Casmar and Duke

Origins of the game of Kings; excert taken from

THE TALES of CASMAR and DUKE

"The first day of the Fair of Merd saw a swarm of people entering the walled city of Germaine to set up their stalls in the marketplace. Jugglers, courtesans, artisans, storytellers, and vendors of every commodity imaginable thronged the plaza, each vying for the attention of the passerby.

"Chance for gold! Play the game of Kings! Double the contents of your purse!"

In one corner of the market sat an ostentatiously-attired young man. Before him was a gaming board set with curiously-wrought playing pieces which gleamed in the late morning sun.

"Chance for gold! Play the game of Kings! Double the contents of your purse!" Few of the passersby did more than momentarily glance at the board. One onlooker, however, stopped in his tracks and surveyed the table with puzzlement written upon his face.

"Try your luck, sir?" queried the young man.

The potential customer, a large barbarous sort, shrugged his brawny shoulders, and took a seaton the provided stool, which groaned ominously. Even sitting down, he towered over most people. He scratched in turn his hairy pot-belly, his long mop of dirty-brown hair, and the matching beard which grew wildly from his broad face.

The young man withdrew from a pocket of his cloak a large deck of cards which he began shuffling flamboyantly as he explained the rules of the game. *

*Originally written by Michael T. Smith and Don Walker

The Journey

My brother-in-law, Michael, is an impatient sort. He seems to think that just because he's got a niftty idea - with the game - we should be producing them and making money hand over fist by now. I've shared with him that a thousand goals have to be achieved first: actually handcrafting the pieces, making the individual aspects of the game, designing and producing even the box, patents, copyrights, trademarks, license fees, opening the bank account, yada yada blah blah - a zillion things have to fall into place way before we can even think of bying those little umbrella drinks yet.

I'm excited about the Journey, it's still a fun hobby, and artistic venture in the making for me; several goals have to be met, and then before we know it the machine of the business will be eating us up, and it wont be fun anymore.

My out look on life is that every mundane experience is only a foreshaowed teacher of greater and more diverse things to accomplish in our lives. I wish the big bucks were rolling in too; however, we've not even bought a horse to get in front of the cart.

My Shadows

My Path

My personal Book of Shadows, the cover of which was made from a sheet of walboard, ( from when I remolded our kitchen), the binding ropes are boot laces, ( from my military days); and the Wand I handcrafted from oak, and pine, ( from trees where I work). These items were crafted and embumed with intence emotions and around significant times in my life.

Time Change Again?

Daylight-Saving Time

Yoda Logic

Childhood Influences

Fasinating the events that influence our lives. I was born six months before JFK was killed, grew up during the 1960s during the Viet Nam War era and greatly embued with the feelings of govermental distrust. Having been a Jehovah's Witness, the Armageddon indoctrination of the WatchTower's Cult stifeled even more my outlook on life. I loved the Planet of the Apes movies, yet again was the gloom of a crumbling society. I remember ROOTS and feeling the "guilt" of being a member of the White Race during the late 70s. But in becoming a teenager I also remembered the humor of the (60s) Dick Van Dyke Show, the hope of Star Trek, and the vision of Star War's of brighter times ahead.

We will continue to have higher gas prices, terrorist wars, growing weather concerns, viruses around the corner - but such doom and gloom is only an aspect of the world in which we live. I can't afford to see the world in such black and white absolutes any more.

The world is a wonderious place, filled with oppertunites for self improvement, and strivings to reach out to others. I know I can't change the world, I stoped trying years ago; but to live the best where we are and be an encouragement to others in sharing our experiences. Many have influenced me into wanting to become a better person - to them thanks are beyound words.

No Coffee

You'd all be proud of me - I've had no coffee today, and no extra sugar, AND no jittering sleepyness - feels weird - being clean. Man I need a cup to wake up with right now. I haven't smoked my pipe in quiet awhile either - what's up with that!

Ah the early morning light is pouring in through the upstairs window flooding the appartment with a false sence of warmth; it was very cool when the dogs when out for thier ritual visits.

Well our outing yesterday left me a bit down trodden but I guess you can't be King of the world everyday or expect a winner the first time around in starting a small bussiness, 'eh?

Uphill all the way

Seems getting into the "toy" gaming market is not only difficult but dam near impossible. Nevertheless we'll slowly plug foreward with our handcrafted, strategic board game but in a much smaller focused group.

We went to one dealer who shared his years of experience as a shop owner in the gaming industry, and - well 'wet blanket' is mild to say the least. Discouragingly honest. Ah, its just a hobby at this point any who.

KINGS at the Galleria Mall

We still have much work to accomplish in even beginning our small bussiness; however, on a marketing excursion to various North Texas shops, at least three appeared hopeful. We went to the Dallas Galleria Mall yesterday. At one of the upper level shops, Amazing Toy Creations, the spokesperson was very open to the possibility of us placing our GAME OF KINGS on consignment at thier location. If nothing else it would be name reconginition, and at least a foot-in-the-door to other local Merchants.

It's just a neat hobby - using my artistic abilities, but who knows with a lot of patience, luck, and a great deal of presistance we just may be on to something. The experience will be interesting to say the least.

Sizing It Up

We're going out today to do our first survey of the market. I've finished actually designing, crafting, and polishing off the Rules. Now to begin doing some research and information gathering on "How To -" start a small bussiness. . .

Wish us luck!