PixelKnight
Roleplaying, that is, paper-pencil RPG's are an experience for me - not just a hobby. When I sit down and assume the role of a snarky gnomish duelist, or a withered book-smart wizard, I'm not just indulging my escapist tendencies. I'm participating in an arcane and esoteric form of media - so unlike every other form of media: books, television, movies, music, and even video games, in that I am part of a collective, evolving story. It is a story that is not just the dungeon master's and not the players', but is a product of everyone involved. It's a form of media that I hope I shall always be able to have the privilege of participating in with some close friends of like mind.
That being said, it may be obvious that the roleplaying part of roleplaying games is the most important aspect. Don't get me wrong - I love smashing skulls of bad guys, exploring ancient ruins, and hoarding fantastic treasure as much as the next guy, but each of those behaviors only serves to further enrich my character and bring him life. Of course, my characters' motivations are rarely so simple. Such as my half-orc war drummer (bard/barbarian), who loudly played his drums to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies, even in the middle of dungeons, whose ancient tribe wisdom told to "Go left! Always left!" at any fork in the road - a bit of wisdom that somehow always seemed to serve my party huge amounts of amazing luck.
That being said, it may be obvious that the roleplaying part of roleplaying games is the most important aspect. Don't get me wrong - I love smashing skulls of bad guys, exploring ancient ruins, and hoarding fantastic treasure as much as the next guy, but each of those behaviors only serves to further enrich my character and bring him life. Of course, my characters' motivations are rarely so simple. Such as my half-orc war drummer (bard/barbarian), who loudly played his drums to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies, even in the middle of dungeons, whose ancient tribe wisdom told to "Go left! Always left!" at any fork in the road - a bit of wisdom that somehow always seemed to serve my party huge amounts of amazing luck.