http://diceofdoom.com/blog The Dice of Doom is a blog about gaming, being a gamer and general interest content suitable for nerds. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:12:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2012/02/dice-of-doom-podcast-037-lady-blackbird-religion-in-rpgs-and-dealing-with-a-large-gaming-group/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2012/02/dice-of-doom-podcast-037-lady-blackbird-religion-in-rpgs-and-dealing-with-a-large-gaming-group/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:12:02 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3642 In this episode of the DoDcast we discuss our early impressions of Lady Blackbird, discuss the role of religions in roleplaying games and discuss ways of dealing with a large gaming group. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2012/02/dice-of-doom-podcast-037-lady-blackbird-religion-in-rpgs-and-dealing-with-a-large-gaming-group/feed/ 3 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2012/01/dungeons-dragons-5th-edition-announced-dnd5e/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2012/01/dungeons-dragons-5th-edition-announced-dnd5e/#comments Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:12:31 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3617 Today, with very little surprise, Wizards of the Coast announced that they were working on the 5th edition of the venerable game Dungeons & Dragons. Rumours of the announcement have been swirling through the Internet for a while now, particularly after it was revealed that veteran D&D game designer Monte Cook had rejoined the R&D Team. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2012/01/dungeons-dragons-5th-edition-announced-dnd5e/feed/ 3 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2012/01/confessions-of-a-roleplaying-book-collector/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2012/01/confessions-of-a-roleplaying-book-collector/#comments Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:00:09 +0000 Guest http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3608 Once again I was looking, lovingly, over my collection of roleplaying books. As I went through them, I discovered that there was a book I hadn't bought yet from the Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition set. I immediately became anxious that my collection wasn't complete. It had become important that I had a set, a complete set and I had found that it was less than it should be. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2012/01/confessions-of-a-roleplaying-book-collector/feed/ 1 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/12/dice-of-doom-podcast-036-eclipse-phase-screwing-characters-tragedy-ecology-and-dwarven-womens-grooming-habits/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/12/dice-of-doom-podcast-036-eclipse-phase-screwing-characters-tragedy-ecology-and-dwarven-womens-grooming-habits/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:18:52 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3601 Eclipse Phase review, deliberately screwing with your players for plot, tragedy as a campaign genre, is a realistic campaign ecology important, and the age old question - beards and female dwarfs. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/12/dice-of-doom-podcast-036-eclipse-phase-screwing-characters-tragedy-ecology-and-dwarven-womens-grooming-habits/feed/ 9 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/10/dice-of-doom-podcast-035-eclipse-phase-first-impressions-when-good-rules-go-bad-and-polarising-games/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/10/dice-of-doom-podcast-035-eclipse-phase-first-impressions-when-good-rules-go-bad-and-polarising-games/#comments Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:23:54 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3576 In this gripping episode of the DoDcast we discuss our first impressions of Eclipse Phase, debate what to do when good rules go bad (or, in Paul's case, what the hell to do when you stuff up) and we look at polarising roleplaying games into left and right. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/10/dice-of-doom-podcast-035-eclipse-phase-first-impressions-when-good-rules-go-bad-and-polarising-games/feed/ 2 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/10/post-by-band-of-misfits-discussing-how-to-switch-up-your-skill-checks-in-dnd/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/10/post-by-band-of-misfits-discussing-how-to-switch-up-your-skill-checks-in-dnd/#comments Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:13:26 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3563 Recently, in one of our podcasts, we discussed the idea of rolling your skill checks first in response to a challenge and THEN roleplaying the resulting success or failure. For example, you would roll your diplomacy check, and then you'd roleplay the resulting success or failure based on the result. The idea has been picked up and run with by the guys at Roving Band of Misfits who discuss it at length, along with some very useful rule interpretations for implementing it in your D&D 4e game. It is well worth the read. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/10/post-by-band-of-misfits-discussing-how-to-switch-up-your-skill-checks-in-dnd/feed/ 0 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/10/dice-of-doom-podcast-034-dragon-warriors-review-tpks-whos-to-blame-and-win-your-character-a-set-of-steak-knives/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/10/dice-of-doom-podcast-034-dragon-warriors-review-tpks-whos-to-blame-and-win-your-character-a-set-of-steak-knives/#comments Wed, 05 Oct 2011 04:13:33 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3553 In this episode of the Dice of Doom podcast we review Dragon Warriors through hopefully not particularly rose coloured glasses. We discuss the question "Total Party Kills:Who's to blame?" and what's more, identify exactly who it is. We also, as part of Play a New RPG Month, are offering you the chance to win your Character a set of Steak Knives in game. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/10/dice-of-doom-podcast-034-dragon-warriors-review-tpks-whos-to-blame-and-win-your-character-a-set-of-steak-knives/feed/ 0 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/09/dismemberment-and-permanent-injuries-in-dnd/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/09/dismemberment-and-permanent-injuries-in-dnd/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:00:19 +0000 Ellisthion http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3510 We recently had a great question on Twitter by IvPalmer: “Have you guys ever came across a dismemberment case in D&D? A player lost an arm last session and I'd like to give him options.” As it happens, yes, we have, and, like you, we wondered what exactly to do about it. The rules don’t give an answer… or do they? Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/09/dismemberment-and-permanent-injuries-in-dnd/feed/ 24 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/09/dice-of-doom-podcast-032-riddles-and-puzzles-in-rpgs-favourite-components-of-rpgs-dice-and-randomness-in-games/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/09/dice-of-doom-podcast-032-riddles-and-puzzles-in-rpgs-favourite-components-of-rpgs-dice-and-randomness-in-games/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:10:27 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3503 In this episode we discuss using riddles and puzzles in your roleplaying games, our favourite components of RPGs, are dice important and is a linear or bell curve of randomness more 'heroic'? Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/09/dice-of-doom-podcast-032-riddles-and-puzzles-in-rpgs-favourite-components-of-rpgs-dice-and-randomness-in-games/feed/ 6 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/08/dice-of-doom-podcast-031-refocusing-a-game-that-has-lost-its-way-should-a-gm-controlling-hp-in-combat-and-the-role-of-the-gm/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/08/dice-of-doom-podcast-031-refocusing-a-game-that-has-lost-its-way-should-a-gm-controlling-hp-in-combat-and-the-role-of-the-gm/#comments Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:39:42 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3486 In this episode we talk about ways to get a game back on track, we answer a question "Could a GM control the HPs of the players in a game to promote better roleplaying?", and we summarise our thoughts on the role of the GM. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/08/dice-of-doom-podcast-031-refocusing-a-game-that-has-lost-its-way-should-a-gm-controlling-hp-in-combat-and-the-role-of-the-gm/feed/ 3 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/08/dice-of-doom-podcast-030-dealing-with-a-bad-gm-running-short-and-long-term-games-and-tabletop-accessories/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/08/dice-of-doom-podcast-030-dealing-with-a-bad-gm-running-short-and-long-term-games-and-tabletop-accessories/#comments Mon, 15 Aug 2011 12:25:37 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3447 In this action packed episode of the podcast we discuss ways in which to deal with a bad GM (mostly by talking about what NOT to do…), the differences we've experienced in running short term games as part of our gaming experiment vs the normal long term games that are usually played and we answer questions about gaming accessories and dice from Donny on our Facebook page and Symatt on Twitter. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/08/dice-of-doom-podcast-030-dealing-with-a-bad-gm-running-short-and-long-term-games-and-tabletop-accessories/feed/ 6 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/08/i-am-the-game/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/08/i-am-the-game/#comments Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:05:01 +0000 TheAngryDM http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3434 This is a guest post by The Angry DM in response to a recent post by Oalin titled "The role of the GM: It's time to get over yourself". Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/08/i-am-the-game/feed/ 9 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/07/dice-of-doom-podcast-029-spirit-of-the-century-first-impressions-and-established-vs-original-campaign-settings/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/07/dice-of-doom-podcast-029-spirit-of-the-century-first-impressions-and-established-vs-original-campaign-settings/#comments Mon, 25 Jul 2011 11:39:58 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3413 This week we discuss our first impressions of Spirit of the Century and walk through some of the steps required to build a pulp character in the game, as well as the possibilities of adding the Aspects system to other gaming styles. We also answer a listener question from Symatt, namely, "Which do you prefer, an established campaign setting like Eberron, or one that you make yourself." Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/07/dice-of-doom-podcast-029-spirit-of-the-century-first-impressions-and-established-vs-original-campaign-settings/feed/ 7 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/07/dice-of-doom-podcast-028-listeners-questions-answered-01/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/07/dice-of-doom-podcast-028-listeners-questions-answered-01/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 13:00:18 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3404 In this episode of the Dice of Doom podcast we conduct our first Q & A, taking four questions from listeners and readers. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/07/dice-of-doom-podcast-028-listeners-questions-answered-01/feed/ 6 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/07/so-your-players-have-gotten-too-rich-dealing-with-a-monty-haul-campaign/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/07/so-your-players-have-gotten-too-rich-dealing-with-a-monty-haul-campaign/#comments Tue, 12 Jul 2011 13:00:57 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3373 We've all been in that position when running a roleplaying campaign. That moment when you realise that you have allowed your players to amass more wealth than is healthy. All of a sudden they are buyingtheir way out of the challenges that you place before them, there's no magic item they can't afford and all of a sudden they are building a huge palace or fortress on prize real estate. And then, when the locallord gets upset, they either buy him off or raise an army and go and crush him. Yes, we've all been there and had to deal with it in one way or the other. What follows are a handful of ways that I have dealt with it in the past as a GM, or experienced as a player. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/07/so-your-players-have-gotten-too-rich-dealing-with-a-monty-haul-campaign/feed/ 10 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/06/dice-of-doom-podcast-026-rating-the-first-six-games-and-creating-meaningful-character-motivations/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/06/dice-of-doom-podcast-026-rating-the-first-six-games-and-creating-meaningful-character-motivations/#comments Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:00:52 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3354 This episode we discuss our ratings of the first six games of the Grand Gaming Experiment and we look at creating meaningful character motivations and backgrounds. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/06/dice-of-doom-podcast-026-rating-the-first-six-games-and-creating-meaningful-character-motivations/feed/ 1 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/06/dice-of-doom-podcast-025-gurps-first-impressions-and-playing-heros-and-sidekicks/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/06/dice-of-doom-podcast-025-gurps-first-impressions-and-playing-heros-and-sidekicks/#comments Sat, 18 Jun 2011 08:59:47 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3334 In this fun packed episode of the podcast we discuss our first impressions of GURPS, and look at playing heros and sidekicks in your roleplaying games. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/06/dice-of-doom-podcast-025-gurps-first-impressions-and-playing-heros-and-sidekicks/feed/ 2 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/06/dice-of-doom-podcast-024-games-workshop-switch-to-resin-models-and-do-rules-really-matter-duncans-right-of-reply/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/06/dice-of-doom-podcast-024-games-workshop-switch-to-resin-models-and-do-rules-really-matter-duncans-right-of-reply/#comments Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:25:04 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3308 In this fun filled episode of the podcast we discuss the TV show that nearly was Korgoth of Barbaria, the switch by Games Workshop to move to Finecast resin for their models and we give Duncan a chance to discuss his views on whether rules matter or not. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/06/dice-of-doom-podcast-024-games-workshop-switch-to-resin-models-and-do-rules-really-matter-duncans-right-of-reply/feed/ 3 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/05/dice-of-doom-podcast-023-warhammer-fantasy-roleplay-3rd-edition-first-impressions-sources-of-story-lines-for-gms/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/05/dice-of-doom-podcast-023-warhammer-fantasy-roleplay-3rd-edition-first-impressions-sources-of-story-lines-for-gms/#comments Sat, 28 May 2011 14:03:03 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3279 This week we discuss our first impressions of Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay 3rd edition and sources of inspiration for Games Masters for their roleplaying games. Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay is very dear to Paul and I. It was our first fully fledged roleplaying game experience back in the 80's and we have loved playing it on and off over the last 3 decades. So it was with some mixed feelings that we decided to try out 3rd edition for our gaming experiment. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/05/dice-of-doom-podcast-023-warhammer-fantasy-roleplay-3rd-edition-first-impressions-sources-of-story-lines-for-gms/feed/ 0 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/05/dice-of-doom-podcast-022-vampire-the-masquerade-review-and-running-an-investigative-rpg/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/05/dice-of-doom-podcast-022-vampire-the-masquerade-review-and-running-an-investigative-rpg/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 20:00:53 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3218 In this episode we review Vampire: The Masquerade which we have just finished playing as part of our Grand Gaming Experiment and we look at running investigative style roleplaying games. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/05/dice-of-doom-podcast-022-vampire-the-masquerade-review-and-running-an-investigative-rpg/feed/ 3