Runester

So, today was JiffyCon. A little one day gaming convention held down at Pandemonium Books in Cambridge. There was no way I was going to be able to find my way down there by car … so I took the “T” (Boston public transport train and subway system). Unfortunately, I underestimated how long it would take … and I missed character creation for the first game I was signed up for. I couldn’t play, but I was able to sit and watch, and even through out some good ideas at the end. Not bad!

There were around twenty (20) people present, and we all ordered lunch together. I ordered a delicious gyro wrap and a fattoush salad. Things weren’t that organized and the delivery person didn’t bring enough utensils for everyone, so I went next door and bought what we needed.

After lunch I was able to participate in the second game I had signed up for. It was a lot of fun, sort of free form board / role-playing / horror game. We played a scenario about mutant sharks attacking passengers on a cruise liner. We drew our board on a large piece of butcher block paper as we went. That game was a ton of fun, and we played with the designer who was still looking to play-test it and smooth the rough edges.

After that I was feeling good and craving a coffee. A young woman was going across the street to the cafe, so I invited myself along. It was nice being able to speak with her so comfortably and casually! There is something about con’s that engenders friendships.

At the end of the evening, I walked back to the “T” station and road it back to Hyde Park. A full day of gaming and socializing … and all the day after my surgery! I didn’t let anyone know, and except for a little soreness, there were no signs. I think I’ll remember today for a long time to come.

I turned Thirty-Eight (38) years old today. And, Gary Gygax died at 69 of an aortic aneurism. So, I’ve managed to live another year, dispite some poor diet and lack of excercise. I’m contented, for myself and very sad at the passing of Gary. I’ll never get to meet him or get a chance to talk to him and I’m regretful that I didn’t use the one chance I had in 20o2 to speak with him at GenCon.

At the D&D game tonight, I’m going to bring something non-alcoholic for everyone to toast with. I want us to ackowledge the passing of a great man in our little hobby.