On another forum someone recently asked the question: “I’m one of those old schoolers who hasn’t played since AD&D was still fairly new. What’s the best way to jump back in?” The first recommendation he got was to start playing D&D Encounters, and I chimed in with the recommendation to consider Labyrinth Lord or Swords… Continue reading Interesting contrast
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2011 Minneapolis, MN THE WORLD OF TÉKUMEL AND OTHER MATERIALS SECURED The Tékumel Foundation is proud to announce that on Saturday, June 11th, 2011 Professor Barker’s Tékumel materials and wargaming supplies were moved from his home to secure, climate-controlled storage. This project was long and carefully planned and carried out… Continue reading Tekumel Foundation News
Victor Raymond took the Hardest Gary Gygax Quiz in the World and got 70%! You are a Gary Gygax Champion. If knowledge of the minutiae of Gary Gygax’s life translated to political power, you would be the satrap of a continent-sized province, owing allegiance to no one (except maybe that Grognardia guy). Paladin Code: You… Continue reading Gary’s Birthday
I just ran my Tekumel campaign last night, using Empire of the Petal Throne with some mods and changes. My players are getting used to characters and the world and that’s all good. But there’s this issue of scale… See, on Tekumel, the “underworlds” are equivalent to dungeons, roughly speaking. Over the past few years, I’ve… Continue reading It’s really BIG
I’m writing a short essay for people who are new to Old School gaming, but who are considering running an Old School campaign. There’s lots of good advice out there about doing that directly, but not as much about how to think about it – Matt Finch’s excellent Quick Primer is good, and if there… Continue reading Advice for new referees, Part One
During the past month, I’ve had the following things happen to me: Coming back from the 2011 North Texas RPG Con, I survived an emergency landing at Milwaukee’s Billy Mitchell Field, when the right landing gear did not descend, and we had to crash land with the nose and left landing gear – and the… Continue reading One month
Joel Rosenberg, author of the Guardians of the Flame series, passed away Wednesday evening in Minneapolis. Despite what might have been suggested by the series, Joel wasn’t a role-player – he would rather write. I’m at North Texas RPG Con, so I will write a longer remembrance later. But if you enjoyed Joel’s writing, or… Continue reading Joel Rosenberg’s passing
The positive: have arrived at North Texas RPG Con.The negative: am fighting off a migraine. Lots of sleep tonight and I should be able to run some Empire of the Petal Throne tomorrow.
Wizards of the Coast recently announced its new “Lair Assault” program: “D&D Lair Assault is a new Wizards Play Network in-store program that pits tactically-minded players against a super challenge where the difference between victory and defeat is dependent upon your game knowledge, ability to adapt, and a little bit of luck. You’ll pit your… Continue reading I’m puzzled – how about you?
I know Jamie Mal might say we’re just in a Silver Age of renewed interest, but what follows is more proof that in the culture wars gaming has won, so to speak (even if it’s 4th Edition that shows up): Roll a D6 from Connor Anderson on Vimeo.
