I'm not saying there isn't a distinction, I was just thinking that it might be just as easy to use existing elements of the game rather than come up with (and keeping up with) new stuff. Both paths lead to the same place, I think. I was suggesting a shortcut. The scenic route is nice as well. :)

It does feel special to me, I've been gaming a long time, and this is the first time I've managed to pull this off. We have one new player, but all the others have gamed in mixed groups. There's the possibility of another gamer, DM, joining us, so hopefully it will start spawning more groups like this. The feel is different. I'll try and express that difference as I go on with these blog postings.