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January 12, 2006
Make a Save Versus...
I've played RPGs since grade school, and have always been reluctant to openly discuss RP in public places. It's one of those things that in my experience many people just don't understand. As a result I have hidden my passion for RP from the world at large opting instead to reveal it to only a select few: my closest friends... and anyone else who happens to be online on my WoW RP server of choice, or (in the past) happened to be present at any of the few gaming conventions I have attended -- but these are strength-in-numbers exceptions so they don't count. Ultimately, I am a closet gamer; a freak in sheep's clothing blending in among the masses.
My son is far less inhibited. Not a single conversation with him in private or public is devoid of some reference to an RPG (as of late computer-based RPGs). Having him around draws the RP geek out of my love who will also happily go on and on about forum boards, character builds, quest paths, and more. Some days it seems it is all they/we talk about.
In their enthusiasm, they can become quite oblivious to my discomfort with discussing such things in public; especially when they insist on including me in these conversations. But that's just me. I'm a fly-under-the-wire kind of person. I move through life mostly unnoticed; a social chameleon. (At least the "real me" is.) When all is said and done, I will in the end be at best historically insignificant; the poetry of my life left for the most part unpublished. (Ooo, how tragic! :P)
But then I see this and I think, "Holy shit! At least I was never that big a loser!" (Ok, actually I pray I never was! Hehe) It's actually a clip from Reno 911, a police reality show parody and it's too funny.
Assignment time, kiddies: Watch the clip and enjoy. And while your watching, ask yourself, "Why am I laughing?" Is it:
(a) I'm laughing because... I don't "get" gamers and this guy is a real loser?
(b) I'm laughing because... I understand Magic Missiles and Savings Throws, and while this guy is still a loser, I am reminded that I need to start planning my new costume for Ren Faire this Fall? *winks*
(c) I'm not laughing because... this is serious stuff. That cop had no right to introduce a gun in a fantasy setting!
If your answer is (c) then... I envy you. You have found a special place in which to enjoy being the you you dream yourself to be. Also, you need to fucking relax, and maybe get out more, because in the end everything is just a game.
Play nice.
Posted by Tacitus at January 12, 2006 11:19 AM