http://diceofdoom.com/blog The Dice of Doom is a blog about gaming, being a gamer and general interest content suitable for nerds. Tue, 01 May 2012 13:26:59 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 The Dice of Doom podcast is a lively discussion about role-playing games, focusing heavily on Dungeons & Dragons, Call of Cthulhu and Warhammer along with many other gaming systems. We have been gaming for longer than we care to freely admit and we have a wide range of interests and experiences in gaming in general (everything from obscure games printed in the 1980's to the most recent tabletop wargames). We like to take a lighthearted approach to our discussions and mix them up with other nerdy news and content as well. RupertG yes RupertG rupertg@diceofdoom.com rupertg@diceofdoom.com (RupertG) © Dice of Doom Dice of Doom Podcast dnd, d&d, dungeons & dragons, rpg, roleplaying, gaming, roleplaying games http://diceofdoom.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Podcast-Logo-New-SQ-SM.png http://diceofdoom.com/blog Sydney, Australia 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/ 3 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 Dragon Warriors, Dungeons & Dragons, DnD, Roleplaying, Roleplaying Games, Play a New RPG, PANRPG DoD Podcast 034: Dragon Warriors Review, TPKs: Who's to Blame? and Win your Character a set of Steak Knives 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*. That's right, we will write the rules, compose a short note to your GM and email you a certificate of authenticity that we scribble up if you let us know what your group is playing for the month of October RupertG yes 49:06 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/09/dice-of-doom-podcast-033-spirit-of-the-century-review-dragon-warriors-first-impressions-and-do-rules-support-descriptive-combat/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/09/dice-of-doom-podcast-033-spirit-of-the-century-review-dragon-warriors-first-impressions-and-do-rules-support-descriptive-combat/#comments Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:24:27 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=3525 In this episode of the Dice of Doom podcast we review Spirit of the Century, talking about our experiences with stunts and aspects. We also discuss our first impressions of playing Dragon Warriors which is a flashback from our gaming past. As part of our discussion on Dragon Warriors we get sidetracked (egads! who would have seen that coming!) and we spend quite a bit of time discussing how rules describe combat, should they describe combat? and whether it's up to the players to look after that aspect of the game or not. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/09/dice-of-doom-podcast-033-spirit-of-the-century-review-dragon-warriors-first-impressions-and-do-rules-support-descriptive-combat/feed/ 8 Dungeons and Dragons, D&D, DnD, roleplaying, spirit of the century, sotc, games mastering, dragon warriors DoD Podcast 033: Spirit of the Century review, Dragon Warriors first impressions and relying on rules to describe combat In this episode of the Dice of Doom podcast we review Spirit of the Century, talking about our experiences with stunts and aspects. We also discuss our first impressions of playing Dragon Warriors which is a flashback from our gaming past. As part of our discussion on Dragon Warriors we get sidetracked (egads! who would have seen that coming!) and we spend quite a bit of time discussing how rules describe combat, should they describe combat? and whether it's up to the players to look after that aspect of the game or not. RupertG yes 50:10 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 dnd, rpg, dungeons, dragons, D&D, roleplaying, games, gaming, Dungeons & Dragons DoD Podcast 031: Riddles and Puzzles in RPGs, Favourite Components of RPGs, Dice and Randomness in Games There is a lot going on in this podcast, so instead of writing my usual introductory blurb on this one, I thought I would do a list instead. * We issue commands to Play a New RPG for the month of October * We discuss using riddles and puzzles in your game and whether or not they are a useful tool in your GMing belt * We debate another question from reader Disemvowel where he asks us what our perfect system would be in terms of individual mechanics from various systems * We answer questions from Samaldanach about whether or not randomness is useful in a roleplaying game and a related question from Beefgriller about randomness and dice mechanics in roleplaying games There are references to an article we wrote a while back on polarising roleplaying game between left and right style systems (much as we do political ideologies) which you may find useful to read before listening (if you haven't read it already). RupertG yes 53:23 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 Dungeons and Dragons, D&D, DnD, roleplaying, spirit of the century, sotc, games mastering DoD Podcast 030: Dealing with a bad GM, short vs long term campaigns and listener's questions about tabletop accessories 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. RupertG yes 1:00:00 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/2011/01/dice-of-doom-podcast-011-new-years-gaming-resolutions-100-rogues-review-and-tips-for-new-and-beginning-gms/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/01/dice-of-doom-podcast-011-new-years-gaming-resolutions-100-rogues-review-and-tips-for-new-and-beginning-gms/#comments Sat, 29 Jan 2011 23:27:27 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=2729 In this episode of the Dice of Doom podcast we discuss our New Years Gaming Resolutions, and we do a review of the iPhone game 100 Rogues (and reminisce about old rogue-like games). Our main topic of discussion is titled 'GM'ing: Rotating the Pain, or, Advice for Beginning GM's'. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2011/01/dice-of-doom-podcast-011-new-years-gaming-resolutions-100-rogues-review-and-tips-for-new-and-beginning-gms/feed/ 3 D&D, roleplaying, GM'ing, Dungeons, Dragons, DM, 100 Rogues, gaming, rpg, Dungeon Mastering, Games Mastering, DoD Podcast 011: New Years Gaming Resolutions, 100 Rogues Review and GM'ing 101 In this episode we discuss our New Years Gaming Resolutions, and we do a review of the iPhone game 100 Rogues. Our main topic of discussion is titled 'GM'ing: Rotating the Pain, or, Advice for Beginning GM's'. As part of our Grand Gaming Experiment many of our players are picking up the Games Mastering mantle for the first time. We thought we'd take the opportunity to discuss some strategies that can help a new GM run a successful game. The discussion covers the basics of character generation, world creation and when and how to use the rules from a Games Master's perspective. RupertG yes 39:27 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/10/in-brief-i4e-updated-ipad-version-and-more/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/10/in-brief-i4e-updated-ipad-version-and-more/#comments Thu, 07 Oct 2010 05:05:31 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=2551 Just a quick heads up - our favourite mobile roleplaying character app, i4e, has just been updated to version 3.0 and is now available in the app store. This new version includes native iPad support and some other general fixes including improved support for importing your Dungeons & Dragons Insider characters and augmented powers support. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/10/in-brief-i4e-updated-ipad-version-and-more/feed/ 1 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/10/powergaming-making-a-powerful-druid-in-core-3-5-dnd/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/10/powergaming-making-a-powerful-druid-in-core-3-5-dnd/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:01:10 +0000 Ellisthion http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=2515 Druids are one of the more powerful classes in core 3.5 D&D. However, they are certainly not the easiest of classes to play, and there can be a lot of paperwork involved. This article will cover the various abilities, spells, and strategies involved in playing a Druid, and provide simple advice to making a powerful Druid using only core 3.5 D&D. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/10/powergaming-making-a-powerful-druid-in-core-3-5-dnd/feed/ 19 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/09/dice-of-doom-podcast-007-using-alternative-settings-in-your-roleplaying-games/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/09/dice-of-doom-podcast-007-using-alternative-settings-in-your-roleplaying-games/#comments Mon, 20 Sep 2010 00:52:58 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=2459 During this episode of the Dice of Doom podcast we discuss different historical eras that can be used in your roleplaying campaign to move away from the traditional late medieval period that forms the basis of so many fantasy roleplaying games. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/09/dice-of-doom-podcast-007-using-alternative-settings-in-your-roleplaying-games/feed/ 27 dnd, d&d, dungeons, dragons, rpg, roleplaying, epic win, goblins, campaign 007: Using Alternative Settings in your Roleplaying Games During this episode of the Dice of Doom podcast we discuss different historical eras that can be used in your roleplaying campaign to move away from the traditional late medieval period that forms the basis of so many fantasy roleplaying games. We talk about the positives and the negatives of each era, and some of the techniques that can be utilised to make it work for you. We also discuss the iPhone app Epic Win and introduce our new roleplaying game that we are developing that we are calling (for the time being) Goblins! RupertG yes 1:09:26 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/08/making-the-most-of-magic/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/08/making-the-most-of-magic/#comments Tue, 03 Aug 2010 05:26:58 +0000 Cuchulain http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=2089 How to make the most of magic in your fantasy role-playing game. Advice for spellcasters, dungeon masters and writers. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/08/making-the-most-of-magic/feed/ 15 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/07/the-dice-of-doom-podcast-000-the-magic-missile-errata/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/07/the-dice-of-doom-podcast-000-the-magic-missile-errata/#comments Mon, 12 Jul 2010 04:22:48 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=1913 In this episode of the Dice of Doom Podcast we introduce ourselves and discuss the recent changes to the Dungeons & Dragons Wizard class At-Will power Magic Missile. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/07/the-dice-of-doom-podcast-000-the-magic-missile-errata/feed/ 18 d&d,dnd,Dungeons and Dragons,errata,magic missile,podcast,wizard,WotC 000 - Magic Missile Errata Recently we posted about the WotC errata for Magic Missile. Since then there has been a lot of discussion about why the change was made - was it for balancing purposes, nostalgia or in preparation for the release of the Red Box? We thought it would make a great point of discussion for our first podcast. Please join us as we talk about the errata and the implications of the changes. RupertG yes 35:36 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/07/magic-missile-errata-the-controversy-over-changing-dnd4e-to-be-more-like-older-editions/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/07/magic-missile-errata-the-controversy-over-changing-dnd4e-to-be-more-like-older-editions/#comments Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:54:37 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=1907 Update: We discuss this at some length on our latest (and new) podcast. There has been quite a bit of chatter on the web recently regarding the latest errata for D&D 4e from Wizards of the Coast (WotC). The primary … Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/07/magic-missile-errata-the-controversy-over-changing-dnd4e-to-be-more-like-older-editions/feed/ 18 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/06/using-hexographer-to-create-overland-hex-maps/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/06/using-hexographer-to-create-overland-hex-maps/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 10:57:59 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=1888 One of the easiest ways to bring your campaign world to life is to give your player’s a sense of where they are in relation to the rest of the world. If they know that the ruins of the ancient … Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/06/using-hexographer-to-create-overland-hex-maps/feed/ 2 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/06/arcane-implement-mastery-guide/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/06/arcane-implement-mastery-guide/#comments Fri, 18 Jun 2010 02:22:23 +0000 Ellisthion http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=1876 The 4E Wizard class feature Arcane Implement Mastery is a powerful ability that can shape the entire career of your character. Be it Orb, Wand, Staff, or Tome, the implement you want to use will influence your race, ability scores, … Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/06/arcane-implement-mastery-guide/feed/ 2 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/05/dnd-4e-players-handbook-3-in-depth-review/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/05/dnd-4e-players-handbook-3-in-depth-review/#comments Mon, 31 May 2010 03:55:46 +0000 Ellisthion http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=1839 The Player's Handbook 3 for 4E D&D adds to the game with a pile of new character options. New races, classes, the Psionic Power Source, Feats, Hybrid classes and more immediately show it's an interesting read... but how does it measure up? What are the new options like, and what impact will this have on how the game runs? Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/05/dnd-4e-players-handbook-3-in-depth-review/feed/ 6 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/04/understanding-the-maths-behind-4e-dnd-combat/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/04/understanding-the-maths-behind-4e-dnd-combat/#comments Fri, 30 Apr 2010 11:37:51 +0000 Ellisthion http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=1809 Is there something wrong with 4E maths? Some say using 3d6 instead of a d20 improves the system. Should we get inspiration for changing the rules from computer games like World of Warcraft? Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/04/understanding-the-maths-behind-4e-dnd-combat/feed/ 28 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/04/in-case-you-missed-it-the-writers-from-robot-chicken-caught-playing-dnd-on-video/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/04/in-case-you-missed-it-the-writers-from-robot-chicken-caught-playing-dnd-on-video/#comments Tue, 20 Apr 2010 07:28:27 +0000 RupertG http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=1803 These have been out for a little while, however we thought we’d mention it, just in case you had missed it. A few months back Wizards of the Coast set up a game with the writers from Robot Chicken and … Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/04/in-case-you-missed-it-the-writers-from-robot-chicken-caught-playing-dnd-on-video/feed/ 0 http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/03/speeding-up-dd-4e-combat-morale/ http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/03/speeding-up-dd-4e-combat-morale/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 09:06:41 +0000 Ellisthion http://diceofdoom.com/blog/?p=1781 A large problem many groups have with 4E D&D is that 4E combat takes a very long time. Various methods have been proposed to fix this, such as reducing monster hp, but after some discussion we realised the best way of doing it is simply to revive the Morale system, used in 1st and 2nd Edition, but thrown out in 3rd. The problem with these systems is, like the whole editions themselves, they were overly complicated; I've seen an attempt at adding Morale to 4E that mostly just put the 2nd Ed system in... and it looked terrible. So, we decided to do it from the ground up: a complete, effective, and simple Morale system for 4E D&D. Continue reading →]]> http://diceofdoom.com/blog/2010/03/speeding-up-dd-4e-combat-morale/feed/ 40