It Slices! It Dices!

In the sharing the love WISH (#45), we were asked to mention

some gamers you admire and appreciate

...and of course, it makes my finger ache, but I have tried some part of a list...

Wow. I've been immensely flattered (nay, blushing!) at the mentions of me on this WISH question. I can hardly imagine that I've actually affected that many people, let alone positively. [grin] As for myself, well... this list is very, very long, and at that, incomplete, because everyone I've gamed with has influenced me in some way. There's one thing very similar about these people here: they've challenged me, each and every one of them, in a positive manner. They've done it by making me want to simply impress them because of my admiration for them, or because they've made me want to run a better game, or they've brought a little bit of magic to my world, and there's no better gift. Some names I've forgotten, some are better left unreferenced, but here's a small part of my gaming acknowledgements, in no particular order.

Well, except for the LintKing. He's the yin to my yang, and vice versa. In fact, he kind of IS my "vice versa." He supports me, player to my GMing, in the sharing of ideas, in knowing how hard it is for me to keep anything a secret from him, and just in being constantly entertaining to me as a flexible and sometimes outrageous participant. I could go on for hours about how wonderful he is, but all I'd be saying is that I love him. I'd be remiss in not mentioning him first.

And second, well, Our Sweetie, although she doesn't play much, when she does she's fabulous. She was an awesome Corwin...even when he was a duck. She inspires me, and our collaborations are really better than anything the two of us can do alone, which is kind of like love in a nutshell.

Now to the list...

Rikibeth, for...well, my goodness, just about a million things. For picking up SWtE and believing in me even after I thought I'd failed. For all the shared cultural references and the explorations of new ones. For being irresistable even if she IS the wrong astrological sign. For being Fiona's first, even if it isn't finished yet. [grinning] For the winks, giggles, sighs, and sobs. For knowing what I'm leaving unsaid.

Marc-Etienne Schlumberger for co-GMing when I haven't been as forthcoming with plot knowledge as I should be. For changing my view of my own game world. For constant contributions, amazing elucidations, and for providing me with the much-needed occasional kick-in-the-rear without being at all impolite.

Arref Mak, whom I have (ab)used as a sounding board, as a fellow conspirator, and, well, I don't think there's really a word for the kind of 'Net relationship we've had. I admire him for his gentility, creativity, and the opportunities we've shared and (hopefully) will have in the future. I'm kind of afraid of meeting him in person in case our synchronicity is dangerous to the universe around us. [grin]

Stormy for the hug, midnight iced tea, the amazing gaming, and for impossibly and perfectly being "Desire."

Jvstin, for liking any of my ideas in the first place, and improving on them. For picking at the obtuse and coming out with splinters that grow into amazing new perspectives on places we've "been before," but to which we never paid enough attention.

Claire Bickell, new to my gaming world, and far away in the real one, but amazingly "in tune" with the things I enjoy. She's summed up the synergistic component for my game perfectly. ("...[W]rite stuff with not a clue as to why it should be that way, except for the firm conviction that it must...")

Doyce "The Golden God" Testerman, for many things. For being a good sport, for making me laugh so much I hurt, for his brilliant SWIFT (the real transition step between Amber and 'real roleplaying' I'd been looking for for years), for writing the world I live in in a way that doesn't make me feel like I'm crazy. All this and more: I know our paths will cross again, both in good and bad ways, and I don't think we'll ever be close, but that doesn't stop me from admiring him.

Madeline "Saint Raven" Ferwerda, because even knowing some of it was said in anger, I took some of her advice to heart, proving that I am capable of getting some good even out of bad situations.

Kerry Mealing for creating characters I can sympathise with... except it isn't quite the right word. Maybe something like what "grok" was created for...characters that just fit inside my head and worldview with comfort. For taking chances with me over and over again. For being at the top of my invitation list for any future Amber games I run.

Naughtie...just because. For TAG, for B&D AD&D, for making Mandor "Shaft," for calling everyone by sweet pet names and making me start doing it myself. For helping me learn how to love. You know.

Cort Odekirk for, well, just being himself. I'm never allowing him in a serious game of mine ever again, but there are few people who can so instantly bring a smile to my face. Has his characterizations down amazingly, and has come up with a bazillion great ideas that even in the face of adversity (or unpopular opinion) are still well defended. He's outrageous in a way that I cannot help but admire.

Mark Stein for making me blush down to my toes. Repeatedly.

For the cast and crew of G&G, who should never feel like they don't warrant separate mentions, and for whom I can say I thrill in their participation. Jon F. Zeigler, for bringing in a new aspect on the game I wish we had more opportunity to explore. Jason Kennedy because he's a freak, and I mean that in the best way. Sean McGuinness, not JUST because of the look on his face when Unakai thanked his character in Devil's Playground. Louisa for the quintessential Courtizan character, as well as her work on Imaging. Iago, for forgiving me for the bad Rebman jokes and for a great perspective on Brand. Ben Smith because he's constantly surprising me, and has made Caine...integral and decent, two words I would never have applied to him. Jim Ghiloni, who had the best grasp on Eric I've ever learned to share.

Epoch, for channeling Random. It still gives me shivers and makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. We are NEVER, EVER playing Random and Fiona in an Elders game face-to-face. Not to mention his Llewella is always making me snort and giggle, as she's perfect.

Ginger, for the all the chances she gives me. I don't deserve them, but she makes me want to live up to it.

Michael Croft, for similarity of minds, for pure entertainment factor, and for everything I think that's going to happen, whether it does or not.

D'jinn for Damascus' little kestrel, and all things dark and star-crossed.

Rainbow K, Chatterbox, and the Barbarian for being the next generation and loving it.

Liz Trumitch, for being part of the experiment, for keeping her chin up, and for reminding me sometimes that I need to do the same.

Chris Kindred, because if I was a goat, I'd give him a glowing red rock any time.
Sol Foster because he let me throw Harp through a window. For opening the door. Frankly, for the architecture, too.
Rey and Juli for Jay and Bob.
Randy for, "No, I think I'm Brand," and many, many other great moments.
Nuadha for doing something completely different.
Ian Ng for "Log." For the colouring book, the Blazing Swallow, and many other sordid adventures.
Thor for many adventures in TOON, and Prince Blargh.
Jeff for the Agents of Boa, and for making me a werespider instead of a vampire.
Ray for Argent, and many mind-expanding conversations.

(Phoenix Exodus) Dave for knowing too much, and letting me get away with it. Ed for separating character and player too well. Niket for nary a hard feeling even if Aziz is a bit, well, straight.

The PCs of House of Cards all of whom I hope to get to know better.

Ceian for giving me a good story to tell.

Shadowpryde for the many compliments and the jonesing.

Whew. I'm missing dozens more, I'm sure, but that will have to do for now. Anyone who feels their name deserves to be on the list and it isn't, remind me. [grin]