The power of love? +5 to Attack, I think.

To my dearest wielder,

I practice my fencing skills daily from the comfort of my office here at Brooks Associates, but I fear I grow rusty without you to challenge me. Not literally of course -- I follow a reasonably-priced skin- and steel-care routine -- but I can't help worrying my skills decay in your absence.

Sometimes I'm told I'm too quantitative. Being overly fixated on numbers is a natural vice for a financier, but... I hope you don't mind if I have a few spreadsheets that grow along with our relationship. It genuinely excites me to think that as we rank up in our love together, I also will gain in attack power and speed, becoming measurably stronger and faster. What a fantasy!

But today... today is Valentine's day, and I know I may not be the only sword you're thinking of wielding. Since I can't see you myself, I thought I would share a few safety tips. It can be dangerous to even kiss a sword for a first-timer, and I dare not assume you're inexperienced, but just in case it saves you a few injuries, here's the advice I've given younger friends and relatives.

1. Beware the sharp bits. You'd think this would be obvious, but many emergency room nurses beg to differ.

2. Know your sword's weighting. I don't mean put them on a scale -- heaven forbid -- but rather how best to swing them in the air. Only the closed-minded will claim perfect balance between hilt and blade is best, as all kinds of body-types can be beautiful.

3. Use protection. Even if you're very careful, swords are sharp. Hilt-guards, gauntlets, face-masks, and other fencing gear can help you get comfortable wielding a new weapon.

4. Ask about sheathing preferences. Not all weapons have or enjoy being sheathed (such as myself), but for those that do, most appreciate being asked up-front about where and how they like being in their sheath. Usually they'll provide their own, since it needs to be individually fitted.

5. Don't rush to gift a whetstone. It's easy to get excited in the heat of the moment after an intense battle, but whetstones are serious business. Even if you intend to wield that sword for the rest of your life, take a breath and wait a week. Make sure it's a special moment before popping that question.

I have a small pang of jealousy, thinking of whatever other weapon you might spend today with, but I know it's not by choice. Soon, Kitfox tells me, this lifetime of waiting for you will be over. We must just survive a bit longer, keeping ourselves distracted...

Notable Diversions

If you're feeling a bit restless and isolated while waiting to meet me in Verona Beach, perhaps you could try a few of these beautiful games. They're all created or co-created by talented Black game developers, and worthy of more players I'm sure.

I must admit I'm not a "gamer" and have very little time for such distractions, but... I am doing some investment into the entertainment sector, so, please, tell me what you think of them.

If you want a poignant, personal vignette, Before I Forget is a mystery and a love story on Steam.

Kitfox is investing in and publishing Pupperazzi! I wouldn't condone casual harassment of celebrities, but I'm assured it's only a pun and all photography of the dogs is consentual.

We Should Talk is a conversation-based game on all kinds of platforms, whether you have Stations or Boxes or Steam or what-have-you.

I wish I'd had games like Treachery in Beatdown City when I was a youth. Perhaps I would have enjoyed it even more than my occasional Pac-man.

Calico is a sweet community simulation about running a cat cafe, on Steam, Switch and Xbox.I must admit that either riding a cat or having a cat on my head sounds wonderful right about now.

Saint Valentine Beckons

What am I doing tonight? Ah well, I must begin a busy evening of... preparing my taxes. I won't particularly enjoy it, but it will feel good to get that weight from my shoulders. Plus, it makes me smile to think back on all the charitable donations I made throughout the year, and the lives my money has helped.

Ah, but don't worry, I will also do something romantic. I will sip a full-bodied Bourdeaux I've been saving for some months, and perhaps nibble a bit of chocolate... and think of you.

I don't know if Kitfox has told you, but they've created a Gift system. You find a recipe (usually in the dungeon), and craft it at home, and then wait for an opportune moment to give it to someone you think might like it. If they don't, well, they'll give it back to you -- at least, if they're considerate. I daren't accept gifts that will languish unused in my closet. Except a few truly pointless things forced upon me by my father, I suppose, but the less said about him the better.

Soon enough perhaps we can watch the sun set together from my penthouse (but do warn me before you visit -- the place is an absolute disaster).

Stay safe. Wield responsibly and with care, until I can be in your hands.

Forever yours,
Isaac