I just removed a long-dormant Discord server for a pair of TTRPGs I ran back in like 2017-2019. It hung around as a scrapbook and art repository after that, but between some Discord decluttering, holiday ennui, and preparing for other games, it seemed time to say goodbye. But these games were foundational for me, and as it's Thanksgiving, I wanted to indulge and memorialize them a bit. Games as escapism are important. Games as safe social space are important. Infuser I & II got me through some toooough times, and brought me closer to a few dear friends. Infuser II also created some tough times! Trying to juggle my responsibilities and player emotions as the GM and learn to how to run an immersive & sometimes intense game remotely. Escapism and fantasy fulfillment in games can be as small as building a routine to hang out with friends, or as large as letting your players be heroes, actually save the world, and explore who they are and want to be. As GM I had the unique pleasure of getting to be a lot of different people. Trying on personalities and viewpoints as costumes. That was super helpful for me back then, and also super fun. Few things feel better than playing the cackling villain to your friends' heroes <3. Games and stories also end. And I think that's important. You don't get catharsis, fulfillment, the full arc of characters and worlds without an ending. You can have post scripts! Sequels even! But endings matter. It's tempting to devolve into Greatest Hits retelling, but those stories matter for like 4 people tops. And we remember <3 But! I will close with a couple things. #1 - Your game should have a battle of the bands. No it doesn't fit everywhere, but it does rock. #2 Immersion is great, but so is asking your player (as people @ the table, out of character) "What you do you or your character want out of this scene?" Immersion and good stories are things you build together. #3 Actually indulgent, an edited-for-space cocktail menu from a secluded fae bar my players stopped at late in Infuser II. - Summerheart Brew - A Summer staple; always on tap. Light, refreshing, with hints of spices and mulled orange. - Goodfellow Spritzer - A spritely drink. Elderflower, zest, and bubbles in a tall glass. Garnished with wildflower. - The Pucker - A trickster’s drink. Sour, but merry. Strong, but playful. Will get you lost in the woods. - Lysander - A lovers’ drink. Prickly pear, raspberry, and perfumed cherries. Garnished with lavender and peaseblossom. - Bottom’s Up! - A working man’s drink. Coffee & whisky in a heavy mug. Too much and you may wake to find you’ve made an ass of yourself. - Moth’s Breath - A quiet martini; waiting in the wings. Garnished with candied cobwebs. - Hippolytan Whiskey - A royal drink. Honey, oak, and woodsmoke. #4 - Game with artists when you can. It's always fun, always creative, always surprising, and you are spoiled with art of your characters and their PCs that will humble you. Thanks for reading.