5th ed. D&D may have monsters that are fierce at 40 AC, but, to me, facing a -30 chills my blood in a way that no positive number ever could. You can always add to things, that's so much our culture: get MORE, more makes you BETTER.

But, what of becoming less? The wicking away of all things unnecessary, of stripping away all concerns of fame, treasure, and outward concerns. The achieving of Bushido, life in every breath, focus of the blade (or axe, stiletto, spell, dart, arrow, blunderbuss . . . ), a perfection of technique that could only be achieved as a master of your art form.

THAC0. You made me love math, because only through the gaining of that skill could I explore your mystery. You became the entryway to strategy, to out thinking the man behind the screen, to becoming a better adventurer.

My first, I’ll always love you. Though, if you’ll excuse me, it’s time to lay some smack on a Great Gold Wyrm. I’ll be thinking of you.

Always and forever (as defined by dividing by 0),

Erik