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Stories with Meaning

12. March 2010

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Stories with Meaning

In order to create a believable world, in which characters do more than simply hack and slash, some study and research will always be needed. In fact, to create the most effective game world possible, as much effort could be required as penning a novel. Penning a novel, however, need not be done from scratch – authors do tend to have a “toolbox” of useful story elements handy to make their jobs easier.

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Of Orcs and Empire

11. March 2010

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Of Orcs and Empire

Since their introduction to Aruneus, the Orcs have congregated in the tundras and northern reaches of the world. A once great kingdom which stretched most of the span of Aruneus' northern continent, the Orcs were beaten by the League of the Ring and their empire collapsed into a series of small city states and clan holdings. Over time even these city states faded, unable to support a larger, stable population and the Orcs became a semi-nomadic, clannish race.

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Old-School Gaming with OSRIC (Review – Races and Classes)

11. March 2010

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Old-School Gaming with OSRIC (Review – Races and Classes)

When talking about OSRIC and old-school gaming, I feel like I sometimes feel like I should be summing up the features and end every other paragraph with "and you darn kids need to stay off my lawn!" The rules are weird sometimes, and things are most definitely not balanced, but still... there is something about them.

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Voices and Verisimilitude

10. March 2010

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Voices and Verisimilitude

"Listen up, berk, because I'm only going to say this once. A body can only put up with so much stupidity from one person, so watch your step or I'll put you in the deadbook, right quick."

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Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks

10. March 2010

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Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks

When I saw this book in my library, I immediately picked it up, and proceeded to blast through it in about two days. Though the book is not primarily about “gaming geeks” in a way that I was originally hoping for, it still offers an interesting trip through many avenues of fantasy fandom.

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Why I’m Glad 4e Exists, Even Though I Don’t Use It

9. March 2010

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Why I’m Glad 4e Exists, Even Though I Don’t Use It

Since the launch of the new D&D rules, I have seen a lot of talk online (and heard a lot of talk in person) about the Pros and Cons of 4e. Some people are in love with the system and are super-excited for each new book release that WotC has planned. Some would rather eat glass than try and figure out when to use their Daily Powers.

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Shotgun Diaries: Lightweight Zombie Roleplaying

8. March 2010

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Shotgun Diaries: Lightweight Zombie Roleplaying

Shotgun Diaries is a little RPG from the award winning game designer John Wick which appeared last fall. It features all your classic zombie tropes in a small, incredibly lightweight package. I came across it when I was looking to do a zombie themed horror game and at $5 I just couldn't resist giving it a shot.

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Putting Gaming out in Public

8. March 2010

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Putting Gaming out in Public

I first played Dungeons and Dragons when I was 13, but my appreciation for the hobby really developed when I was in high school. My high school had a science fiction and fantasy club, which I was a member of for all four years, and president my senior year. Though the intent of the club [...]

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New authors and lots of new RPG coverage!

5. March 2010

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New authors and lots of new RPG coverage!

Over the last few days you certainly have noticed a number of new posts featuring new authors. I recently put out a query asking if anyone was interesting in having their say on Troll in the Corner. The response was wonderful and I think you're really going to enjoy the sudden wealth of entertaining and fresh new talent you'll be seeing over the next few weeks.

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DO’s and DON’T’s for Players and GM’s Alike

5. March 2010

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DO’s and DON’T’s for Players and GM’s Alike

DO know the rules. It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure the game runs smoothly. If you are a player, know what is applicable to your character. This goes double for a new system. Make note of important source-book pages, or type the rules up and keep them with your character sheet, so you aren’t constantly wasting time delving into the books for the information you need. If you are the GM, know the rules that apply to your players, and others besides, but don’t be afraid to alter rules that don’t make sense, or don’t suit the game. The most important thing is, if you alter rules, be consistent.

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