Tag Archives: Reverb Gamers

I’ve been slacking on these questions from Reverb Gamers, but here is my answer when they ask:

REVERB GAMERS 2012, #16: Who was the most memorable foe you’ve ever come up against in a game? How did you beat him/her/it? Or did you?

As in a previous answer, I have way too many to list, so I will share the story of one that comes to mind immediately.

Back in the closing days of AD&D 2nd Edition, my friend Andy ran a campaign for our friend Fred and me in the Dragonlance setting.  In DL, one of the best-known organizations is the Knights of Solamnia, a large organization of warriors dedicated to the noble ideals of honor, justice, protecting the innocent and weak, fighting evil.  You know, just like every other group of noble knights in just about every other setting.

A Knight Of Solamnia

Anyway, Fred’s character was an aspiring member of this group.  He was sort of in on-the-job training, if you will.  I can’t remember the whole story, but he was in charge of either delivering or retrieving some important relic or whatever – let’s call it a MacGuffin.  So, my character, an aspiring Wizard of High Sorcery, was sent with him, not only to represent the Tower’s interests, but also so that he may learn more of the world beyond the walls, and hone his skills in the Art.  (Hmm, that’s two aspiring characters.  Dragonlance seems to be set up to test the newbies, doesn’t it?)  We were joined by two others, a cleric of Mishakal, and another Knight, Sir Callas.

Sir Callas turned out to be interesting.  He was good with his sword, quick of wit, and took on a something of a mentor role to Fred’s knight PC.  We continued on our quest as we battled foes, sought the MacGuffin, and built a camaraderie.

Well, finally, we drew near to the object of our quest.  In one truly magnificent and mettle-testing battle, we defeated our foe.  The MacGuffin in hand, we basked in our triumph as we caught our breath.  Sir Callas retrieved the MacGuffin, smiled, and said, “Thank you for your dedication in this service.  My Queen Takhisis will be pleased.”

Betrayed!  A member of the Knights’ sworn enemies, the Knights of Takhisis, was among us from the start!  And we, the fools, helped him all along!  Sir Callas fled and escaped our pursuit.  Exhausted, we made camp for the night.

In the light of the campfire, the fledgling wizard said, “Don’t worry, friend Knight, I am sure we will meet Sir Callas again, bring him to justice, and regain your honor.”  The Knight spat on the ground at the mention of the name, then grumbled, “‘Sir!’  Callas does not deserve the honor of the title ‘Sir.‘”

“Well, then,” the wizard replied, “We shall no longer call him that!  From this moment forth, he shall be known as Penis-head Callas!”

At that moment, all three of us broke out in belly-laughter that lasted for a good two minutes.  It’s the kind of laughter that friends share, especially gamer friends.  The spontaneity of my new title for Callas was all the more reason for his sticking out in my memory.

Another fine question from Reverb Gamers:

REVERB GAMERS 2012, #12: Do prefer collaborative or competitive games? What do you think that says about you?

Monopoly Board - From Hasbro

For me, I reckon it depends on the game itself.  Have you ever tried to play Monopoly collaboratively?  It turns out that it doesn’t really work too well.  The same goes with Risk.  Now, I’m not too keen on either of those games, although not because of their competitive nature.  But, that demonstrates my point: some games are inherently competitive, and cannot be played cooperatively without modifying them in some way.  In cases like that, I have no problem with them, and will play them and enjoy them if I enjoy the rules of the game.

Dungeons & Dragons - From TSR/WotC

But, this blog isn’t about board games, is it?  It’s about role-playing games.  When it comes to my RPGs, I heavily favor a collaborative playing style.  Dungeons and Dragons, in every edition, encourages teamwork.  Without a doubt, it can be played competitively, and I have done so in the past.  But, I’ve usually left the table feeling unfulfilled.  Sure, I’ve had fun playing that way, but I’ve enjoyed it more often and to a greater magnitude when playing with the other players, or, as a GM, when the players work together.

What does that say about me?  Perhaps that I like working with people more than against them?  Maybe that I’m just a friendly guy?  Or maybe, just maybe, I get tired of making my friends cry when I beat them.