Race 2020-05-31

Something that didn't bother me at first when I was learning, but did, as soon as I started teaching others how to play D&D, was the mechanic and term "race". It made me uncomfortable explaining its role and mechanic in creating your character. I would avoid calling it by its name whenever possible, talking around it.  Then I discovered the Adventures in Middle Earth product and how they didn't use that term, but instead structured it as a "cultural" set of parameters for creation of your character.  It fills that mechanical slot, but it is a change much more than just nomenclature. Divesting gaming from that lens is one less small mental block that surrounds us. That lens which otherwise prevents us from fully and authentically engaging with our fellow humans, not only around a table but in all aspects of life.

Pivot

I shouldn't be surprised that when taking a long step back from something, that your newfound perspective provides a better understanding of where you once were.  I thought I was a great DM, but as I start thinking about how to start playing again, I realize now that isn't true. That perspective time gives, really does point out those ogre-fisted sessions where I was so set on something, that I was oblivious to a path to head down.

Also having not played in a regular game in almost two years, I really do want to start playing again.  Now this isn't the best time to go sitting at a cramped table full of dice, papers, and snacks, but I really do miss the excitement and socialization of it all. I had thought this might be THE TIME to get my family members in on a game, but that is such a tall task, that I don't know if I want to carry that much water and it still be a stress free(-ish) past time.

Who knows, like so many other things in the last year, maybe the answer will just happen.