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You are here: Home / Archives for Newest Critical Hits / Editorial

Mailbag 4 – All By Myself, Part 1

May 3, 2010 by Chris Sims

Mike Shea asked me how I’d handle solos at upper levels so that they shine against powerful characters and skilled players. Over multiple Mailbag articles, we’re going to talk about solos, as well as what they can and should do for you.

Filed Under: Analysis Paralysis, Editorial, Featured, Roleplaying Games Tagged With: 4e, customizing monsters, D&D, epic monsters, monsters, solo

Background Check

April 29, 2010 by Chris Sims

I’ve talked about investing some emotion in your character and, thereby, the game. As a follow-up, I suggested you seize the game by the horns. The “Play Boldly” article seemed more concrete, more useful, than the first. I thought about it, and I have more to say about giving your character traits and a history that make up a backstory.

Filed Under: Analysis Paralysis, Editorial, Featured, Roleplaying Games Tagged With: 4e, attachment, character concept, emotional investment, party concept, player advice, roleplaying

The Plot Kill

April 28, 2010 by The Main Event

In the ongoing debate of killing of PCs and total party kills, one aspect of PC death is often left out: The Plot Kill. Having turned Plot Kills into defining campaign moments and having received some memorable Plot Kills myself, I think the concept warrants discussion.

Filed Under: Editorial, Featured, Pain of Publication, Roleplaying Games Tagged With: DM advice, gm advice, pain of campaigning, plot kill

An Open Letter to All: A Rebuttal

April 27, 2010 by guest

I’m a geeky, professional, progressive girl. I’m a high level business executive and head of my household. I come from a long line of feminists. My hippie parents raised me with a gender neutral philosophy and I’ve fought for equality and my voice to be heard my whole life. And to this complaint that the icon will offend women, I say Bullcrap.

Filed Under: Editorial, Roleplaying Games Tagged With: gencon

How the iPad Changes D&D

April 22, 2010 by Mike Shea

If I had to guess, I’d guess that you either already love the iPad or already hate it, and another 2000 words won’t change that. If you hate it, you might want to move on. I don’t think this article will make you any happier. What I do want to focus on are the short-term ways the iPad could potentially change our D&D games. I’m primarily a D&D 4th Edition dungeon master so this article is likely to focus on that as well.

Filed Under: Editorial, Featured, Roleplaying Games Tagged With: 4e, D&DI, dragon, dungeon, iPad, iplay4e, technology

Min/Max Mashup

April 20, 2010 by dixontrimline

The power gamer is earnest in his approach to the game, in the same way that an evangelical is earnest about saving souls. This is a player who isn’t content to simply optimize his own character, but expresses an aggressive desire to help you with yours.

Filed Under: Editorial, Featured, Roleplaying Games Tagged With: character, min-maxing, PC issues

Save vs. Misogyny: An Open Letter To Gen Con’s Event Organizers

April 20, 2010 by Vanir

See that ball and chain? That’s how Gen Con is portraying our wives and girlfriends in their event registration system. Activating rant mode.

Filed Under: Dire Flailings, Editorial, Roleplaying Games Tagged With: ball and chain, conventions, gen con, gencon 2010, husbands, spouses, wife aggro, wives, wtf

Play Boldly

April 15, 2010 by Chris Sims

Following up on my last post, I intend to disparage no one, including my players past and present, but a malaise sets in on me occasionally when I’m playing a D&D game. Players seem lethargic. They don’t respond to the information given to them. Their characters act far different than the intrepid adventurers those characters should and must be.

Players should be as bold in game action as their characters are in the game world. Why? Because it pays off in fun and energy at the table.

Filed Under: Analysis Paralysis, Editorial, Featured, Roleplaying Games Tagged With: 4e, boldness, character concept, emotional investment, player advice, rogue, roleplaying

Mailbag 2 – Freelancing 101

April 8, 2010 by Chris Sims

I’ve gotten a number of questions about freelancing and writing for D&D Insider. In this issue of the Mailbag, I’ll deal with queries and submissions. I’ll also touch on huge sums of money you can make and the glamorous lifestyle you can lead through successful freelancing. Or maybe I’ll just talk a little about money.

Filed Under: Analysis Paralysis, Editorial, Featured, Roleplaying Games Tagged With: 4e, advice, D&D Insider, dragon, dungeon, freelancing

Lost: Mostly Filler, but with a Dash of Desmond, Things Look Up

April 7, 2010 by The Main Event

First, before we get to the dreamy Desmond’s delicious deliverance to the show, let’s take a look at why Season 6 of Lost has been filler up until now. The major plot points of the first part of Season 6 were: The Flash Sideways Reality, The Lostaways and the Temple, and UnLocke Is Evil. These plot arcs are the primary reason for the show sucking so badly. However, hope is on the horizon and its name is Desmond.

Filed Under: Editorial, Television Tagged With: desmond, Editorial, Lost, season 6

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About the Author

  • Chris Sims

    Chris Sims has played roleplaying games for 35 years, and he has helped produce games for more than a decade. Before he set up his freelance shop in the wilds of Austria, he was an editor, developer, and designer at Wizards of the Coast. There, he worked on Duel Masters, Dungeons & Dragons, and Magic: The Gathering. Ask him something via email that might receive a response in a post, and follow his tweets.

    Email: chris@critical-hits.com

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