Over the past few years, I've been to many worlds. I've been on journeys on foot, by sea, by air, and even through space. Over these journeys I've been many different professions, species, nationalities, and genders. I have been a paladin, rogue, tech-priest, space marine, wizard, bone picker, barber-surgeon, noble, assassin, barbarian, monk, and adventurer. I have been a Human, Elf, Halfling, Dwarf, Wookiee, Mon Calamari, Minotaur, and much more. I have been a man, a woman, and something in between. I have lived different lives, I have been different people, I've been on both sides of the coin, I've taken on many perspectives. I've gone on great adventures, I've done dastardly deeds, I've been the village idiot, I've even done the nasty with the nasty (though I'd rather not discuss the details)! I've been both a righteous leader and an oppressor, fought both for and against freedom. I've been both drunk with power and righteous enough to deny it. There's so much to be said, but I think you get the point. My friends, I'm talking about roleplaying, be it in games, forums, or other such devices!
I can't deny it, roleplaying is something I take great pleasure from. The ability to live life through another person's perspective, to literally be that person. They can be a person completely different from yourself, they can be strong when you are weak, or be smart when you are not. Oh, and the freedom! The freedom to do anything and be anyone you could imagine! Your imagination is often the literal limit!
I often play tabletop roleplaying games with my friends on a regular basis, and I have to say I love it. It's like immersing yourself in a great book, movie, or videogame...but so much better, because who you are is something you control, and you're the star in every way. And it's a good way to keep yourself in touch with others. It's not exactly easy to roleplay on your own, after all (fantasizing and daydreaming don't count)! Of course there are videogames that are considered roleplaying games, which in many ways they are, but they simply pale in comparison to the ultimate freedom one can experience through a tabletop game or even a LARP. The closest I've seen is probably the Elder Scrolls series and also Fallout 3 (maybe New Vegas as well).
Anyway, anyone else share this nerdy passion of mine? If not, you should certainly give it a try sometime. It's not for everyone, I'll admit that right now, but I personally find it quite fun and, in some ways, enlightening.
