| mbote |
I am not a gamer so I could really use some help with what he might like.
His interests are:
role playing, he likes "fudge" rules and has played Stargate. Some D and D, but not so much now that some of his friends have moved.
He really enjoys Guild Wars
He enjoys fantasy, likes good fantasy books and has even written a novel himself. Big Tolkein fan.
So, are there any other computer games, magazine subscriptions, or games (has to be able to be played with 2 players) that you might recommend based on his interests? I saw some magazines on this site, and almost bought one before my eye caught this messageboard link. Let me know!
Thanks!
Rachel
Heathansson
|
It's kinda hard, because I don't know what all books he has or wants. It's kinda like me shopping for clothes for my wife; I'm a lost little sheep in the dark dark woods. Don't be put off by the subtle irony of my werewolf avatar there...
One idea--if you could somehow talk to one of his gaming buds, maybe they might know what all he wants or has. I remember my best friend's father used to HATE us playing "that stupid game" in high school, wasting quality homework time on frivolity; 10 years later he was calling me up to ask what D&D books to get for his grandson. D&D books can be rather esoteric, so we gamers are used to these questions.
You could maybe get him a subscription to Dungeon magazine. I personally am at that age and place in life where I don't get to do anything fun like playing D&D or sleeping much, due to 2 young kids, but I enjoy my Dungeon magazine. You could kinda feel him out by asking him, "what's the difference between Dungeon magazine and Dragon magazine;" steer him into answering whether he likes it or allready has a subscription or not. Dungeon has D&D adventures in it; Dragon has articles about D&D and support material.
I hope I helped you out.
| Valegrim |
Every gamer has a few things they always like, thought much of it tends to be bit personal
Dice; you can always use a set of dice no matter how many you have. Find a really cool set of dice, they come in so many variations now, find a set that really stands out; then when he is playing he will also be thinking of you; hehe, hope the dice dont get him killed :) Some players are almost ritualistic about their dice; some not so much; for example: some players have a set of dice special for each of their characters and dont use that set for anyone else. Some players dont let anyone else touch their dice lest it wipe of the Mojo.
A nice pen and mechanical pencil set is great with dice :)
Miniatures: I dont know of any player that wouldn't want a really cool miniature of some mega monster like a dragon or a castle or some such, most people I know have one to many of these on mantles and in bookcases and behind glass, this can get real expensive so be a bit careful; you would probably be safe with Smaug the dragon from the hobbit or any of the basic true dragons from D&D, and some of the pewter or silver ones that appear in some shops can be cool, but I wouldnt spend $600.00 + for a Titan Warhound unless you really know your husbands tastes.
A bit mundane; but a good briefcase is always nice, one that you can put your gaming stuff in; if your husband goes to out to play D&D; take a look at what he packs and how much; if he takes a clipboard; some plain paper; graph paper; dice bag and like 4 or 5 books and some miniatures; a nice briefcase might be cool; if he takes like a lot more stuff; you might consider a backpack; we got a freind of mine a backpack that looks like Cuthulu with tenticles and stuff; so look around and consider his tastes. Gaming stuff is not real portable, but we always have to take it places so this stuff is great.
Does he use a lot of miniatures? is so he may not have good containers for them; my wife got me some large empty camera cases one year and the stiff black foam to cut out slots for all my tanks and stuff; this was one of the best most usuable gifts I have ever recieved as I play 40K and have several hundred minitatures to transport around.
videos, books and stuff like that is to hard as only he really knows what he already has.
| Valegrim |
one more suggestion; depending on how much you can stand listening to his gaming stories; you can sneakily :) have him talk about his favorite character, one he is really fond of; ask him to show you the character sheet; ask him questions that really illustrate to you what he looks like so you can picture it in your mind and could describe it; maybe he can show you pictures of the armor or gear; you can say stuff like you are just trying to get a feel for the game and what he does or his vision; on the character sheet he probably has details like height; weight; eye color; hair;
What we are shooting for here is to take this description to an artist and have a nice rendering of the character drawn; something suitable for framing, yet something he can take to say "this is what my character looks like; isnt this cool, yeah, my wife had this done..."
There are local artists around and online that do this sort of thing; their is not much time left though. If your in a university area; you could talk to their art department and find an artist to commision; if you know of any places that people do caractures on the sidewalk; often these guys are really good artists and could do something; pastesl; pen and ink and air brush are all great meduims for this.
Also, check out the T shirts for gamers that are online; I bought my whole group gamer T shirts with picturs and messages; they can be really cool. There are some here at Piazo as well as Dork Tower web page, ffn web page - search for nodwick online; both these sight are great and done by my two favorite comic artists; both have done wonderful shirts and artwork.
hope this helps.
| mbote |
Thanks guys! This gives me some really good ideas. We actually do have a friend who is a very talented illustrator, so I'm leaning towards the artwork idea.
I'll ask him about the D&D or Dragons magazine idea too. That would make a great gift since we have two small kids and time is limited. :)
Thanks again! The gaming circle seems like quite a band, people passionate about their hobby and willing to help. It's great!