I had the absolute privilege to attend my gaming group’s first annual LAN. It was held in Houston, Texas on the weekend of June 15-17.

The gaming group I belong to is Rated Mature or “RM” for short. We can be found at: www.ratedmature.NET. The group has been together for a little more than 3 years now. The group is an 18 years of age and over group, though we’ve made 2 exceptions. (And they were exceptions, definitely not the norm) The group is a competitive group, though not to the point of MLG. We like to win, but can have fun just pwning in multiteam. We prefer to play with a mature tone, though of course like many we have our silly (jokes), gross (burping), and vulgar (swearing) moments. This is one reason why we prefer “adult” gamers, so we don’t offend younger gamers or their parents.

Okay so enough about the group you say, let’s get to the LAN part. Last year, one of our members, “RM Samurai” stepped forward to say he would hold a LAN at his place in Houston, TX. We started a thread on our forums for the LAN and planning begun. As the months dwindled down to weeks various members made their travel plans and things were set. Weeks turned to days, then hours, then finally, I was on my way to Houston. Some of these fellows I’ve known for almost 4 years, since before the group was even formed, while others I’ve known for almost a year. Still, we’re all like extended family to one another, likely knowing more about each other’s family than some of our other friends. So the day before I am to leave comes and I’m excited and nervous. I had myself psyched out on flying. (I wasn’t thrilled with having to fly for various reasons which I won’t go into.) I didn’t sleep at all the night before leaving. Instead staying up to 3:30am then just resting in bed until 7:30 when I got up and blogged a little before final preparations to leave.

Midday approaches and my wife drives me to the airport to catch my flight. She wishes me a safe trip and to have fun and off I go.

Here’s the standard pic from the plane showing non-descript clouds.

That greyish streaking thing near the middle is just dust on the camera, no alien ship. Darn.

Stay tuned for the next part where I discuss the events of the different days and show some pics of the LAN in action.

-HFFL