SLAYING DRAGONS IN REALITY AND FICTION
By VIVIAN LaMOORE, INAAJIMOWIN EDITOR
A fictional, magical, fantastical world where your imagination can run free and embark on epic journeys that include underdogs, heroes, villains, and of course a few dragons, fairies, and Pokémon awaits you in Mora. A new store and game room opened at the end of March by Band member Krista Fox and her husband Robert.
If you like comic books, tabletop games such as Dungeons & Dragons, and collectible trading card games like Pokémon and Magic the Gathering, stop in and play a game or two with your friends or make some new friends. The magic is all inside at “Fallout Comics and Games.”
“I wanted to open this place because I wanted someplace for the kids to go,” Krista said. “Since I‘ve lived here, I noticed there was nowhere for kids to hang out.”
Since the store opened in March, the community has been very receptive, and they have had “positive feedback,” according to both Krista and Robert. “Especially kids. They love it here. They are glad there is a store like this in town, they tell us. It just makes my day,” Krista added.
There are games people can rent to play in the store with tables set out that make for easy, friendly tabletop games, and “they can play as long as they want. We have free game days, and we plan to have matches with the card games,” Krista said. “And we wanted it to be affordable. That was a big part of it.”
The games, comic books, collectible card games, collectible figurines, dice, and other game-related novelties are all available for sale as well.
Oftentimes, whole families come in and play, kids come in after school, and young adults and teenagers often meet to engage and set up their own games, Robert said. “It is just a safe place for kids and families to get together.”
“I decided to open this store because I like playing Dungeons & Dragons, and Robert has collected comic books most of his life,” Krista said.
Krista also fell in love with the game, Coyote & Crow, which is about Native folklore if colonization had never happened in the United States. Krista said, “In this game, you can build your own worlds. But it is not just for Native Americans. Anyone can play it, just like D&D. It is just a beautiful book.”
The book contains the rules of the game and gives players the lists of characters including tricksters, warriors, etc. “I wanted to include this game because I wanted my Tribe’s people to know that there is a place for them here if you are into this kind of stuff. We don’t tolerate bullying, harassment, or racism. Only fun. If I can find enough people interested in this game,” she said with a smile. “I would be the Game Master.”
Slaying dragons
The Foxs are no strangers to challenges and have had their own epic journey of slaying dragons and overcoming obstacles. Robert is an Army combat veteran, having served two years of active duty in Bosnia and one year in the National Guard. Although he was born in Georgia, he was also a volunteer firefighter in the state of Louisiana.
Krista was raised in Fridley, and had gone to Louisiana at the age of 20 to start a new life. She wasn’t looking for romance, she had just meant to move. But that is where the couple met.
Their relationship wasn’t a typical fantasy, as Robert also served a bit of jail time while in Louisiana shortly after they met. He had been arrested on an outstanding warrant in Georgia for an unpaid ticket. “I don’t fault the police officers who do their job and have a duty to do,” Robert said. He was released about three weeks later.
That stint in jail did not stop them from forming a relationship that brought them to Minnesota. They currently live in Hinckley, but would like to make the move to Mora. They now have been married 19 years, and have three children, Trenton, 19, Kyrie, 16, and Zendin, 9. When asked how the children view the store, Krista replied, “The 9-year-old really likes it. The teenagers are not as enthusiastic, but they are supportive and help out.”
Krista has also battled her own dragons. She is humbled to say she is a recovering alcoholic. “I got my degree while fighting alcoholism. I want people to know they should not give up their dreams. I have been sober for two years. It is possible. When I see my people struggling, and they are so talented and smart, I want them to know they can do it. Don’t give up. I don’t know if they hear that enough.”
Krista earned an Associate's degree in Business Management from Rasmussen College.
“Just the look on my daughter’s face… She is the reason why I quit — my kids are the reason I quit. And he quit to be that support for me. He knew if he was going to drink, then I would too.”
Imagination in play
If the characters of Pikachu, Snorlax, Charizard, Ash Ketchum, or Diantha are familiar to you, you may be interested in a game or two, or want to trade some Pokémon cards. If you are more interested in creating a new mythical world, then you may want to read up about the dwarf cleric. And if this all sounds confusing, yet intriguing, Robert and Krista are more than eager and willing to help you learn.
“I am inviting all Band members and everyone to come in and play,” Krista said.
There is also a children’s section in the store where kids can color and play with toys and games as well.
Krista and Robert have overcome challenges and slayed their dragons and are now living their reality while surrounded by fiction. They offer words of encouragement for everyone: “If you have something you are really passionate about it, don’t give up. You can do it.”
Where to go:
Fallout Comics and Games
206 South Union Street Mora, MN 55051
320-515-0663
Hours: Open noon to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
