The crowd that filled Lancaster Host Resort & Conference Center on Monday had many daunting tasks before them.

Some were charged with building ancient civilizations from scratch, while others were destined to take control of the German parliament.

One group, off in a corner, had to fight off galactic warriors intent on destroying civilization — before 6 p.m.

However, the participants at the World Boardgaming Championships, which began Monday, took their challenges in stride, visiting with old friends and mingling with new ones.

"We're not at all like science-fiction nerds or video-game nerds," said Bronwen Heap-Senhouse, 48, who traveled from Massachusetts to attend the convention. "We're the ones who crave face time."

Heap-Senhouse was one of several board-game enthusiasts hoping to dispel the myth that "gamers" are introverted, arguing that board games are designed for social interaction.

"There are people who like to go to a cocktail party to socialize; then there are people who use board games," said Tom McCorry, who travels as far as Germany for such conventions.

The World Boardgaming Championships is one of three major board-gaming conventions held each summer in the United States and expects to draw more than 1,500 participants.

In a world seemingly dominated by technology, board-gaming enthusiasts shun the glaring lights of computers and the buzzing sound effects of video games, preferring cards, cardboard and paper.

And lots of them.

The convention features more than 150 games, some which have nearly a thousand pieces and can take up to six hours to play.

Needless to say, the participants aren't playing your childhood favorites of Monopoly or Trouble. In fact, they're probably playing something you've never heard of.

"Ninety-five percent of the names you wouldn't recognize" said player Greg Thatcher, a professor at California State University, Fresno.

Local gamer Timothy Hing, 26, explains why.

"These games are nothing like Monopoly," he said. "They're like chess. You can compare it to the basketball Final Four — it's competitive. These games test your mind."

Designer games, many from Europe and especially Germany, reigned supreme in the room, with titles such as "Settlers of Catan," "Tikal," "Dominion," "Puerto Rico" and "Ticket to Ride."

Although more elaborate today, board games have been around for much of human history, dating to ancient Egypt, China and Mesopotamia. And by the looks of the crowd Monday, despite evolving technology, they aren't going to die easily.

"The coolest thing about games is they're good for life," said Keith Levy, who typically plays two hours a day. "You can learn about resource management, math, history — there's a game on any subject.

"It's my passion, I love it."

The World Boardgaming Championships will be held daily through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lancaster Host Resort, 2300 Lincoln Highway East.

It costs $30 to play for one day, plus $10 for each additional day. Spectators are admitted free.

E-mail: dmartin@lnpnews.com