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When thinking back at fond memories of playing Dungeons & Dragons, I almost always recall sessions and situations where a greater goal was completed. The moments that have stuck the most in my head are the ones where the group completed a quest/mission that had meaning, and ultimately smoothed out the rough edges of a longer story. I bring this up because as I journey through my own personal goal of becoming a better game designer, I want to find ways that provide for this experience in a more meaningful way.

Around the time that I started work on Monster Vault : Threats to the Nentir Vale in 2010, I was exploring the more philosophical foundations of RPG design principles. What I had learned from mentors and experience alike, is that exploration and discovery are just as important (if

I have been engaging with some D&D regulars on Twitter over the possible outcomes of adventures and their story. In many regards, a lot of adventures and plots usually climax with a rigorous fight—one where success is contingent upon slaying the antagonist. But what if you want something more dynamic than that? What if success and failure revolved around something less defined? Let’s delve into this and more.


Image from SlyFlourish.com. Artist: Jared Von Hindman

I’ll be honest. In 1988, when my older brother first introduced me to Dungeons & Dragons, I was captivated by the idea of kicking butt with a sword, and slaying foul beasts with my physical might. Back then; I was a snot-nosed little kid that was inspired by movies like the Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Willow.

By now many of you have heard the exciting news regarding the development of the next iteration of Dungeons & Dragons. If you haven’t already, take some time to read over the recent Lore & Legend article by Mike Mearls. wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ll/2...

Based on what we already know, and what possibilities lie ahead, what are some of the core intrinsic features of the game you would like to see enhanced? Are there any specific parts of the game that you feel contrast D&D from other popular tabletop roleplaying games? Why do you feel it is important to emphasize. Exciting times are ahead and with Wizards of the Coast’s inclusion of fans and customers alike, we are sure to find a equitable game to keep us gathered around the table for the next 40 years.

If you have

Being a successful Game Master is relative to an array of deciding factors: The makeup of your gaming group, the personalities involved, and the actual game being played all make this job difficult and demanding.

I have been playing games such as Dungeons & Dragons since I was very young—even before I really knew what roleplaying was. I often tout that I was a bushy-eyed 6 year old when my experience with gaming began. Some might be deceived in believing this would make me far superior in my storytelling ability. Well, what with my vast experience, surely I am a god amongst men! Honestly, this means crap. It should in no way suggest that I am better in my ability to portray a scene, or communicate the fantasy world that surrounds my players. It just means I might have potential.

Well, my debut book with Open Design, publishers of Kobold Quaterly, appears to be a success. Here is the review that EN World just put up in regards to it.

www.enworld.org/forum/en-world-official-...

I admit I am always hestitant when reviews come out. You put so much into your work that it can sometimes be hellish to read what others think of it. Regardless, I am extremely humbled to receive such a raving review.

Crown of King Syxcakor

Long ago there lived a king- a king that was deemed such not by his holdings of land nor the amount of coin in his coffers, rather a king through force and manipulation. Instead of ascending through noble blood, this man worked for many years coaxing and politicking his way into positions of power throughout the King's Court. Using nothing more than honeyed words and a sweetened lips, this grand manipulator would eventually bring a kingdom to its knees. Strife with internal conflict and the threat of civil war was on the cusp of everyone’s tongue. This man, known as Syxcakor, would be the puppet-master leading the great deception.

Legends would tell that Syxcakor was a puppet himself, driven by some unimaginable deific horror that was trying to pierce its way to