Thursday, October 27, 2011

Preparing for a Hunt for the Roots


Sorry if I sounded a bit melodramatic in my post yesterday about Gamer ADD, and how I'm "burning out" with regard to the amount of RPG material I've been reading of late. That's really what it was all about: me coming to the realization that I've been obsessively reading RPG rulebooks and accessories, to the point that I've been neglecting my other interests. It's also causing my brain to fry from all the information overload, and causing my mind to wander into all the possible future games I may someday run/play in.

Now, it's okay for me to be reading through my Castles & Crusades stuff on a regular basis. Because I'm running a C&C game that's been providing me and some great players with a fantastic bit of adventure! I'm really proud of our group and how we work really well together, and we're having a great time.

But in between all of that C&C research and game prep, I've been reading Labyrinth Lord, Swords & Wizardry, the Rules Cyclopedia, B/X D&D, Barbarians of Lemuria, Conan the RPG, Talislanta, Dragon Age RPG, The One Ring RPG, OpenQuest, and others that I can't even remember at the moment.

And then add in my desire to read through the blogs that I follow, which I think is totally worth it (but again it takes up time and my limited brain space!). I also want to comment on people's posts and write my own posts. More time and brain space.

Add to that the fact that I've also been reading up on settings for Pathfinder, Blackmarsh, Points of Light, Greyhawk, Lankhmar, Elric!/Stormbringer, Earthdawn, Warhammer, Eberron, and on and on. And reading a bunch of modules, those from TSR, Goodman Games, Troll Lord Games, Paizo, Expeditious Retreat, etc. AND also bugging Newt Newport about Crypts & Things. AND bugging James at Grognardia about his Dwimmermount stuff.

So, can you see why I've been feeling burnt?! I've inundated myself, saturated myself with gaming stuff. To the point that I've completely stalled on my other great love: reading. Reading novels, and non-fiction.

In particular, it's taking me FOREVER to read Martin's A Dance with Dragons. Most people I know have already read it. Heck, one of my best friends is well into his SECOND reading!

And I've also been unable to watch any of my beloved History channel shows that are piling up on the DVR (much to the wife's chagrin)!

ARGH!

Whew. OK. Seriously, I need some detox. I need to put the ton of stuff aside for now, and just take a breather. Take a rest. Focus. I need to really be thankful for what I currently have going on gaming-wise. The rest of the gaming stuff will be there when I'm ready. It will keep.

So, here's the plan (and the reason for the title of my post): I am going to finish A Dance with Dragons. Then, I am going to do something I've been meaning to do for a long time, but have been putting off for too long: I'm going to finally read through the tales of Vance, Howard, Leiber, Moorcock, Burroughs, and all the rest who represent the roots of D&D. Give me Appendix N or give me death!

And in between reading up on those seminal tales, I will be focusing my gamer attentions on my current campaign.

Then comes the blogosphere. Followed by some TV.

But of course, all of the above comes after work and family.

Whew. I feel better now. Onward!

4 comments:

  1. I found myself burned out recently from designing and just really wanted to play something. But it had to be different.

    Then this whole bunch of Solo play blogs popped onto my radar and I thought 'Hey, I've been wanting to do Barbarian Prince or Buffalo Castle lately, let's see what's up with these guys'.

    I went Solo nuts. My copy of Elder Sign arrived the other day and I find myself becoming rejuvenated.

    I'm dropping the first issue of a new pdf zine soon and I think I'm going to have to share some of this goodness, from free solo games that are astounding to this FFG release...it tis the season :)

    Sometimes I think we get so wrapped up in everything that we forget 2 very important things:

    (1) It's a GAME.
    (2) It's supposed to be FUN.

    And a very merry Spoooooky Season to everyone :)

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  2. We have been going through a lot of the same things lately Drance. I think you've hit the nail on the head though. My problem is feeling loss/angst for the games of the past. But I too am in a pretty good game right now. So, I'm trying to focus my energy as well. I've been reading lots of Lovecraft lately, or trying to, in addition to a couple of other dark fantasy pieces. And they have really been informing lots of my gaming the past few weeks.

    I think you'll find that you become even more inspired as you reconnect with the ficiton you mention and it will add all sorts of spice and depth to your campaign.

    Relax, have fun and be at peace,

    Chris

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  3. Thanks for chiming in, people! Chris: yes, if you read our blogs it does seem like we're going through similar situations with regard to our gaming lives. The ability to share stories and commiserate is one of the big reasons I wanted to start a blog in the first place! I'm not a big believer in being cynical and regarding other bloggers with suspicion. Call me a rube, I guess, but that's how I prefer to approach things in our little virtual world here. Anyways, peace be with you as well, and happy gaming!

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