of Dice and Dragons

I realize it’s been a while since my last post and you have my apologies for that.

Looking at my blog here and getting ready to get back into the swing of posting more frequently I realized that the most important consideration I need to make is “what do you want?”

So here’s your chance to give your ‘two cents’ about what you would like to see me tackle in the coming weeks and months. Is there a particular topic you’d like to see discussed? An area of gaming, either as a player or GM that you’ve struggled with?

Would you like to see more ‘tip’ type postings? The type where it’s just a few lines of helpful advice or would you like to see longer postings that go more in depth?

Would you like to see more online resources pointed out and reviewed?

Would you like to know more about software that can be adapted to our hobby?

How about the blog in general? Do you like the design? Have you found at least some of the postings useful? What was your favorite post? Your least favorite?

Please be constructive - don’t just say “I don’t like -fill in the blank-” and leave it. Tell me why you don’t like something, I can’t fix it if I don’t know what’s broke.

Finally, I’m going to make this commitment to you, I will read and consider every posting made. I can’t promise that I will get to every topic, make every change or move mountains but I will take your feedback seriously.

So, take a few minutes and let me know what you think, I’m looking forward to reading your comments.

May your dice roll well.

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Worlds of Cthulhu, http://www.worldsofcthulhu.com/ has announced their new revamped website which includes information about upcoming issues as well as support materials.

From their website:

‘Worlds of Cthulhu’ is a magazine dedicated to supporting the Call of Cthulhu, Call of Cthulhu d20, and Cthulhu Dark Ages roleplaying games published by Chaosium, Inc. It is published by Pegasus Spiele, the publishers of the German Call of Cthulhu rules and the award-winning magazine Cthuloide Welten. ‘Worlds of Cthulhu’ will provide high-quality support to Keepers and players alike for all eras of play. Come in, explore, read, and, if you dare, submit.

So for all you Call of Cthulhu fans other there - enjoy!

May your dice roll well.

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Over the weekend Johnn Four posted the last three issues of the Role-playing Tips E-zine the first two deal with encounters while the third deals with using a timeline.

The first two issues #363, It’s About The Character, Not The Player Serving Up Characterization Encounters, Part 1 and #364, Encounter Tips: Characterization Encounters, Part 2 come from a request from a reader about encounter ideas where the emphasis is on having the choice be made from the character perspective and not what is best from a game mechanic perspective. Johnn does an excellent job (once again) in providing some excellent ideas backed with examples and suggestions - if you’re a GM building encounters you should really take a few minutes and read these issues.

The last issue posted, #365, Craft A Timeline Tool - Prepping A Game World For GMing and Play Johnn suggests using timelines when prepping. It’s acutally a very good idea, one that I wish I had used more in the past. The basic idea is that you build a timelne of events as you read through the materials for a campaign setting. In doing so you not only get a feel for the material but it also make it easier for you to see the “bigger picture” or what things look like from 20,000 feet.

On the whole some really good tips and information, well worth your time.

Issue #363 - It’s About The Character, Not The Player Serving Up Characterization Encounters, Part 1
Contents:
–> A Brief Word From Johnn

–> This Week’s Tips:
1. Aim For Character Representation, Not Acting
2. Top 6 Character Details To Develop
3. Create Backstories As You Play
4. Ask: What Would Your Character Do?

–> Readers’ Tips Of The Week:
1. Steampunk Resources
2. Supernatural Weather Ideas

You can read Issue #363 online here.

Issue #364 - Encounter Tips: Characterization Encounters, Part 2
Contents:
–> A Brief Word From Johnn

–> This Week’s Tips:
1. Lead The Way With NPCs
2. Use Automatic Successes To Reward Representation
3. Design With Character Details In Mind
4. Add Character Stakes To Conflicts
5. Use Description To Help Players

–> Readers’ Tips Of The Week:
1. Hallmark Cards For Sound Effects
2. Give Players Refunds
3. Quick Map Creation Tip
4. Manage Campaigns With Google
5. Dressing Up Combat

Issue #364 can be read online here.

Issue #365 - Craft A Timeline Tool - Prepping A Game World For GMing and Play
Contents:
–> A Brief Word From Johnn

–> This Week’s Tips:
1. Prepare A Global Snapshot
2. Create A Timeline
3. Timeline As History
4. Timeline As Game Log
5. Timeline As Plotline
6. Update Your Timeline
7. Ptolus - An Example Timeline

–> Readers’ Tips Of The Week:
1. Watch Where You’re Stepping - Interesting Combat
2. Tool Tip - Graphviz
3. General World Creation
4. Making More Dramatic Combat Scenes (D&D 3.5 Specific)

Issue #365 can be read 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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Congratulations to Martin Ralya on the Treasure Tables‘ second birthday!

For those that haven’t had a chance to stop by it a great site that features in addition to a daily blog from Martin about GM issues and tips there’s also a user forum full of useful information and ideas.

To celebrate Martin is also continuing a tradition he started last year by giving away a free ebook. You can check it out in today’s post here.

May your dice roll well.

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