Perhaps, but it's not all about civility. I argue a lot of people actually don't fully stand behind their words and that at times their own words are the words of others, on their lips by peer pressure. Anyway, we're splitting hairs now.

I never said it's a perfect model (nothing is), but I usually find it sufficient to extrapolate. I think our common custom is, obviously, a love or interest in computer games... and that already provides more than enough of a link for this community in particular. Sure, anyone can argue about anything if they really set their minds to it, give in to the "inner ape"... but that doesn't mean they should, rather than sit by the fire. Pent up frustration should be expelled on a punching bag, not on your fellow GOGers. And again, I'm speaking about rational individuals here and making an assumption we're mostly rational on these forums. Perhaps my initial hypothesis is further from the truth than I dare think :P.

The 10% leftover is perhaps more pragmatism on your end and more idealism on mine. I'm not afraid to look my own faults in the eye, and I've been known for wishful thinking in the past.

Calling drowners game, heh... school of the bear, am I right? :P

I remember when this site was a fun community that came together for the love of games.

*takes a seat*

*Pulls out a warm Blueberry pie for everyone.*

... and I remember when Novigrad was just a bunch of huts. Things change, not always for the better.

Thank you for the slice, that was lovely.

The love of games is the main topic and the glue, but I've always thought that gaming overlaps with fantasy, sci-fi, creativity, storytelling, sportsmanship, etc., so one common ground for me implies some others.
We've been the weird ones just until yesterday. Now all media, money, ads and, luckily, approval and pop culture is
with "us" since technology and computing and even elves and the like are "mainstream" (mainly because tech has spread and has become an everyday thing both for good and bad). And we fractured in "I like this", "I like that" (and is still games and gaming mostly, i.e. when real world does not get thrown in too heavily and in a copy-paste, unthoughtful way). Like rockers or music lovers some years earlier. A bit more guitars and a scream VS a bit less guitars and a synth?!
It's a broader trend, I think: to be better in showing off "allegiance to" something and raising a flag (even a flag of a "colour and shape" surprisingly similar to the ex-friend's) instead of enjoying on par. It's not challenge ("I made a better level, try it") but competition, and it's quite supported by channels, tvs etc. ("There can only be one new level, mine or yours")

So it's rivalries, seldom artificial. "Long live Unreal!" "No! Long live Doom!"
Difference being 10% (how they tweak some design or how they program an engine to do the same thing in a similar gaming purpose)
Really?

It's great to see a haven of peace and quiet in these dark woods.
I still remember fondly the times when this forest was a paradise, where member of every race (human, elf, dwarf or even orc) knew they could visit and they'd be respected and treated as the honorable warriors they were.

Since then a lot has happened... Sinister necromancers and corrupt kings and generals have started to spread hatred and vice upon society. And now all the races are fighting amongst each other and even between their own kin. Terrible and sad times.

Please, allow me to sit on this lonely tree stump. I will have no tea nor pie but I'll be content just to stay awhile and listen. I'll keep quiet and remember the peaceful times while I gaze upon the stars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6h0CtsG4JpU

Hi y'all, I stumbled with this place thanks to the music.

I can see you are having a great time... that food & beverages smell really good...

I am plenty of tasty pecans I just collected from walnut trees nearby if you like...

Finally Friday! I'd like to leave all the weekly stress and rush for a moment to enjoy of this beautiful place and your company if you allow it, of course. May I join please?

Mmmm, memberberries. (South park reference if not aware).

Ah, Vangelis... haven't listened to any in a while. Sounds of a different age, a past century :P. Getting old, aren't we?

All are welcome to come and sit by the fire, bearing gifts to share with others or as simple travelers of little means.

I wrote the thread title with that episode in mind, actually :P.

P.S.: I'll keep the fire going throughout the night, so don't hesitate to doze off if you're feeling tired. There's still plenty of drowner stew... I see not many have ventured for a bite. How come? It's... fairly nourishing and... somewhat tasty, if you don't hold back on sprinkling plenty of spices on top of it.

Me and Spiffing Brit for sure, don't know for others.

Not big on the witcher series, 1 was ok, 2 never got to play, and 3 tried three times and just can't see the appeal. But I do know drowners. I wouldn't eat them though, I don't eat anything from the sea.

Group hug.

We're not at war (well, not here in this community) and it's not Christmas but I just thought about how this could draw a minor parallel to the Christmas Truce during the first World War. Men on opposite sides of the war, men who fought for different ideals, came together in brotherhood for just a single day to spend the time together and remember that ultimately, they were not enemies at heart. They fought for different ideals but were brothers, victims of circumstances they couldn't control.

I wish for more gatherings and discussions like that.

PS: A song to go with the above.

You're in luck, because drowners aren't from the sea! Not originally, at least...

*shoves a bowl of foul smelling drowner stew into his hands*

Regular people have no desire for wars... they are things for leaders with great ambitions.

... and as we gather to tell stories and chat, the fire hugs us all with its warmth. These are chilling times.

Those were the days. The days of the Enigmatic T, cheers for every ten year old AAA game, standing ovations for every little function that Steam has had since the beginning. I do remember the shit out of it.