Exactly. Our group played in high school for years. It was a game and nothing darker than ‘Risk’ or ‘Clue’. Hell, we didn’t even have alcohol or cigarettes. Pretty clean group of nerds who threw dice, drank soda, and got into passionate arguments on whether my elf could *realistically* stab a troll in the eye.
“You’re too freaking short!”
“Shaddup Mark! I rolled a nine! The DM says it’s good.”
(Mark to DM) “At least say that she stabbed him in the leg or something.”
(Entire group) “SHADDUP MARK AND ROLL.”
(Quiet growl from an impatient kid at the end of the table) “She got a good hit now take your turn, loser. We’re going to be here all night.”
(Frustrated kid sighs and leaves the table) “I’ve gotta call my mom and tell her I’m going to be late.”
(Me) “Well, if we’re going to commit to this storyline then somebody better give me another Jolt.”
(DM) “Who the hell finished the pizza?! The last slice was mine!”
(crickets)
(DM) “FINE! I’ve just upped the troll’s hit points! Good luck!”
(group) “YOU CAN’T DO THAT!!!”
(DM) “I’m the DM! I can do what I want and this is MY basement!”
Well, beer came along, mostly in college. Cigarettes? Probably. Everyone smoked back then, anyway. No drugs. And no spell casting, witchcraft, or demonic worship. The thought never would have occurred to us. And if it did-as described in the article- it would have been “lame”.
And when a bunch of DND dorks call you “Lame”, man, that’s a real insult.........
My group in college was unique because we had a GIRL play with us for a year. Adds a whole new dimension to the game. :-)