of Dice and Dragons

It’s a question often asked, so I thought I would poll folks here, do you hide your die rolls or not when you GM?

Personally, I think dice rolls should be hidden and that’s the way I play. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Keeping results from the players - you don’t want them to know if they found that trap or not
2. To save the characters - through no fault of their own the party might just need a break, a missed critical, a few less points of damage and they keep on going
3. To help the characters - sometimes you want have that creature miss a save or skill check for the story or help the party out

Now, I’ll admit that all of those can be handled by a simple GM decision but I like to roll the die anyway as it helps with the paranoia at the table.

So do you hide your die rolls or not?

May your dice roll well.

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It was announced on Wizard’s website today that when the current licensing agreement with Paizo ends in September Dragon magazine as it exists today will be no more.

“Today the internet is where people go to get this kind of information,” said Scott Rouse, Senior Brand Manager of Dungeons & Dragons®, Wizards of the Coast. “By moving to an online model we are using a delivery system that broadens our reach to fans around the world. Paizo has been a great partner to us over the last several years. We wish them well on their future endeavors.”

While I no longer pick this publication up I did when I was first started playing and found it both entertaining and filled with lots of interesting articles.

Dungeon will also be ending its print version at issue #150.

For those interested in the full article you can read it here.

May your dice roll well.

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Does your RPG group use a computer during game night? More than one?

My group on the whole is paper and pencil, I’m the only one that uses a computer (in my case a laptop) at every session. As a player I use it to track my character information typically in a spreadsheet (see this post), take notes and to check any number of references including the Internet.

I haven’t used a computer much during sessions as a GM but found having the SRD available very helpful along with my other campaign notes. I still rely on pencil and paper for combat but I’m looking into ways to leverage the computer for those functions as well.

The advantages are easy to see, unfortunately there is a downside to having those computer there. Things such as:

• Gaming - those pesky computer games will get you every time!
• Sound effects - if you want them great, otherwise they’re too much of a distraction
• Music - might be played or the ongoing organizational efforts for all those mp3s
• General Internet Surfing - don’t think this needs any further explaination

I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, but what about you?

What experiences have you had using a computer at the gaming table? Does your group allow them?

May your dice roll well.

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The folks over at Wizards continued their ongoing look at the different classes both base and prestige today by taking a look at the Horizon Walker.

What is nice about the column is that they take a look at the strengths and weaknesses of the class and give you idea about how to play them, feat and skill suggestions and as this is a prestige class, what base character classes you should consider.

For those that are D&D players I would recommend checking out the article.

May your dice roll well.

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Role-playing Tips issue #353 is available - How To Leave Your Players Hanging - 4 Cliffhanger Tips

In this issue Johnn gives us four (plus a bonus one) different methods of building in cliffhangers to our games - all worth a look and as always he gives some solid examples to guide you.

I also liked the PC Rumor Mill Reader Tip - some good information and a number of examples.

Enjoy!

Contents:
–> A Brief Word From Johnn

–> This Week’s Tips:
1. Prepare Intercept Encounters
2. Use Encounter Complications
3. Develop A Sense Of Time Awareness
4. Develop An Eye For Impromptu Cliffhangers
5. The Last Encounter

–> Readers’ Tips Of The Week:
1. The PC Rumor Mill
2. Clearing The Table
3. Classic Tip: Late Players

You can read it online here.

If you don’t already subscribe I would recommend it, you can do that here.

May your dice roll well.

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