There are more women in gaming now than when it first came about, and it seems in the industry as well.

I, for one am very glad to have seen the change come about. I have gamed with various groups over a span of fourteen years or so. When first I started there were few women in gaming and few groups who could deal. Boy, I can still see the looks on the faces of my first group when I timidly asked; "Can I play?" It got very quiet. Thank you, Jim, for accepting me into your group and promoting me from my position as the "serving wench". Nowadays, it seems groups are more comfortable having women sit in.

I think that more women should game. It relieves stress, and allows you to be more vocal and less intimidated by the world on a grand scale. Imagine, your character walks into a tavern and for some reason the barkeep has something lewd to say. Well, we have a few things to say too! So what if you and your disgruntled party end up dishing it out with the local militia, and you find yourselves stealing out of town in the middle of the night? Did you speak your mind? Did you let that turkey have it? Oh, and beware to the next NPC who stands in your way. Hell hath no fury.

Also, back then it was interesting trying to choose the sex of my character. Seeing how it will effect the group. As I was shaking up my last few characters, however, I still find myself questioning which sex I should chose. I am very comfortable in playing a female of course. I have experience there. There are times though that I choose to be a male character cause I can swing a sword or ale with the best of 'em. Not that this female ever had any trouble at either of those tasks, right boys? I guess it's just important to remember that no matter what you must have fun. It's gaming. It's role-playing. You can be anything you want to with the roll of a die.

Written by Rain Sirovy of Basement Games, Co-Creator of the Forge: Out of Chaos RPG and World of Juravia, http://www.basementgames.com