There is something about sitting down with good friends, pulling out books, dice, paper, pencil, and losing ourselves. Suddenly we are no longer here, but there. Where? You know...we suddenly become companions, with weapons at the ready, a quest that needs answering. Reality bends and imagination takes us on a quick ride. The room fades is replaced with the sights and sounds given to by our GM. And legends are born, even if they are just within our chosen circles, they are nonetheless legends. As you read this, I want you to think about that. Our stories, the events that lead up to them, their outcome, and the great stories that are constantly told and retold.

Many different people learned to play with many different systems, but me personally...Advanced Dungeons & Dragons. I began about 11 years ago, and I still remember my first character. An Elven ranger, nothing spectacular, but a good character. From that one character, I have had legions more. Some stand out more than others, but all were fun. I had my first taste of AD&D from an uncle who played, and I would look at his books when he wasn't around, and was captivated by it all. I didn't understand any of it at the time, but it kept with me, and I'm glad it has. My life seems fuller for having had the chance to glimpse into this realm.

I still play AD&D but I have gotten into other games as well. But AD&D will always be my favorite. It is true, today's AD&D is not the same, it has changed. Some of it for the better and some not. Yet as with all things, they do change. Pros and cons with any change. I have heard people speak both boon and bane for any system that elevates to a second or higher edition.

But the one thing I don't hear people speak about is what I consider the heart of the matter. The Role Playing. That's right, that's what I consider the important part here. Some say, "Well, I don't like the fact that they changed this rule or that." or , "I don't think they should have taken that route or mindset." or my personal favorite, "This is not the same game."

Well guess what, your right, this rule and that rule has been changed, but it's your game, modify the rule, or use the old one. This mindset or route...the game engine and feel of the system mechanics are at the discretion of the designers. How the game is played is up to you, the gamer and GM. And in response to it not being the same game, true, that's why they made another edition. And on the topic of editions, simply because they have separate editions, doesn't mean that you have to play the newest. If your comfortable with the first, use it, play it, have fun with it.

The role is the heart of it all, the landscape in your mind has not changed, your character has not undergone some radical mutation, your enemies have not been deified to as not to be able to be disposed of (unless the GM wills it so).

There are game systems, first and higher editions, I do not enjoy. Not because of game mechanics, or game engine design, but for the fact that I just cannot get into character. If it unbelievable to me, forget it. I understand that for some, if it doesn't have a coherent game engine, they will forget it. It's all a matter of perspective, but believe me if the system changes, don't quit playing it, please. If you do this, you discard a chance to meet many interesting people, and lose a like number of legendary stories. And in closing, I ask you a question. What are you going to remember years down the road, the story, or the rules change?