I moved to Waterville Maine, or as I like to think of it the ass end of the universe, about six months ago. So adding two months of pre-transition crap I haven't gamed in about eight months. I've about hit the breaking point. How long after you haven't gamed are you no longer a gamer?
There's one little hole-in-the-wall shop that sells card games. The nearest decent comic/game shop is an hour away. Not to mention the movie theatres here are about 10+ years out of date, sorry different subject.
I've been gaming for since I was 12 years old, I'm now 32. I don't have any odious habits, no lisp, I shower regularly, I'm married, no kids and not living in anyone's mother basement. I'm a firm believer in contributing to the pop and munchies.
I've played with one group for a little over twelve years. Been with other groups off and on. I don't deal well with immature players or mooches. I like good indepth roleplaying. I'm not big on hack and slash or pointless dungeon crawling. I believe in cooperative storytelling.
I'm beginning to believe that I just might be past the point where I'll be able to find a new group. I very much doubt I'll be able to find one that fits any of my expectations. So do I just give in and quit?
Maine...Maine? If only you had moved a little futher south...say South Carolina. You are a gamer as long as you feel you are a gamer. Being out of it 8 months is no biggie, I wasn't able to game for over 4yrs yet here I am. Of course we do need some more ppl in our little group so if you ever move down south give us a holler.
Try looking into some of the play-by-post or play-by-email options that are about if you aren't able to find a group. FindPlay or maybe even Fantasy Grounds might help out with your gaming needs. Optionally, try posting something down at your FLGS.
(I'm in Oregon, so I can't help you out with a physical game.)
I share your frustration. I was out of gaming after my group disbanded for about 1.5 to 2 years. I've been very slowly building up a gaming group, but usually my wife and I have to teach new folks how to play the game. Not everyone ends up staying after they play for a few sessions, so it can be disappointing.
I started using www.ghostorb.com as a way to connect and game and it has been a very enjoyable substitute.
rooster
Role-playing can be taught in game, so don't lay the smackdown on the hack-n-slashers yet (realistically you should have a happy balance of both). Also if you are huge into the Role instead of the Roll you might actually consider a different game. The D&D Player's handbook offers half a book of spells, dozens of pages detailing combat and movement and over a hundred pages of character creation but probably not more than ten paragraphs on the topic of how to role-play a character in a fantasy environment. If you want to escape hack-n-slash faster get yourself a game that offers you a more RP friendly environment (I would recommend most 90's White Wolf, Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu or the like). I think it really kills the mood to have a player in a fight say things like "I take a 5-foot-step...", "I use five points of power attack." etc....
As for gamers, they're there. As mentioned before posting a note in the game shop, checking with a rec center, local liberal arts college town, or even hanging out in book stores that carry game material should net you some players. If you live in a small town they'll have nothing better to do anyway than go down to the theatre and see the "Core" or whatever new movie is playing there. ;)
GGG
Don't sell (or throw away) those books too prematurely dude!
I did that once when I moved from Ontario to Quebec and found myself amogst a ton of french people who never even heard of role-playing games. About five months after selling my stuff, I encountered some people that actually played D&D. I asked if there was an opening and we've all been close friends ever since.
You'll ALWAYS be a gamer; Even if you don't get to play for the next couple of years...
Who knows, you might even end up DMing for your own kids!!
Ultradan
I was out of gaming for about 11 years before I found a group again . . . never give up.
Waterville, eh? I feel your pain. In '87 I moved from Yuma, Arizona to Gardiner, Maine. My D&D group went from my group of 6-10 friends to me running solo adventures for my younger brother.
As far as being an hour away from a game store, in Maine you're lucky if you're within an hour of anything. Even my group of friends I had in Maine were often spread out across several towns... including Waterville.
Now that I think of it, I never did meet any other gamers in my short time in Maine (less than two years total), and I vaguely recall a store in Gardiner that sold mostly miniatures. But if you know where there's a game store, there's bound to be gamers.
As for my hiatus in gaming, I played all the time until '88, then didn't find a group until '93, and played with them for a year before I moved again. I played only a handful of times between '94 and whenever 3rd Ed. came out, due to the fact that most of my D&D buddies all left D&D to play Magic. (Darn you, Magic! Darn you to heck!) I've been playing regularly since 3E came out.
During my breaks in between playing, I kept up with the game through Dragon and the occasional Dungeon magazine and picking up things that caught my eye here and there, including From the Ashes boxed set, which I never thought I would be able to use, but I've been pouring over it for my Age of Worms campaign.
So... while gaming life (and other aspects of life) in Maine appear bleak, just keep on keeping on.
I moved from New Jersey, and the best gaming group I had ever been part of to Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates PLUS a weekly commute to Saudi Arabia for 3 or 4 days a week.
Surprisingly, I found a pretty good gaming group here. No books are for sale, Dragon Magazine can't be found bu thanks to the power of the internet and these boards I was able to locate gamers. Now it turns out that my work schedule, travel intinerary, and family obligations don't line up with the groups but thats more my choice - the group is friendly, accomodating, and switched on - I would gladly play with them if I felt confortable taking the time away from my family.
I think play is great, I think D&D has a lot to recommend it, but sometimes life gets in the way of gaming. Don't give up.
Write (try to write for Dragon - that what I do - query after query), read, participate on boards, but don't give up.
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Never give up hope, you said that there is a card shop, ask the owner if you can post flyers for a group, hey how big a leap is it from certain CCGs to role-playing.
I've been out of touch with the large groups I play in for years fourtunatly my wife has been playing as long as I have and now my Niece and some of her frinds play(teenagers:|).
Kyr, Never give up. Gaming has been my one companion in life that takes my mind of reality for a while each time. I have been living in Dubai, UAE for many years (21) . I have been gamimng over 26 yrs.
NEVER SELL THE BOOKS. I have a collect of books from 1st 2nd 3nd and 3.5. I love my books ask my wife. The game is some of the best times ever. No one can take the your first ogre from you.Your friends might not understand but the fellow gamers know. I found and bought a copy of the first box set I ever ran. That first game was the most hacked up, failing, you get the idea. But went I found that First Quest box I remembered the first adventure I ever ran, mistakes and all would you sell a family album no because its not as important to someone else as it is to you. You stop being a gamer two weeks after you die or when you pass the dice to the next generation. Don't giving up the game man for some its an adventure and for others its the only thing that we can look to when we need to believe the hero wins and the best things in life are guarded by devious traps and cunning monsters.
VIVA LA GAME
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I moved to Waterville Maine, or as I like to think of it the ass end of the universe, about six months ago. So adding two months of pre-transition crap I haven't gamed in about eight months. I've about hit the breaking point. How long after you haven't gamed are you no longer a gamer?
There's one little hole-in-the-wall shop that sells card games. The nearest decent comic/game shop is an hour away. Not to mention the movie theatres here are about 10+ years out of date, sorry different subject.
I've been gaming for since I was 12 years old, I'm now 32. I don't have any odious habits, no lisp, I shower regularly, I'm married, no kids and not living in anyone's mother basement. I'm a firm believer in contributing to the pop and munchies.
I've played with one group for a little over twelve years. Been with other groups off and on. I don't deal well with immature players or mooches. I like good indepth roleplaying. I'm not big on hack and slash or pointless dungeon crawling. I believe in cooperative storytelling.
I'm beginning to believe that I just might be past the point where I'll be able to find a new group. I very much doubt I'll be able to find one that fits any of my expectations. So do I just give in and quit?
post on WOTC website classified and at Paizo classifieds, thats how I hooked up with my group.
FH
I moved to Waterville Maine, or as I like to think of it the ass end of the universe, about six months ago. So adding two months of pre-transition crap I haven't gamed in about eight months. I've about hit the breaking point. How long after you haven't gamed are you no longer a gamer?
Zeus:
I know just what you're going through. I live in Oakland, ME (one town over) and it took a considerable amount of time to get my current group together. If we didn't already have 7(!) members I'd gladly invite you to join - it's just so hard for me to run that big of a group.The "hole in the wall" game store you mention is run by some real nice folks. Though they do cater mainly to the Magic crowd, they do get other people looking for D&D gamers so let Joel or Andy know you are looking for a game and they might be able to help you out (I've been asked by them if I had openings at my table so I know there are others in the area).
Drop me an email (mainegaming AT yahoo DOT net) and I'll see if I still have some contact info for a few gamers I've had to turn away in the last year.
Best of luck.
Some sound advice from ExquisiteDeadGuy - TAKE IT!
You'll be glad you did.
As an aside, my core group of friends were my gaming group in high school. After graduation, we all went our separate ways (a 13 year hiatus).
Now, we are all happily living within 1 town of each other (there are 4 of us, which is pretty amazing), and we get our game on once a month.
Don't give up those old books. Lots of nostalgia that can only be replaced with the outlay of more cash.
If you can't get a group, stay active in the online community, or get a subcription to Dragon and Dungeon. (Or if you want a more humerous look at gaming, go with Knights of the Dinner Table.)
Sure keeps reality at bay for me*
* - Got to go now. The nice men in the white coats are coming to give me my meds. (j/k)
Also if you are huge into the Role instead of the Roll you might actually consider a different game. The D&D Player's handbook offers half a book of spells, dozens of pages detailing combat and movement and over a hundred pages of character creation but probably not more than ten paragraphs on the topic of how to role-play a character in a fantasy environment. If you want to escape hack-n-slash faster get yourself a game that offers you a more RP friendly environment (I would recommend most 90's White Wolf, Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu or the like).
AAAAHHHHHH!! I think I just clawed out my own eyes reading that.
Okay, in seriousness I started out as a White Wolf player and only discovered D&D maybe a year or two before the changeover to 3.0. Can I tell you there is no setting so wrought with drama and complexity as those in Dungeons and Dragons. The Monster Manual alone is filled with tons of interesting cultures and possible antagonists. The issues of faith raised by clerics and paladins (not to mention evil clerics) have propelled forward character centered games full of emotion and passionate story power. For me all the game mechanics and 5' steps are just the skeleton for stories with meat and soul.
Don't even get me started on White Wolf. Even in the heyday any conflict was either the result of the Wyrm, the Technocracy, or the Sabbat. Holy flat setting Batman. Now after they nuked their old setting and have created a new (but exactly the same) one it's just gotten even more dumbed down and simplified. Don't let the dungeoncrawlers getcha' down.
Can I tell you there is no setting so wrought with drama and complexity as those in Dungeons and Dragons. The Monster Manual alone is filled with tons of interesting cultures and possible antagonists. The issues of faith raised by clerics and paladins (not to mention evil clerics) have propelled forward character centered games full of emotion and passionate story power. For me all the game mechanics and 5' steps are just the skeleton for stories with meat and soul.
So what you're telling me is you are not with the RPGA. I though do disagree with the idea that no setting is so wrought with drama and complexity as D&D. Any setting can be complex when you're dealing with human emotion. I am merely saying that D&D does not really (ruleswise) facilitate the RP part of the game. Are there any real aids in the core books for facilitating drama?
The intial argument I believe was that Zeus was thinking about giving up the game because of a lack of RP. As I recall my World of Darkness days evil was on all sides (including the other players) and we played the Sabbat and the Technocracy from time to time. The wonderful thing about the World of Darkness is there really wasn't any absolute right or wrong. In there own way many of the "evil" forces in the World of Darkness where just as right as the "good guys." A game that has a spell that detects a person's moral alignment somehow doesn't ring as true for being RP-friendly. That said a change in game is a good thing from time to time. It prevents the industry from getting stagnant and opens your head to new possiblities. Dungeon crawls like anything can get old over time.
GGG
Our gaming group gave up on 2nd edition in late 2001, early 2002. We got together every few weeks for a great FASA: Star Trek the RPG game, but the GM of that campaign lost interest in gaming and that petered out around 2002.
We screwed around with RPG's, as a group, for over 2 years...there are four GM's in our group and each one of us tried to get a game going for a while--AD&D 1e, 2e, nothing held our interest very long.
I had the gamers, just not the game....I don't know which is worse. After a long break, starting fresh with 3.5 a year ago was just what we needed and we've been gaming regularly again since then. Don't give up, keep the gaming fire burning, even if on low heat.
The intial argument I believe was that Zeus was thinking about giving up the game because of a lack of RP. As I recall my World of Darkness days evil was on all sides (including the other players) and we played the Sabbat and the Technocracy from time to time. The wonderful thing about the World of Darkness is there really wasn't any absolute right or wrong. In there own way many of the "evil" forces in the World of Darkness where just as right as the "good guys." A game that has a spell that detects a person's moral alignment somehow doesn't ring as true for being RP-friendly.
Sorry. I know I drifted a bit from the original topic of the post. It stinks not having a group to play in. I love our current group. Six steady members. We meet somwhere between 1-3 times a week depending on scheduals. Not a bad DM in the bunch, and we have a few who are pretty dang good. Some great great stories.
I've had some dry periods and awful groups in my day though, so I can empathize. I've also nurtured a few of our players through periods where they wanted to hang up their dicebags for good. It can be rough when you can't get what you want.
That said, you'll forgive me for straying back off topic a bit. I agree completely that "any setting can be complex when you're dealing with human emotion". The big difference between a WotC game and the other folks' games therefore has little to do with how many pages are dedicated to facilitating drama--a group with a propensity for drama isn't likely to need any.
It's largely about how you approach the game. When I measure D&D to any other system out there, there's just more gas in the tank. More races. More classes. More antagonists (that one can even play as when the moral ambiguity mood strikes). The only difference is sheer scale and scope and diversity. Are there a few factions, or are there so many I'd have trouble naming them all?
Frankly, yes I think a game that has a spell that detects a person's moral alignment rings true as RP friendly. What if that person is your wife? Your best friend? Your brother? What if it's you, when you earnestly believe you're doing the right thing?
Anyway I'll get off my soapbox. I just think it's unfair to pigeonhole D&D as somehow not a viable game for drama intensive roleplaying, cause that's the only way my group plays it and we've never found anything better.
If you still love the game and love to play, don't give up, even if you end up taking a long break from it. I've played on and off numerous times over the years - most of the 80s, several different games in the early 90s, a batch in the mid/late 90s, and most recently from about early 2004 to the present, along with once in a while marathon/one-shots. Speaking of the latter, if you still keep in touch with gaming buddies from before your move, no reason not to plan a long vacation weekend somewhere and do your own mini-convention with your friends: D&D, board games, Munchkin, video game death matches, etc.
L
Zeus,
I wish you lived closer. I am in Limerick Maine and my campaigns for the last 10+ years have consisted of myself and two friends. Do not give up, there are gamers around, they are just hard to find in this state.
Pax
No one around you plays? No problem! Just find people that like sci-fi/fantasy and "induct" them. None of them? go on down the line. You'll be surprise who is a closet player.
If you can't find a game where you are, give my site a look over. We've been online since the 90s and have over 100 players, most of whom can't find a face-to-face game to play in.
Sure the game's a bit slow on message boards, but it does serve to give you your daily 5-15 min fix of D&D. There's plenty to do: extra games offered monthly, campaign development, chat, etc. We have a very strong community who have come to be true friends in many cases just like those you game with face to face.
So, if you can't game locally, game online with us at woldiangames.com We'd love to have ya. We have current openings in several games (usually singles for games that are one person short) and we will be starting up 2-3 new games this spring and summer. Our games are long term and we now have groups hitting level 21 and retiring to start over again every year or so.
HEY ZEUS, DON'T GIVE UP ON FINDING PLAYER'S OUT IN MAINE.
I REMEMBER I HAD NEVER EVEN HEARD OF D&D, TILL AGE 18.
WHEN I JOINED THE MARINE'S, AND GOT EXPOSED TO IT BY
ANOTHER FELLOW JARHEAD.TRY ANY NEARBY MILITARY BASE'S.
EVEN IF THEY'RE NOT MARINE'S.
~sighs~ The thought of giving up D & D (And CoH / CoV) has been one that has dominated my mind for about the past 6 months. It is not because I don't have a gaming group. Far from it. There are 3 groups who are more than willing to have me join them. No, it is something else. ~gives a glum look~ It is the fact that I have only so much time in a day / week. I want to go back to school, I need to pick up a part time job to pay off these credit card bills, I eventually want to start to date again. Add to that the fact that I have enough on my plate as it is, and something has to give. ~shrugs~ Oh, the leave of absence will not be forever, but it would be at least 3 to 5 years. ~sighs~ Not that I would not keep collecting my Dragon mag and Dungeon Mag, it is just that I feel like I have to do more in this life than play games. I have been doing too much playing and now the reverse is about to happen.
Who knows, you might even end up DMing for your own kids!!
Ultradan
Ultradan,
That's exactly how I started gaming, with my father and mother. I played through as Pike the human fighter... Then moved on to paladins for awhile (ahh, 2e).KEJR,
I didn't realize how long you'd been out of gaming before our little group, but it sure explains the mistledale campaign (LOL).
Sharoth,
Don't forget us over here... We'll see you back soon enough, the door's always open *smiles and waves good luck*
Back on Topic:
Zeus,
We ALL go through the ringer for being gamers. Whether it's having a group of loyal, fun people to be around or just the idea of unwinding and being a bigger hero than you could possibly be in real life. Things like that make us gamers. Heck, seeing how many people are supportive within a gaming community is amazing. You may be like some of us who've had hiatuses (sp?), mine was 2.5 years while I was working nights. I finally got angry and said I wanted to do more than just stay up all night, and found a new employer (helped to save my marriage, btw). Then, after all was well, I went looking for a group, and got VERY lucky to be in the group I'm in. Do I game near as much as I'd like? Nope. Do I have fun when I do? Yep.
The biggest thing about gaming that you may be miss is that it's a creative excercise. Whether you're a hack 'n' slasher or a pure RPG player (or something in between), it's always an inclusive multiperson creative exercise.
I won't sway you one way or another. I merely caution you as you make your decision.
Good luck,
/d
I live in Winslow (one town over) and co-DM with Exquisite Dead Guy. It took us a long time to get our current gaming group together. We even went as far as posting flyers in used book stores and shopping malls, along with the web ads. Get in contact with Exquisite dead Guy as he may still have some contact info of the people that we had to turn away.
As far as the "hole in the wall", they have some D&D games on Sundays and Exquisite Dead Guy and I are thinking about trying to get a Call of Cthulhu game going a couple of Friday nights a month after the new year. If we do it will be posted @ http://spellbnd.proboards82.com/
Good luck,
Foul out.
I have lost count how many times I have quit playing to the point of selling off all my minis as well as books. Frankly I find it hard lately to get with a good group of players, especially finding it difficult to fly with eagles when I am roosting with chickens. But it never fails, some how and some way I am called to return to the game (rolls eyes back). When I was in the military it was easy to hook up with D&Ders that were more disciplined and more careful to work as a team. It seems civilians lack the disciplin. Well if you bow out I sure wouldn't blame you, but be warned it may be only for a short time.
It seems civilians lack the discipline.
I don't know why, but for some reason your post, Mr. Pharez, just seems very condescending and frankly, there's something in the undertone that is ingenuous and irritating. You seem to think you're above the rest of the gamers you've played with. And compare playing the game to the military? Dude, it's a hobby game for people that like to have fun. Yet you are putting your enjoyment of the game on par with the rigors of military discipline? Sorry. Doesn't sound very fun to me.
And the "rolls eyes back" thing about being "called" back to the game? What's that all about? If you don't enjoy playing the game and you think the rest of the gaming world are a bunch, how did you put it, "chickens" and you're the supreme alpha super cool "eagle", well, just stop playing. You obviously have too high of an opinion of yourself to play a fun hobby game with the rest of us poultry!
I wouldn't be surprised if with that attitude you've found yourself bouncing from game to game because the other players simply couldn't stand you.
Sounds like you should invest some money in solo adventures. In fact, here's a good place to look for some. Have fun playing with yourself!
It seems civilians lack the discipline.I don't know why, but for some reason your post, Mr. Pharez, just seems very condescending and frankly, there's something in the undertone that is ingenuous and irritating. You seem to think you're above the rest of the gamers you've played with. And compare playing the game to the military? Dude, it's a hobby game for people that like to have fun. Yet you are putting your enjoyment of the game on par with the rigors of military discipline? Sorry. Doesn't sound very fun to me.
And the "rolls eyes back" thing about being "called" back to the game? What's that all about? If you don't enjoy playing the game and you think the rest of the gaming world are a bunch, how did you put it, "chickens" and you're the supreme alpha super cool "eagle", well, just stop playing. You obviously have too high of an opinion of yourself to play a fun hobby game with the rest of us poultry!
I wouldn't be surprised if with that attitude you've found yourself bouncing from game to game because the other players simply couldn't stand you.
Sounds like you should invest some money in solo adventures. In fact, here's a good place to look for some. Have fun playing with yourself!
Sir, it is not that I am better than you, it is that people choose to be less than me. Moral and ethical principles were the things that shaped this once great nation. Which has turned to nothing more than a Sodom and Gamora, Babylon, Rome, all these places in our history denotes an empire that fell due to immorality. The standard of righteousness is denoted in the Bible one in which again this nation was founded on. While we contend to go down the slipery slope of immorality we will see this nations, end of days. In the mean time I will continue to search for fellow adventurers who are willining to uphold the moral cannons, principles and laws that have been with us from the very begining of creation. It is not suprising to see the constant fall of man in light of this,
2 Timothy 31This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
6For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.
I suspect all I am doing is throwing pearls before swine therfore,
Passage Matthew 7:6:
6Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Amen.
Zeus,
After reading through this thread, it makes ME want to quit gaming...
Ha ha ha! Now I understand, Pharez. What you're saying is that you're a religious nut. Your previous post tells me everything about you... You're a holier than thou righteous zealot waging war against the rest of us sinners. Oh, and I noticed that you referred to yourself as an adventurer. Blurring the lines between reality and fantasy games a bit, are we? Do you happen to own your own +5 Holy Avenger as well?
Whew! I'd like to congratulate your previous gaming groups for not having to deal with your insanity anymore if this is the kind of stuff you spout at a gaming table.
Now, a bit of advice. 1) Look into a mirror sometime. Out of all those scriptural references you cited, I'm pretty sure that unless you are Jesus in disguise you're guilty of about 75% of them. 2) Do yourself (and the world) a favor and get some psychological help.
Oh, and 3) definitely quit gaming.
Pass me a lighter, cuz I'm about to burn some bridges....
Paul, I gotta say that I'm a local that had loosely followed your campaign. I've had my ups and downs as a gamer (we all have), but as it stands, we've got an eclectic group thats willing to drop dice in the name of fun every Friday. This is the main reason we haven't already met, otherwise I would have pushed like a demon to get in on your game.
I guess extending an invitation for you to join our group would not be wise decision; many of us do not live up to your standards of morality. Too bad, because your DM speaks highly of you.
Immorality? Look no further than OUR gaming group! :)
I read this thread and my will to live as turned into a pillar of salt.
"And ye the up-their-own-butts shall inherit the rhetoric..."
Wow! The flames! AlterEgo, your posts in this thread mirror your avatar: angry and aggressive.
Users who participate in our message boards agree to not: post any content that infringes and/or violates any patent, trademark, copyright, or other proprietary right of any third party; use profanity; make any bigoted, hateful or racially offensive statements; defame, abuse, stalk, harass or threaten others; advocate illegal activity or discuss illegal activities with the intent to commit them.
AlterEgo, perhaps you could think about toning the aggression in your flame wars down a little bit.
As for you Paul, you might think about keeping your religious discussions to D&D related religions, or start a thread specific to telling the rest of us how lame we are. The high horse that you're riding in your post will only net you responses like AlterEgo's.
This is generally such a nice place. Let's keep it that way, eh?
Wow! The flames! AlterEgo, your posts in this thread mirror your avatar: angry and aggressive.
Yep. Hence the avatar (pic and name). In every day life, I'm a pretty nice guy.
Users who participate in our message boards agree to not: post any content that infringes and/or violates any patent, trademark, copyright, or other proprietary right of any third party; use profanity; make any bigoted, hateful or racially offensive statements; defame, abuse, stalk, harass or threaten others; advocate illegal activity or discuss illegal activities with the intent to commit them.
AlterEgo, perhaps you could think about toning the aggression in your flame wars down a little bit.
No problem. I've said all I intended to say anyway ;) Sorry if I ruffled anybody else's feathers besides the guy that got me all worked up.
Paul, Paul, Paul... What can I say, Until just recently I thought of you as an ok guy. A little on the crazy side, but aren't we all, but ok nontheless. Then I go and read your posts here and all I can think of is the countless times we as a group did make plans, only for your paladin, and yes it was always a paladin, to go and break them.
I resent to a very high degree being labled as a "chicken", yes, my CHARACTERS are for the most part chatoic, and they do things that often cause more trouble for those around them, but I must say I play this game for fun. As for morality, I am a very moral person, outside the game. And it appears to me that you have a very hard time distinguishing from the game and real life, because yes Paul, there is a difference. So, pull your head out of your "donkey" and move on. And as for your "callings" to come back to the game, get over it, you have not, nor will you ever get a higher calling from God to play D&D, it is just a need to have fun like the rest of us, you just need to let yourself have the fun when you decided to play again. And realize, please for all that are involved that it a game, just a game, and what people do around the table has nothing to do with who they are in real life, unless they are crazies, like you.
Mr. Pharez,
Perhaps you are letting your personal morals and life into your game. D&D is at its heart a game of fantasy, it seems you’re blurring fantasy with reality. I consider myself a good Christian, God fearing man, however when I play D&D I am allowed to do things in my imagination I could never do or dream of doing in life.
If a man steals my wallet I will report him to the authorities, but if a rouge steals my CHARACTER’S gold pouch he will not live to steal again.
If a man attacks a friend in life, I will assist my friend but not unduly inflict pain on the assailant, however if a barbarian attacks my CHARACTER’S party, my CHARACTER will rain down fire upon him, until his charred carcass is left.
In life I go to church and worship a caring, loving god, but in the world of D&D my CHARACTER can worship a god of hate and slaughter. The game allows me to explore my personality that I cannot or would not explore in life.You Wrote:
Frankly I find it hard lately to get with a good group of players, especially finding it difficult to fly with eagles when I am roosting with chickens. But it never fails, some how and some way I am called to return to the game (rolls eyes back). When I was in the military it was easy to hook up with D&Ders that were more disciplined and more careful to work as a team. It seems civilians lack the discipline.Not all players or characters care about the same thing or have the same goals…that is what makes the game fun. Sure, a group of four Paladins will surely see eye to eye on most matters but where is the fun in playing such a game. Think of all the great stories where people with different mindsets were forced to work together to find common ground; Professor X and Magneto, Legolas and Gimli, Sam and Gollum, Kirk and Spock, the list goes on and on. Trying to become more than what you are makes for great story as do defeat and betrayal.
You Wrote:
Sir, it is not that I am better than you, it is that people choose to be less than me.Then instead of...
Its interesting about the game of fantasy you begin to realize its form and its affect on many other levels. M't:15:18: But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
M't:5:28: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
M't:15:19: For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
Just as we express our thoughts our fantasies we express our truth that lies within our selves. Fantasy is our reality as our reality is our fantasy, and as you can see from above says alot about a person on an entire new level.
This is why I always play a Paladin. By no means is it easy, yet I do expect adversity for it is so written. Yet at the same token, I am called to maintain a moral value in which as a Paladin is difficult to maintain, yet it is not unatainable. Lu:1:6: And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.
The question now stands about those who I play with. Again there is a time to stay and a time to leave.
2Co:6:14: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? The answer is simply ...NONE.
The question their lies with the individual, where do you draw the line and make a stand, do you compromise your virtue in order to tolerate evil or do you simply break away. I can not answer that question for you, but I certainly knew that answer for myself.
Isa:5:20: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
Isa:5:21: Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
As for being a good Christian, there are no good christians.
M't:19:17: And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
What I have found exciting about playing a Paladin, they are the first to be called to heal and the first called to die. For I am much better in knowing these truths. GBU and happy gaming.
p.9/paragraph 5
"Naranjas Y Dulces
Dear Penthouse Forum,
It was back in my seventeenth year that my housekeeper, Carlita and her younger sister, Lupe took me on a picnic to an orange grove just outside my hometown..."
So, ah, Zeus, (is that pagan name?). How's the gamer hunt going?
GGG (another pagan name)
p.9/paragraph 5
"Naranjas Y Dulces
Dear Penthouse Forum,
It was back in my seventeenth year that my housekeeper, Carlita and her younger sister, Lupe took me on a picnic to an orange grove just outside my hometown..."
No, no, no...
The obligatory beginning to ALL Penthouse Forum letters begins like:
"Dear Penthouse, I never thought it would happen to me, but...." :)
No, no, no...
The obligatory beginning to ALL Penthouse Forum letters begins like:
"Dear Penthouse, I never thought it would happen to me, but...." :)
You realize you've committed the perfect satirical response to my lampoonery? Quoting verse to counter my verse. A thing of beauty.
*sigh* I hate being a chicken. Uh, it was nice knowing you, Paul.
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I'm beginning to believe that I just might be past the point where I'll be able to find a new group. I very much doubt I'll be able to find one that fits any of my expectations. So do I just give in and quit?
If gaming is coming short, try readin Dungeon regularly and try to contribute to the magazine.
It keeps you in touch with the game and "reading" an adventure is almost like playing it...There are times when gaming is low, but keep at the game!
And Zeus - after almost 5 years of searching exact such people as you do, I've found them 2 years ago. I have only three players, but the game runs smoothly, as it is more important for us to tell the story, than finding out exactly the correct modifier...
You might one day find some people who are just searching you as well!
Zeus,
I can only offer a little hope. I stuck with the computer games for seven years until I found a group I'm comfortable with. Now we've been playing weekly for 6 1/2 years. Sure, the video games are a far cry from the table top action, but they were better than nothing.
Mr. Pharez,
As a Christian theology teacher I can only offer one piece of advice: Love. The two greatest commandments boil down to love God, love self, love others. While this doesn't mean we must accept everyone's behavior it does place the responsibility on us to love everyone regardless of their behavior. You've got a problem with someone's behavior? Pray for them. As Christians we are called to save those around us but do not push them farther from salvation by turning them off to the good news. Instead offer your actions as a model of good living, sanctimoniousness will only leave a bitter taste.
First off, sorry Zeus, for the threadjacking. I hope your situation has changed and you've found some people to game with. There are some great suggestions here if not.
To Paul:
I tried to send you a private e-mail, but it came back rejected as spam (apparently I'm now on your list as rejectable junk mail). Basically, I wanted to tell you that I think you're a great guy and I appreciated a lot of the things you did as a guest in my home over the past couple years - bringing treats for my dog, your upbeat and happy demeanor, the respect you showed to my wife and myself and our home, and your eagerness to play the game. If anyone asks about you I'll tell them the same thing.
It's a little sad that you've taken such a harsh view of myself and the rest of my gaming group, even condemning us with a laundry list of sinful behavior you've attributed to us. I hope that you forgive us for whatever wrong you feel we've done you. More for yourself than for us. Remember Matt 5: 14-15.
I wish you the best.
Zeus,
I have been gaming in Maine Since Grade School in the 1980s. I have moved a little and gone to college and for the most part I have had to teach people the game each time I move. I am a little further north then you (Washington County). I try to start with freinds I already have and get them to do a single combat. You can tell right there if they will be into gameing or not. Find people that play fantasy video games or read fantasy novels. YOu are in Maine and it will be difficult to find gamers but it can be done.
I moved to Waterville Maine, or as I like to think of it the ass end of the universe, about six months ago. So adding two months of pre-transition crap I haven't gamed in about eight months. I've about hit the breaking point. How long after you haven't gamed are you no longer a gamer?
There's one little hole-in-the-wall shop that sells card games. The nearest decent comic/game shop is an hour away. Not to mention the movie theatres here are about 10+ years out of date, sorry different subject.
I've been gaming for since I was 12 years old, I'm now 32. I don't have any odious habits, no lisp, I shower regularly, I'm married, no kids and not living in anyone's mother basement. I'm a firm believer in contributing to the pop and munchies.
I've played with one group for a little over twelve years. Been with other groups off and on. I don't deal well with immature players or mooches. I like good indepth roleplaying. I'm not big on hack and slash or pointless dungeon crawling. I believe in cooperative storytelling.
I'm beginning to believe that I just might be past the point where I'll be able to find a new group. I very much doubt I'll be able to find one that fits any of my expectations. So do I just give in and quit?