I was out on some errands yesterday and I rarely visit LGS here in Columbus. I dropped by The Guard Tower and looked around to see anything of interest. They definitely love their Pathfinder there, which is good. There were a couple of things that held my interest, but given my current state of (un)employment and knowing I can get stuff at better prices elsewhere, the only thing I managed to pick up were two sets of Chessex dice packs. I take them up to the counter to purchase. The person running the register says:
"Do you know what this is for?"
OUCH!
The same thing goes for the choice of music that I listen to; people can't imagine me as a 'gamer' either. I look around the shop and the average customers tend to fall under the predictable stereotypes and I knew very well that I didn't fit either (c'mon guys, you know there are two main stereotypes that tend to visit the LGS).
"I sure as hell hope I do," came my reply.
"Can I get your name?"
"Bender."
"There's a lot of Benders in here"
"Gregg."
"You have been here before."
(queue to imaginary re-enactment of me whapping the guy with a clue-by-four)
"Yes."
<idle small talk ensues about P20 vs D20 Mod, Iron Kingdoms, no current editions of KQ available, etc. for two minutes, then I leave.)
Thought I'd share. Resume your activities. :D
"Do you know what this is for?"
That's what she said.
OUCH!
I knew very well that I didn't fit either
"There's a lot of Benders in here"Ditto.
This looks like where I ... get off ... the bus.
"Do you know what this is for?"
That's what she said.
OUCH!
I knew very well that I didn't fit either
"There's a lot of Benders in here"Ditto.
ROTFL!!!!!
"Do you know what this is for?"
That's what she said.
OUCH!
I knew very well that I didn't fit either
"There's a lot of Benders in here"Ditto.
You're such a pervert CH
Wait, my thread was off topic for OTD? Someone else besides Mairk is painfully OC(A)D. LOL!
I was out on some errands yesterday and I rarely visit LGS here in Columbus. I dropped by The Guard Tower and looked around to see anything of interest. They definitely love their Pathfinder there, which is good. There were a couple of things that held my interest, but given my current state of (un)employment and knowing I can get stuff at better prices elsewhere, the only thing I managed to pick up were two sets of Chessex dice packs. I take them up to the counter to purchase. The person running the register says:
"Do you know what this is for?"
OUCH!
The same thing goes for the choice of music that I listen to; people can't imagine me as a 'gamer' either. I look around the shop and the average customers tend to fall under the predictable stereotypes and I knew very well that I didn't fit either (c'mon guys, you know there are two main stereotypes that tend to visit the LGS).
"I sure as hell hope I do," came my reply.
"Can I get your name?"
"Bender."
"There's a lot of Benders in here"
"Gregg."
"You have been here before."
(queue to imaginary re-enactment of me whapping the guy with a clue-by-four)
"Yes."
<idle small talk ensues about P20 vs D20 Mod, Iron Kingdoms, no current editions of KQ available, etc. for two minutes, then I leave.)
Thought I'd share. Resume your activities. :D
You should really take that as a compliment! The guys in my gaming group and I get the same reaction when we tell people we game. We are all metalheads, some former and others currently active musicians in metal bands, and some people just can't wrap their heads around us sitting in a room slinging dice and slaying monsters. Go fig.
And a quick side note: I've been to the store you mentioned and I don't really get the need for personal info thing. Even just for stuff like buying dice, they want your name and info, even when paying cash...
You should really take that as a compliment! The guys in my gaming group and I get the same reaction when we tell people we game. We are all metalheads, some former and others currently active musicians in metal bands, and some people just can't wrap their heads around us sitting in a room slinging dice and slaying monsters. Go fig.
Since I don't have any tats (yet?) and unless I'm rockin' one of my plethora of metal shirts, I don't look like a metal head either.
I have been accused of being an undercover security plant at concerts on numerous occasions, however. :P
P.S. Speaking of slayin', here's to you to slay this evening! I promise not to get on your stage (for now). :P
And a quick side note: I've been to the store you mentioned and I don't really get the need for personal info thing. Even just for stuff like buying dice, they want your name and info, even when paying cash...
They didn't even want to update my personal information (i.e. address / phone number). I think it's just to track who likes what.
That reminds me, I hear there's a store out in Newark that I haven't been to before. Only way I discovered them was that they showed up on the Free RPG Day list. Need to go check it out since it isn't far from us far east siders.
Maybe.
Interesting.
Fixed it for you.
Interesting.Fixed it for you.
Maybe.
Is this the tilde-free Sharoth?
Anyone want to take a stab at the LGS male customer stereotypes?
Anyone want to take a stab at the LGS male customer stereotypes?
Um... is one them wearing a t-shirt which says:
Front: Jesus saves...
Back: ... and only takes 1/2 damage!
*pic of smiling Jesus holding a mace and giving a big thumb's up*
Anyone want to take a stab at the LGS male customer stereotypes?Um... is one them wearing a t-shirt which says:
Front: Jesus saves...
Back: ... and only takes 1/2 damage!
*pic of smiling Jesus holding a mace and giving a big thumb's up*
...and he may have not taken a shower in a couple days and is unaware of what deodorant is used for. And that shine in his hair...it's definitely not pommade.
As for the other stereotype?
"Do you know what this is for?"
Well, is it your rifle or your gun? I can answer the question completely once I have that information.
Anyone want to take a stab at the LGS male customer stereotypes?
fat guy with a beard
skinny guy with a pony tailedit: and then me.... medium build with shaven head
|
You mustn't forget about us fat guys with beards and ponytails! :DAnyone want to take a stab at the LGS male customer stereotypes?fat guy with a beard
skinny guy with a pony tailedit: and then me.... medium build with shaven head
+1
I have been described as "A slightly more easy to impress comic book shop guy."
I prefer to think of myself as a younger, Gary Gygax.
Is this the tilde-free Sharoth?
possibly.
The times are indeed changing, when metal-heads seem to expect others to be surprised that they play DnD. Back when I started, D&D (ampersand required), there were exactly two types of gamers - super-nerds and metalheads. The connection between the two is that both groups were generally outcasts/loners. I remember leraning quite a bit about Slayer, Anthrax, Metallica, and more, as well as how to make my own ninja-weapons from a couple of kids I otherwise would never have hung out with. I was never that surprised at the time, since we all loved (um, were obsessed with) D&D, but it was an odd pairing.
Somewhere in the 90s, D&D jumped from the purvey of the oddballs to a more accessible hobby. Even gurls played! Despite the market-driven cliche of gamers, they really are a diverse lot.
Of course, my most recent gaming group included five fat, dorky guys in a basement...
The times are indeed changing, when metal-heads seem to expect others to be surprised that they play DnD. Back when I started, D&D (ampersand required), there were exactly two types of gamers - super-nerds and metalheads. The connection between the two is that both groups were generally outcasts/loners. I remember leraning quite a bit about Slayer, Anthrax, Metallica, and more, as well as how to make my own ninja-weapons from a couple of kids I otherwise would never have hung out with. I was never that surprised at the time, since we all loved (um, were obsessed with) D&D, but it was an odd pairing.
Somewhere in the 90s, D&D jumped from the purvey of the oddballs to a more accessible hobby. Even gurls played! Despite the market-driven cliche of gamers, they really are a diverse lot.
Of course, my most recent gaming group included five fat, dorky guys in a basement...
...and then there was that Airheads abomination of a movie...
The times are indeed changing, when metal-heads seem to expect others to be surprised that they play DnD. Back when I started, D&D (ampersand required), there were exactly two types of gamers - super-nerds and metalheads. The connection between the two is that both groups were generally outcasts/loners. I remember leraning quite a bit about Slayer, Anthrax, Metallica, and more, as well as how to make my own ninja-weapons from a couple of kids I otherwise would never have hung out with. I was never that surprised at the time, since we all loved (um, were obsessed with) D&D, but it was an odd pairing.
Somewhere in the 90s, D&D jumped from the purvey of the oddballs to a more accessible hobby. Even gurls played! Despite the market-driven cliche of gamers, they really are a diverse lot.
Of course, my most recent gaming group included five fat, dorky guys in a basement...
All true....but you always seem to get the annoying social retard standing next to you at the LGS. You know, the one who starts loudly commenting to no one in particular (right next to you) about some game supplement, in a vain attempt to draw you out of your "shell", and start a conversation....
....many times.....many times....<cries>
|
Don't know if it's cliche with anyone else, but my group tends to attract former band-geeks. This wasn't the case in High School (probably because my school didn't have a band, duh) but in college and MOST DEFINITELY post-college this has been the case.
As for me (to borrow from American Pie): I'm a bank-geek, I just never joined the band.
|
|
And a quick side note: I've been to the store you mentioned and I don't really get the need for personal info thing. Even just for stuff like buying dice, they want your name and info, even when paying cash...
I assume the first time they politely ask whether you would be kind enough to provide the information and why they want it. They don't require you to provide that info do they? Because if they do I would simply not purchase anything from them!
And a quick side note: I've been to the store you mentioned and I don't really get the need for personal info thing. Even just for stuff like buying dice, they want your name and info, even when paying cash...I assume the first time they politely ask whether you would be kind enough to provide the information and why they want it. They don't require you to provide that info do they? Because if they do I would simply not purchase anything from them!
Just give'em what they want:
"Name?"
"Nona"
"Nona what?"
"Nona Yurbizness"
|
|
Ah...the Guard Tower. Rudeness, the smell of cat urine, and unneeded requests for personal information all in one package. They do have a hell of a selection of minis though.
I hardly go there anymore, mostly because I am allergic to cat urine and I can never know if they changed the litter that day or have left to reek for a week.
At least that is how it used to be. If that changed, more power to them.
I asked about the name thing once. I was told they tracked how much you spent in the store for discounts or some such thing. Apparently the hundreds and hundreds of dollars I laid down in the past wasn't enough, so I pretty much think that wasn't true. Your guess is as good as mine why they keep asking for it.
I like the Armoury a lot. In fact, I rarely go anywhere else. But you often need to do a lot of special ordering for certain products. I don't mind that, but I know some people might. The owner of the Armoury, Bruce, is super nice person and doesn't fit into the stereotype either. He is usually attentive and willing to help out when he can. His store's clientele is remarkably eclectic, which makes for an energizing environment when a major event is going on.
Speaking about stereotypes, I would like to think I don't fit those. I am a bit chunky (though I am losing the weight finally) and I do maintain a beard. It is a well-trimmed beard, but it is a beard nonetheless.
The times are indeed changing, when metal-heads seem to expect others to be surprised that they play DnD. (snip)
True! When I started playing, I had to convince people that "you know, not only metalheads play D&D."
One of my first impression (as in being impressed by) of fantasy art/world/games was a Led Zepplin poster from their Hammer of the Gods tour. Now that I think of it, it might have been a print on a black fabric or something...
I can't remember how old I was (at least able to read, I guess) but it forever fused the fantasy = rock'n'roll for me.
'findel
Speaking about stereotypes, I would like to think I don't fit those. I am a bit chunky (though I am losing the weight finally) and I do maintain a beard. It is a well-trimmed beard, but it is a beard nonetheless.
For about three seconds, I thought you might had been related to James Lipton. (ducks) :P
Speaking about stereotypes, I would like to think I don't fit those. I am a bit chunky (though I am losing the weight finally)
Congrats on losing the weight.
I have facial piercings, my septum and eyebrow x2. The septum's a 6ga, so it's pretty hefty.
Little old ladies freak when I do things like open doors for them. Their reactions were even better when I had a mohawk.
I suppose they were expecting me to steal their social securty cheques and give them Satanic head bitey...
|
|
For about three seconds, I thought you might had been related to James Lipton. (ducks) :PSpeaking about stereotypes, I would like to think I don't fit those. I am a bit chunky (though I am losing the weight finally) and I do maintain a beard. It is a well-trimmed beard, but it is a beard nonetheless.
Wow. :)
The pic on my Facebook page is from a show I did back in February called Dancing at Lunasa. I have lost weight since then, just no pictures to show for it.
|
|
Speaking about stereotypes, I would like to think I don't fit those. I am a bit chunky (though I am losing the weight finally)Congrats on losing the weight.
I have facial piercings, my septum and eyebrow x2. The septum's a 6ga, so it's pretty hefty.
Little old ladies freak when I do things like open doors for them. Their reactions were even better when I had a mohawk.
I suppose they were expecting me to steal their social securty cheques and give them Satanic head bitey...
Thanks. It is coming along, though I wasn't really trying. My current medication actually kills my appetite, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing.
There was a time when I wanted a facial piercing, but I am such a coward when it comes to pain I couldn't do it. Even that little bit of pain made me too nervous. Same with getting a tattoo.
Yeah, I know, its pretty sad but at least I admit it. :)
I'd actually like to do some tattoos someday, but I have to make sure exactly what I want, how much do I want to do ... and will I be able to live with myself when I'm 80 years old for having it. :D
That reminds me, I hear there's a store out in Newark that I haven't been to before. Only way I discovered them was that they showed up on the Free RPG Day list. Need to go check it out since it isn't far from us far east siders.
What's the name of the store in Newark?
I love the GT and Ravenstone, I don't get to the Armory as often as I'd like, but I'm always up for trying out a new LGS.
That reminds me, I hear there's a store out in Newark that I haven't been to before. Only way I discovered them was that they showed up on the Free RPG Day list. Need to go check it out since it isn't far from us far east siders.What's the name of the store in Newark?
I love the GT and Ravenstone, I don't get to the Armory as often as I'd like, but I'm always up for trying out a new LGS.
I haven't been there yet and thought about checking it out tomorrow while the lil lady is out of town for the weekend. Here.
I'm told there may also be one up on Dublin, but I haven't confirmed that one yet.And cool, another local. Where you located?
"Bender."
Bite my shiney metal ass.
** spoiler omitted **
A certain presidential drow did a quick sketch along with the caption on the back of my Xmas card envelope last December.
|
|
That reminds me, I hear there's a store out in Newark that I haven't been to before. Only way I discovered them was that they showed up on the Free RPG Day list. Need to go check it out since it isn't far from us far east siders.What's the name of the store in Newark?
I love the GT and Ravenstone, I don't get to the Armory as often as I'd like, but I'm always up for trying out a new LGS.
I haven't been there yet and thought about checking it out tomorrow while the lil lady is out of town for the weekend. Here.
I'm told there may also be one up on Dublin, but I haven't confirmed that one yet.And cool, another local. Where you located?
When I lived in Thornville (out near Buckeye Lake) Comic Shop Plus was my game store. I liked it overall. If I remember correctly it was quite sizable. I am not sure how much has changed, but I always felt like it was a good store.
I like Ravenstone games. I wish it wasn't in the neighborhood where it is currently located, but that doesn't matter a whole lot. Mostly, I don't get out there because it is on the other side of town for me. But I did like the store and the employees were polite and helpful enough for me to go back.
I am happy to see another local as well. We could almost start a band or something. :)
"Do you know what this is for?"
OUCH!
Missed opportunity! You should have said something like "Yeah, they're like bath salts, you put them in the tub with you and they dissolve and you get some kind of kick. Those from chess sex are the best if you know what I mean."
Have him explain the whole RPG concept to you. Play stupid. I'm sure we all tried to explain our hobby to the uninitiated at least once, and we should know what people usually get wrong about it.
Try if you can break the guy. :D