I have returned to the job of running a D&D game on Sunday nights.  Honestly I love to DM!  I like to tell a story and have it revealed over the course of several game sessions.  I like to place the characters in interesting situations (underground oceans, cities under siege, royal masquerades etc).  I tend to run a serious game more akin to a George R. R. Martin novel than one like an episode of Family Guy.  That isn’t to say I don’t add moments of humor.  I have been told many of my NPCs are very entertaining (a pair Drunken Masters comes to mind).  I often earn accolades from my players and that is reward enough.

During the first session of the new campaign everything went well.  The guys seemed excited to try something new (a 4E Prison break out themed game) and aside from a few stutters the session went well.  The second session did not proceed smoothly.  The guys were exceptionally rowdy and seemed more concerned with eating snacks than playing the game.  The priority was not fighting off the bad guys but instead looking at humorous videos on the iphone, laughing about South Park puns and stuffing Doritos into the mouths of hungry gamers. 

Please don’t get me wrong.  I understand that D&D is a social event and the players need time to chat about things other than the game.  Sunday night D&D is the only chance that many of the guys get to see each other and discuss books, movies, computer games, life and work.  Since we are all in our 30’s and 40’s and some of us have children this is the only time to really relax and cut loose.  A couple of the players are also in dire straights with finances and I know this is the only chance for them to indulge in snacks.

What struck me was the not the rowdy activity but how it dominated the evening.  I felt like I could not retain any level of control.  Playing D&D seemed to become almost an irritation to socializing and juvenile humor.  Rather than moments of wild humor scattered throughout the D&D session it was closer to moments of D&D interrupting a night of puns, laughter and eating.  At the end of the night I was so burned out I suggested we switch to a board game at the next session instead of returning to the adventure.  The players stated they were having fun but I have my doubts.  The behavior seemed different from what has gone on the past six years we have gamed together.  It almost seemed disrespectful. 

We have the next two weeks off before returning to the campaign.  I plan to try it again to see if this was just a one-time thing.  Honestly if it continues repeatedly I don’t know what I’d do.  These people are my friends but I can’t DM in that kind of a situation.

The Guest’s Wash Basin:  This white glazed ceramic washbowl instantly warms any water placed within it to a pleasant temperature.  Any filth left in the water in the water after washing disappears before the next person uses the bowl.  Can be emptied for travel.

Selebryn’s Aromatic Pomander:  Small sealed cloth pouch full of herbs, fragrant wood shavings, floral petals, and medicinal salts.  When tied to a belt, kept in a pocket or pined on clothing this Eladrin made item acts to safeguard the wearer from predations of mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, biting flies, bed bugs, moths and mold that can destroy fabric.  Keeps garments, bedrolls, and backpacks fresh smelling.

Timeless Oak Barrels:  This fine crafted sealed oak barrel bound with iron can keep either fluids or dry good safe and persevered indefinitely.  Once the lid is secured the material inside will not sour, rot, or decay.  This item is especially desired on sailing ships where water is know to go bad in a short time when kept in regular barrels.

Dwarven Coal Stone:  This dull black can be encouraged to heat up if exhaled upon.  One breath will make the stone red and very warm.  Two breaths will make the stone orange and hot.  Three rapid breaths will make the stone yellow and hot enough to start a flame.  If the stone is made yellow it can be used to start a fire if dropped into dry tinder.  If the stone is made orange it can be dropped into water to cause it to boil.  If the stone is brought to red it can be stowed in a pocket or glove to keep the bearer warm.

Amad’s Barber Shears and Razor:  These finely crafted steel devices designed for the cutting and styling of hair have the unique property that they will not cut or pierce living flesh.  Barbers who cut hair and provide shaves need never worry about injuring a customer.  The shears and razor are always razor sharp and never rust or tarnish.  They can be found together or separately.  They do not confer the ability to skillfully cut hair or trim beards, that trait is under the control of the wielder.

The Blackquill:  A common looking white goose quill pen, easily made and discarded after use, is just what this item appears to be.  However when placed in a bottle of ink this writing quill absorbs the ink transforming from white to black. The quill can then be used to write without repeatedly dipping the tip into ink.  The quill does not leak and can be easily stored in a pack or a pouch.  As the quill is used it gradually changes from black to gray to white as it empties of ink.  The Blackquill can be filled repeatedly.

Glass Heat:  This lover’s token in the shape of a transparent yellow glass heart.  When given freely as a gift it turns a deep opaque red.  From that time after the holder is able to recall in perfect detail a time that was shared with the gift giver.  Most often this takes place as a dream while sleeping.  Should the gift giver die the heart turns a dark violet color but continues to function.

Digby’s Fishing Hook:  this shiny brass fishing hook looks quite normal.  When attached to a line and baited it will allow the wielder to catch enough fish to feed himself and two other companions.  The process takes roughly an hour to catch the fish.  The hook functions in both fresh and salt water.  All fish caught are normal creatures and non-monstrous species.  All fish caught are edible.  If no fish are present in the body of water the hook will temporarily tarnish.

Fey Coach:  This ornate coach or carriage is made of fine oak, basswood, and walnut.  Ornate images of deer, fox, peasant, badgers and floral images cover the coach in relief.  The coach features beautiful stained glass windows, electrum fixtures, and comfortable leather seats in a spacious interior compartment.  The coach can be hooked to two, four or eight horses.  The coach has seating for a driver and assistant, two doormen, and four travelers along with space to store baggage and personal items.  The Fey Coach has the unique magical ability that it never gets stuck or mired in mud, snow, or the ruts common on most earthen roads.  The coach always makes the best possible time between destinations without concern of the environment or the weather.  A Fey Coach also provides a comfortable and restful ride for all its occupants.

Demure Speaking Fan:  This delicate fan made of white lace, feathers or paper and wooden boning is useful for courtiers to communicate in a nonverbal method.  While attending royalty, courtiers and aristocrats often find it necessary to communicate to each other without bothering, interrupting or being noticed his or her highness.  News, the latest gossip, intrigue, secrets and even emotions can be communicated simply by moving the fan without uttering a sound.  By using the Demure Speaking Fan one can point, gesture, unfold and refold the item in such a way to be understood by any sentient humanoid within visual distance.  The owner of the fan need only speak the name of who he or she wishes to begin a conversation with.  The user and the listener can communicate as if speaking as long as they understand a common language.  Two-way communication requires two fans.  To the casual viewer the wielder of the Demur Speaking Fan is simply cooling him or herself or attempting to be coy. 

Halfdan’s Drinking Horn:  This enchanted item appears to be a common drinking vessel made from the horn of a sheep, goat, or bull and polished smooth.  When this drinking horn is filled with ale, beer, cider, mead, or spirits this vessel begins to sing out loud in a loud throaty manner.  The drinking horn favors bawdy drinking songs often with inappropriate lyrics for delicate company.  Should the horn ever be filled with water, juice, or milk it begins to sing a dirge or lament off key and even louder than normal.  The horn is silent when empty.

A Renaissance Faire can provide color for your D&D experience by allowing you to take in the event using all of your senses.  Most of our table top D&D games are a combination of an oral narration blended with a few visuals (often miniatures, maps, and perhaps a few props).  After attending a Renaissance Faire you can add vocal descriptions inspired but what you encountered.

The Sites:  A Renaissance Faire is a visual paradise!  Not only does the cast of these events dress in elaborate costumes but many of the people who attend as guest also get into the spirit and dress the part.  You may discover a fellow whose likeness would create an excellent King of Thieves or perhaps witness a jouster who you imagine your Paladin to look like.  And not only will you see people dressed up but buildings and grounds that can also motivate the imagination.  Ivy covered hamlets, thatched roof merchants homes and dusty footpaths may remind you of the village your character grew up in.  Items can also provide inspiration of D&D.  Maybe you will see the sword you imagine a Holy Avenger would look like.  My suggestion is to take along a digital camera or cell phone and photograph a few characters, places and things to later become part of your D&D game.

The Sounds:  All Renaissance Faire have musical groups that perform on period instruments.  This can give you an idea of what sort of instrument your Bard plays or allow you to pick up a CD for background music for during your next game session.

The Taste:  Some Renaissance Faires may offer you the chance to taste something made in a traditional way or try a type of food or drink from the past.  Sampling a fresh bread cooked over a wood fire might let you describe how the local baker's bread tastes when the party returns to the local inn.  Some events even sell things such as honey, spices, or sugared nuts to take home and share at the D&D game.

The Smell:  For good or bad you will experience a different set of aromas at the Renaissance Faire.  The scents of animals, leather, weapon oil, wood smoke, and fragrant oils can provide creative inspiration for your D&D game.  Walking into a perfumery may give you and idea of what the Temple of the Goddess of beauty may resemble.

The Texture:  One great thing about a Renaissance Faire is you get to touch and handle things like weapons and armor!  You can get the idea of the weight and balance of these items and how it would relate to your character.  As you heft a long sword you might imagine your Swordmage doing something similar to bond with his chosen weapon.  The uneven ground of a Faire can also give you the first hand impression of what a group of weary foot sore adventurers would feel after returning from a long campaign.

If you like color, detail and depth in your D&D adventures I think you can find more than a little inspiration after spending a day at the Renaissance Faire.

What do you think?

Yes indeed, the Dungeon was a wonderful game store for thousands of reasons.  Back in the early 80's it was not only a clearing house for TSR but had just about every game published.  I was able to pick up tons of back issues of Dragon at the cover price (I think issue #4 was the earliest I bought).  The Dungeon also carried games by different publishers ( I was introduced "Wooden Ships and Iron Men" along with "The Mechaniod Invasion").  I also discovered "Judges Guild" modules... not the same quality in presentation as a TSR product but very clever!

The staff at the Dungeon was fantastic too!  I shall never forget Duck and Neil.  These guys loved games and loved helping and talking about gaming.  They taught me how to better paint lead figures using washes and dry bushing.  I used to run into these guys at Gen Con when it was held in Milwaukee.  

Once in awhile you could run into a celebrity at the Dungeon.  Many TSR staffers would swing in for a visit!

I think it was about 1982 or 1983 when the Dungeon closed.  I was working in Lake Geneva on the Gage Marine tour boats trying to earn enough money for college.  On my way into work I noticed a sign selling everything at a -40% off!  Most of the miniatures had already been sold but I did manage to grab a few items.  I was fortunate that I lived only two blocks away from a game and hobby store in college so I could still get my "game fix" but sad that the local home-town store legend had closed.

The location of the Dungeon hobby store is now a fudge shop catering to the tourists (the fudge is real good!).  Lake Geneva was without a game shop for awhile.  Many FLGS have come and gone since the Dungeon in the Lake Geneva area.  With TSR leaving the area I imagine the gamers are fewer too. 

I have fond memories of the Dungeon Hobby store.  It set the bench mark for FLGS in my mind.

Back in the late 70's and early 80's Lake Geneva was quite the hot spot!  You see WI had a drinking age of 18 while neighboring state IL was 21.  This created a thriving economy of boarder jumping for entertainment, dancing, and adult beverages!  On the weekends and during the summer tiny Lake Geneva could swell from a population of 5,000 to over 15,000!  After WI raised the drinking age the "run for the boarder" thing dropped off.  The area is still fueled by the tourist element but not at the volume it once enjoyed.

I came to Lake Geneva as a High School student searching not for RPGs but comic books!  Lake Geneva had a news agency (next to the theater) and it allowed me to enjoy a better selection of titles than the Burlington Sentry store (yes indeed, bought most of my comics at a grocery store).  The news agency was also a head shop and sold porno.  It's gone now, I think a florist shop replaced it.

Anyways, my friend Jeff Boss pointed out to me a retail establishment on the corner of Broad and Maine streets in Lake Geneva one fine fall day and explained that they sold a game inside that was similar to the Lord of the Rings novels.  This shop was called "The Dungeon" and resided in what was once a local dive bar/ pool hall.  Jeff didn't know how to play but had heard about the game "Dungeons and Dragons".  We decided to check it out.  Inside was a strange world of books and boxed sets, strange dice, and thousands of miniatures!  I must admit it was the miniatures that first attracted me!  Companies like "Minifigs", "Ral Partha", and "Martian Metals" covered the peg board.  Jeff and I wanted to play but it would have to wait about a year before a another friend took us to game with his older brother who ran a long running AD&D game.  It was impossible for us to just pick up the rules and play because during this era there were so many versions of D&D available (the white box, the blue box with the dragon on the cover, the board game "Dungeon", and AD&D).  Of course after we got a taste and did some reading all things became clear.  Soon we became "regulars" at the Dungeon!

To be continued...