Fourth Edition Day

Yes!

Dungeons and Dragons 4E has hit today. I think that it is awesome. For one, it is the crunchiest system ever created. You could not possibly get any crunchier without making your character a random strings of ASCII characters running through a computer fighting other random strings of ASCII characters. As a DM, crunchy games should be my enemy, but as a gamer with a primarily system-based focus, crunchy systems are really far more attractive to me.

I am not here, however, to take about the game or crunchiness thereof. I instead plan on discussing my events of acquiring the game. I had been waiting all week, patiently working each day and spending my evenings whittling away my video game list, waiting for the big drop. After a long day completely two projects solo because my boss had the kidney stones, I stepped out early to board the eastbound train and walked home, all the while reading some book about punctuation.

After a short break, I jumped in the car and drove down to my local game shop, all the while suffering the Wrath of the Pharoah. (Um, I always seem to have to sit at every intersection for over 30 seconds; my rationale is I pissed off a mummy at one point and am forever cursed to hit every red light. In terms of curses, it’s really not that bad.) After a bunch of cursing, I pull into the usual location...at the exact same time Friday Night Magic was starting up.

I had no idea how busy Black Diamond got Friday night. It was virtually packed, over a dozen people showing up for the tournament, including some younger kids who loved to ask questions and really wanted to get their hands on an Oona. Another eight people were just milling about, checking things out and completely missing the giant D&D display. It took me thirty minutes to check out, mainly because I was too polite. Of course, the package that was set aside for me ended up on the counter somehow, and every single FNM player was constantly touching it. I felt compelled to ask for another one...just because.

Still, even though the crowd inconvenienced me, I was glad to see that there were so many people playing games, that things were good for the hobby industry. It gave me a little hope that the things I cared about are still relevant. I left with a spring in my step...then immediately came back because I realized I needed another PH. Needless, it was an expensive day, and I couldn’t’ve cared less.

After that, I went to get a pizza. I went to Domino’s, because they are cheap, and I took a Player’s Handbook inside to give it a first glance. First, the design is outstanding. The art is big and exciting and the rules are laid-out calmly and deliberately. It’s not nearly as good as it could be, sure, but it never has been.

Anyway, I read for a bit, and when it came time to retrieve my pizza, the chick behind the counter (who couldn’t have been above 16) asked me if I roleplayed often. I responded legitimately, and we had a small conversation. She told me that the drama room was often overcrowded with Magic players (good news indeed) and asked if I LARPed (oh no, oh no no no no). Eventually the conversation broke up, and I drove home, glad that I met a confidant, even for a few minutes. Sure, she wasn’t “into it,” but the conversation imparted on me that what I did was actually a legitimate thing, something someone actually recognized on the street.

It was refreshing, and the entire experience really legitimized my hobby, my craft, for me. People, a lot of people, do enjoy the things I like, and I’m going to keep talking about it. I’m definitely not alone.