Late night and unable to sleep so a small story.
Back in the day I was a teacher. One of the students (not mine) suggested I might like this new game called Diablo 2. The VP at the school ran after school Starcraft tournaments with prizes (usually SC statues/figurines). I decided to try D2 given he also recommend it.
It was a challenge at first but then it became my comfort routine. A way to smash demons and work out any frustrations. A lovely repetitive activity but with exciting gear drops! I hung out in lobbies for hours, knew what items were worth even if I did not trade. I helped folks and answered questions. Rarely, I did actually make a game and play with someone who needed something.
I was on dial up and the best I could get was late at night - 28.8. I mained a Necro so my army could fight when I could not.
A bit before LoD I moved to a place with DSL! So exciting! New stuff! heh. By then it was a priority. My frozen orb sorc got to 89 and my burrizon was 85 I think. Nightly MF runs were my relaxation time.
One of the neat things that happened during my D2 days was discovering the forums. I needed Tech help so ventured on and got what I needed. Then I stuck around and helped folks. I meet people on forums, in game, etc. I ended up with a friends network that, 20 years later, and many international trips, is strong.
This weekend my oldest gaming friend who I met through D2 is visiting. We are BBQing pork, doing a fall salad (greens, apples, dried cranberries, walnuts, goat cheese, vinaigrette), roasted butternut squash with allspice/cinnamon/real maple. Apple pie for desert.
Our last weekend before my favorite game comes back!