Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Abaneth 05-06-04, 12:21 AM	I am in 8th grade going into high school. I live in a strongly religious, conservative family. On top of that, I live in a rural area in a town of around 2000 people. As of now, I am forbidden to play D&D. My Mom has a conviction that it is Satanic. She caught my 17 year old brother with a starter pack about a year and a half ago. I had barely ever heard of the game. What happened after that was a lecture from my Mom on how bad it is. Less than a year ago, my brother bought the players Handbook and later the DM Guide. We played secretly for a while until the books were found. I was intensely chewed out that week. She threw the books into the trash can but I went and retrieved them. I know it was stupid. About two months after that she found the books again. The chew out was even more spectacular, and this time my Mom cried, etc. My Dad came and told me that he didn't know that there was anything wrong with the game but it was making my Mom very upset so I better not play it while in this house. He told me that I should play sports instead(which I do, frequently) and stop "wasting time" playing RPG's and Video games.(I still am allowed to play Video Games). He then asked me why I liked it, anyway. I told him, "It's just a fun board game". He didn't say anything more. For about 6 months I have been making my own RPG with the basic same rules of D&D, just with magic switched to less suspicoius names. My Mom has had no objection. My Mom enjoys "The Lord of the Rings". SHe has no objections. However, when I wanted to buy the Pen & Paper RPG, she flipped through it and called it "possibly occult" and did not let my buy it. Then, today, I bought the LOTR version of Risk at Walmart. As soon as I got in the car, she said "That better not have any spell casting, or it's going right back". I told her that it did not then she asked me in an odd tone, "is that a roleplaying game ?" I told her that there was nothing wrong with RPG's and she stayed silent. There, I'm done. Any opinions or comments? Please tell.
Vanigo 05-06-04, 12:29 AM	I have two things to say: 1) Your mother seems to be acting irrationally. 2) There's probably not a lot you can do about it. Sorry. Oh, and a third: There are probably going to be some people making wisecracks about tying your mom to a chair in the basement or something. I like to think that ignoring stuff like that is just plain common sense.
kimbyrle 05-06-04, 12:59 AM	Hmm. I didn't experience anything quite at this level, but when I first started reading fantasy books (I started with Dragonlance) my mom disapproved of them on general principle. I don't think it was religious fanatacism, just a misunderstanding of what I saw in them. Under the mattress of my waterbed was a good hiding spot. If you don't have a waterbed, the space between the mattresses might also work. Or you could make fake textbook covers for your source books in Photoshop and hide them in plain sight on your bookshelf or in your backpack. Or if you're really desperate, I suppose you could attempt to memorize every last rule. ;) Unfortunately, until you're old enough to move out and declare your life to be your business, you'll have to be sneaky.
edgelett 05-06-04, 01:01 AM	mmm..this is a tricky one. I understand your desire to play, but you're still in your parent's house. I would suggest talking to your dad - he seems like he may listen to what you say rather than have a pre-conceived opinion. - ask him,WHY your mum believes it's satanic/evil. if he says something like "cause you can summon demons" just explain to him that it's a game, it isn't real. you don't actually draw pentagrams on the floor. perhaps your dad will advise your mum that it's not evil and to let you play. heck, invite your dad or mum to watch you play one day!! If she can see what happens during a game, she might say "ok, it's not evil, she hasn't actually cast a curse on me..." Try making her watch ET - at the start of the film, the boys are all playing D&D. I'm sure Mr Spielberg wouldn't put something evil in a kids film! BUT if she still insists that you can't play, you need to respect her - she's your mother and you should abide by the rules of her house. i know what you're going through, my mum was convinced I would wind up dead if I played D&D. So I introduced her to my gaming buddies - she decided we were all harmless nerds in the end.
SnowbearK 05-06-04, 01:09 AM	My usual response is to basically tell your parents to stick it, but some people seem to get either offended by that or don't have the balls to do it. I played D&D through the 80's, also known as the Burning Times, when the mere mention of D&D could get you poisoned, shot, hung, drawn and quartered, burned at the stake, beheaded, and then, just before your head dies, you spout off something like "Death is but a doorway, time is but a window, I'll be back..." or something like that. You have quite a few choices actually: A) Tell 'em to stick it where the sun don't shine (probably not your best one) B) Play the game anyways, keep it secret, keep it safe. C) Wait until you're 18, then do whatever the hell you want. D) Ask to sit down with them and have a mature, factual discussion about the occult, D&D, and the media. Research first. (most likely to get the response you're looking for) E) Obtain a copy of White Wolf's Freak Legion: A Player's Guide to the Fomori or Destiny's Price and make sure to leave it out where your parents can get a gooooood long look at it. When they start whining, calmly tell them it wouldn't have happened if you'd been allowed to play a nice, wholesome game like Dungeons and Dragons. (again, probably not your best shot) F) Put the ball in their court, ask them what precisely about it they don't like. Rebuff. (ie, Spellcasting is satanic? And just exactly WHAT THE HELL was Gandalf doing at the end of Fellowship of the Ring? Hmm? Might not want to phrase it just so, but you get the idea I'm sure) G) Tie them to a chair in the basement and repeat to them incessantly "D&D is good. D&D is great" for a good week or so. Make sure they have vacation time. (ok, so that one was just for Vanigo, but hey, it could work -- :rolleyes: ) H) http://www.pvponline.com/rants_dd.php3 H1) Do NOT let your mother see this one: http://www.pvponline.com/rants_jesus.php3 And so there you have it. My advice on your situation. Personally I went with choice A myself, but then I had a really good relationship with my parents and they took it in stride. My grandmother however, I had to handle with choice D, but even she came around (devout Catholic-lite that she is...that's Episcopal to the religious scholars among us. All the fun, half the guilt. :angel: )
Not a monkey 05-06-04, 01:14 AM	Have you considered Star Wars or D20 Modern? You can keep learning the system, there are no spells (except a few optional ones in Modern, hell, you could even cut that part out), and when you move out you'll be experienced in RPG and can probably get into D&D very easily.
Ssussunriyh 05-06-04, 01:18 AM	I was lucky that my parents aren't like that. (In fact, my mother thinks organized religion is for people who can't think for themselves, but that subject is a whole 'nuther can o' worms...) They played D&D with me the first few times, until I found a regular group to join up with.
Asta Kask 05-06-04, 03:06 AM	You could try playing in ancient Israel. Be the early Christians - by any account this was an adventurous era to live in. Limit true clerical spells to prists of the True Faith, and magic to the bad guys. Remember that a lot of the spells were taken from the Good Book, so it should be possible to do this.
AvalancheRider 05-06-04, 03:56 AM	I don't think you people understand the stigma some religions place upon D&D. In some religions, it is considered blasphemous to even pretend to cast spells; saying "it's just a game" makes no difference, because the religion's belief is that all things, including games, should teach everyone the religion's beliefs and morals. What I would recommend doing in that situation is looking for some "christian" product catalogues. Many of them actually contain religious D&D source books that would allow you to show your mother that you have the materials to run a campaign that is in-tune with your mother's religious beliefs. You don't have to actually USE those source books, but simply owning them and showing them to your mother would probably help. I mean, "spreading the good news" in your D&D campaign might not be exactly your idea of the best setting, but if it's the difference between playing D&D and not playing D&D, you might want to give your mother that much. Besides, she just loves you and is afraid that you're turning down an evil path. It's not her fault that she truly believes in her faith.
Ranger REG 05-06-04, 04:47 AM	Originally posted by Abaneth There, I'm done. Any opinions or comments? Please tell. How about running an RPG session with your parents? In fact many of us who grew up on AD&D in the 70's, 80's and 90's are adults and have families of our own. Some of us have already made it a family game, just as the Gygaxes (father and son played). The only persecution I see this days are hardcore D&D gamers not wanting to try third-party d20 games like Spycraft or Mutants & Masterminds. :D
The Stray 05-06-04, 05:08 AM	A list of websites that might help you: http://www.theescapist.com/basic_gaming_faq.htm#RPG http://www.trhickman.com/essay.html http://www.mjyoung.net/dungeon/confess.html All of these should help...and if they don't, then your mom isn't going to budge and you should just tie her in the basement and chant "D&D is good...D&D is good..." ;)
q'afuu 05-06-04, 07:59 AM	Are you being persecuted? Heck no! Take a moment for a reality check. Try to appreciate what your parents actually do for you and realize they genuinely care about you and your welfare. Then try to find a decent solution for your problem (going behind your parents' backs is not a decent solution). Above all, stop imagining your parents are out to get you.
Hobbygoblin 05-06-04, 09:21 AM	Print off a copy of Mike Stackpole's Pulling Report and have your mother read it. As far as finding it, there are plenty of sites which host it. Also, try http://www.theescapist.com
Will Brandiman 05-06-04, 09:34 AM	Originally posted by q'afuu Take a moment for a reality check. Try to appreciate what your parents actually do for you and realize they genuinely care about you and your welfare. Being a good parent and having a serious misunderstanding of RPG's can and should be separated from each other at the earliest opportunity. They are not related in any way. This guy's mother has an irrational fear/hatred of something that has never, repeat never been shown to be harmful in any way, shape or form. If your mother claimed that strawberrys were responsible for the cold war would you meakly submit to her ritual burning of strawberrys or try to explain that they are just fruit and eating them does not cause nuclear proliferation?
Jere_RB 05-06-04, 09:51 AM	I can see where you're coming from. Personally, my parents were doing other things, so they didn't care what I did so long as I wasn't being arrested. They figured me hanging out with a bunch of other kids my age all night, eating chips and dip, drinking all their sweet tea, and generally BSing the whole time was a lot better than paying lawyer's fees. You, on the other hand, are not in that situation. Your parents actually care about what you're doing with your time. This is both a blessing and a curse. The blessing is that it shows they truly do care about you. The curse is that they, being human, won't be able to not put their two (or 98) cents in if you do something they feel may even be remotely harmful. Mom's just being mom, albeit in a particularlly uninformed and irrational way. The best thing to do would be to either try to reason with her, pointing out that your characters are more like gandalf and aragorn from LotR and the badguys are more Saruman and the forces of Mordor. Barring that, the Book of Exalted Deeds oughta help point her to the positive aspects of the game. Pointing out the Paladin class would also help (look, ma, I get to be a beacon of good and hope! Isn't that NICE!"). Past that, well, just tuck the books into your backpack and play at a friends house whose parents aren't so against the game. Should work out a lot better in the long run.
Angel_Azriel 05-06-04, 10:19 AM	If all else fails, there is a d20 book called "Testament" which, from what I understand, is set as a roleplaying version of the Bible. The only thing that seems rather off with the book is that they gave Jesus stats.:bored: My parents are not against me playing, mainly because I'm 19 and in the military, but that's beside the point. However, they are against my 11 year old brother playing, and for drastically different reasons. My mother has the typical, "It's Satanic and evil" mentality, while my father doesn't want him obsessing his life with it. Same opinion, different motives. Go figure.
Grudthak 05-06-04, 10:19 AM	E) Obtain a copy of White Wolf's Freak Legion: A Player's Guide to the Fomori or Destiny's Price and make sure to leave it out where your parents can get a gooooood long look at it. When they start whining, calmly tell them it wouldn't have happened if you'd been allowed to play a nice, wholesome game like Dungeons and Dragons. (again, probably not your best shot) OOOOOOH YEAH...! :smirk: Okay so you are in 8th grade so you are what 12, 13 or so...? Telling your Mum to go and **** herself isn't a good idea then. Does your Mum go to Church? all the time? does she make you go too? does she force you to attend Sunday Schools, wear a crucifix, perform in Church ceremonies etc... If she forces ANY of this crap on you, she is ABUSING you... Feel free to inform her of this. Another tricck is to find out if anybody of prominence/intelligensia in your town roleplays either now or in the past... Imagine this exchange... "Junior, I dont want you playing this Satanic witchcraft game..." "But Mum...Our family GP Dr. Jebson used to play it when he was in Uni...Are you suggesting the guy who took out your appendix is a Satanist?" The opinions expressed in this thread are those of a bona-fide s**t-stirrer who comes from a well balanced household who's parents where NOT crackpots... Enjoy!
StormKnight 05-06-04, 11:21 AM	If you really enjoy roleplaying but it doesn't fly with your parents, does it have to be fantasy roleplaying? Could you get Spycraft, or Star Wars, or Silver Age Sentinels (I would reccommend the tri-stat version, but there is a D20 version as well). There are lots of fun role playing games that don't involve any magic! I'm sure D&D will still be around when you are old enough to be out of your parent's control. You are in a sticky spot where you are getting unreasonable conditions from your parents, but I honestly don't believe that sneaking behind their backs is a way to accomplish things. That will just lead them to think they are right; after all, look what D&D is doing for you. If you want to try a different game, you might consider something like this. First, apologize for retrieving the books that they threw out. Second, something to the effect of: Mom, I really enjoy Dungeons and Dragons. I think its a fun game, and a great way to stretch my brain and exercise my creativity. I do not understand your objections to it but I respect that they might be legitamite and I just don't understand them. I would like it if you would try to explain them to me, and if you would also give me a chance to explain my feelings. If you don't want me to play this game, would you be willing to let me play some other roleplaying games that don't have magic in them? There is a game called Spycraft that is all about modern espionage action, based on things like James Bond movies and Tom Clancy novels. Would that be more acceptable to you?
Grayson 05-06-04, 12:49 PM	You're not being persecuted, you've just got parents that actually give a **** about you. You probably don't realize how valuable that is. Yes, your mom is overreacting, but it's likely nothing that sitting down and having a mature conversation with her won't solve. Apologize for retrieving the books, and tell her what you like about the game. Explain that you play the *good guys*, and that you *fight* the demons and evil creatures.
Arbitrary Aardvark 05-06-04, 12:55 PM	Originally posted by Asta Kask You could try playing in ancient Israel. Be the early Christians - by any account this was an adventurous era to live in. Limit true clerical spells to prists of the True Faith, and magic to the bad guys. Remember that a lot of the spells were taken from the Good Book, so it should be possible to do this. There's actually a supplement called "Testiment" for this period.
Vyvyan Basterd 05-06-04, 01:09 PM	Originally posted by Ranger REG The only persecution I see this days are hardcore D&D gamers not wanting to try third-party d20 games like Spycraft or Mutants & Masterminds. :D [/B] Yeah, those games sux! ;)
Justinfernal 05-06-04, 02:42 PM	Personally I think abusive sarcasm is the way to go. Pretend you're possessed, draw ritualistic circles on your kitchen floor and sit in them chanting, speak nonsense and claim it's druidic. That way you can get disowned and then play all you want on the street in your cardboard box with your new friend the stray cat with some kind of skin disease. Buy the book of vile darkness, that should speed up the process to freedom. Or..... sit down and calmly ask your mother to express her opinion and invite her to read the books for herself. Oh, I almost forgot, roll a dice to see which of the two options you take!
AlexBurel 05-06-04, 07:25 PM	Point out to her that the spellcasting is little more than what people have done in the Bible. Jesus returned people to life, Moses parted the red sea, Sampson invoked an Earthquake... Tell her that it is not different at all than that and that calling it Satanic is essentialy called the aformentioned religous figures the same. If all else fails, move out with your brother. Since he's almost 18 yoru parents cant do ****. BTW, to all you people who say "tough it out" this is essentialy a form of slavery, and tryign to tough it out is like trying to deal with a man breaking your back in suffering day after day after day, only mental. 5 years is a LONGtime for a kid.
Geethree 05-06-04, 07:46 PM	Invite her to read the player's handbook. Ask her nicely to just please read it and give it a chance. If she still objects to it, ask why. Offer some constructive ideas, but know when to give up. She's the parent, you're not. You have to deal with her. Here are a few things you might consider saying: 1) The "spellcasting" does not involve any actual incantations or anything resembling witchcraft. You just say, "I cast fireball" and a fireball zooms out of your hand. 3) Though there are gods in the game, they are completely fictional and not unlike roman and greek gods. Your mom does not forbid you from reading The Oddyssey or the Iliad, does she? Tell her that the game does not involve any actual prayer. The D&D gods are just like Zeus and his buddies. 4) It's just a game. Nothing more, nothing less. You don't take it seriously and it does not suck up your time. Tell her that the game is largely based off of Lord of the Rings (which she approves of), and you consider it nothing more than a lighthearted fantasy adventure. 5) Invite her to watch a game session. Actually show her that nothing is wrong with the game. 6) Always be sure to tell her that you don't take the game seriously. It's no different than playing Risk or reading a book. Invite her to watch every single session of yours, if she wants, so she can see that it is actually harmless. EDIT: Point out to her that the spellcasting is little more than what people have done in the Bible. Jesus returned people to life, Moses parted the red sea, Sampson invoked an Earthquake... Tell her that it is not different at all than that and that calling it Satanic is essentialy called the aformentioned religous figures the same.That's blasphemy. Don't do this at all. Do not attack the religion, defend D&D instead. Never resort to personal attacks or attacks on Christianity; this will only hurt your cause.
q'afuu 05-06-04, 09:16 PM	Originally posted by AlexBurel ... to all you people who say "tough it out" this is essentialy a form of slavery... :rofl: Normally this is where I'd start with "No, seriously..." but there really is no way to treat this seriously. Slavery? He's not allowed to play a game, that's all. He's not being put to work in a sweat shop sowing Nikes for 18 hours on end while his parents keep the couple of bucks per day he should earn for that. Let's try to stay rational here, shall we?
AvalancheRider 05-06-04, 09:21 PM	Originally posted by The Stray A list of websites that might help you: http://www.theescapist.com/basic_gaming_faq.htm#RPG http://www.trhickman.com/essay.html http://www.mjyoung.net/dungeon/confess.html All of these should help...and if they don't, then your mom isn't going to budge and you should just tie her in the basement and chant "D&D is good...D&D is good..." ;) I'd just like to point these out again, especially the last one. I strongly recommend you show her these.
Sir Morbid 05-06-04, 09:50 PM	There is also a supplement called Rapture. I think it's made by a company called Holistic Designs but I'm not sure. Anyway it's based on Armeggedon and seems to be a cross between D20 Modern and Testament. I've thumbed though it and it seems interesting enough. I have to agree that it is a blessing that your parents do care about you and not just let you run amuck like all the parents of gangban9ers allow them too. Even if you have to put up with occasional rules that don't make sence, it's still better than having parents that don't give a rats a$$ about you. Remember, they are not perfect either. But it is thier house and you have to obey thier rules. If you want to be treated like an adult then you have to act like one. Sneaking behind thier back, making sarcastic remarks, and trashing thier religion will only make you look like more of a child. Ask to have an adult conversation about it. Ask your mother to explain why she hates it. If she absolutly will not budge, then try to compromise with other game systems. Perhaps you can bring her to a game store and thumb through some of them with her. But above all act like an adult. This will get you more respect in the long run and perhaps they will loosen the reins a little more when they see the maturity you have developed.
Edymnion 05-06-04, 10:27 PM	[REAL, USEFUL ADVICE] Okay, enough with the sneaking around and telling the mother where to shove it. That ain't gonna happen, and all either one is going to do is get him into a world of trouble that the guy doesn't need, so lets try to actually be helpful here, okay? You said your Dad didn't see what was wrong with the game, right? Go shopping with your Dad, and ask him to buy another Player's Handbook. Not for you, for him. Ask him to read it. Not just skim it, but actually read it, so that he knows what the game is about. Ask him to talk to your Mother for you after he knows whats going on. She's not going to listen to you, its regrettable, but she just isn't going to do it. She's convinced that she is the correct parent protecting her child, and NOTHING you can say or do is going to change that. However, your Father is also your parent, and he's been working with your Mother a lot longer than you have. Once he sees nothing is wrong with the game, he will have a MUCH better chance at getting her to come around. If he can get his foot in the door for you, ask him to get the Dungeon Master's Guide and the Monster Manual, and ask him to run the games for you. Not only is he going to be better and pacifying your Mother, but with him being in charge of the game, she's much more likely to let you play, since he can keep things under control. You alone simply will not be able to change her mind, so just forget about trying. All it will do is get you in more trouble, I gaurentee it. Your Dad seems more open minded to the fact this is just a game. Get him to see that there's nothing wrong with the game, and he's the one that will be able to convince her to at least not forbid it, even if she never does fully come around to liking it. [/USEFUL ADVICE]
nytemare66 05-06-04, 10:51 PM	When I started playing D&D,only back in September. My mom was a little against it cause she had stroies and the such. I just explained the game to her and she's fine with it. I would jsut talk with your mom about it and liek someone else said talk with your dad and get his help in this. His opinion will go a long way here. Teach him about the game first then let him talk to your mom and sit down with both of them.
Abaneth 05-06-04, 11:17 PM	Thanks for the advice everyone. The suggestion of having my Dad look at the games was good, but he thinks that board games are a waste of time and he never plays them, not even Monopoly. I dont think he'd run them. I'll try to use some of the suggestions and if you have anymore advice, please tell.
Aramil_silverwind 05-06-04, 11:29 PM	Originally posted by SnowbearK tell your parents to stick it I'm with this guy, just take a stand for the game you love and things will work out.
Tahl'ira 05-06-04, 11:38 PM	From personal experiance, I know that presenting a few well written articles like some presented above works, as long as you yourself take the time to address their concerns. Do not just hand them printed sheets of paper and say, "Read this." Address their concerns, point out things from the rulebooks, and then wait patiently for their dicission.
Geethree 05-06-04, 11:43 PM	DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT tell your parents to "stick it" or any variation on that. When you're living by youself you can do what you want; until then, you live by their rules. Being rude and impudent will not help. The best you can hope for is to calmly address their issues with the game and explain to them that it isn't religious or satanic, it's just a game about having fun fantasy adventures. If they still have trouble with it, try to reach a compromise. Tell them you won't play spellcasters (because, D&D without spellcasters would just be like LotR), or you'll only play in the house where you can be supervised (they'll eventually grow to trust you; don't worry). Compare D&D to things that they already approve of. Lord of the Rings is a great example, since D&D is obviously inspired by most of it. Perhaps you could reference Star Wars or Indiana Jones, or other adventure movies your parents might be familiar with. Tell them what a roleplaying game really is. It's not any different from improv theatre, you're just combining improv with a board game.
Ssussunriyh 05-07-04, 02:03 AM	Also be sure to include this: D&D is a game. It has no more real-world significance than baseball, chess, or pinochle. We who play it know this. We don't believe that D&D allows us to actually cast magical spells that produce any real effect whatsoever. D&D has nothing to do with any professed "religion" that claims to use magic. It's a form of make-believe, for recreation and enjoyment, nothing more. That's why the rulebooks are found in the "Games" section of the bookstore, not in the "New Age," "Religion," or "Lifestyle" sections.
Scott Bennie 05-07-04, 02:40 AM	Originally posted by Angel_Azriel If all else fails, there is a d20 book called "Testament" which, from what I understand, is set as a roleplaying version of the Bible. The only thing that seems rather off with the book is that they gave Jesus stats.:bored: Testament only covers the Old Testament period. There are no stats for Jesus in the book. Scott Bennie
Asta Kask 05-07-04, 02:56 AM	Originally posted by Scott Bennie Testament only covers the Old Testament period. There are no stats for Jesus in the book. Too bad. I've always wondered whether he was LG or NG... :D Respect for your mother's religious beliefs are a must, since you will only alienate her and make her more convinced than ever that you are becoming possessed otherwise. A calm voice and a cool mind is better than raging fury in these situations... Testament would seem like a great idea. contains a great deal of info on the relevant time period, as does the TSR 2e book [b]The Empire of Rome (I think it's called this, but I'm not certain). You could also play in the age of Charlemagne and join Orlando Furioso in his struggles against the dastardly saracens. Defend Christianity and the Holy Roman Empire. I think that, as long as you make clear that divine magic is reserved for Christian clerics and make Alignment = Evil a requirement for arcane magic, you should be in the clear.
Drake Dragonslayer 05-07-04, 11:34 AM	Download the SRD. Play online games in the Message board forum. Simple. That way you can play and have all the info in an easily disposable Place.
Advanced 05-07-04, 12:24 PM	Only thing to do is kill her but I am asuming its not legal where you live. If you can get away with it I would massicer the whole communite for being so fanaticly religious. People like them are what makes the world such a bad place for kind, loving, sensitive, non-branwashable people like me.
Grudthak 05-07-04, 02:09 PM	Grudthak's Tip number Two Sign up for the school Footy Team...I'm guessing you are in the US and as such you have to wear all that body armour when you play :confused: but anyways... GET INJURED... Seriously, get out there, get your nose broken or a rib fractured or something hienous... And then you can look up at your mum from the stretcher with your only openable bloodshot eye and say hoarsely... "THIS NEVER WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF YOU JUST LET ME PLAY D&D MUM...!!!"
wizzydog 05-07-04, 04:49 PM	Your mother is just trying to protect you from evil. I am christian too, but i am not that tied to it. My mother undertsand that i am not going to sit here and swear all the time by just listening to a rap song. Also she understand that viloent games aren't going to turn me into a serial killer. You just hae to have your mother understand that this is a game. What happens in it stays in it. Present facts and stuff and show her that you're not going to try and cast fire trap on them. When you're eating dinner would probably be the best time to have a duscussion with your parents because they aren't going to leave the table. Hopefully. Let them knwo that you're not going to worship the game. You're just trying to have some fun in your life and trying to expand your horizons. Seeing what elese the world has to offer than just sports and other things. this is a great game for anyone. This is like the RPG that started them all. Tell your mom that many people do it and that she doesn't see people walking arround in the middle of the street raising a dead person or reeking havoc upon the world. It's a fictional world and shee needs to understand that.
Bacon and Eggs 05-07-04, 05:51 PM	Perhaps mom does not want son to become a percieved "geek". Moms do like grandchildren someday. Then again, I'm just full of conjecture as much as the next person without the full story.
The Axeman 05-07-04, 07:54 PM	In your sweetest voice tell your mother that she can't stop you from playing AD&D no matter what she does, and if she continues to interfere you will feast upon her innards. :D
SnowbearK 05-07-04, 11:58 PM	Originally posted by Bacon and Eggs Perhaps mom does not want son to become a percieved "geek". Moms do like grandchildren someday. My mother raised two boys who were and still are both avid gamers. She has 4 grandchildren with a 5th on the way. Just food for thought.
loremaster marvin 05-08-04, 12:20 AM	Not only should you tell your parents to 'stick it,' you should also tell them about the spells you cast on them daily, ones that will expand their wasitlines, cause their hair to fall out, and collapse their arches. Tell them, in excruciating detail, of your personal relationship with Mammom and how you will will let nothing stand between you and your dark god. Create and conceal small shrines throughout your house. Adorn these with photos of Geraldo Rivera and Vin Scully, elaborating, in medieval script, upon their great service and sacrifice to the dark one. Carry eggs in your pockets. Show them to others with no explanation. Perfom simple everyday actions in reverse. Speak in palindromes. Shave your eyebrows. Sit in the moonlight for extended periods. Study latin in earnest. Ask to borrow strange and exotic herbs from your neighbors. Feign surprise at their lack of these items. Befriend insects. Champion long dead causes. Dress impecably. Always be seen with an umbrella. Approach strangers and inquire about streets whose names were long ago changed. Never answer in the affirmative. Respond in no fewer than eleven syllables. Develop a fondness for natto. Expand your vocabulary. Change your socks often, or not at all.
Bacon and Eggs 05-08-04, 11:17 PM	Originally posted by SnowbearK My mother raised two boys who were and still are both avid gamers. She has 4 grandchildren with a 5th on the way. Just food for thought. Right. But since everyone was making assumptions about the mom character in this particular story I figure I would add in another possible twist. Because really I don't know anything about this persons mom except for the biased opinion that has been layed out on the board. You know, to possibly divert the theme away from "religion".
Ryltar Swordsong 05-08-04, 11:27 PM	It's amazing that people who have mothers against D&D end up with similar usernames. Click me (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=108038) to see what I mean.
Hobbygoblin 05-09-04, 12:20 AM	Bloody n00bs. (smites)
Abaneth 05-09-04, 02:15 AM	It's amazing that people who have mothers against D&D end up with similar usernames. Click me to see what I mean. Yeah, that was me. I just wanted to ellaborate and get more people's opinion. Sorry if that offends yall.
Xaphan 05-10-04, 07:24 PM	Oh yeah, you have to watch out for those Satanic paladin's :rolleyes: I hide the fact that i play d&d but not because of my parents. Where i'm from, it's seen as a game for nerds. Than again the people that say it's for nerds spend their time smoking pot, getting drunk and listening to 50 cent. I'm not embarrassed by it, it just causes too many comments that anger me. This is all a load of crap. It's a game- if you follow it like real life then you have mental problems. People have gambling problems. Where's Satan then? BTW- I've read a lot of the Satanic bible and it's not about eating babies and sacraficing siblings and household pets. Tell your parents to do some damn research and not just to make decisions based on what Dr. Phil told them to think. What started this whole D&D and Satanism connection anyhow? "Hmmmmm....... there aren't butterflies and things everywhere and you can do bad things in it like kill people and worship bad gods that don't like sitting in fields with bunnies? THIS GAME IS THE WORK OF THE DEVIL!!!!:eek: "
Xaphan 05-10-04, 07:31 PM	Originally posted by SnowbearK My mother raised two boys who were and still are both avid gamers. She has 4 grandchildren with a 5th on the way. Just food for thought. Usually, later on in life, girls realize that nerds are the ones to go with. After they realize that they're idiots for doing drugs and having sex since they turned 11, they usually want to settle down with someone that's not a waste of life and isn't going to prison for doing something that made him look tough in front of his friends. It took me 17 years to get a girlfriend because i'm ugly, not because i'm "nerdy". I know about 3 people that women flock to and the girls all know that they play D&D. I actually met my girlfriend while i was playing (her sister was there to drop off food for her boyfriend). If people are going to treat you like crap because you play a game that involves more than pushing buttons or swinging a piece of wood at a ball (baseball for those of you who are slow) then they aren't worth your time anyhow. Bill Gates has always been a nerd and who laughs at him!?!?!? Sorry if i started rambling but this topic frustrates the hell out of me.
Yipwyg the Mighty 05-10-04, 08:11 PM	Just to add in my 2cp... As a devout Catholic, soon to be confirmed, and someone who spends my entire income on D&D supplements, I'd like to say that I agree with those who simply state that you should have a long discussion about it, or get them to read the books. In fact, I should do that some day, as my mother, while letting me play all the time, is still leery of the game, as well as Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Eh.
Sssargoth 05-10-04, 09:16 PM	Originally posted by Xaphan What started this whole D&D and Satanism connection anyhow? a group of people back in the 70s used DnD as their excuse for commiting murder, amongst other things. they also admitted to being satanists, i believe. Ask your pastors if they played DnD, while your mother is with you. When one of them says that they did/still do, watch how fast the look on her face changes. Then ask them why exactly they played, for mums benifit, giving the reason for this question of: she dosent want me playing it because she thinks its evil/satanic. other than this, id have to say that your on your own.
q'afuu 05-10-04, 09:23 PM	Originally posted by Sssargoth Ask your pastors if they played DnD, while your mother is with you. When one of them says that they did/still do, watch how fast the look on her face changes. Whatever you do, don't just do it to show your mom up, ok? There's no point in that (and it tends to backfire - people who feel they are being forced to admit they're wrong, rather than are allowed to come to that conclusion on their own, usually get stubborn).
kimbyrle 05-10-04, 09:50 PM	Originally posted by Bacon and Eggs Perhaps mom does not want son to become a percieved "geek". Moms do like grandchildren someday. Whoa! Buddy. Some of us (read: ME) actively seek out the geeks. I know this isn't true of every girl, but there's quite a contingent of us geekboy hunters out there.
AvalancheRider 05-10-04, 10:32 PM	Originally posted by kimbyrle Whoa! Buddy. Some of us (read: ME) actively seek out the geeks. I know this isn't true of every girl, but there's quite a contingent of us geekboy hunters out there. How come none of 'em live around here? :(
The Axeman 05-10-04, 10:59 PM	Originally posted by kimbyrle Whoa! Buddy. Some of us (read: ME) actively seek out the geeks. I know this isn't true of every girl, but there's quite a contingent of us geekboy hunters out there. Then I ask you to send some choice members of this contingent to me please. :D
Leibel 05-10-04, 11:11 PM	Testemant - Biblical d20 campaign add on. It's a TaNaCH setting(That's old testemant for you christians) with Jews, Canaanites, Egyptians, Babylonians. I'm getting it soon (Prepare to meet my Defender of Israel/Judge King Saul PC) and even though I have not read it the online reveiws I read state that Isrealite characters do not use magic(G-d banned in the bible you know), but have a substitute of some kind. It's a good monotheist vs polytheist setting - a religious person could hardly object to G-d fearing Isrealite Paladins/Psalmists/Defenders of Israel fighting the heathen hordes of idol making Egptians - I think. Personally I feel sorry - you got the short end of the stick. As an Orthodox Jew I find DnD poses little problems for my faith - I learn Bible/Talmud before I play and stop when it's prayer time and eat only kosher food after the game is over. DnD is a game and anyone who believes that magic, summoning monsters, demons, angels, multiple dieties is in my opinon a) has problems with determining what reality is - I play DnD and don't think I can actually summon Lions or cast Detect Thoughts and/or b) Is insecure about their faith - a RL intrusion into DnD but someone who is secure in their religion will not fear modernity - just adapt their religion to it(albeit within certain perimeters) - ala Orthodox Judaism and Vatican II. Testemant is published by Green Ronin publishing and is self contained - runs about $30 and should be orderable from a hobby store. Hope this helps out.
Xaphan 05-10-04, 11:22 PM	Man, just go Atheist like me and tell your mom to stop forcing her beliefs down your throat. THAT my friend is what causes future serial killers, not dice and paper.
Leibel 05-10-04, 11:27 PM	Testemant - Biblical d20 campaign add on. It's a TaNaCH setting(That's old testemant for you christians) with Jews, Canaanites, Egyptians, Babylonians. I'm getting it soon (Prepare to meet my Defender of Israel/Judge King Saul PC) and even though I have not read it the online reveiws I read state that Isrealite characters do not use magic(G-d banned in the bible you know), but have a substitute of some kind. It's a good monotheist vs polytheist setting - a religious person could hardly object to G-d fearing Isrealite Paladins/Psalmists/Defenders of Israel fighting the heathen hordes of idol making Egptians - I think. Personally I feel sorry - you got the short end of the stick. As an Orthodox Jew I find DnD poses little problems for my faith - I learn Bible/Talmud before I play and stop when it's prayer time and eat only kosher food after the game is over. DnD is a game and anyone who believes that magic, summoning monsters, demons, angels, multiple dieties is in my opinon a) has problems with determining what reality is - I play DnD and don't think I can actually summon Lions or cast Detect Thoughts and/or b) Is insecure about their faith - a RL intrusion into DnD but someone who is secure in their religion will not fear modernity - just adapt their religion to it(albeit within certain perimeters) - ala Orthodox Judaism and Vatican II. Testemant is published by Green Ronin publishing and is self contained - runs about $30 and should be orderable from a hobby store. Hope this helps out.
Xaphan 05-10-04, 11:33 PM	Leibel has a stuttering problem:heehee
Geethree 05-10-04, 11:36 PM	Originally posted by Xaphan Man, just go Atheist like me and tell your mom to stop forcing her beliefs down your throat. THAT my friend is what causes future serial killers, not dice and paper. Telling somebody to "go Atheist" is the same thing as "forcing her beliefs down your throat." Besides that, religion is a serious subject that is to be seriously considered. Discussion of religion is a touchy subject here and I don't think giving religious advice (particularly rude religious advice) is appropriate.
Xaphan 05-10-04, 11:46 PM	I thought that it was obvious i wasn't serious about that part. yeah ready- "you should be an Atheist" "YOU'RE RIGHT!, from this moment on i denounce my religion!".....um...no. That was obviously a joke.
Yipwyg the Mighty 05-10-04, 11:55 PM	And this is a serious discussion. Leave your jokes behind or don't post here. Try the Rec Room.
Xaphan 05-11-04, 12:25 AM	:rolleyes: Anyhow. Have you tried a serious discussion? I think that some people had religion forced into them so badly that they fear anything that could even be slightly seen as unholy or blasphemous. Some people are raised on religion so it might not be her fault, she might have just been raised to think that things like this are bad. Read this- [[Link removed. -- WizO the Hutt]] I laughed for almost an hour straight after reading that. It's too far-fetched. If anyone kills themselves over Dungeons and Dragons then they had other reasons, not because their character died. D&D has been shown to be harmless time and time again. Whatever you do, DO NOT tell her you'll just do it anyway as that always ends badly. This game has a bad reputation no matter how you look at it. We're all either nerds or Satanists or both in most peoples eyes. By the way, sorry if my joke offended anyone but i figured we were all smart enough to realize that people aren't going to drop their religion because some random person on the internet (who they will probably never meet and even if they were talking to the person, they wouldn't know it) suggested it. I think that a lot of people start joining cults to get back at people. Kind of like- you forced me to be one way, now i'll show you. I think of this as a thinkers game. There's a lot more to it than killing everything in sight. Try a nice long discussion. It helped with my mom and she's very closed minded. I can understand where the idea comes from though. The main way to become more powerful is to kill things. That's kind of weird but most groups award you for playing your role well rather than hacking and slashing.
SnowbearK 05-11-04, 12:39 AM	Come now Xaphan, you've been around long enough to know that posting links to that site is against the CoC. :rolleyes: Oh, and on the subject of geekboy hunters, stay away from them! They're only after your prep-school good looks, your ruggedly powerful physique, and your thick nagahyde wallets! :angel:
ORC_Tuhteth 05-11-04, 02:27 AM	This thread has been meandering off-topic for quite a while now. Enough already. :) Seriously, these forums are here to discuss the games themselves, not parent-child relationships and disputes. A few closing thoughts are in order, however. To the starter of this thread (and others with the same problem): Ultimately, if you're a minor in this situation, your parents are in charge. You can try to convince them otherwise, but you'll really have to do your homework. In the end, though, you have to accept that they get to decide what is and is not appropriate for you -- that applies to meals, curfews, friends, entertainment, etc. No one here can change any of that. It sucks, but that's what you're stuck with until you're 18.