drugs or alcohol; it gave safety.

It gave me a much deeper appreciation for history, for writing, for movies, for fantasy and science fiction genres in general, and for creativity. It taught me to view the world from eyes not my own; to put myself in someone else's shoes. That ability to see other perspectives has always served me well. It taught me a great deal about creative problem solving and thinking outside the box. It taught me that planning can be critical and that logistics matters.

It's given me an excuse to go to amazing conventions like DragonCon in Atlanta, where I've gotten to witness geekdom at it's finest through costumes, panels, games, music, and life. It's given me the freedom and tools to continue playing imaginary characters through childhood and into adulthood--letting me resist that boring "grown-up" status.

Alas, in recent years my opportunities to play those paper RPGs has dwindled. But I still hang onto those memories, those RPG books, those dice sets, with a death-grip. I play what I can when I can; even if it's just a board game. And I hold onto the hope that some day, I'll find the time to get back into the hobby.

So thanks to those who created my favorite hobby of all time. Thanks to the people over the years who have written RPGs that I've invested thousands of dollars and hours into over the years. I appreciate it.