Okay, I guess it's my turn...
Posted by: thehold <thehold@...>
lurker status, _and_ Lindoral introduced herself, what could I do?
My name is Jeff Smith (actually, it's Jeffrey Steven Smith, so I'm a little
spooked by the existance of J Stephen Smith, as I've known to go by my
middle name as well), and I'm another of those mid-forties folks cruising
among this eclectic crowd. Beth has shared the story of how she, Ron, my
wife Belinda and I started with DragonRaid all together too many years ago.
The character you'll encounter at WilderLands Hold -- y'Kasheth ba'ar
y'Kaytz, Leonidas of WilderLands Hold -- is based on the character first
rolled up at Beth Erickson's kitchen table (attention scholars -- the name
means something, which may give you a clue to a distinctive attribute of
Sheth's) My eldest son, Josh, has been an occaisional visitor on this
board, and is one of the few people in the world who not only have completed
all the official published DragonRaid adventures, but also both parts of a
'Raid I wrote, called "The Quest For Kendra". Our daughter has been mildly
frustrated by the fact that she's never gotten much beyond LRT -- although
there's the chance we'll start a new 'Team at our church this spring.
I come from a very moral but non-Christian background, having experimented
with Mormonism, Sai Baba (an obscure Eastern mystic), Wicca and a number of
other religious systems before coming to Christ shortly before Bennie and I
were married in 1976. I've never been much of an RPG player -- unless it's
exceptional (like Myst), I don't even get into fantasy computer games.
Being something of a scholar and teacher, I was drawn to DragonRaid's
phenomenal discipleship potential, which hasn't wavered.
Favorite music; fairly eclectic, as long as there's a good melody, which
doesn't damage or compete with the lyrics (if there are any). I even enjoy
most forms of rap, but that largely because of the clever rhymes and
rhythms. Thus, I really don't have favorite groups or artists -- although
if pressed I'd probably answer Manheim Steamroller, particularly their
Christmas albums.
Favorite movies -- tough call. I like action, like Independence Day or the
Die Hard series, and I'll typically try just about anything in the science
fiction genre (although much of that is just junk). Comedies usually leave
me cold, although there have been notable exceptions (Junior and The Santa
Clause leap to mind here, and I'm planning on seeing Mouse Hunt in the
theatres -- but that's primarily because of Bennie). One of the best movies
made recently was Dangerous Minds. Again, it's tough to give specific
criteria; like music, I take each outing on it's own.
Favorite books -- usually the one I just finished. I've read and enjoyed
the Outlander series mentioned by Beth (borrowed from her, as a matter of
fact), although it was what would normally be considered a "women's" book.
The little known "Redwall" series is one of my favorites, although it might
be considered more a children's book. I've been a Michael Crichton fan for
some 30 years, and enjoy most of Steven King's works. I'll read every
Perreti I can get my hands on; am a powerful CS Lewis fan, and try to
faithfully get through Steven Lawhead's typically dense writing. Again,
pretty eclectic.
There -- that should be enough for now.
(slipping into teacher mode) Any questions?
Jeff and Belinda Smith - WilderLands Hold <*))))))<
===================================================
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed people can change the world...
"Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has!"
===================================================
Beaverton, OR <http://www.teleport.com/~thehold>