Community

I am writing to let you all know that my wonderful husband, Mark -- Wrecan, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on April 21.  

Mark loved this place, this game and the people here.  You were all a big part of his life and by extension ours.  Mark brought magic and fantasy to me, his children and to his friends.  I thank you for all the joy you gave him and us.

-Jodie

20 years ago my fiance somewhat sheepishly confessed to me that he played D&D.  I thought that was pretty cool but told him that I would probably never play.  I have now been enthusiastically playing D&D with my husband, friends and now with our children for 19 years.  Through most of those years, I have been loyal to two things:  My husband and playing magic users.  I started as a homebrew hybrid bard but soon graduated to the real deal -- the best class ever -- wizard.  There is nothing like the thrill getting to spend a few hours being a reality bending master of the universe. 

I can honestly say that I mourned a little when I realized what 4e had done to my treasured class.  I spent a few days moping and whining that it was not possible to enjoy the game without illusions and charms and how could they possibly deprive me of my back pack full of scrolls for every occasion.  Not to mention the fact that most of my new spells had incomprehensible names.  I was not a happy camper.

It took me about four sessions to realize how wrong I was.  No longer am I simply competing with the fighters for damage or with the rogues to open doors.  I have a role now.  I control the battle.  I shine by setting the stage and when I shine, my teammates are not diminished.  They shine right along with me!  Tossing a fireball while my team stands back is not nearly as thrilling as holding back half the foes while my fighters clean up the rest a few at a time.  4e is the first time I have really felt part of a team that has to work together to work best.   I understand the problems with 4e.  I only hope that when they "fix" it, they keep the mechanics that allow me to have a role I have come to love.