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June 2026

May 2026

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February 2026

January 2026

6.3.26: Dungeon Crawler Carl FAQs

Dungeon Crawler Carl (DCC) seems to be everywhere in the geek world right now. It’s a bestselling book series with an equally popular, if not more popular, audiobook series. There’s also a webtoon, an upcoming tabletop role playing game (RPG), and a planned series on Peacock.

If you’ve heard about DCC but don’t understand why it’s popular, if you’ve been greeted with a friendly “Glurp glurp!” or “Hiiiii, Zev!” and you’re confused, or if you just really enjoy a good story with legendary voice acting, keep reading.

What is DCC?

DCC is a LitRPG series, which is kind of like a story version of an RPG video game. The protagonist is the player in the game. The series itself feels like a cross between Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Dungeons & Dragons, and The Hunger Games.

The series follows Carl, a regular man who enters a dungeon run by aliens with his ex-girlfriend’s cat, Donut, after the aliens caused a cataclysm across the entire planet. The story that follows is sometimes heartbreaking, but most of the time it’s hilariously funny and highly entertaining.

Why is DCC so popular?

There are a few different reasons working together that make it popular. One of these is that Dungeons & Dragons has increased in popularity in the past few years. Shows like Stranger Things and Critical Role have made it almost mainstream. While not every DCC reader has played Dungeons & Dragons, most are familiar enough with it to understand the concept.

A lot of why DCC is popular, though, comes from the series itself. Matt Dinniman does an excellent job of both creating characters that readers care about and creating an immersive world for them to exist in. One of the saddest pronunciations in the series is when a character’s last instant message is accompanied with the warning “This message is from a deceased crawler.” This is true even if the character is relatively minor.

Dinniman doesn’t just create characters for readers to like. He also creates some absolutely infuriating villains, from those who were just as awful in the dungeon as they were in their previous lives to those who will harm any and every person they encounter to try to get ahead.

Not only are the characters interesting and entertaining in themselves, Dinniman also gives them some incredibly quotable lines. Some of these are really fun since they don’t mean anything until the reader gets to them. Anyone who has listened to the later books will immediately recognize lines like “Glurp, glurp!” “Mongo is appalled!” or “I need a...baby seal,” while those who haven’t read these lines yet have no idea of what’s going on. It’s like a fun inside joke between all the readers.

While DCC takes place in a fantasy universe of various alien races, aspects of it still feel very familiar to readers. Being trapped in a system that profits from your suffering and offers you only the tiniest sliver of hope of ever escaping is something that resonates with a lot of people right now. DCC holds a mirror up to our society by creating a satirical version of it.

How are Matt Dinniman, Jeff Hays, and Patreon connected?

Unlike a lot of authors who have their books turned to audiobooks, Matt Dinniman works closely with his audiobook narrator, Jeff Hays. There are even times that Dinniman seems to mess with Hays, giving him strange accent combinations, etc.

Hays is a large, large part of the audiobooks’ success. When I listened to the first book, I assumed that there was a full cast. This video of Jeff Hays doing all the character voices (CN: profanity) showed me otherwise. Hays is phenomenally talented, and I don’t think the series would be as big of a hit without him.

Not only does Dinniman work closely with Hays, he also provides his Patreon supporters with some input into his writing. He’s let them choose things such as loot box contents in the past. He also posted chapter drafts of Parade of Horribles for his Patreon supporters as the chapters were written, before they were even edited to be made available to anyone else. It’s also rumored that he will change his planned plot if people guess too close to what he has planned. The Patreon provides a direct connection between Dinniman and Hays and the fans.

What do you wish you’d known before you started reading DCC?

The DCC series is really funny, but when it gets serious, it punches you in the gut. There are topics addressed that can be triggering, like infertility and childhood abuse. I would have still read the books knowing that I would encounter this, but I wish I had known about it ahead of time.

Those aren’t the only painful moments in the book. Characters die, lots of them, including some that you’ve grown to love. Sometimes people have to make hard, no-win decisions. It always serves the overall story, though. Dinniman isn’t beating up on his readers for no reason.

Why do people keep talking about Chapter 57 of Parade of Horribles?

This chapter is the best chapter out of all of the DCC books, and possibly out of all audiobooks. Without sharing any spoilers, it has both excellent writing by Dinniman and Hays’ best work. The audiobook is worth it for just this one chapter. (You’re welcome!)

5.27.26: Convention Season Tips

Now that Memorial Day has passed, it’s the time of year that geeks everywhere dream of: convention season. Whether you’re attending a small, local con or a great big, famous one, preparing for the event will help you get the most out of it.

There’s a lot of really good information available about how to prepare for conventions. I want to add to this knowledge. I’ve been to nearly 20 conventions, from local ones to Gen Con, the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America. Here are some common pieces of advice with some revisions based on my experiences.

Standard advice: Buy a new pair of athletic shoes and break them in ahead of time.

My advice: Wear your most comfortable shoes for walking.

I spend every convention in Crocs flip-flops. I’m sure it’s not great for my feet, but it’s what’s comfortable. I’ve tried new athletic shoes and well-worn athletic shoes, but I’m still most comfortable in the same shoes I wear when I walk my dogs.

If athletic shoes are comfortable for you, great! If they’re not comfortable for you, don’t beat yourself up about it. Put on some comfortable shoes and carry on. There’s too much to see and do to worry about what’s on your feet.

My shoes: Crocs Bayaband Flip

Standard advice: Bring a big water bottle so you don’t have to refill it often.

My advice: Bring the water bottle that best suits your needs.

I’m the absolute worst about drinking water. If I have any other option, I’ll take it. For me, bringing a big water bottle means having to wrangle a big, full, heavy water bottle for the few sips I’ll eventually take. I ended up with a 32 oz. bottle because it fits the side pocket of my backpack nicely and gives me plenty of water in case I’m stuck without a better option for a while.

If you want to go longer between refills or drink a lot of water, a big water bottle is your best bet. If this isn’t you, check out your other options as well.

My water bottle: TAL 32oz 2-in-1 Straw and Chug with Push Lid – Army

Standard advice: Carefully plan your schedule to optimize the number of events you can attend.

My advice: Don’t over-schedule yourself.

While it’s entirely possible to have a great time at a convention without attending a single event, a lot of events are really fun and add to the con experience. I don’t recommend entirely winging it, but I do recommend holding your plans very loosely. Something can always happen at the last minute to change your plans, even if it’s just tiredness or hanger.

In general, I try to pick 1-3 events that I really want to attend and leave the rest of the time for shopping, people watching, and exploring. 

Standard advice: Shower daily and use deodorant.

My advice: Shower daily, use deodorant, and be aware of other scents.

The smelly, unwashed con-goer is a trope, but it’s one with basis in reality. While the vast majority of people at conventions do shower and wear deodorant, it’s also worth thinking about other scents as well, like perfume or cologne.

Conventions can be crowded places, and everyone in your vicinity is going to smell you. Since it’s impossible to tell who has allergies, asthma, etc., please be considerate and keep the perfume or cologne moderate.

Standard advice: Carry a cosplay repair kit.

My advice: Carry a cosplay repair kit...and an extra cosplay.

Story time! Last year, I went to a convention about six weeks or so after having surgery. I hadn’t tried on my costume since before surgery, and I didn’t think about swelling still being an issue after six weeks. I pulled on the little shorts of my Columbia cosplay (from Rocky Horror Picture Show), and the shorts split all the way down one seam. Fortunately, I had a different cosplay I could wear.

You don’t have to carry a full spare cosplay if space or finances don’t allow it. As long as you have something to wear that you feel good about wearing, you’re in good shape. I carry an emergency ears and tail set since I think they’re always fun to wear.

My emergency ears and tail: Cat Ears and Wolf Fox Animal Tail Cosplay Costume

5.20.26: Board Game Reviews: Board Games for Senior Citizens

Board games are fun for all ages. Many of us have fond memories of playing them since childhood. Some of my favorite childhood memories are of playing board games with my grandmother: dominoes, cards, and even a board game called The Christmas Game.

My grandmother did eventually develop Lewy-Body Dementia, but there is evidence that playing board and card games help mental function in senior citizens and may even protect against dementia. A review of existing studies found that playing board games led to increased scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

One study in France, which followed over 3600 participants for 20 years, also found cognitive benefits for board game players. Roughly a third of the participants were board game players, and they showed 15% less risk of developing dementia in that time. These players also showed less cognitive decline on a follow up MMSE and less depression.

Chen Senior Medical Center, which specializes in care for seniors on Medicare, recommends four types of games to help seniors stay sharp (in addition to jigsaw puzzles). Here are some recommendations for a solid selection in each category to play with someone you love. Many older games, such as Scrabble, Yahtzee, and Uno also fit into these categories.

References

 

Word Games: Alibis

Alibis is a favorite in our household. It’s a cooperative game where each player is assigned two words from the array of words and on the table, each held by a comic book style criminal. The player must write one word on their board to help others determine which two words (and criminals) they have. (For example, if your words are “canyon” and “airplane,” you might connect them with the word “travel.”) The lone remaining criminal is the perpetrator. Players remove Heat (negative tokens) for correct answers and correctly guessing the perpetrator.

Card Games: Flip 7

Flip 7 is a relatively new and very popular card game. The deck has one 1, two 2s, three 3s, etc. The goal is to flip over as many cards as possible without flipping the same number twice (busting), banking the points you flip without busting. Flipping seven cards without busting earns a bonus.

Dice Games: Spots

Spots is another of our family favorites. Players select “tricks” from tiles on the table to take different actions, including rolling different numbers of dice. The goal is to match the dice to the dice images on each of the dog cards. Dice that don’t match are buried in the back yard, and having more than seven spots on the dice there causes the player to bust, losing all their dice (including the ones on the dog cards).

Board Games: Sage Stones

Sage Stones is a game that’s super easy to learn and also fun to play. The goal is to be the first player to place all ten of their stones on the board. Rolling the dice tells the player which column to place their stone in. Rolling a one, a two, and a three causes the player to lose their turn.

5.13.26: “Accidentally” Vegan Party Foods

One of the best ways to make sure all your guests feel welcome is to make sure to have food on hand that everyone is able eat. It shows your guests that you thought about them and took their wants and needs into account.

Fortunately, there are a lot of readily available party snacks that are vegan. Vegan options are good because they provide options for lots of guests, not just the ones who are vegan. Guests who can’t have one or more animal products (whether due to allergies or medical conditions like Alpha-gal syndrome) also benefit.

Most people already eat these snacks all the time without realizing that they’re vegan. Here are some good options for chips, dips, and sweets.

Chips

There are a lot of excellent options for chips. Plain chips, like Fritos, are often vegan. I recommend checking the label just to be sure. Pairing these with a vegan dip is always a hit!

If you’re looking for some options with more flavor, there are definitely some available. Here are some of my favorites:

Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos
Most Doritos contain either milk or other animal ingredients, but the Spicy Sweet Chili flavor is the exception to the rule. They scratch that Doritos itch without the animal products.

Lay’s Barbecue Potato Chips
There are actually a lot of barbecue potato chips out there that are vegan, but definitely check the label. Some of them do contain milk ingredients. The Lay’s chips are safe, though.

Hippeas Chickpea Puffs
These might not be as well known as Doritos or Lay’s, but they’re one of my favorite chips. The Hippeas puffs are like a vegan puffy Cheeto in texture. They cheese flavor doesn’t exactly taste like cheese, but it’s very tasty and buttery.

Dips

Dips are another area where there are lots of great options, some more familiar than others. Serve them with chips or Ritz crackers (also vegan). While everyone knows that salsa is vegan, here are some other alternatives.

Hummus
Hummus is a smooth dip made from chickpeas and tahini (a sesame paste). It pairs well with tortilla chips or pita chips. I also sometimes like to stuff the mini sweet peppers with it.

Guacamole
While most people are familiar with guacamole, it’s not always the first dip to come to mind as vegan. It’s worth checking labels on store-bought guacamole, but making your own at home is quick and easy and allows you to control the ingredients.

Baba Ghanoush
Baba ghanoush is a dip often found at Middle Eastern restaurants. It’s made from roasted eggplant and tahini, and it has a wonderful smoky flavor. (If you want to make it yourself without roasting eggplants, you can buy jarred eggplant online.)

Sweets

A party just isn’t a party without sweet treats. There are bakeries that offer vegan cakes, but here are some pre-packaged options to include as well.

Oreos
This was the vegan food that surprised me most. While it seems like the Oreo filling would contain milk (like cake frosting), they are indeed vegan. Other variants, such as Mint Oreos, are also vegan.

Fruit by the Foot
Many gummy candies contain gelatin, which is an animal product. Fruit by the Foot helps satisfy the craving for gummy candy without the gelatin.

Skittles
Since many chocolate candies contain milk, Skittles are a good alternative. They’re sweet, familiar, and maybe even a little nostalgic. Vegans and non-vegans alike enjoy them.

5.6.26: DIY: Box Lid Dice Tray

Dice trays are one of my favorite board game accessories. They can be colorful or stylish, and they keep me from tossing my dice across the table and into the floor. (This happens more often than I want to admit.) Dice trays are widely available, both online at your friendly local game store (FLGS).

It’s entirely possible to make a dice tray on your own. When I was preparing to run my Roll for Swag game at a local event, I wanted to make a long dice tray for my giant 20-sided die. While I might have been able to find something suitable online, I wasn’t sure that I would be able to get it here in time, and I was pretty sure I could make one for cheaper than buying one.

This is the process I used to make my dice tray. I definitely made some mistakes, and I’ll call them out so that you don’t make them, too. I’m not entirely satisfied with the finished product, but I know I can make a better one before the next event. Keep an eye out for an updated tutorial in the future!

Materials

  • Cardboard flat or box lid
  • Decorative paper
  • Mouse pad mat
  • Rubber gripper pads
  • Cutting tools and craft glue sticks

Step 1: Cover the sides of the tray with the decorative paper.

  • Working in sections, cover an inside edge of the dice tray with glue. Press the decorative paper onto the glue. You may have to hold it in place for a moment for it to stick.
  • When the inside is covered, wrap the paper around the lip (using a little glue to secure it) and continue down the outside of the tray. 
  • Wrap the paper around the bottom of the tray (barely overlapping the bottom) and secure it with glue. 
  • Continue with the other three sides.

Notes:
Start with the inside of the tray. I tried to start with the outside and had to start over.

Step 2: Cover the bottom of the tray with paper.

  • Cut the paper slightly smaller than the bottom of the tray.
  • Use the same technique to glue paper to the bottom of the tray.

Notes:
Cutting the paper smaller than the tray prevents the edges of the paper from sticking out and becoming ragged. The wrapped edges you’ve already created are neater.

Step 3: Cover your corner seams.

  • Cut four 2” strips of decorative paper that are the height of the sides of the tray.
  • Glue each strip around the outside of a corner of the tray, making sure to line up the edges with the top and bottom. 
  • Check the inside corners. If needed, cover them in the same way.

Notes:
Pay extra attention to the edges of the paper and make sure that they are glued down tightly. Otherwise, they’ll get ragged.

Step 4: Install the rubber gripper pads.

  • Turn your tray over and attach a pad at each corner.

Notes:
Many pads are self-adhesive, including the ones I used.

Step 5: Glue the mouse pad mat to the inside of the tray.

  • Measure the inside of the tray and cut the mat to fit.
  • Glue the mat to the inside of the tray.

Notes:
I recommend cutting the mat with scissors before installing it. I tried to trim it and then lay it in the tray and cut it to fit with an Xacto knife, and it snagged and tore in places. (I ended up covering the bare cardboard in black marker where the mat didn’t cover it.)

Step 6: Test your new dice tray.

  • Roll your dice to make sure that they roll smoothly.

Notes:
It’s not entirely necessary to play a board game or Dungeons & Dragons with your friends to test your dice tray, but it’s definitely encouraged!

4.29.26: Holiday Spotlight: Beltane

Beltane is the Gaelic May Day celebration. It’s widely practiced by Wiccan and other neo-pagan groups. It marks the beginning of summer and is associated with fertility.

As Beltane is a holiday marking a shift in seasons, it’s celebrated on different dates in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In the Northern Hemisphere, the date is April 30 – May 1. In the Southern Hemisphere, it’s October 31 – November 1.

The neo-pagan umbrella, which includes Wicca among many other traditions, contains a diverse array of people following various cultural customs and worshiping different gods. While specific traditions vary widely, there are three items commonly associated with the holiday: flowers, maypoles, and bonfires.

Flowers

Flowers have been a part of Beltane celebrations for centuries. The Roman holiday Floralia, which was celebrated around Beltane, honored the goddess of flowers and fertility.

The Celts used them to decorate homes and livestock. They also decorated a May bush, a thorn bush or branch covered in ribbons, flowers, and shells. In later years, the decorations included candles and even Easter egg shells and the May bush was sometimes paraded through town.

A more modern Beltane custom is the May Day basket. These are small baskets of flowers hung on someone’s doorknob. The giver rings the bell or knocks before running away. While no longer as popular as it once was, some people still distribute May Day baskets to family and friends. Modern pagans often create flower crowns as part of observing the holiday.

Fun Fact: The earliest mention of May Day baskets in the US was in the Louisa May Alcott novel Jack and Jill, which was published in the 1880s.

Maypoles

A maypole is a tall pole, often decorated with flowers, that has several ribbons attached. Dancers each take the end of a ribbon and dance around the pole, entwining their ribbon with the others to make a pattern.

Dancing around a maypole is a tradition that stretches as far back as the Middle Ages, if not even farther. It originated in the Germanic countries of Europe. Many European countries still have maypole traditions.

Most modern pagans consider the maypole to be a symbol of spring, fertility, and unity. Wiccans also see it as a phallic symbol, representing the God, while the ribbons and circular dancing represent the Goddess.

Fun Fact: “The May-Pole of Merry Mount” is a short story by Nathaniel Hawthorne that was inspired by an actual event in the 1600s. The Puritans, led by Myles Standish, cut down the maypole at the anti-Puritan settlement of Merrymount and arrested the founder of the colony.

Bonfires

The holiday name is believed to come from either Belltaine (meaning “fire of Bel”) or bil-tene (meaning “lucky fire”). Bonfires have been part of the holiday since the beginning, when ancient Celts would drive their livestock between two fires to protect them from disease. All fires were doused and a new fire was lit on a hill, using only the friction of two pieces of wood to start it. Burning torches were lit from the new fire to relight the hearths.

Beltane is still often celebrated with bonfires. Some people dance over or around the fire, and some light candles from the bonfire to take home with them.

Fun Fact: While bones and death aren’t part of Beltane celebrations, the word “bonfire” is derived from the Middle English term “bone fire.”

4.22.26: Eco-Friendly Party Planning

Most people want to do their part to help take care of our planet. However, trying to figure out the best way to do so can be intimidating, and a lot of eco-friendly options seem pretty expensive.

The good thing about trying to make good choices for the environment is that doing anything is better than doing nothing at all. Not only that, eco-friendly choices are sometimes also wallet-friendly choices.

There are three main areas in party planning where greener choices lead to more green in your pocket. 

Invitations

While there are some milestone events where a paper invitation is expected, such as a wedding or graduation, electronic invitations are a cheaper and less wasteful option for most other get-togethers.

Two popular options are electronic invitations (evites) and social media events. Evites are texted or emailed invitations. They can look like a traditional invite or be a simple message with the date, time, etc. Creating an event on social media notifies your guests that they’ve been invited and provides a space for you and your guests to interact online until the event.

Using evites and social media events instead of traditional paper invitations is good for the environment and for your bottom line for the same reasons, saving on ink, paper, and mailing. This, in turn, touches several points of environmental impact: saving trees, preventing water pollution from manufacturing, saving fossil fuels from the planes and trucks carrying mail, etc.

Party Supplies and Décor

Reduce your party’s environmental impact by reusing existing items for your party and choosing new items for your party that can be reused.

Sourcing secondhand party décor and supplies is eco-friendly, cost effective, and fun. It ensures that your party will look unique. You can buy a charming set of mismatched plates and cloth napkins at a thrift shop for not a lot more than the cost of brand new paper goods, at least for smaller parties. Speaking of paper goods, some thrift stores sell some party basics (like wrapping paper, table cloths, and banners) still in their original packaging for far less than the original price.

Even if you choose to buy your party décor and supplies new, buying reusable items is better for the planet than buying one-time-use items that will go to a landfill. Cute glasses can double as party favors, candle holders and cupcake stands can be sold or donated for a future host to use, etc.

Food and Drinks

This is an area where eco-friendly choices can also be less expensive ones. Buying foods that are local and in season cuts down on both the environmental impact and expense of transporting the items. Your local farmers’ market may have the perfect inspiration for your party menu.

Buying snacks in the bulk section of your local grocery or health foods store is also a great idea. It’s often cheaper than buying packaged snacks, and you can customize your own snack mixes from the available ingredients. Also, there’s no plastic packaging to throw away, especially if you bring your own reusable containers for the bulk goods.

The concept of buying bulk snacks also applies to beverages. Swapping out a cooler or two of bottled and canned drinks for big dispensers of tea or lemonade still feels festive while drastically reducing the amount of packaging thrown away. For alcoholic beverages, consider a keg and mixed drinks instead of bottled and canned drinks. 

4.15.26: National Anime Day: Anime for Non-Anime Fans

April 15, while widely known as Tax Day, is also National Anime Day. It was first celebrated in Tokyo in 1975.

Anime first became popular in the 1960s, when manga (Japanese comic book / graphic novel) artist Osamu Tezuka set up Mushi Productions. Anime became popular internationally in the 1980s, and there are now over 430 anime production companies.

So...I have a little bit of a confession. I’m not really much of an anime fan. I have a few that I like, but in general, I’d choose to watch something else. Now, that doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with anime or that people shouldn’t like it. It’s just not my favorite thing.

That being said, I’m around anime a lot. I volunteer at the local anime convention each year, and it’s one of my favorite events. (I love cosplay, even if I’m not familiar with the characters.) My partner is also a huge anime fan, so it’s frequent background noise in our home.

If anime isn’t your thing, but you want to try watching a show or two or want to watch with a friend or loved one, here is my advice for finding something you’ll enjoy.

1. Think about the things you like in other genres.

Do you like action movies? Comedy? Romance? Your existing interests can help guide your exploration. With so many artists and production companies, there’s really something for everyone. Think about your non-media interests as well. They can also guide you.

In my case, I like comedies, so I look for anime series with a lot of humor, even if they are serious or emotionally charged at times, too. I love playing Dungeons & Dragons and baking, and my partner looks like the character Senshi, so Dungeon Meshi was an excellent choice for me.

2. Think about things you don’t like, too.

This is the flip side to the previous point. If you don’t enjoy a certain genre of movies or shows, you probably aren’t going to start liking it just because you found an anime version of it. Also, as you begin watching different series, you’ll find some aspects that further help you narrow down your choices.

Using myself as an example again, I tend not to try to watch anything resembling rom-coms because I don’t like them. (Again, not a value judgment; just a personal preference.) Having anime as background noise has shown me that the squeaky “anime girl” voice acting bugs me. Most of my favorite shows don’t have it or don’t have a lot of it.

3. Ask for recommendations.

Even if you’re an anime fan, there’s more content available than anyone could ever watch. There’s decades of movies and series from hundreds of studios. No one is familiar with everything.

There are a lot of ways to get recommendations. Join a Facebook group or Subreddit. Browse websites and read reviews. Talk to people at your local anime store. Most people love to be asked for their opinion and love to share their knowledge. They’ll be happy to help.

Most of the series I like are ones that people have shown me. One, however, was one that I remembered a classmate talking about years ago. That one (Ranma ½) was the first anime I watched and is still a favorite.

4. Watch with others when possible.

Sure, it’s entirely possible to watch and enjoy anime by yourself, but it’s more fun with a friend. Sometimes it’s fun to watch each other’s reactions and discuss the show in real time. This is also great if you have questions about unfamiliar bits, like tropes specific to certain genres. (I ask a bunch of questions.)

If you get a chance to go to a convention, I absolutely recommend it. I watch people every year find their “home” among other fans. If nothing else, everyone there has something in common to talk about.

5. Remember to have fun.

Anime is supposed to be enjoyable. If you’re not enjoying a series, try a different one. Don’t think that you have to impress anyone with what you’re watching. It’s okay not to watch a whole series or to remember every detail of one. Don’t worry about there being a “right” or “wrong” way to be an anime fan. If you’re having a good time, you’re doing it right.

4.8.26: Trading Cards for Grown-Ups Day

April 8 is Trading Cards for Grown-Ups Day. There are many types of trading cards, from sports cards to cards for specific TV shows or movies, such as Star Wars. My favorite type of trading cards are the trading card games. Being able to play games with my cards is even more fun than collecting them!

Trading cards originally came in packages of other products, such as cigarettes (where they stiffened the pack to protect the cigarettes) or candy. The first baseball cards were issued in the 1860s. By 1900, there were thousands of different series of cards.

The Topps company began inserting movie and TV show themed cards (and later, baseball cards) into bubblegum packs in the 1950s. Topps went on to produce some of the more famous sets of non-sports trading cards, including Garbage Pail Kids.

Collectible trading card games began appearing in the 1990s, and new ones are still being created. Here’s a quick look at my favorite, Magic: The Gathering (MTG).

Note: Credit to the Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering at the University of Florida for the MTG card diagram. 

The Basics

MTG is the original trading card game. It was released by Wizards of the Coast (now part of Hasbro) in 1993. There are now an estimated 50 million MTG players.

The individual sets are generally fantasy-themed, but the Universes Beyond series has introduced sets based on other intellectual properties, such as Final Fantasy, Doctor Who, and Fallout.

In the game, players play as Planeswalkers, powerful wizards who are dueling each other by casting spells, represented by the cards in the deck.

Mana

Resource cards, known as “Lands,” provide the power for the spells cast in the game. There are five colors of mana, and each color has different strategies and abilities. Most decks combine two or more colors. Each card shows the amount of mana required to play it. Most cards require mana of one or more specific colors in addition to mana that can be any color.

Having the flow of available mana meet the needs of the game in real time is often a challenge. There are even terms for having too little mana to cast spells (“mana screwed”) or too much mana and not enough spells (“mana flooded”).

Let’s look at the individual colors.

Black
Black is associated with death, sacrifice, and the undead. Its mana comes from Swamps. Black decks tend to use sacrificing cards or creatures to make creatures more powerful or to damage your opponent or their creatures.

Blue
Blue is associated with the elements of air and water. Its mana comes from Islands. Blue decks tend to be focused on disruption and control, with players blocking others from playing spells or taking control of others’ creatures.

Green
Green is associated with life and nature. Its mana comes from Forests. Green decks tend to be focused on creatures, both on having a lot of them and on making them powerful.

Red
Red is associated with the elements of fire and earth. Its mana comes from Mountains. Red decks are all about offense, with powerful spells and creatures to deal damage to other players and their creatures.

White
White is associated with order and light. Its mana comes from Plains. White decks tend to have weaker creatures that are stronger as a group or with bonuses from other creatures.

Colorless
While technically not a color, there are lands and artifacts that provide colorless mana. This mana can be used any time that a specific color of mana isn’t required.

Spells

The cards that are not lands comprise the spells that a Planeswalker uses to battle other Planeswalkers. Different types of cards have different purposes and abilities.

Artifacts
Artifacts are usually spells that affect creatures. Sometimes, they’re creatures themselves. They can even be vehicles “crewed” by a number of creatures to create a more powerful attack. These are generally considered colorless and cast with colorless mana. (Some newer sets have artifacts using other colors of mana, too.)

Creatures
Creatures are, well, creatures. They can serve many purposes. They can be used to attack other creatures or players or to block attacks. Many also have special properties or abilities that strengthen other creatures or affect gameplay.

Enchantments
Enchantments are spells that affect creatures, players, or gameplay. They’re often an integral part of the deck’s strategy. The types of enchantments can vary widely, with everything from auras, which target a specific card, to sagas, enchantments that have different effects over the next few turns.

Instants
Instants are spells that affect gameplay, like counterspells. They’re the only cards that can be played on other players’ turns. While an instant may not be the difference between winning and losing, they may at least keep you in the game a little longer.

Planeswalkers
Planeswalkers are powerful cards. They’re similar to creature cards, but they have their own requirements and rules. (This is one of the times you REALLY want to read your card.)

Sorceries
Sorceries are similar to enchantments. They can be cast only during your turn. One of the main differences between the two is that enchantments stay on the battlefield once cast and that sorceries are discarded once played.

Gameplay

The game is played in turns, with each person’s turn following the same outline:

Beginning Phase
This is also known as “untap, upkeep, and draw.” The player untaps each card, which means they undo anything showing that the cards have been used this turn (i.e., straightening cards that were tilted to show they were used). They perform any upkeep, like performing actions from their cards that happen at the beginning of the turn. Finally, they draw a card from their deck.

First Main Phase
This is when the player begins playing cards. They use the mana from the land cards to pay for any spells they want to play.

It’s good practice to begin this phase by playing a land card if you have one in your hand. You can play one per turn, and playing as many as possible helps provide more mana for casting spells.

Combat Phase
This is when the player gets to attack. They declare which creatures are attacking other players, and those players declare whether they are blocking the attacks with their own creatures or whether they are accepting the damage. Creature cards specify the amount of damage they can take. Each player has either 20 hit points (most formats) or 40 hit points (Commander).

Second Main Phase
This is another phase for the player to play their cards. If they didn’t play a land in the first main phase, they can do so now. They can also play any spells they want to cast before the next player’s turn.

End Phase
This is a cleanup phase. If a card triggers at the end of a turn, this is the time. This is also the time to check the number of cards in your hand and discard if you’re over seven.

Formats

There are many ways to play MTG. Different formats have different rules and requirements. Here are some of the common ones.

Constructed
This is an umbrella term for many formats (Standard, Modern, Vintage, etc.). These formats use decks constructed by the players from all available cards. Each format has ban lists of cards that aren’t allowed and some specify that only certain sets can be used (e.g. sets released before a certain date).

Players construct decks of at least 60 cards with a 15-card “sideboard” for swapping cards out between games. Decks may contain only four copies of any one card (except the lands discussed earlier).

One of the interesting constructed formats is Pauper, introduced in 2019. In Pauper, all cards in the deck must be cards printed as “common” (as opposed to rarer types). It provides an affordable option for constructed play.

Limited
These are MTG events where the decks are constructed from a limited pool, such as a pre-release box or a set number of booster packs. In the draft variants, players choose their cards as booster packs are opened and passed around.

Players are given a period of time to build their decks before play begins. In some variants of this format, players may help other players build their decks, but in others, players must build their decks alone. The players then compete in a tournament to find a winner.

Commander
Commander is an extremely popular casual format. In it, players have a 100-card deck that includes a Commander, a card that sits in an area known as the Command Zone when not in play so that it can be cast without having to draw it from the deck.

The Commander must be a card with a Legendary rareness. The colors of mana used in the deck are limited to the colors of mana used to cast the Commander. Players also start with 40 hit points instead of 20. There’s a limit of taking 20 points of damage from any one Commander, too.

4.1.26: Holiday Spotlight: Pesach (Passover)

Pesach is a Jewish holiday that celebrates the Exodus as recorded in the Torah. The date changes each year since the Jewish calendar is lunar, but the holiday begins on the 15th of the month of Nisan in that calendar. Each day begins at sundown, so this year, Pesach begins at sundown on April 1.

The Hebrew name of the holiday, Pesach, is the basis for the name of Easter in many languages. The holiday itself has several names, including Chag Ha’Aviv (Spring Holiday) and Chag Ha’Matzot (Matzo Holiday).

Here are some interesting facts about this holiday.

The Exodus

Pesach celebrates the Israelites exodus from Egypt. Recounting this story is one of the most important parts of the holiday. Here’s a short version:

Moses was born to an Israelite slave in Egypt. Rather than let him be executed at birth, she hid him in a basket in the reeds, where he was found and raised by Pharoah’s daughter. He later fled Egypt after killing an overseer for mistreating an Israelite slave.

After a spiritual experience, Moses returned to Egypt to lead the Israelites out. Pharoah didn’t agree to this, and ten plagues ensued: water turning to blood, swarms of frogs, lice, wild animal attacks, diseases killing livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and finally the death of each family’s firstborn child.

The name of the holiday comes from the Israelite homes being passed over during the deaths of the firstborn children.

Fun Fact: The plague of frogs is a topic of debate, with interpretations ranging from a plague of normal-sized frogs to a plague consisting of one giant frog to a plague of a giant frog that spawned normal-sized frogs.

Matzo and Chametz

During Pesach, Jews eat matzo, an unleavened bread. This is to commemorate the Israelites fleeing Egypt before their bread had time to rise. Matzo is eaten year-round, but matzo made for Pesach (kasher l’pesach, or KLP) is made according to specific guidelines.

Matzo and products made from it, such as matzo meal, are the only wheat products allowed during Pesach. All other products made from specific grains (including wheat) are removed from the home and sold or burned before Pesach begins. These items are known as chametz.

Traditionally, there’s a final search for chametz known as Bedikat Chametz. On the night before Pesach, the family plants and finds ten pieces of bread in the home. Using a candle, a feather, a wooden spoon, and a paper bag, any remaining crumbs of chametz are gathered to be burned.

Three matzo are placed on the seder table and covered with a cloth. There’s one to break as would have been done in slavery and two to remain whole for the blessing over bread.

Fun Fact: Other grains, legumes, and seeds are known as kitniyot. Ashkenazi Jews (those with origins in Eastern Europe) avoid these as well during Pesach, but most Sephardi and Mizrahi Jews (those from Spain, Portugal, and other areas of the world) still eat them.

The Seder

The seder is the celebratory dinner where the story of the Exodus is retold. There are specific symbolic foods eaten at certain times during the meal. A guidebook, called a Haggadah, provides the outline for the meal and includes readings, prayers, and songs.

While the main courses of the meal vary widely, the foods of the seder plate do not. Each has a specific meaning (and usually a labeled location on the plate). Here’s some information about these foods.

Zeroa

  • This is a lamb shankbone to commemorate the lambs sacrificed on the eve of the Exodus and the sacrifice of lambs at the Temple at Pesach in later years. 
  • This is sometimes substituted with a different type of bone that’s readily available, like a chicken bone.
  • This isn’t eaten during the seder.

Beitzah

  • This is a hard-boiled egg that symbolizes the pre-Pesach sacrifice at the Temple. 
  • The egg is also often roasted.
  • It’s a popular custom to eat this with salt water.

Maror and Chazeret

  • These are both spots on the seder plate for bitter herbs. They’re used at different times during the seder.
  • Common choices for bitter herbs are horseradish and romaine lettuce.
  • This will be eaten twice during the seder, once after matzo and once as a sandwich with matzo.

Charoset

  • This is a paste of fruit and nuts symbolizing the mortar used when enslaved in Egypt.
  • The exact fruits and spices used vary by location.
  • The bitter herbs are dipped into this and eaten.

Karpas

  • This is a vegetable used to symbolize the backbreaking labor in Egypt.
  • Many people use parsley, but an onion or potato is also common.
  • This is dipped into saltwater and eaten.

Modern Additions to the Seder Plate
There have been several modern additions to the seder plate to call awareness to specific causes. Here are some examples:

  • An orange for LGBTQ+ rights
  • Miriam’s cup, a cup of water, to honor women
  • An acorn for acknowledgement that we’re on indigenous land

Fun Fact: There are vegetarian alternatives to the zeroa. Many vegetarians use a beetroot or other root vegetable.

3.25.26: Local Spotlight: Dice Goblins’ Cafe

Dice Goblins’ Cafe opened last weekend. It’s located in the Signature Square shopping center on East Robinson Ave. in Springdale, AR. It’s the only board game cafe in Northwest Arkansas. Previously, gamers had to travel to Springfield, Branson, Tulsa, or North Little Rock to play in a board game cafe.

The owners of the cafe, Greg and Jennifer Carr, have been passionate about board games for many years. Both have attended Gen Con, the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America, more than once to teach new games to eager gamers.

The Carrs saw a need for a space like this in Northwest Arkansas and decided to open Dice Goblins’ Cafe to meet that need. They want to provide a welcoming space for all gamers in the area.

Here is some more information about what Dice Goblins’ Cafe has to offer.

Here to Play

Dice Goblins’ Cafe has a library of over 550 board games. The games provide something for everyone. The boxes each have a symbol on them indicating the complexity of the game. (The games range from classic children’s games to heavy strategy games that last for hours and include everything in between.) There’s also a symbol if there is an expansion available for the game.

The All Day Play Pass is $7 per person per day (except for weekdays before 5 p.m. and for children eight and younger). It provides access to the game library for the entire day, even if the customer leaves and comes back. There are also membership options available for one, three, six, and twelve month periods.

Hungry Hungry Goblins

Dice Goblins’ Cafe offers deli sandwiches, shareable sides, and milkshakes. All are made to order with your choice of cheese, toppings, and sauces. They have a children’s menu, and there are a few vegetarian-friendly options as well.

You can order by scanning a QR code on your table sign or by turning on the little lantern on it to have someone take your order. You can even run a tab to keep the food and drinks coming while you play.

My personal favorite sandwich on the menu is the Turkey Trotter. The tater tots are my favorite side.

Two Rooms and a Game

Dice Goblins’ Cafe has two private rooms available for rent. One is decorated with various classic board game boards. The other is called “The Dungeon.” It’s decorated in a fantasy dungeon theme with dragons, wall hangings, and a shied. Both rooms seat around six, although you could probably squeeze in a few more people.

Ticket to Acquire

Dice Goblins’ Cafe has a retail area with some games and a good array of gaming accessories. They carry dice from Dice Envy and Norse Foundry. They also carry an assortment of locally-made 3D printed items and some plush items.

Dungeons & Dice Goblins

Dice Goblins’ Cafe will host Dungeons & Dragons beginning in April. These sessions are expected to be on Sunday evenings. Watch their Facebook or Instagram page for more information about these sessions!

3.18.26: Holiday Spotlight: Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim holiday that marks the end of the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from food and drink from sunrise to sunset each day. Eid al-Fitr means “The Festival of Breaking the Fast.”

The actual date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon. It’s expected to begin on March 19 or 20 and last for up to three days. Each Eid al-Fitr is around 11 days earlier in the year than the previous one, due to the lunar Hijri calendar.

The name of the holiday is pronounced “Eed al Fitter.” It has other names in other parts of the world, such as Bayram in Turkey or Hari Raya in Malaysia. Here’s some interesting information about this joyful holiday.

Zakat al-Fitr and Sunnahs

In the time period between sunset on the last day of Ramadan and the morning prayers the next day, Muslims with incomes are supposed to give a charitable gift called Zakat al-Fitr (also called Fitrana). It’s supposed to cover the cost of a meal and is intended to ensure that everyone is able to celebrate Eid al-Fitr.

Muslims follow the teachings of Muhammad, called sunnahs. There are specific sunnahs to complete during Eid al-Fitr:

  • Bathing
  • Wearing one’s best clothes and perfume
  • Saying blessings on the way to Eid prayers
  • Taking a different route home after prayers

Fun Fact: The reason for taking a different route to and from prayers is hotly debated. There are many different explanations for it.

Eid Mubarak and Eidi

Eid al-Fitr traditions vary widely by location and ethnic group, but spending time with friends and family is a large part of it. People greet each other with Eid Mubarak, meaning “Blessed Festival.”

Children often receive money and gifts, known as Eidi. These are usually given by older adults or family friends. In Arab culture, children line up from the youngest to the oldest, and the amount of the gift increases with age. In Persian culture, adults ask for new bills from the bank to give for Eidi.

The relationship between the giver and the recipient also dictates the type of gift. Older relatives generally give money while spouses or parents may give clothes, shoes, or other items. Siblings or friends exchanging Eidi cards is also common.

Fun Fact: One of the considerations when giving Eidi is making sure that none of the recipients will be sad or jealous because of the gifts.

Eid al-Fitr Treats

Like the Hindu holiday Holi, Eid al-Fitr spans several cultures. Each culture has its own traditions for foods enjoyed at Eid al-Fitr. Here are some examples.

Maamoul
These shortbread cookies, which are filled with dates and/or nuts, are common in Syria and Lebanon. They’re available as well in Iraq and Egypt, but they’re known by different names there.

Cambaabur
This bread is popular in Somalia and Djbouti. It’s similar to injera, a crepe-like bread made from teff flour. Cambaabur has different spices, and is often topped with sugar and yogurt.

Sheer Khurma
This dish is common in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. The exact contents vary, but it usually contains vermicelli, milk, sugar, and dates.

Tajine
This is a North African stew. It contains meat, like beef or lamb, vegetables, and fruits such as apricots.

Fun Fact: Turkish Delight, also called lokum, isn’t just a candy from a novel. It’s also a common Eid al-Fitr treat.

Fanous and More

Decorating the home for Eid al-Fitr is common. Traditionally, decorations are green, gold, and white. Common motifs include crescent moons and Arabic lanterns, or fanous. Some families decorate a space for prayer and reflection in addition to the other décor.

Fun Fact: The fanous has been associated with Ramadan celebrations since the Middle Ages.

3.11.26: Hosting Introvert-Friendly Parties

Hosting parties that appeal to everyone can be a challenge. Each person has their own likes, dislikes, and comfort zones. When planning a party, it’s important to make the guests comfortable. This includes ensuring that introverted guests (or any guests in the Intimate Party People-ing category of our Party Planning Personality Test) aren’t overwhelmed and actually enjoy the party.

There’s some great information online for how to host a party as an introvert, but there are fewer resources about how to plan a party that’s fun for introverts. Here are some of our top tips.

Be intentional about invitations.

The best time to begin thinking about making your introvert guests comfortable is when you’re deciding who to invite. A single introvert might feel out of place in a party full of loud extroverts, so inviting more than one introverted friend gives them a like-minded person to hang out with. If space and expenses allow, it’s also good to let friends (particularly introverts) bring a plus one so they’ll be sure to have someone they know there (besides just the host).

Consider the size of the party as well. While extroverts may like larger parties and mingling, introverts are usually more comfortable at smaller parties. Around 10-15 people is a good number.

Make introductions easy.

This one is for parties where not all of the guests know each other. Name tags are often associated with work or conventions, but they’re also a handy way for people to interact with one another without having to worry about forgetting someone’s name. You can even make or find printable name tags to match your party’s theme or vibe.

Name tags can be helpful for all guests, not just introverts. There are plenty of extroverts who love meeting people but who are bad at remembering names (like me).

Ice breaker exercises are a good way to get conversations started, but they need to be carefully chosen. Having everyone go around the room introducing themselves might be a little intimidating, but a game that involves introductions one-on-one could work well.

My favorite ice breaker activity is a variation of Bingo. Each guest gets a Bingo card filled with fun facts about people (like “speaks two languages” or “has an exotic pet”). Each person chats with the other guests to learn about them to fill in their Bingo cards. When someone finds a guest who fits the criteria, the guest signs that spot on their Bingo card. Guests end up meeting and interacting with nearly everyone.

Give them something to do.

This can be simple and informal or an activity the whole group can do together. Giving someone a helpful task, such as keeping an eye on the punch bowl to know when to refill it, gives them something to focus on other than any anxiety they might be feeling in the moment.

The best way to give the introverts at your party something to do is to have an activity for everyone. This can be a craft, a movie to watch, a game, etc. This is an excellent way to keep anyone from feeling singled out. Many people enjoy activity-based parties, not just introverts. (This is especially true of the Activity & Interaction Party Priority folks in our Party Planning Personality Test.)

Offer quiet spaces.

Introverts may need a few moments to recharge during the party. Offer a space (or spaces) indoors and/or outdoors where people can have a moment to themselves. Put out a few snacks to make the area more inviting.

If you have a pet, letting them wander around might also help. Sometimes interacting with a pet provides a quick brain break.

Have a set end time.

An open ending time for a party can be stressful for introverts. Giving the party a set ending time lets them pace themselves throughout the party. 

On a related note, don’t be offended if one or more of your introvert guests leaves early. Their decision has more to do with their energy levels than the quality of your party. 

3.4.26: Holiday Spotlight: Holi

Holi is a Hindu festival that occurs on the full moon of the month Phalguna in the Hindu lunar calendar. (This is usually in late February or in March.) The festival lasts up to 16 days in some areas of India.

Holi is one of the most widely known Hindu holidays in the United States. It’s often associated with the colorful powders thrown on celebrants. Here’s some interesting information about this fun holiday.

Holika Dahan

Holika Dahan means “the burning of little Holi.” It happens the night before Holi. The pyres lit on this holiday have both cultural and religious significance.

The bonfires are seen as a way to say goodbye to winter and a way to burn impurities from the mind. People gather around the bonfires to sing and dance.

The bonfires also reference the story of Holika’s attempt to kill her nephew, Prahlad, and his survival. Prahlad was devoted to Vishnu, against his father’s wishes. Holika had a boon that made her invulnerable to fire, and she tricked Prahlad into sitting on her lap on a pyre. She burned alive while Prahlad remained unharmed.

Fun Fact: The holiday names Holika Dahan and Holi vary across ethnic groups and languages. Some other names for Holi are Phagwa, Dulhendi and Rang Panchami.

Gulal

As part of Holi celebrations, both children and adults throw colorful water and powder, or gulal, on one another. The colorful powders are traditionally made from medicinal herbs to combat the colds and fevers that can come with the changing weather. They include powders made from flowers, leaves, and even foods (such as tumeric, tea, and beetroot). White clothing is common, and many people wear old clothes since the powders leave stains. There’s singing and dancing, as well as pauses for snacks.

The gulal tradition comes from a story about Krishna and his partner, Radha. Krishna was afraid that Radha would reject him due to his complexion, so his mother suggests that he ask Radha to paint his face in any color she wants. They became a couple, and gulal became a Holi tradition.

Fun Fact: Color Run races in the United States were inspired by Holi celebrations and their use of gulal.

Gujiya and More

There are a wide variety of foods served at Holi. It’s a festival that spans several different ethnic groups, and each has its own traditions. That being said, here are a few examples of common Holi foods.

Gujiya
Of all of the Holi foods, this one is the best known. It’s a deep fried pastry filled with khoya (a milk paste), dried fruit, and coconut.

Mathri
These are crispy spiced crackers. They may be either baked or fried. They often contain spices such as carom seeds, fenugreek, and black peppercorns, but the spices vary.

Malpua
These sweet pancakes are usually made from wheat flour. They include fruits such as bananas, mangos, or pineapples in some areas. They’re usually drenched in a sugar syrup.

Thandai
This is a sweetened milk drink that often includes nuts and spices. There are several variations, some flavored with rose petals, mango, or almonds and saffron.

Fun Fact: There’s a thandai variant called bhang thandai that includes cannabis.

Rangoli and Marigolds

Rangoli is the art of making patterns on floors or tabletops with colored sand, pigment powders, flower petals, small stones, etc. It’s a common decoration during festivals, including Holi. Sometimes people work together to create large, complex designs. Different families have their own patterns and traditions.

Decorating the home with bright colors is common. People often make decorations, including strings of flowers (often marigolds).

Fun Fact: It’s theorized that the grain-based powders used in rangoli attract insects and that the limestone-based powders keep them from entering the house.

2.25.26: Holiday Spotlight: Purim

Purim is a Jewish holiday that falls in early spring. The date changes each year since the Jewish calendar is lunar, but the date on the Jewish calendar is the 14th of Adar (or 14th of Adar II in the calendar’s leap year). In Jerusalem, it continues to the next day.

Purim is one of the most fun Jewish holidays. It has costumes, goodies, and fun as well as cultural significance. Here are the basics and some fun facts about this delightful holiday.

A Megillah

The Megillah (or “scroll”) is known as the book of Esther. It’s read aloud at the synagogue for the holiday. This is fun for children and adults alike. Every time the name of the villain, Haman, is mentioned, everyone drowns it out with noisemakers called groggers (seen here).

Purim is a celebration of the Jewish people’s survival of an attempt to destroy them, and the Megillah tells the story. In the 4th century BCE, Persian king Ahasuerus had his queen, Vashti, executed for refusing to make a lewd display of herself at his banquet. He held a beauty pageant to choose a new queen, and he chose a Jewish woman named Esther (who didn’t divulge that she was Jewish).

Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, who was the leader of the Jewish community, refused to bow to Haman, the king’s prime minister. This angered Haman, who decided to slaughter all of the Jews and cast lots (or purim) to choose a date.

After discussion with Mordecai, Esther invited the king and Haman to a banquet. At the banquet, she revealed her Jewish identity. The king ordered Haman to be hanged on the gallows Haman had prepared for Mordecai, and he decreed that the Jewish people could fight back when attacked on the date Haman had chosen, the 13th of Adar. The Jewish people celebrated their victory on the 14th of Adar.

Fun Fact: Vashti is often seen as a feminist icon among Jewish feminists.

A Reason to Dress Up

Adults and children both often dress up or wear masks for Purim. As Esther hid her identity as a Jew, costumes and masks hide one’s identity. Another reason for dressing up is to commemorate the miracle of survival being hidden in natural events. Costumes can be any number of things, but are generally not scary or gory. In past years, I’ve been a cat and a galaxy, and my costume for this year is my hippie costume from last year's Mardi Gras.

Fun Fact: Dressing in costume is very common, but isn’t a required part of celebrating the holiday.

A Time to Give

Giving charity and gifts to friends or neighbors are both part of celebrating the holiday. Money or food should be given to the poor, or money should be donated to a charity box for them.

Gifts of food, or mishloach manot, are given to friends and neighbors. These can range from two ready-to-eat food items (the minimum requirement) to bags of candy to themed boxes of treats. This year, my plan is to do a tea time themed package with Bigelow Perfectly Mint tea in these cute tea kettle boxes. I’m putting them in a pastel green paper lunch sack with honey in little glass jars and a packet of Biscoff cookies. I’ll fold them over and tie them with pink ribbon.

Fun Fact: Mishloach manot means “sending portions.”

A Fun Feast

Hamantashen are the main food associated with Purim (other than mishloach manot). They’re triangular, filled cookies. Some say that their being filled echoes the theme of hidden things on Purim, while others say that their shape references either Haman’s ears or his triangular hat. There are fruit filled ones and Nutella filled ones, but my favorite are the poppy seed filled ones. Mine never look quite right, so I try a new recipe every year. This year I’m using this Tori Avey recipe. I’ve heard good things about it.

There’s a big, festive meal that takes place before sundown on Purim that continues into the night. It’s been said that one should drink so much on Purim that they can’t tell the difference between cursed be Haman and blessed be Mordecai. While not planning to get that drunk, I’m planning to have a couple of Dirty Shirleys (like this one from Culinary Hill).

Fun Fact: In Hebrew, hamantashen are called oznei Haman, Haman’s ears.

A Silly Story

Purim celebrations often include a Purim spiel, a silly play that retells the story of the holiday. They often have a movie or book theme. The first one I saw was a film noir retelling. They’re always very playful and fun.

Fun Fact: Spiel is a Yiddish word that means “play” or “skit.”

2.18.26: Party Planning Personality Test

Personality tests are fascinating! They teach us about one of our favorite topics: ourselves. I thought it would be fun to take a similar approach to party planning personalities, the way we approach different aspects of parties as we host.

This four-question personality quiz mirrors the Myers-Brigg Type Indicator (MBTI), which uses four letters to indicate a person’s inclinations along four spectra.

There’s no judgment about which style is “right” or “wrong.” Everyone is different and prefers different things. Most people are somewhere in the middle of these spectra. The type of event may also influence things, since hosting a child’s birthday party and a wedding (for example) are two very different experiences.

These “Would You Rather” scenarios provide insight into how you approach parties. Choose the answer that best fits you most of the time. 

I feel that I should add a disclaimer saying that this is in no way scientific. It’s just for fun.

The Party Personality Test

Answer the questions below. Once you’ve chosen your answers, check the next section for what those answers mean. Use the letter after the answer you chose to find your type.

  • Party People-ing: Would you rather have
    • A big party with all your friends (G), or
    • A smaller one with just your inner circle (I)
  • Party Pace: Would you rather
    • Have a schedule and stick to it (P), or
    • Adapt as the day unfolds (F)
  • Party Priority: Would you rather go to
    • A party with beautiful décor and great food (S), or
    • A party with fun activities (A)
  • Party Purpose: Would you rather
    • Spend an average Saturday with your friends and family ( C ), or
    • Spend a holiday with them (M)

Individual Types 

This is the type that describes how you tend to approach various aspects of party planning. Find your letters from the quiz above to read about your planning style!

Party People-ing
This sets the tone for the party. 

  • G-Group: You prefer big parties where everyone can mingle.
  • I-Intimate: You prefer smaller, quieter parties where guests can have conversations.

Party Pace
This relates to how you would like for the party to flow.

  • P-Planned: You like to have a timeline for your parties. 
  • F-Flexible: You don’t have a structured timeline and base the timing of events on the party’s energy.

Party Priority
This indicates where you focus your attention during preparations.

  • S-Sensory & Atmosphere: You like to focus on the things perceived by the senses: beautiful décor, good food, and great music. 
  • A-Activity & Interaction: You like to focus on what guests will do at the party: party games, a craft, etc.

Party Purpose
This explains why you want to host a party.

  • C-Connection: You want to bring people together to have a good time and connect.
  • M-Milestones: You tend to host parties for occasions, such as holidays, birthdays, or weddings.

Overall Types

Just like in the MBTI, the four individual types can be combined into an overall type that provides a clearer picture. There are 16 types, but I’ll discuss a few examples. I’ll revisit the types in future posts as well.

GPAM: The Holiday Hero
Group • Planned • Activity & Interaction • Milestones
This is the person you want to host your family Christmas dinner. They’re unfazed by the large number of relatives in the house. Dinner will be on the table at precisely noon. There are a fun Santa craft for the kids and a stack of board games to play after dinner.

IPAC: The Girls’ Night In Guru
Intimate • Planned • Activity & Interaction • Connection
This is the person who makes girls’ night in look easy. They’re happy to see and talk to their closest friends. They’ve got dinner delivery scheduled and a few fun spa treatments to try. There will be giggles and gossip, too.

IFSC: The Soirée Sorcerer
Intimate • Flexible • Sensory & Atmosphere • Connection
This is the person you hope will invite you to their dinner party. They invite only a few people, but all of them are fun to talk with. The food is absolutely amazing, and their house is beautiful. Dinner never feels rushed either.

GFSM: The Birthday Boss
Group • Flexible • Sensory & Atmosphere • Milestones
This is the person you hope will plan your birthday party. They invite all your friends. The decorations are awesome and the food is great. They don’t rush you to blow out your candles or open your presents either. 

2.11.26: Board Game Reviews: Great Two-Player Games

While there are a lot of games that play well with two players, there are fewer games that were created specifically for two players.

There are advantages to playing two-player games. Not all games that can be played by two players play well with that number. Two-player games are optimized to be played that way. Even games that play well with two players sometimes require tedious extra setup (like counting and removing components) that can be avoided by playing a two-player game.

Here are five of our favorite two-player games. All of these games are available to rent from Side Quest Events. Try out one of these games with a friend, romantic or otherwise.

Caesar & Cleopatra

Caesar & Cleopatra is a card-laying game. It was demonstrated at Gen Con 2025, the largest board game convention in North America. In the game, the two players play as Caesar and Cleopatra. Both are trying to influence Roman officials to take their side, with Caesar wanting Rome to invade Egypt and Cleopatra wanting Egypt to remain free.

Who to Play With: Play this with your history buff friend. They’ll enjoy reenacting this historical event. It’s also a great choice to play with your sweetheart. Caesar and Cleopatra were lovers after all...

Holmes: Sherlock & Mycroft

Holmes: Sherlock & Mycroft is a set collection and worker placement game. After a young laborer is arrested on suspicion of bombing the Houses of Parliament, Mycroft Holmes is hired to investigate the laborer’s connections to anarchists, while his brother Sherlock has been hired by the laborer’s family to prove his innocence. The investigation takes place over seven days (rounds).

Who to Play With: Playing with a mystery-loving friend or Sherlock fan is obvious, but this is also a good game to play with someone who likes light, quick games. The game would still be fun no matter the theme.

Rivals for Catan

Rivals for Catan is a two-player version of the well-known board game Catan. In it, players compete against each other to build a more successful province. The game has multiple modes, including themed games set in different time periods.

Who to Play With: Play this with a friend who’s new to board gaming. Catan is a classic “gateway game” into the hobby. You can also play this with a friend who already loves Catan and wants to try a new variant of it.

The Fox in the Forest

The Fox in the Forest is a beautiful trick-taking game. There are fairy character cards that change the rules, even after the trick is won or lost. Take more tricks than your opponent to win, but don’t take too many!

Who to Play With: Play this with a fantasy art fan. The cards are stunning! This is also a good choice for players who are familiar with classic card games but less familiar with board games.

The Stars Align

The Stars Align is a grid placement and pattern manipulation game. Place stars according to the patterns on the cards, then start overlapping patterns and flipping stars to make rows of same-colored stars to clear away.

Who to Play With: Astronomy fans and Tetris players would both enjoy this game. Personally, I recommend playing it in a coffee shop on a first date. It worked out for my partner and me. ;-)

2.4.26: Fun Party Idea: Grown Up Slumber Party

Slumber parties aren’t just for children anymore! Hosting a grown-up slumber party for your friends is an excellent choice for a variety of occasions, such as birthdays, bachelorette parties, or Galentines’ Day. Here are some ideas for hosting a fabulous slumber party without breaking the bank.

Selecting a theme for your slumber party gives you a starting point for all of your party choices. In this post, We’ve chosen three fun themes and provided suggestions for tableware, refreshments, activities, and favors.

Another thing to consider ahead of time is the sleeping arrangements. While a sleeping bag on the floor was fine at 10, it’s far less comfortable at 40. Having enough beds, couches, and air mattresses makes sure everyone gets a good night’s sleep.

As always, we’re receiving no compensation for any of the items mentioned here. These are just suggestions that we love.

The 90s Nostalgia Slumber Party

This theme brings back fond memories of slumber parties when we were growing up. Revisit those carefree, worry-free days with your guests. Put on some 90s movies, listen to some 90s music, and have a totally rad time!

  • Tableware: Set the mood with 90s themed tableware, like this these square geometric-patterned plates.
  • Snacks: Let your inner child decide on the menu. Order some pizzas (either your childhood favorites or some more upscale options), scarf down some Totally 90s Candy and wash it down with Mountain Dew or Capri Sun.
  • Drinks: Mix up some cosmopolitans (like this recipe from Love and Lemons) or appletinis (from this Ramshackle Pantry recipe). You can also make a batch of Hocus Pocus punch from How Sweet Eats (a personal favorite) for a nonalcoholic option.
  • Games: There are several good options for slumber party games. 
  • Craft: You can’t go wrong with friendship bracelets! Grab a bunch of embroidery floss in fun colors. If you’re not sure how to make them, there’s a tutorial for a fun zig-zag patterned one from Moms & Crafters.
  • Swag: Surprise your friends with these customizable, geometric-patterned sleep masks from DentzDesignCustoms.

The Dungeon Crawler Carl Slumber Party

The Dungeon Crawler Carl (DCC) book series is becoming more and more popular. The book has a distinctive feel that’s fun to translate to a party setting. Reading together (or listening to the excellent audiobooks) can be a fun activity to wind down the evening.

  • Tableware: While DCC tableware isn’t available, it’s still possible to bring the theme to the table. White plates with red hearts echo the pattern on Carl’s boxers. These tiara napkins are perfect for the Princess Posse.
  • Snacks: A lot of the foods that are mentioned in the book can be represented by creatively labeling prepackaged snacks. Cookies and crackers become “crawler biscuits” and “pet biscuits.” There’s also mana toast, which can be reimagined as a toast bar with lots of fun toppings. (Here are some great ideas from King Arthur Baking.)
  • Drinks: It seems like a shame not to serve Dirty Shirleys (like this recipe from Culinary Hill) since Princess Donut drinks many of them, but a regular Shirley Temple (like this one from Serious Eats) would also be a good option.
  • Games: There are no DCC themed games (yet), but there are some games with similar themes.
  • Craft: Outfit your Princess Posse in handmade tiaras with this tutorial from Tikkido.
  • Swag: Pair Necklite reading lights with The Perfect Man chocolate bars for late night DCC reading enjoyment. (The chocolate bars have Carl’s muscles, boxers, and bare feet!)

The Lord of the Rings Slumber Party

Binge-watching the trilogy with your friends is an excellent reason to host a slumber party! Here are some ideas to make it extra special.

  • Tableware: Choose plates and napkins with a fantasy theme or choose some specifically made for The Lord of the Rings (LOTR), like this set from Geeky Glamorous. 
  • Snacks: There are several good options. Make a specific food from the movie, like lembas bread. You can also use creative labels, like “Po-tay-toes” on a bowl of Ruffles. Round out your selection with popcorn and movie theater style boxes of candy.
  • Drinks: There are plenty of LOTR-inspired drink recipes available. Mix up some Miruvor from The Geeky Bartender cookbook. For a non-alcoholic option, try the Ent-Draught mocktail from Feast of Starlight. 
  • Games: There are some LOTR board games available. Choose one of these or a fantasy-themed board game to stay on theme.
  • Craft: Forge this Glowing “One Ring” Inscription Pendant by paper_faces. No need to throw it into the fires of Mount Doom!
  • Swag: Get your crew photo ready in matching LOTR pajamas. These are available in sizes XS-3X!

1.21.26: Cozy Winter Party Idea: Soup Fest

Soup Fest is a tradition in my partner’s family. They gathered together, with each of them bringing a soup or stew for everyone to share. It’s a great chance to try new and different soups and to share recipes.

Potlucks are often easier to host since everyone shares the responsibility for preparing food, but they still require some planning and preparation. Here are some tips for hosting your own Soup Fest, as well as my favorite soup recipe.

But first, a note about the links in this post. I’m not receiving compensation for any of these products. I’m merely sharing the products that I will likely use when I host my next Soup Fest. (If any companies would like to change this, call me! Lol)

Create a sign up sheet to avoid duplicates.

While Soup Fest can be an opportunity to compare and contrast different takes on the same soup, it’s fun to try something unique from everyone. This also provides more options for guests with dietary restrictions. You can designate categories to ensure an array to choose from or let everyone sign up for any soup they choose.

Here are some possible categories:
   • Potato soups
   • Tomato-based soups
   • Chicken soups
   • Creamy soups
   • Vegetarian/vegan soups

If you prefer not to make the soups yourselves, Side Quest Events can help you find a caterer to provide what you need as part of our Party Package. Contact us today for more information!

Offer tasty toppings and good bread.

Get creative by laying out the toppings charcuterie board style or make them easy to access with a buffet style setup. Offer a few bread options, such as sourdough, baguettes, and rye. Skip the sliced sandwich bread.

If you need some toppings inspiration, these are our household’s favorites:
   • Cheese
   • Crushed crackers (especially flavored ones)
   • Green onions
   • Sour cream
   • French fried onions

Plan serveware to minimize mess.

Soups are easy to slop and spill. Give your guests an easy way to carry around their delicious choices with this caddy, which can hold up to six servings of soup. Paper coffee cups in restaurant drink carriers can also work. (These can even be personalized if you choose!)

Make sure to have plenty of napkins on hand. Paper napkins with wintery prints (like these buffalo plaid ones from Oriental Trading Company) set a cozy mood. Strategically placed rolls of paper towels make cleanup quick and easy and can replace paper napkins for a more casual vibe.

Consider allergy labeling.

This may not be necessary if all party attendees know each other well and are familiar with each other’s dietary restrictions (or if no one has food allergies). An index card folded into a tent with allergens listed makes sure that everyone can safely sample the goodies. There are also printable templates (like this one from PaperTempest) that take the guesswork out of labeling each soup.

Don’t forget dessert.

There’s never a bad time for a sweet treat after a meal! End with something simple, like a chocolate cake, cheesecake, or even a fruit and brownie tray. With so many different flavors in the soups, simplicity is best here. (This is also another great opportunity to experiment with creative charcuterie-like layouts.)

And last but not least…

Avery’s Chicken &  Dumplings

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (fresh or frozen)
  • Minced garlic
  • Tarragon
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 box chicken broth
  • Smoked paprika
  • 2 cups Bisquick or similar baking mix
  • 2/3 cup milk plus extra (I use Braums A2 whole milk.)
  1. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a large pot with a lid or a dutch oven.
  2. Add minced garlic to your liking. (I use about three heaping soup spoons.)
  3. Add tarragon until you worry about the price of tarragon. *
  4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. (Remember that the boxed broth also contains salt.)
  5. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Add enough water to cover the chicken by an inch or two.
  6. Add smoked paprika until the broth is very faintly pink. If you’re not sure you added enough, add a little more.
  7. Cover the pot and boil the chicken until tender. I usually give it around 30 minutes to an hour to absorb the flavors.
  8. Remove the chicken from the broth. Shred it with two forks.
  9. Mix the Bisquick and 2/3 cup milk until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Drop by spoonfuls into the boiling broth.
  10. Cook the dumplings uncovered for about twenty minutes.
  11. Add the chicken back to the pot of dumplings.
  12. Pour milk into the broth to desired creaminess.

To make this recipe dairy free, use your favorite plant-based milk to make the dumplings and omit the milk at the end.

* When I developed this recipe, the only tarragon I had was an $8 organic bottle. I literally decided when to stop adding tarragon by how concerned I felt about buying more at that price. (I usually stopped at about a teaspoon. Lol)

1.14.26: Welcome to the Side Quest Events Blog!

Hello! You have reached the first entry in our new blog! Do you have questions? We have answers! Check out some frequently asked questions below.

Why did you start a blog? 

At Side Quest Events, we specialize in fandom themed events on a budget. This is because we really care about helping to bring people together to make memories, no matter the budget. We want to give you tips and tools to elevate your event, even if you're handling the planning yourself. (We're always available to support you with our decorating and other services.)

Before starting Side Quest Events, I worked as a technical writer for ten years. Starting a blog seemed like a natural fit. Also, I did some guest posts for a blog several years ago and enjoyed the format.

What can I expect to find in the blog? 

Right now, the plan is to focus on event planning and geeky/fandom topics. There will probably be party planning articles, book/movie reviews, board game content, and maybe even some recipes.

Projects like blogs tend to take on a life of their own, so this focus may shift over time.

How often will there be new entries?

There will be a new blog post every Wednesday. (We all need something to look forward to in the middle of the week, right? Lol) The plan is to publish every Wednesday, but we'll try to say something if a post will be delayed.

Can I share your blog posts?

Absolutely! We'd be honored! We do ask that you either share the link to the blog or at least credit Side Quest Events for the content. 

Where else can I follow Side Quest Events?

In addition to our website, we have a Facebook page (Side Quest Events) and Instagram page (sidequesteventsnwa). We're also working on a Pinterest page, so stay tuned for more information.

We're willing to expand further if there's interest. Contact us if there's somewhere else you'd like to see us!

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