Apathy Games

Crystal and China on the Battlemap

Written by Tyson J. Hayes on 2010/01/28 – 00:00 -

Wife of our own Paul, Katharyn von Meerscheidt writes about crafts, books, health, marriage (and occasionally tea) at While the Tea is Steeping.

When I was a small child my parents had several friends who themselves had small children, and everyone would gather together at someone’s house. While the children ran amuck, the adults would laugh while playing backgammon or cribbage, watching their gin and tonics, and laughing more than scolding when a child would regrettably steal a sip.

As a teenager, the regular social gatherings had far fewer people, and the drink of choice was more likely tea than hard liquor. Occasionally, we might play a round of cribbage, but usually the time was spent simply chatting through dinner or talking over a movie.

Role playing is a social gathering with that same level of casual interaction among–what will ultimately be–an intimate group of friends. If your house is dirty when these people come over, you’ll feel guilty, though not enough to reschedule. You’ll debate and argue and laugh all in the same evening, talking about significantly more than just gaming. When your life hits a rough patch, these are people who will hear about it–and steady your step through it; when your life marks a triumph, these are the people who will celebrate that triumph with you.

So why are these people drinking the beverages they brought, eating the food they brought, using your low-end dishes? They deserve better. Gaming is nothing short of a social gathering, so be hospitable and take the opportunity to be a socialite.

Do you or someone in the group enjoy cooking? Make the main dish and ask your guests to bring sides, or make the full meal and ask them to chip in what they can to help pay for the food. Share your pipe tobacco and rent out your book and movie collections. Open the liquor cabinet and use the fine china; who else is special enough to share these things with if not your gaming group?

Gaming at my house brings out a china tea set and crystal scotch glasses, and it wouldn’t be gaming at my house without them.

Ya-ya!

Tags: children, china, drinks, social, tea
Categories: Behind the Bar |
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