While visiting with friends in Portland I learned of a four-day long game convention. This game convention is not just for anyone – it is for serious board game players. Yes, board games. They also have card, tournament and other game-like activities for committed gamers.
“It’s pretty much nerd central,” my friend told me. “A lot of people dress up.” “Are you dressing up as a dragon from Dungeons and Dragons?” I asked. “No,” he replied. “Maybe you could dress up as King Kandy from Candy Land or Rich “Uncle” Pennybags from Monopoly,” I suggested. He failed to take my advice.
As he prepared to attend day three of the convention he filled us in on the first weekend night of the convention, “The halls were nuts last night. Tons of LARPing.” “LARPing?” “Live action role playing – in costume,” he advised. “You should get in on that today. Why don’t you dress up? Also, do they play Twister at the convention?” I had so many questions. ” Just getting dressed today I realized I don’t fit in,” he said, looking down at this 1970s golf shirt and jeans. “What would it take to fit in, besides a costume?” I asked. “Just a coffee stain on my shirt,” he replied.
Just then, his ride arrived – games in trunk and ready to go. Not wanting to keep his ride waiting, and truly anxious to get back in the game, he left sans stain. Sorry he didn’t have time for the coffee stain – he is definitely taking a Risk there. Hopefully, the LARPers won’t have a Monopoly on the playing field; if they do, well, that’s LIFE.