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Geeks' Corner
Geek Gaming Aficionado
Dear Geek Guru,
I have recently heard that Pray-Sims is called the gamer hall. Why is this? What is D&D? Why do people talk about it so much? Where else do people play this?
Thanks, Confused
Dear Confused,
It is true that Pray-Sims is called the gamer hall. This is mostly due to the fact that most of the students in Pray-Sims play all kinds of games. I have known plenty of gamers from Pray-Sims, and most of them either play video games like Halo or World of Warcraft. Some play other games; D&D is one of them.
D&D stands for Dungeons and Dragons. D&D is what is referred to as a role-playing game. Basically, players choose a character that is set in a fantasy setting such as Forgotten Realms or Greyhawk. The players choose to give these characters equipment and certain powers. The characters have a class that is picked by the player depending on the character’s statistics or ability scores. Some classes are Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Druid, Barbarian, Ranger, Wizard or Monk. The player picks one of these classes for their character and portrays that character through acting or talking. Basically, the players are acting out what they think the character can and would do.
These games require players, probably four to six, but they also require a dungeon master, storyteller or game master. DMs, STs or GMs are the most important aspect of the game; without them, the game doesn’t exist. These players step up and tell a story, make a quest and make it fun for the players under them. This makes them unique. DMs, STs and GMs are hard to find. The art of telling stories is an art that most people just cannot handle.
Dungeons and Dragons, has different editions which players can participate in. The current edition is fourth. Most players are still playing third edition or 3.5, which has advantages over fourth, but fourth is gaining momentum.
I know that people play these games mostly to take a break from reality. The main reason for playing, ,though, is fun. Playing these games is fun, relaxing and enjoyable for all who partake. Some play because they are addicted, and this is a serious problem, but most gamers are willing to overlook this.
The reason people talk about it so much is because they want to share their experiences with other people in order to inspire them to try out the games they play. They feel superior to non-gamers because they have added more words to their vocabulary in one game session than most people learn in the span of a semester.
Being a gamer means that you have joined an elite group of people, who could survive an apocalypse because they have experienced an apocalypse already through their character and won’t freak out because aliens or monsters invade. In essence, these people are survivors and most of them have a strong resolve.
Survivors tend to want to share this experience with people they care about and want to have fun with. Most of these gamers would probably think that a monster or alien invasion would be the coolest thing ever.
If you want to play or see these games being played, there are a few options. First, there are local gaming stores like Galaxy Comics, Games and More or Gaming Generations. Second, there is a gaming group on campus called Gamers’ Alliance of Stevens Point or GASP. They hold a game night every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. in lower Debot.
Lastly, you can play these games with anyone who has the requirements such as books or video games, or anywhere that allows you to sit and play. You might need your own dice however, which can be purchased online or from your local game stores.
Remember, have fun and good gaming.
The Geek Guru
