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.
Save vs. Misogyny: An Open Letter To Gen Con’s Event Organizers
See that ball and chain? That’s how Gen Con is portraying our wives and girlfriends in their event registration system. Activating rant mode.
Mailbag 3 – The Pitch
I did my share of pitching to Dragon and Dungeon magazines. I remember how nervous I was. You wonder if you did it right or if some blunder will get you blacklisted. The pitch can be nerve racking, but it shouldn’t be. If you follow the guidelines and contributors’ etiquette, you might not receive a contract on the first pitch, but you are headed in a good direction.
From Different Walks
Players are very good at throwing curve balls at your plans and wandering away from everything you spent precious time preparing the beforehand. When this happens it can be tempting to steer and force your players back on course, tempting but not advisable. Today I’m going to give you 10 adventure hook wielding NPC’s that can be picked up and thrown into your campaign when needed. Whether it be from a player curveball, lack of preparation time or even an impromptu game session.
Play Boldly
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.
Review: “The Plane Above: Secrets of the Astral Sea”
The Plane Above is the next 4th Edition D&D supplement that focuses specifically on the Astral Sea, denizens of the plane, a wide variety of locations found there, campaign ideas involving the plane and a handful of new monsters that can be found in the Astral Sea.
Mighty Anthropomorphin’ Power Rangers
As the father of a 2 year old, it’s interesting for me having my son approach the age where I started remembering stuff. I remember bits and pieces of the tail end of being 2. I had my first stuffed animal friend, a bear named Fluffy. My son hasn’t latched on to any toy in particular as a buddy yet, nor really given any of his toys any anthropomorphic qualities. I’m curious to see when he starts, and what personalities he starts assigning. I used to name almost every toy I owned, and I can remember sleeping with my bed filled to capacity with little plastic toys so that they didn’t feel left out. I can definitely appreciate caring for the feelings of others, but in retrospect I think perhaps feeling empathy toward a Grimace comb obtained from a Happy Meal might have been a bit much.
The Dungeon Master Guys, Episode 1
The very first episode of the Dungeon Master Guys focuses on adventure planning, creating a cast-of-heroes setup for your campaign, and using failures to make your games more interesting.
Star Crossed Dragons
Dragons are one of the most feared creatures within any fantasy setting. Their thick scales, razor sharp talons, brilliant minds and feared breath abilities make them one of the greatest threats to groups of adventurers and kingdoms alike. With this fearsome persona it is easy to forget that these cunning and sometimes sinister creatures are also capable of love.
Mailbag 2 – Freelancing 101
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.
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