My friend J, who was a U.S. Navy veteran and master craftsman, was also a gamer. In fact he introduced me to the boardgame Wiz-War, one of the major influences on Olde School Wizardry.
When J died unexpectedly in 2008, his friends decided to honor his memory by gathering for an annual weekend of games, food, and friendship so that we could remember him, swap stories, laugh, and stay in touch with each other.
At one of these gatherings, Russ Wrightson, another man remarkable for his generosity, intelligence, and patience, stood in the driveway at about 2 A.M. while I pitched the idea of playing a RPG that focused solely on the antics of incompetent, adept wizards. Amid all the fancy Euro board games and gorgeously painted miniatures, would anybody even be interested in some old school pencil and paper role playing?
Life, a new career as a teacher, and two little kids at home had really crowded table top gaming out of my life to the point that it was only for special occasions or rare gatherings. I felt the absence keenly, but would other people be willing to commit the time?
Russ's advice: "Go for it." If I made the effort to prep a campaign, he'd be in.
Last night we met for our 200th session of Olde School Wizardry: The Nine Ancient Runes of Magic.
That's a considerable milestone ... consider that we play about 25 times per year for an average of four hours ... through job changes, moves, deaths, and new relationships, this game has remained a way to love, laugh, tell jokes, think through puzzles, and stay connected to each other.
This week Olde School Wizardry went live on Kickstarter, funded, and has received backing from over 70 supporters ... 60% of whom are people with whom Josh and I don't yet share any connection beyond a love of gaming.
It's my hope, as this project moves out into the wider world, that it will draw other folks together and help them laugh, tell corny jokes, and stay connected to one another.
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