Little known fact about me: I am a dungeon master for a group of my friends back home. You might be thinking “What the heck is a dungeon master?” Well, my loyal readers, a dungeon master (often abbreviated to DM) is someone who organizes and challenges the members of a Dungeons and Dragons Party.

“But Chelsea… what’s Dungeons and Dragons?” Dungeons and Dragons (often abbreviated to D&D) is a fantasy role-playing game. It’s where a bunch of people come together and role-play as fake characters such as elves, dwarves, goliaths and so forth. It’s kind of like a video game without the TV, controller, and gaming system.

And I get to lead it all.

So I might have just admitted that I’m - what the kids call - a “total nerd." But in reality I’ve grown a lot closer to my friends while being their DM. Getting together and telling these elaborate stories, full of twists and turns, is one of my favorite things to participate in.

And I’ve got the best party in the whole world. Every week these six amazing people read my articles, and I can’t thank them enough for it. So here’s to you:

To Pierce (aka Kyle?)

Kyle? Never fails to impress with his undying need for punctuation.

Not to step on anyone’s toes, but you’re my most dedicated player Pierce. You’re always sitting on the edge of your seat, excited for what is going to happen next. You spent a whole two weeks this past summer working on a personal campaign for Kyle? With me, while you were in Maryland for an internship! To me that screams dedication. I’m so thankful that you joined our group, it’s such a pleasure being your DM. Not to mention, it’s a pleasure to be your friend as well. I hate to get so sappy, but come on… that’s who I am.

Thank you for always being so excited, it makes me feel like I’m doing something right.

To Justing (aka Shielo)

Oh Shielo, Minvera loves you more than you will ever know.

Justin, when I first heard Shielo’s backstory I thought I was going to die from laughter. You’re so creative and hilarious. You’re one of my oldest and closest friends and being your DM is wonderful. I’m always impressed by the choices you make as Shielo.

Thank you for starting out with Casey, Matthew, and I - we’ve all grown so much as players! It’s awesome to see where you are today.

To Sidney (aka Faezanna)

To the young elf who read poetry to the eldest prostitute at the brothel, you’re full of surprises.

Sidney, I’m so glad you joined out group! Before D&D we didn’t hang out often and I’m sad for that because you’re amazing! You’re so kind and though you don’t always say much whenever you do speak it’s always something funny.

You add so much dynamic to our little group and I’m so happy you’re apart of it.

And just so everyone knows: What Fae is going through isn’t a phase - that’s who she is. An emo, poetry reading Elf.

To Parker (aka Jeremiah Skateboard)

Jeremiah “The leader of armies” Skateboard is a crowd favorite.

Like Sidney, I didn’t hang out with you much until D&D started. I’m so thankful to have met you! You’re wonderful and pay close attention to my little details. You’ve started to DM your own campaigns too and I’m so flattered you came to me for help. You’ll do wonderful.

Jeremiah is always up to something zany - like that time he managed to take control of an entire army. And I hope he never stops.

To Matthew (aka Insight)

Insight is the most level headed player - always rationalizing what to do next and often taking the lead.

Matthew, I still don’t remember when I met you. You just kind of appeared! And I’m so happy you did! Thank you for helping me DM, it was a lot to wrap my mind around but you’ve always been reliable. Thank you for encouraging me to DM, you didn’t directly encourage me but your willingness to help me out when I couldn’t remember the rules and your thoughtful advice encourages me to be the best DM I can be.

Oh! And I hope Insight gets his soul back.

To Casey (aka Maki)

“Oh honey… would you like some milk?” is the question often asked to twenty year old Maki when she sits down at a bar - her trickster party members always feeding the bartender false information about her mental status.

Casey I wrote a whole article to you a couple weeks ago, but really I could write you a whole book. I’m so happy you encouraged me to look into D&D! Like I said, you’re always introducing me to new things that blow my mind. You play your character to a perfect T and I’m always interested in what you’re going to do or say.

Keep stealthing Maki.

To Jarred (aka The Honorary Member)

You don’t have an official character, but sometimes you do the voices of my NPCs and I appreciate that so much! You’ve been a great friend for such a long time and I’m so thankful for you! You’re funny and creative - it must run in your family - and I’m never disappointed by what you have to say.

One of these days we’re going to convince you to join us.

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You guys (and gals) are my closest friends. We don’t see each other every single day, heck we don’t even talk to each other every single day, but when we get together it’s like we never left. I’m comfortable around each and every one of you and I’m so grateful that I met you.

And just because I’m so corny: No matter where life takes us, I'll always be your DM.

Sincerely,

Your Dungeon Mistress