First, let me just say to everyone who posted comments on my last blog - thanks, and I apologize for not responding. I'm a little golf-obsessed right now (working on some swing changes), and I've kind of let other things slip. But to try and make up for it, I decided to post another blog...

On a logical basis I know the Star Wars fan base is immense, diverse and ever growing. I understand that Star Wars has been a defining element of Western culture for nearly as long as I've been alive, and I know the new animated feature coming out will bring even more fans into the fold.

I'm aware of all this and yet, for some reason, I was still caught off guard when someone I'd never met recognized me from my Star Wars work.

So, here's what happened: last weekend I was playing in a Magic the Gathering Eventide pre-release tournament in my hometown. (Yes, I'm a Magic geek... and proud of it!)

Now, as you might imagine the cross-over between Magic fans, BioWare fans and Star Wars fans is pretty high. For that reason, I don't generally wear any BioWare shirts or the like when I go to these tournaments - I don't want to seem like I'm trying to draw attention to myself. (Don't get me wrong - I desperately seek and crave attention. But I have to make it *appear* as if I'm modest and low-key. After all, I'm Canadian.)

I've attended many magic tournaments in the past, and apart from people who know me as a regular (a couple tourney organizers and judges), nobody at these events is really aware that I work at BioWare or write for Star Wars. At least, nobody was aware until this past weekend.

I was about to start my second match of the day when a guy of about 20 came over to our table to watch us play. This isn't uncommon - there are usually lots of players milling about observing the action at these events when they aren't in a match.

We were just about to shuffle up and deal when this kid (I can use "kid" to refer to anyone under 30 now - I'm *that* old) suddenly asks, "Which one of you is Drew?"

My first thought was that I had sat down at the wrong table and he was here to tell me to get my sorry butt over to the proper seat so we could play. With some trepidation I reply, "I'm Drew."

"Drew Karpyshyn the Darth Bane guy?" he asks. (And props to him for getting the pronunciation on my last name right. If you're curious, it rhymes with suspicion, condition, fishin', etc.)

"Yeah, that's right," I say. "You read Path of Destruction?"

"And Rule of Two," he answers. "They were awesome." There's a slight pause and then he adds, "Would you sign my book? I have Path of Destruction in my backpack."

Needless to say, I was more than happy to sign it for him. I figure he must have recognized my name on the match posting - my name isn't hard to pick out of a line-up - but this was the first time a complete stranger has approached me out of the blue like this and asked for my autograph.

It's always fun to go to a book signing, or show up at a convention to meet fans, or to correspond with people through the e-mail address on my website or these blogs. But this felt different, somehow. It really made me appreciate how big this whole Star Wars phenomena still is and, to be honest, it gave me a cool little thrill.

So if any of you ever see me out in the "real" world someday and recognize me from my name, my picture or my sparkling wit don't be afraid to come up and say hi. Or ask me to sign something. Or take a picture with me. I'd be happy to oblige. (Just don't talk to me during my backswing if you see me on the golf course...)

Okay, that's about it. No real news to report, and no real deep insight or point to this blog. (I guess blogs don't always need a point, do they?) I just wanted to relay this story because it makes me feel like a big man.

Embrace the dark side.

Drew