Confessions of a Geek

Revisiting an earlier topic The mind to write? III I talked about using props and told you that I play RPG's, and not just video games the old fashioned table-top variety.

Well when I moved I started playing AD&D: Pathfinder every other Saturday with a group, its odd having something that resembles a social life. Not traditional D&D, the storyline that we are playing with is more than just sword and sorcery, its Steam-Punk, which makes me smile as another favorite genre.

As a veteran gamer its hard to give me a challenge or something new, Pathfinder is doing both, new worlds and new toys in different setting with the great lore that I have come to love. More than a new world I'm playing a character class that I have admired but never played before. Bard: as many people know these characters are a type of magical musician, what I didn't really understand is that they are a subset of Rogues (Thieves) but she, my character is dual classed with Fighter so I haven't completely left my comfort zone. For a gamer its like training wheels.

But I like my props, I don't just mean dice and a little pewter figure. When I explained that it helped me set the mood or get into the role. When I started thinking about setting up my gaming kit for Tara I though back to what I wrote before and thought I could share another example.

Tara Songwind
Bard/Fighter: Enchanted Lyre, Longsword

Bards: Song Book/Hymns (spell-book), instruments
Fighter: Armor, weapons.

Since I am not LARPing I don't want any large props, so no sword or lyre. Small things that I can play with without being distracted from my game. Since D&D Bards use there songs as a type of spell casting a songbook is a great option.

Songbook: Small Music Notebook I can print copies of the bard spells and secure them inside the notebook.

Tin Whistle: Irish Penny Whistle Its a small, easily portable instrument, as I don't play I'm not looking for a major investment.

Chain-mail: A type of armor quite popular, and fortunately something I am adept at crafting myself, a quick set of bracers.

Thick Leather Belt: Bridle Belt I know I said I'm not interested in costuming... But I can't help it, holding this idea and the bracers for the fighter aspect. Its just not smart to use weapons in costuming, it gives the illusion. I probably won't do this, but sharing.

Pewter Miniature: Anwyn Female Bard Nobody does it better than Reaper.

You can guess I could keep going but I think I'm done for now. 

Election Day

Its to be expected that I'll be a little political. It's inescapable, politics was the stone and mortar for most conversations in my family when I was growing up, and in large families you can imagine that meant conflict.

So what are you waiting for? Get out and VOTE!

Today's observations:

For the first time in my life I am living in a State where my vote may actually count. I spent the first half of my life in the VERY Democratic western Washington State, the second half in the VERY Republican Utah. Now, while I am working in Maryland, I LIVE in Pennsylvania, my very first Swing State.

Now for me, I love it. I am an Independent 'Un-declared' voter. Roughly translated I vote based on issues, not people, in my mind it isn't a popularity contest or pep rally. Once I determine my own opinion on a topic I examine the candidates, their family life, their political and community background and their declared platform before mixing and matching my opinions with people. Sometimes this puts me Dem, sometimes Rep, maybe Libertarian, Constitution or Green.

With the surge of energy surrounding the election in PA, I feel involved, and let me tell you I had a lot to educate myself on before casting my ballot on local issues.

Now there is a lot more that I could write about. The energy that fills the community, the great arguments but not today. I woke up early and made my way to my local voting station early enough that I was fifth in line and now I'm going to relax, do laundry, write a little and wait for the polls to start closing.

Blurb

There are times when we are forced to confront the things in the shadows of our own minds. Like god hitting you over the head.

For me, thats when the rain falls.

As I get older its easier to hide behind a smile, an easy glance or polite comment. Until something happens or someone says something and I calmly hide my response like stained glass, ready to shatter. Thousands of colorful pieces held together with lead...

WOW! Looking busy.

Its been a whole month!

In my defense while I have internet my computer is offline, when its back up then I'll knuckle down again.
Anyone still checking I am still writing and grateful for everyone who is reading. This whole moving thing is exhausting in so many ways but most recently I would like to give a shout out to Hurricane Sandy.

Talk about drama laden MATERIAL.

In my normal fashion that means that I am interrupting myself again but only briefly and I'll post a blurb.