What am i doing?

Ok, I’ve stated it before, I am no expert. I barely qualify as experienced. However, I do find myself wanting to share role playing games with as many people as possible. I want to become more versatile myself, and expose others to the benefits of these types of games.

Let me get personal. I started roleplaying when I was in middle school. I only played with my family, and only on holidays. We didn’t really talk about it with anyone outside of the family. As I got into high school, I did hear of a few people who played D&D and was invited to join them. I spoke to my father about it, and he simply warned me to be cautious with whom I played with. I went, but was uncomfortable and did not return. However, I continued to play with my family.

I am thankful to my father for allowing me to explore. He never just let me run out the door, he would remind me of some of the morals and guidelines that I was already committed to. I believe he was right to be watchful, and since then, I have found several people I am comfortable playing these games with.

The benefits of playing these games throughout my life helped me to refine who I am, and who I found as friends. I wanted people around me that made me feel safe to be myself. As I got older, and became a GM, I learned skills to facilitate a group of people, honed in on my leadership techniques and style, and continued to develop my empathy for others.

So, what am I doing here? I’m enjoying a game with friends, and I want others to experience this too. D&D is the largest, most known RPG, but it is not the only one. There are several others that I have begun to explore myself, and would love to introduce to others as well. Don’t leave it to me though. Star Trek, Star Wars, Achtung! Cthulhu, Dune, Old Gods of Appalachia, Candela Obscura, and many more can be found online and in game stores. Pick one up, read through it, get some friends, and have some fun!