2014 Geek-A-Long: Dungeons and Dragons

Welcome to week 24 of the 2014 Geek-A-Long, a mystery blanket knit-along (or crochet-along for you rebels out there)!  Can you believe we’re already halfway through?  I swear, just yesterday it was December of 2013 and Jac was talking me into this craziness over lattes.

If you’re new to the GAL, it’s not too late to join in on the fun.  Check out the Geek-A-Long FAQ page for more details and information. Then, meet us back here when you’re ready. For the seasoned pros, let’s talk about Dungeons and Dragons.

I got into D&D in college.  Like the many who have gone before me, my boyfriend talked me into it.  I got rid of the guy, but kept the dice.  The first ongoing adventure I ever played was Living Arcanis, and now nearly 12 years later I’m running it for my group.  We roll at 7th Dimension Games in Jenkintown, PA.  If you’re ever in the area, stop by and say hello!

http://instagram.com/p/pIEb7hCZnQ/

I run a 3.5 game, but I’ve tried my hand at many others.  (I’m not even going to talk to you about 4th edition; I think it’s best we all just forget about it altogether.)  The first encounter I ever played was 3rd, and I don’t remember much about it aside from having no idea what I was doing.  I played in a Pathfinder campaign for awhile and really enjoyed it.  I think it would be fair to call Pathfinder D&D 3.75.  I’ve played Rifts and Whitewolf, and I’ve LARPED.  I always wind up going back to 3.5 though.  I suppose it’s my D&D the way David Tennant is my Doctor.

It’s a strange hobby to have when you walk and work among the non-gamers the way I do.  My boss doesn’t know that’s why I have a firm leave time on Wednesdays, and I think it would bother her if she knew.  In many ways, I’m in the gamer closet.  At a convention, I once had a conversation on that topic with someone and they accused me of being ashamed.  I’m not.  I love RPGs and I love introducing new people to them.  However, I also love eating and sleeping indoors, which both depend on my continued employment.

I have to wonder, is it my responsibility as the consumer to normalize the product?  I’m consistently surprised that WoTC doesn’t do more to lift the stigma.  When was the last time you saw an ad for D&D somewhere other than a Con or game store?  Imagine if they had actual commercials?  With a marketing budget, I could sell it to soccer moms.  Just saying.  With a little repackaging, the game could be sold at Target.

Call me, Wizards of the Coast, ’cause I have ideas.

I have been hoarding this square for week 24.  For me, D&D represents the escapism that makes being a nerd so delightful.  So happy midpoint guys!  This is the halfway point and I am amazed and honored at the response the Geek-A-Long has gotten this year.  I love you guys, keep it up!  :D

D20

© Megan-Anne of Lattes & Llamas, 2014

Needles: Size US6

Yarn: Cascade 220 in 2 sharply contrasting colors.

Gauge: 10 sts over 13 rows = 2″ x 2″ square. Final square is 45 sts by 57 rows.  Please note that in the written pattern I instruct you to knit the rows above and below the active color chart.  These rows are shown on the chart as solid color rows above and below the design.

Download PDF of the color chart D20. Cast on 45 sts for each side of knitting (with two strands held together CO 45, for a total of 90 sts on needle).

Work 2 rows of double-sided knitting (knit the facing sts and purl the back sts across).  You may choose to work the opposite color for the first stitch of each row (I do this), which will keep the edges closed. Alternately, you may choose to knit them without doing this and seam the sides when putting the blanket together. There is no “right” way to do this. It is really just what you are more comfortable with.

Follow color chart over next 53 rows in double-sided knitting.

Work 2 rows of double-sided knitting. BO.

Don’t forget to post links to your finished squares, so we can all oooh and ah together. We even have a fancy new GAL Participation Button you can put on your blog or your Geek-A-Long posts. You can grab the html out of the side bar or find it here.

If you’re having trouble with double-sided knitting, we have a how-to video here and you can find moral support in the Geek-A-Long group on Ravelry here. We’re even raffling off some sweet prizes for our members at the end of the year! You can learn more about it in the group or on the GAL Benefactors page.

~ Megan-Anne
It’s a gazebo, Eric.  It doesn’t do anything.

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