My Bridal Action Force is chosen from people I have known for a combined total of approximately 135 years. There are other dear friends I would have liked to add, as well, but eventually, we’d run the risk of having a bridal party of a eighty or so, and fifteen or twenty people seated in the audience.
I’m unreasonably lucky to have such a list of friends who, I think anyone else would look at any of these relationships, from the outside, and say “Ah, best friends!” As it turns out, I don’t know if I could even use the word “best friend”, as it implies a singular relationship, and each of these people might be my “best friend” in their own way. My life wouldn’t be the same without any of them.
There’s no way I could tell you about our history, and all they mean to me, if I had ten pages each to do it in, so I’ll keep it short and necessarily incomplete, instead.
Get the Team Shirts here.
I met Jeff first of all these friends, back when the Dark Ones were six or eight people who ran games and threw parties at conventions. We’ve worked as a team, in some capacity, on almost everything I’ve done since. We’re the rare combination of two total alphas who work well together.
I met Cathy years ago through my work as a logo artist. We’ve been through a lot since then, and she’s always been there to back me up. I think we all have a friend who makes us wish we could be as good a friend as they are. Cathy is certainly one of those. She’s also the kind of person who will move earth and water to grow a business and create change.
Shawn I met during my Corsairs period as well. We’ve shared a sort of martial brother/sisterhood, possibly helped along by our veteran status, that formed immediately and never wavered. Many fond nights have been spent with Shawn and I discussing things ranging all topics, fanciful, idle, and academic.
Dan Smith I met through fandom and eventually ended up sharing other hobby passions with as well – The Dark Ones and the SCA. He’s now my SCA seneschal, which means he’s the one who actually makes things work while I try to keep the broad view.
Heath I met through the Dark Ones, and ended up sharing my love of gaming, the Corsairs, the SCA, and fandom with. He’s been loyal and solid the whole time, often offering both crash space and a much needed break while I was driving trucks. Some of my best gaming time has been with Heath, either as part of a group, with Shawn and Phil, or solo.
Phil I also met during that period when I was captain of my Corsair ship. Although, he was initially on another ship, our bond was immediate, and has survived many odd complications over the years.