What happens in Dungeon Crawling ...

... stays in dungeon crawling! The words "This doesn't go on the blog" were specifically invoked. So I'm afraid that those of you who missed gaming for something so trivial as writing, sleeping, or science will have to just imagine the funny that happened. Because it was funny. Oh my.

Scott and I opened with a game of Blue Moon. Then, after Jacqui got back from some errands we tried my copy of Homesteaders (graciously brought back from BGG.Con by Toggy). I have high expectations for this game, and so far I'm pleased with the results. A complicated auction/resource management game is right up my alley.

The we broke out Dungeon Lords. And played it twice. Paladins were dispatched to our dungeons, then (sometimes) dispatched by our dungeons. Fireballs were flung. Trolls did things to Imps that should not be mentioned on a family blog. Life and Death and Taxes, Tears and Laughter, Dragons, Devils and Slime! And Imps. And at the end of the game, kissing! Bet you didn't expect that! But you don't get the story, you who skip gaming.

So, here's the thing. The truly great stories all deal with redemption. (Successful, or non-). So, you have your very own chance to redeem yourself and earn some stories tomorrow night, at Dragon's Lair. Will Imps be there? Of course, who can stop those little guys?

Now to get SABG in the Paper....

I made the front page (unnamed runner, left side of pic, below the fold) of the SA Express News today for my other hobby, running. Of course, we ran 18 miles, not the seven listed in the caption, but I was too tired and hungry to talk to the guy with the little notebook at the end.

In more pertinent news, Ticket-to-Ride Europe on the X-Box 360 is great fun! We had a 4-player game last night with Jon, Chris, Steve, and I. Though we couldn't get the chat function to get us all on the same channel, it was as close to an SABG experience I can imagine without driving.

Games also played this weekend at Steve's house: Epic Duels; Nexus Ops; gazing at Here I Stand components and trying to convince Steve it will be fun; lots of C&C: Ancients (after I left); Warriors of God; Star Wars Risk: Trilogy Edition (which actually doesn't suck).

In other news, I keep hoping for Successors to ship this week.... its mid-August, isn't it?

There is a new template on BGG for a dice tower made by cutting and folding a single piece of card stock that I need to try this week. If you can't find, I'll send it to you. With a little photoshoping and a color printer, this could have some real possibilities. Plus, if its unlucky for me, I won't worry about making it pay the ultimate price for disobedience!

Diplomacy is fun. Germany is your friend.

Monday Surprises - a short report.

I didn't think that I would be gaming tonight, but circumstances arranged themselves in such a way that I indeed made an appearance at DL. Much to the surprise of those present. When I arrived Chris and Brian were playing Blue Moon with some of the expansion decks. Brain won with his gangs of evil smiting while Chris made a valiant effort, but he could not stand strong against the gangs or their smite.

Sean arrived and after some debate about what to play. Dry Gulch Junction made it to the table and we all began our valiant efforts to build a town -- and claim the most VPs. I can see Sean and Brian's point that a second time through makes it easier to strategize, but I didn't do horribly for the first time, and Chris seemed quite at ease sneaking away with the victory.

Jon arrived as we were ending the game, and The Big was pulled out and played. I must say that I was thoroughly trounced. It was bad, but Chris, Jon, Brian and Sean were fighting it out neck and neck for a while. Til Jon put 11 bits into the Castile and changed end of game scoring drastically in his favor that is. About that time things broke up, and Sean and Brian were left to fend for themselves.

I was glad for the distraction. I needed the distraction. I did not wish to yet go home. I still don't, but some things j cannot be avoided. I appreciate you all letting me crash the party this evening. And not letting me just sit and watch things. It was enjoyable. You all are the best. I owe ya'll.