Last night, as mentioned in the previous post, we played Traveller.

Here is our group (other than me).

• Willlam - Went to school with him since 7th grade. Good friend since 12th grade. Gamed with him a bit back then. Lived a floor above - me our first year at Baylor. I think the world of William.
• Randy - Went to school with him since 7th grade. Part of William’s gaming group back then, so I played a bit with him too. A deeply good man.
• Jeff - Also went to school with him forever, but didn’t really know him until we started gaming together as adults. My podcast partner on SAFCOcast. I think the world of him.
• David - I’ve known him since 10th grade. We were on the wrestling team together, and gamed together almost every week. An usher at my wedding. My oldest and dearest friend.
• Todd - I’ve known Todd for at least 10 years. He and his kids practiced Aikido with me. A brilliant and wonderful guy
• Other Jeff - I’ve known Jeff L since elementary school. He is an occasional player, but I consider him part of the inner circle of beloved old gaming friends
• Jeremy - also an occasional player, I met Jeremy through skateboarding. Just one of the best people I know.

The first time my wife saw us all sitting at the table gaming she said “y’all are all the same model.” We are. Of the guys here in town, other than Todd, we all share a common background. We share a history that connects us, the kind of history that can’t be faked.

I understand that we are very lucky to have each other. I think it’s pretty rare. I’m careful about bringing anyone new into the group. Besides the fact that I don’t want more then 5 players, you just don’t bring people into a group like this without careful consideration. When I invited Todd about a year ago I knew he was a good fit. You learn a lot about a person practicing aikido with them.

Anyway, I just can’t write enough about how much I appreciate these guys. Sometimes before the game I wonder how I’m going to find the energy to be a good referee after a tiring work day when I’m exhausted. Just being “with” them online energizes me and I always have a good time. They are the best.