crawling through sewers with a torch

Last night I explored a dungeon-like system of sewers with my friend (a punch-throwing monk whose fists would make Bruce Lee take pause), was attacked by wererats, traveled through the wilds to a town called Nistala, was reunited with an old friend, and barely lived through an encounter with a couple of terrifying creatures that made ogres look harmless.

 

It’s kind of like the old days of sitting up all night, playing D&D in the fort at Mike’s, drinking Mello Yello, and eating sunflower seeds.  I didn’t have any pop or seeds, and I was in this rented basement room instead of the loft above a garage, but it was a lot of fun to be playing D&D again.

It’s actually the fourth time I’ve done so recently.  We’ve been playing via an online platform, so that, even though none of us live in the same town, we can hear each other and see a shared map on our screens.  This doesn’t recreate everything that comes with in-person roleplaying—all the nonverbal communication and little things a person takes for granted in face-to-face interaction—but it is a lot of fun, regardless. 

Josh, the DM, has created a really cool, intricate plot that is only beginning to reveal itself as we meet more characters, explore areas, and learn more about the politics and current events of the region.  There is a good amount of uncertainty and intrigue that keeps one paying attention to details and wondering what’s next.  This is mixed with moments of hair-raising adventure and attention to character development.  All put together, this makes a wonderfully fun roleplaying experience!