If you want to be a Jewish Paladin, you're apparently facing an uphill battle. Not from the forces of evil but the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). According to a ynet news article, Army frowns on Dungeons and Dragons, members of the IDF who admit to playing D&D are automatically given lower security clearances. A security official, referring to the tests administered to determine psychological fitness for a security clearance says,
"One of the tests we do, either by asking soldiers directly or through information provided us, is to ask whether they take part in the game," he says. "If a soldier answers in the affirmative, he is sent to a professional for an evaluation, usually a psychologist."
"These people have a tendency to be influenced by external factors which could cloud their judgment, a military official says. "They may be detached from reality or have a weak personality - elements which lower a person's security clearance, allowing them to serve in the army, but not in sensitive positions."
Are they making the claim that soldiers who play D&D might accept a covert command from their Dungeon Master to expose state secrets? How about this:
GM: "The Elf queen stands before you, her full amble breasts are barely covered by a thin sheen of magical elven chainmail. Se beckons you closer, saying, 'Show me the bombs of making waste that Israel denies having but both of us know they have and you will be suitably rewarded.'"
Krunk: "Do you RUE downgrading Krunk's security clearance? DO YOU RUE IT!!!????"
(A reference to Fear of Girls)
Considering all of the traditional pastimes of soldiers (i,e. drinking, wenching, gambling, brawling) you would think the Israeli army would embrace one that builds teamwork, requires thought, and stresses tactics as preferable. Evidently not. I know that D&D is very popular among our troops deployed in Iraq.
Now, I do know some D&D players who would be some pretty bad security risks, but it's them, not the D&D.
Seems like bored psychologists making up things to me.
David+
Technorati Tags: anglican, D&D, episcopal, games, military, Israel
During my days playing AD&D, One of our players came up with a jewish Paladin. Everything was OK until Friday sundown, gametime. Our Jewish Paladine promptly announced that, since it was the Sabbath, he would not adventure until Saturday sundown gametime. The rest of us, continued exploring until we were set upon by the evil bad guys and a general massacree followed. He played the character beautifully, if not helpfully.
By general consensus, the Jewish Paladin ws not heard from again.........
More to the point, some of the people I have gamed with held pretty high security clearances. Not one of them ever blabbed any classfied data, even under Orcan torture.
Posted by: Mikey | December 18, 2006 at 12:58 PM