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Gaming and Gambling
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Gaming
Cards and dice beckoned all over London, in drawing rooms, gambling dens, and even parks.
Playing cards had been imported in the 15th century and were quickly to be found in almost every household and tavern. In fact, inns and taverns had their names imprinted on decks of cards as a form of advertising. During the Interregnum, the sale of decks of cards was taxed and earned the government a very nice sum.
Dice were made from jet, ivory, or wood. One had to be very careful that the dice being used were not carved out of true. People often carried their own.
Other games could also be wagered upon, such as chess, draughts, and backgammon.
Gambling
Gambling was an English passion, and it is not an exaggeration to say that they, both men and women, would wager on almost anything. Fortune routinely changed hands as a result. Even children gambled, such as in Lincoln's Inn Fields, where boys could be found daily wagering for farthings, or even gingerbread nuts and oranges. In addition to games, bookmaking and lotteries abounded. It was even fashionable to have a favourite or lucky number.
Gambler
This is a challenge. Your character is addicted to gaming. This not only means that he or she stands the risk of losing money but it implies your character is willing to cheat and use tricks to improve chances of winning.
If you choose this challenge you will be asked to keep track in your Player compendium of your Gambling. Debts might cause a lowering of your wealth level.
