When I was 6 years old I observed my older uncle and his buddies playing with dice and their little plastic mans. They were pewter back then, but bear with me. They talked of dragons and swords and magic and that sounded just awesome to my tiny little imagination. I wanted in! And I wanted to play a Ninja Turtle.
By some grace of whatever they let me play their pretend time, but I wasn't allowed to be a Ninja Turtle. Not even Raphael! (If you're a Donatello fan stop reading now.) No, they made me play a Clerk. I don't know why they needed a Clerk. They were flying around on dragons, and I'm pretty sure those don't fit in your typical office space.
I was also graciously given a loose leaf sheet of notebook paper, atop which was written "Spell List." My Clerk knew how to spell all kinds of impressive words, like restoration and and ressurection! He was a smart Clerk.
24 years later I'm still at this crazy hobby we call RP! And I still haven't gotten to play my Ninja Turtle. :(