Relaxing Friday, dice-thower!

I’ve had pretty hectic days.

In fact, pretty difficult days.

But they weren’t unhappy days.

This has made me think a lot about bittersweet chocolate.

Further down, I’ll tell you why.

Clueless about international events

Last week I attended Fantasy Basel.

One of the biggest conventions in Europe.

There I realized who I really am.

A wonderful artist and artisan? Well, yes, that too 💁✨

But I’m something more.

A noob.

Why?

It’s the first event day.

It was also my first international event ever.

People are coming in.

I’m very nervous, as that span of time between the opening of the event and your first sell is really taxing mentally.

At last, someone comes.

They fall in love with my dragons DM Screen. ¡Wonderful!

They ask to pay with card.

Proud and excited, I extend the terminal to him and then…

Oh, no!

The horror!

How could this happen?

Card payments need internet to work.

And I have no data on Switzerland!

So that sell…

Kaputt.

Saúl, my minion, leaves the venue running for a phone store to buy a SIM card.

It was closed.

What about the one on the next corner?

Closed.

The one three tram stops further?

Closed too.

What was happening?

It was a national holiday.

That’s how much of a noob I am.

In the end, of course, we managed it.

But pro tip: Check for national holidays and internet connection if you are planning a trip.

Fantasy in Basel

Okay, yeah, the tittle is too on the nose.

But…

How would you name this picture anyways?

Someone at the event asked me if I was going to explore the city.

I answered that I didn’t know if I would be able ot find the time.

They offered me these wise words:

For a moment, I thought I was in the presence of Gandalf!

So, that’s wat I did. I didn’t wait to find time. I took it myself.

I had to cancel other plans and chores, but taking osme time to yourself in times of stress and intensity is truly necessary.

On the next day I had renewed energy!

I loved the old part of town and the views form behind the cathedral. Brethtaking.

A lucky strike!

Yes. I had a lucky strike at the event.

And that’s because…

I met the people of Decks & Dice!

And, excited as I was, I forgot to take a picture with them.

Here’s Saúl and Some Dungeon Meshi cosplayers instead.

Decks & Dice is an association centered around card games and TTRPGs.

They were at Fantasy Basel in the Community Hall, organizing Magic the Gathering, the One Piece TCG and Dungeons & Dragons games.

While we were setting up the booth, they came to say hi and we talked for a while about D&D, miniature painting, etc…

I must say, we got a bit carried away and I finished setting up the booth a bit late.

But it was worth it. Tobias, who came to visit us first, is super nice!

Decks & Dice is based in Schönenwerd and they organize events so you can go play these games with them.

If you ever drop by, don’t forget to say hi on our behalf!

Bittersweet chocolate

The sweetness of meeting new friends and discovering new places.

The bitterness of failure and stress.

The contrast between these two has made for my most intense three days this year.

Just as it happens with bittersweet chocolate. And that’s why it’s so delicious, right?

Were you at Fantsay Basel? What was your favourite part?

I’d love to read about it. And just so you know, I always reply.

¡Favorable quests and successful rolls!

🦉 Irene the Wizard

🦃 Saúl the Bard

P.S. Answer to this email! I really want to read your experience!