Then the tweet disappeared. Spooooooooky.

I sat at a table by my lonesome - I hadn't brought company as most everyone I knew works at that time of day. I had been lucky to be free myself! The game set up in my spot was EPIC SPELL WARS OF THE BATTLE WIZARDS: DUEL AT MT. SKULLZFYRE. 

Quite the title. If you've never heard of the game, it goes a bit like this:

You are a daring wizard in an endless battle to be the LAST WIZARD STANDING. You cast gnarly spells that target your opponents to kill their health (or heal yourself if you are lucky enough). Now that doesn't sound too crazy but if you are casting a spell called Rose Bum's Testacular Nuke-U-Lar Meltdown, it gets gory. And by it I mean the art . It is an amazing style that's a mix between Adventure Time and . . . Saw. 

Let me tell you I have never seen another game like it. If you are curious, there is a TableTop episode featuring that game here: Watch The Video

As I waited I got to talk to their Social Media Manager Kevin. He's a very nice guy and he was the one who sent out the mystery tweet! We talked for a bit about the shoot and then it spilled into Marvel (I was wearing my Tony Stark jacket) and the impending premier of Daredevil season 2. We agreed that the anticipation is high, but Jessica Jones hit harder. I'm always happy to find another Jessica fan. 

He had to return to business and I chatted with a few of the crew. Most had never been to this cafe before so I encouraged them to stick around after (since GnS was going to pay the cover charge for everyone who wanted to stay) or bring some friends for a game night. The cafe is a growing favorite of mine and my friends as well. Always support the businesses you enjoy! Be it a cafe or a media company.

Back to the shoot.

More people began to show up, including some cosplayers dressed as Spider-Man and Spider Gwen. Their costumes were amazingly detailed. If I had thought to dress up I would have worn my Wednesday Adams dress - next time!

My table soon filled up with some other Geek and Sundry staff. Two writers and a marketing manager. I will say this, I have never met a mean or rude person associated with GnS. Everyone is always very kind and open to having some fun - even when that fun involves killing me mercilessly at a card game. (Spoiler: I lost all the rounds.)

When it came time to roll camera I was tasked with a job; roll the dice as the camera came around the corner. My time had come, acting classes don't fail me now! I kid.

Mostly.

It turned out that the game our table had been assigned to play was going to be featured. We, myself and one of the writers, had two brand new cards for the game. A devil and a doctor zombie. You know, normal. It took us a bit to get into the swing of the game but soon we had blasted through three rounds. I might have been a bit of a dice hog but I was afraid to miss my cue!

This was also about the time I learned what we were actually shooting - a TableTop Day commercial. I adore TableTop and have attended the past two TableTop Days with friends that I've introduced to event. 

The filming lasted about four hours overall, maybe a little longer. I'm not sure, I was enjoying myself to the point I didn't notice the time passing. Our whole table remarked how it had just been a good time. No one felt any 'on set' pressure to perform which is what makes a natural shot.

A year or so ago I would have seen that tweet and let my anxiety keep me from going to something I really enjoyed. Instead I got to meet and talk to some great people, play an awesomely gruesome game, and be in a commercial. I call that a personal win!

National TableTop Day is April 30th this year (2016)! If you're interested, and you should be, you can get more information about where to celebrate it in your area here: TableTopDay.com

Happy gaming!!!!

 

 - A'Marie