Tysdaddy's page

Great information. Thanks for the link.

My son is a seventh grader, and he's expressed an interest in starting a group at his middle school. The problem is finding a teacher, or a group of them, who would be willing to take this on. As a parent/player, I'd be more than willing to help coordinate things, but most of these types of clubs have to be led by a faculty member, and there's the rub. While some of the teachers he's talked to support roleplaying, none of them actually roll the bones themselves.

I'll pass this along to him and see if we can't get the ball rolling for next fall.

Also, I didn't realize that WotC is offering grants to university clubs. I attend university here in Indiana and have often wanted to get an official club going. I have a faculty member willing to jump in an help.

Too many irons, not enough hands . . .

Aaaargh!

I must have missed something . . .

I'm glad I usually don't do much online over the weekends. Family-time and all . . .

Very cool, Ace. I appreciate it.

As for the others here, people associated with the magazines, anything you care to add to the discussion. I covet your input . . .

I did some searching at my local library and neither of the books you mentioned are on their shelves, which surprises me somewhat since we have a nationally-acclaimed library system here in NE Indiana. I did however find some information at amazon about them (including the fact that Fine's book was revised (or perhaps simply republished), in 2002), in addition to info about another book titled "The Fantasy Role-Playing Game: A New Performing Art" by Daniel Mackay. All of them were quite expensive, and published by academic presses, which may account for their absence. I am going to stop by there today and see if any of those volumes are available through inter-library loan.

These books are way more scholarly than I intend for mine to be, but having them as resources, since they've already given voice to things I've considered for some time, will be invaluable. One book that I read some time ago and have learned much from is "Group: Six People In Search of a Life" by Paul Solotaroff. It's not about gaming, but the insights into focused group dynamics are priceless.

This project has sat on the mental shelf for quite some time, and discussing this with you has served to blow off the dust and light that proverbial fire under my procrastinating arse, so I am grateful.

Brian

Ace,

You're the man!

I can't thank you enough for sharing with me on these boards.

I will check out the books you've mentioned and give them a once-over to see what I can glean from them.

If you don't mind me asking, what do you do for a living?

And how could we take this conversation off these boards? Is there any way to contact you privately? I hate to drag these boards down with our chatter . . .

Brian

As suggested, I have posted this info, and an interesting discussion has begun, in the Dungeons & Dragons General Discussion folder. Come join us there . . .

Brian

Yeah, I have noticed that demographic information is hard to come by.

I guess I was looking for some simply facts; How many PHBs have sold in recent years? Are these numbers up or down compared to years past? Subscriptions to gaming magazines - are they any indicator of the growth or decline of the gaming industry? (I remember a post from way back where Vic Wertz shared some insightful information about the way Dragon and Dungeon are promoted and placed in stores, but I can't seem to track it down . . . )

Getting attendance numbers for a big gathering like GenCon shouldn't be too difficult, but does this necessarily translate into an increased interest in gaming?

Things of that nature.

You mentioned books about the gaming subculture. Are any of them recent? Do they contain anything of value? And, since you seem to know a bit about the publishing industry, are you aware of any books that would be similar to the one I'm proposing? I picture my book as a sort of ethnobiographical sketch, a view around the table through the eyes of someone who's new to the scene and jumping in with both feet. There will be some history of D&D in there, but not enough to bog the project down. My take is how gaming brought out the kid in me and the joy I've found in sharing those hours with others - my own kids included. I've met some cool people and had some truly wonderful times roleplaying over the past several years and feel that I can share that info in a way that will be entertaining and of some value to those who may be considering roleplaying as a hobby (obsession?!).

My book will blend the descriptive candor of Diablo Cody’s "Candy Girl" and the soul-searing, self-deprecating honesty of William Hallberg’s "The Soul of Golf". That sort of thing.

I appreciate your thoughts. I wish there was a way to PM on these boards so we could chat privately if need be, but I guess this forum will have to do.

Peace!

Brian

(I originally posted this request in the Book section below, but someone suggested posting it here as well. So, have at it . . . )

To the brains . . .

I am in the process of writing a book proposal for a class at my university for a nonfiction book about my experiences in gaming.

I played some D&D as a kid, a very long time ago, and got back into it about three years ago in an effort to get my son out of his Yu-Gi-Oh phase. I wanted him to do something that took less cash and yet reaped piles of rewards in regards to imagination and creativity. My perspective is unique and I'm having a blast fleshing out my thoughts on the subject.

Here's my question:

Does anyone lurking here have any hard numbers detailing the growth of D&D in the past several years? I'd like to hear from some of the folks who run or contribute to Paizo publications if possible. How have manufacturers made the game more accessible for guys like me who want to get involved again, and for people who are checking out roleplaying for the first time? I have read the 30th anniversary book put out by WOTC, and I have come across an article from our local paper that ran when Dreamblade debuted, but there ain't much else I've been able to track down. So, I figured I'd ask my buds who hang on these boards.

As of right now, the book is simply fodder for this class. I have done some writing, but have nothing close to a finished manuscript. The main project is the proposal for the class. If I decide to go further with the project and actually send the proposal out, I'll let ya know. But the numbers and information I'm looking for will help me put together a more thorough proposal.

Any and all thoughts are appreciated.

Also, if there is a more appropriate portion of the forum where this should be posted, do let me know. This seemed like the safest spot for something like this, but it's so far down the main messageboard page that I hope it doesn't get lost.

Brian

I agree that as of late RPGs are declining a bit, at least as I watch the traffic at my FLGS. But when I got back into the game, just after 3.5 was released, there seemed to be somewhat of a surge. Not sure if the new rules set had anything to do with it. I'm sure there were many factors, including the increased marketing avenues available after WOTC became "big".

I appreciate your thoughts.

And while my son still enjoys the occasional CCG, I don't regret one minute spent learning D&D all over again at his side. It's been a blast.

To the brains . . .

I am in the process of writing a book proposal for a class at my university for a nonfiction book about my experiences in gaming.

I played some D&D as a kid, a very long time ago, and got back into it about three years ago in an effort to get my son out of his Yu-Gi-Oh phase. I wanted him to do something that took less cash and yet reaped piles of rewards in regards to imagination and creativity. My perspective is unique and I'm having a blast fleshing out my thoughts on the subject.

Here's my question:

Does anyone lurking here have any hard numbers detailing the growth of D&D in the past several years? I'd like to hear from some of the folks who run or contribute to Paizo publications if possible. How have manufacturers made the game more accessible for guys like me who want to get involved again, and for people who are checking out roleplaying for the first time? I have read the 30th anniversary book put out by WOTC, and I have come across an article from our local paper that ran when Dreamblade debuted, but there ain't much else I've been able to track down. So, I figured I'd ask my buds who hang on these boards.

As of right now, the book is simply fodder for this class. I have done some writing, but have nothing close to a finished manuscript. The main project is the proposal for the class. If I decide to go further with the project and actually send the proposal out, I'll let ya know. But the numbers and information I'm looking for will help me put together a more thorough proposal.

Any and all thoughts are appreciated.

Also, if there is a more appropriate portion of the forum where this should be posted, do let me know. This seemed like the safest spot for something like this, but it's so far down the main messageboard page that I hope it doesn't get lost.

Brian

Would you sleep with a girl who had a beetle instead of a head?

You've heard of the proverbial paper bag, right? From the description of Lin in the book, she's HOT, despite having the scarab thingy for a noggin, so . . . yeah . . . I'd do her.

Seriously, I too want to thank the guys at Dragon for introducting me to this series of books. I am nearly halfway through The Scar and finding it a bit better than Perdido Street Station. Just a bit. Tanner is an interesting character - bottom of the barrel scum to most but earning a modicum of respect and dignity on Armada. Bellis is also intriguing. And Doul?! The Brucolac?! Like Ronald, I'm lovin' it!

Now if I can only convince my DM to let me roll up a cactacae . . .

I see that if you preorder this game, it comes with a miniature. Is this a miniature-based game? I'll need to check out the rules and see what this is all about. I love games for the family dinner table and this one looks fun.

Thanks for the replies. My son is 12 and is just getting to where he feels like maybe DMing for his group of friends. I look forward to rolling dice for him, and this book may be just the kind of help he needs to gain some confidence. At that age, the DMG is a bit daunting. He's an excellent reader and has forgotten more about the rules than I'll ever know (been playing since he was nine or so).

Again, thanks.

Just wondering if anyone has taken the time to check out the recently-published Dungeon Master for Dummies book. I flipped through it whilst at my FLGS, and thought it might be a good read for a new, young DM, my son for instance. I know that much of the material is abridged and "dumb"ed down from the DMG, but still . . .

Any and all comments are welcome and appreciated before I whip out the debit card.

I'm Ty's dad. I started using that name when he was first born, over twelve years ago, and have used it ever since. Now that I have four kids, though, the rest are a bit jealous.

Meepo has been a wonderful cat. He's a bit hyper, but all-in-all, he's handling the new house and the kids and the dog well.

I just bought the soft cover PHB for taking with me to games, but I don't think it's going to live nearly as long as my hardcover. This is brand new, I haven't even opened it yet.

I am assuming here that you are talking about the soft cover that comes with the new Player's Kit from WotC. The one with the minis booster and other assorted whatnot. Since this is a new "printing" of the PHB, does it have all the errata included, similar to the way the limited edition version did? If that's the case, then I may go that way. Sure it may not last as long, but with the errata included, it may be worth it.

And a big thanks to James Jacobs for chiming in. When he read that one of the big dogs in the gaming industry had a PHB in worse shape than his, he beamed with pride. Ha! Kids.

I have a dear friend who has a vision for a gaming store in his little neck of the woods in Minnesota. My one wish: to be comfortably wealthy enough to move back there and help get the store up and running. Then I could sit back, DM for a living, teach kids to play all sorts of cool games, and live in a log cabin on the weekends. While I'd love to say "Pay for my kids education" or "Heal the sick" or even "Buy my wife one of those cool minivans with the stow-and-go seating and double automatic sliding doors," gaming has given me much fun, and I'd like to be able to share that with others without the burden of worrying about the bills. That would be cool.

My son came to me the other day and asked if I'd help him fork out the cash for a new PHB. When I asked him why, he showed me his copy, and the thing is indeed banged up good. The front cover is nearly off, its corners are worn round, and there are various spill marks and whatnot on the cover. The inside is still intact, however, and the binding seems to be holding; no pages are loose or falling out. I beamed with pride and told him, "Hoody-Hoo! You're indeed a true gamer! Congratulations!"

His blank stare spoke volumes.

I tried to explain to him that a banged up PHB is a sign of a true gamer and that he should be proud to carry his to the table each and every chance he gets. It shows he's actually read it and used it, unlike some of his friends who buy the book but never really dive into it and learn how to play the game and take advantage of the nuances of the rulebook. His response?

"Yeah, but it's ugly."

I hoody-hooed even louder and he walked away confused.

Let's help this young man take some pride in the fact that his PHB is indeed "used" and he should be proud.

Just a note: I did make sure the book is still useable. The pages are intact, as I stated earlier, and there is no damage that I can tell to the inside of the book. I know some of you are sentimental, and would surely endorse going out and getting a new copy ASAP at the first sign of wear and tear. But the point is that a used book is a sign of a "used" book, and he should be pleased with his copy.

So share your stories here, and thanks for helping out. Also, if any of you have any ideas that would help repair or enhance the damage to the outside, do share. He did have a book cover on it for a long time, and blames it for much of the damage. It was one of those stretchy book covers like you can buy at Staples or Wal-Mart every August when going back to school.

I look forward to reading your replies.

While I don't want to discourage you from running this campaign, I must agree with the previous poster. This is a massive campaign, very rich with colorful NPCs and some awesome encounters. As such, it takes loads of prep and some quick thinking behind the screen.

I began running this campaign for a group I play with regularly, and we got a couple of session under our belt before I realized just how overwhelmed I was. When I began dreading the prep work, I knew it was time to set this campaign aside and get back to some good ole crash and bash gaming. Despite my best efforts to make this world come alive, my players just weren't having any fun. So I got out a smaller adventure, ran it, and the group said it was the best session we'd had in a long time.

I got back into D&D about three years ago and have run several smaller adventures for many different groups at my FLGS. I have a good feel for the rules, but often sacrifice the strict structure of said rules in favor of flavor. It's hard to fudge much of what's written in this campaign, and that's where I had a hard time. My butt was kicked and I knew it.

There was also the issue of time. We knew we'd not get through this campaign before I had to go back to school in the fall and lost most of my free time. If you plan to start this adventure path, plan to finish it, and give yourself plenty of time to do so.

I miss the campaign, but I'm glad I set it aside for the time being. Don't lose heart! Have fun! And do keep us posted.

Wow. For a bunch of newbies, it sounds like they are doing a fantastic job of thinking things through and planning ahead, and you, Mr. DM, are doing a super job of making this fun and exciting for them. Keep up the great work, and do let us know how their adventures go.

And would someone explain to this old fogey what PWNing means? I saw it earlier in a post, and can sorta figure it out, but an official explanation would help. Thanks!

Wouldn't there need to be extra damage to the paladin, especially if the horse manages to trample him in his nervousness? An immediate Handle Animal check, with a substantial penalty, would be calle for, IMO. If the horse goes in front feet first, and then the Paladin falls in head first, followed immediately by a very spooked horse - well, there's some serious damage there. Very comical, BTW.

Do your gearing up plans include topic subscription and email notification of replies? With the massive number of threads and topics here, something like this would be *greatly* appreciated. I know it would be a ton of work, and I'm sure there are security issues involved, but, please, I'm begging, think about it . . .

This might not be the right place to post this, but since we're all talking about adventure reprints, I was wondering if anyone has tried any of the "Dungeon Crawl Classics" reprints published by Goodman Games. I saw volume #29 in my FLGS the other day, and it looks like a neat collection. Do the conversions work? Are the adventures true classics and worthy of a shot at the gaming table?

All thoughts are welcome and appreciated.

Keep up the great work at Paizo. I am eagerly awaiting the next issue based on this thread.

Okay, my interest is piqued. I seem to recall this adventure, but can't seem to find the magazine it's in. Could someone post the issue number for me? This isn't the adventure with the old lady who captures people and stores them in her basement, is it? I don't think so, but I remember that one being creepy as well. Anyway, any help at all would be helpful. (Incidentally, is there a listing somewhere on this forum (or website in general) where the adventures are listed? Thanks all. Keep rollin'!

I had a player who liked to animate anything he came across. The best was when he tried to animate a keg. He wanted it to walk around behind his character and provide needed sustenance. I gave him a blank stare, waited a beat, and moved on. It was a classic moment.

The latest issue of Dungeon (#136), in the Campaign Workbook section, features a neat idea for a thieve's guild known as The Order of the Lavender Rose. There are some very interesting options there. Not exactly a merchant's organization gone bad, but could still be fun, especially with the Countess Vita tie-in.

Couldn't name him Cosmo; I'd think of Seinfeld every time I call him name. Not that there's anything wrong with that!

While the ten foot pole surely has a rich history in the world of roleplaying, the use of the term "wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole" began long before Gygax & Co. birthed D&D. I found this on answers.com:

"ten-foot pole
Origin: 1738

William Byrd, perhaps the wealthiest man in the American colonies as well as one of the best American writers of his time, joined an expedition in 1728 to survey the boundary between North Carolina and Virginia. In his History of the Dividing Line, published in 1738, we find our earliest reference to a ten-foot pole: "We found the ground moist...insomuch that it was an easy matter to run a ten-foot pole up to the head in it."

A century later, the ten-foot pole was less of a surveying instrument than a metaphorical measure of social, political, or legal distance. "Can't touch him with a ten-foot pole" was in an 1848 list of "Nantucketisms." Though few people ever handle an actual ten-foot pole, such expressions have gone the distance in our language through the present day."

I am honored to be able to read a reply by the author himself! I appreciate your willingness to lurk here and clarify as needed. It's your kind of involvement, as well as that of every member of the staff, that makes this forum unique and a real blessing to players like me.

I plan to run this adventure this weekend, so I'll post and let you know what sort of mayhem ensues. Should be hilarious!

Again, keep up the great work.

Kudos regarding issue #136's Campaign Workbook article on magical fungi. My group of adventurers are currently tromping their way through Jzadirune in the Shackled City campaign setting, and these spores may just have to find their way into a dark hallway or two.

I do have a question regarding Cutedrop. If a character fails their will save, they see this pod as either a cute little pet or a baby member of their own race. Does this mean that the other party members will see the pod for what it really is, and think the victim crazy? I only plan to have one, at the most two, pods drop and try to make a link with a couple of my characters. Also, can the bond only be forged between a single pod and a single PC, or can a pod influence two PCs? That would be interesting indeed, watching them both coddle the little pod and fight over who gets the honor of caring for it at night. Ha! Oh, the possibilities for some seriously funny roleplaying are birthed in this article.

Keep up the great work!

Thanks Jason. I am considering picking up a pack to help keep track of all the stuff in the Shackled City campaign I'm currently running. What would be cool is if there was a pack specific to that campaign setting. But then, you'd be doing all the work.

Anyway, keep up the great work.

Best of luck. You're gonna need it!

Now, shoo! Run away! And never return!

Wait . . . that's Simba who was supposed to do that.

Anyway. Begone!

Well, the family has decided, and Meepo it is!

Thanks so much for all the cool suggestions, and happy Father's Day to all you who are shaping the next generation of gamers. Keep playing, have loads of fun, and never forget that these are just games we play. Make the moments count.

Peace.

He's dark, dark brown (almost black, really) with lighter, grey stripes, and a long tale. His socks are white, and he has white around his mouth and neck. It's sorta like a mayonnaise chocolate cake with light Oreo-cookie and caramel swirls and splotches of white frosting.

Great suggestions, by the way. My son, who's the biggest kobold freak on the planet, instantly decided that Meepo must be the winner.

We'll see . . .

She-who-must-be-obeyed and my four kids got me a new kitten for Father's Day. What a surprise, since my wife seemed to be against the idea a while back when I was begging and whatnot. But here he is, and he's cute as a button.

Now the problem: What to name the little bugger? Aside from the obvious (a certain drow's frisky feline companion, who's a female, if I'm not mistaken) let's brainstorm some fantasy-inspired names for him.

All suggestions will be considered. If I get a bunch of cool names, I'll put them on a list and roll the bones.

Have fun!

So if I understand this correctly, the cards contain a non glossy section on the back where you can write stuff down specific to the item being handed out. Assuming I write in pencil, these notes can then be erased and new information entered. I also assume this is not true if you use some kind of permenant marker to write in this area.

Interesting concept. I've had these cards in my hand several times, and once carried them almost halfway to the checkout counter. But then I keep weighing them against the lightness of my wallet, and walk out empty handed.

I appreciate this thread. It's helped me decide to pick up a pack just for fun. We'll see . . .

Sorry dude. I thought I could help you, but my group isn't out of Jzadirune yet. I glanced through some of the stuff I've scanned up to this point, and no page 222.

I hope your adventure works out anyway. Improvise as best as you can, and your players will be clueless.

Couldn't figure out how to quote someone, but I'll make a few general replies nevertheless.

Ronnie James Dio. Wow. Hadn't heard that name in ages; now as of late, he's popping up everywhere. I just picked up the latest Queensryche, the sequel to Operation: Mindcrime, and he does a duet with Geoff Tate, playing (singing) the part of Dr. X. How cool is that?! He still has the pipes, though he is sounding tired and wobbly.

Music whilst gaming. One of my favorite flavor CDs to play during sessions is the soundtrack from the movie Master and Commander. We have a bard in the group, and this CD features some of his best Drunken Morkoth favorites. I also dig the occasional Symphony X.

In my car at present:

Tool, 10,000 Days
King's X, Ogre Tracks
Pearl Jam, s/t
Dave Matthews, Before These Crowded Streets, Live at Folsom Field
The Mars Volta, Francis the Mute
Linkin Park, Hybrid Theory
Rascal Flatts, Me and My Gang
Life of Pi, Audiobook
Audioslave, Out of Exile

And several .mp3 mix CDs including tunes by R.E.M., Coldplay, Papa Roach, Cake, et al.

Cool thread. It's made for some good Saturday-morning reading.

Peace! Or, whatever . . .

Thanks guys. I appreciate all the advice and the time it took to post. And having my son play is kinda cool. We share many inside jokes around the house, like when he stumbles over his little sister's toys (failing BOTH his spot check and reflex save) or does poorly on a homework assignment (failed knowledge (algebra) check). He's a good kid, and we've had a ball playing together. Between him and D&D (RPG and minis), my daughter and her Pirates of the Spanish Main, my younger son and Race Day or Heroclix, we are a busy gaming family. They all enjoy a hotly contested round of Three Dragon Ante as well.

Peace!

Perhaps I've worn this topic out, since I haven't gotten any replies to my "touch trigger" question in my previous post.

I am going to assume that the trigger is somehow embedded in the gears, and that the trap doesn't activate unless the door is actually opened. That seems logical to me, and will be less fatal.

If anyone has any more thoughts on this, I'm all ears.

Thanks again for all your help, and I'm sure we'll chat again soon.

I dug around on my bookshelf today and found an excellent resource to help me figure out my door/trap problems:

DMG!!

(ducking)

With all your help on this forum, and the info from the DMG, I think I have a handle on this adventure. I do still have one question though. The HC says all the door traps have a touch trigger. Obviously the keyhole is not the trigger, since inserting the wrong key does not activate the trap. Does this mean that simply touching the door sets off the trap? Or does the trap not trigger until the door is opened by force? Also, the HC says Dispel Magic will deactivate the magical traps, and that the caster level is 11th. I assume this means that the DC for a targeted Dispel Magic is thus 22. Correct?

Again, I appreciate your thougths. I have only been playing D&D for a couple of years, having gotten back into it to enjoy some creative time with my son. I have DMed some smaller campaigns that I've designed myself, but nothing on this scale. I tend to run my campaigns with a greater emphasis on atmosphere and roleplaying, as opposed to adjudicating rules endlessly. With this group, them being my main group and all, I want to make sure I get the details right.

So a Detect Magic will only reveal if there is a magical aura to the door, and not necessarily reveal if it's a magical or mechanical trap. That makes sense. What about the two doors (J and N) that are simple mechanical traps? Detect Magic would reveal nada, so the traps would spring when attempting to open them via either an Open Lock or Disable Device check.

Interesting . . .

My son plays the best Kobolds! He asked me to post this and say, "Kobolds Rock!"

. . . .

Now that he's left the room, I have to admit that he does do a good job with the race when he plays one. He HAD to have the Races of the Dragon book, devoured it, and now plays kobolds almost exclusively. I'm so proud!

At least it got him out of his gnome phase for a bit . . .