by R.D. Throughout my life I have read many fantasy novels and played many fantasy role-playing games. I have read the stories of Elric of Melnibone, The Lord of the Rings, and the many works of Piers Anthony. Other books I have read include the Deathgate Cycle, Dragonlance, the Icewind Dale Trilogy, The Wheel of Time, A Song of Fire and Ice, The [...]
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How to Create Blockbuster Box Office Hits with Your Players – Every Adventure
Applying the Hollywood Formula to RPG Storylines By Brad Allen I’ve been GMing for many years but only recently tried to enhance my pacing and story-writing skills. For a long time my games suffered from frequent lulls and anti-climaxes, but no longer. A year or so ago, I did some research on plot structure and [...]
Writing the Effective Villain
by Ruth D. Kerce A lot has been written about how to develop the hero and heroine in a story. An often overlooked, but equally important character, is the villain. He/She must also be developed properly to make the plot believable. Many of the techniques used to develop other characters will also work in developing [...]
How to Make Your Games More Cinematic
by Travis W. Herring Many role-players enjoy evenings with their friends, sitting around the table or living room, eating pizza and drinking soda. For most, this is enough. For others, however, a traditional evening about the table isn’t. They want MORE. For those people, this article is the answer you have been looking for. How many [...]
How to Determine Campaign Length
By Jeremy Brown I was inspired to write this article by a problem my wife had when she first started trying her hand at GMing. She didn’t feel she had a good enough story. She wanted to run a long, intricate, and interesting campaign. Many novice GMs, especially ones who have played in experienced groups, [...]
Running Adventures with Little Preparation
by Brennan O’Brien Johnn asked me to write on a topic dear to my own heart. Between career, family, and too many hobbies, I often find I don’t have a lot of time to come up with adventures for my characters. When game time comes, I tend to make it up as I go. The [...]
Darkest of Winters Adventure Synopsis #12
By Silveressa “I’d Kiss you Jessy, but after everything that’s wound up in your beard of the past few weeks I’d probably catch the plague and become a zombie.” -Heather Wilks, grateful for Jessy’s brilliant landing location. “That might jus be an improvement to both yer looks and yer attitude.”-Jessy Hannaford, being his sarcastic self. [...]
Darkest of Winters Adventure Synopsis #8
by Silveressa “I can’t imagine anything more disgusting then throwing up in a gas mask”. –Riley Setson, commenting on the fate of an unlucky pilot. “Really? How about crapping yer drawers in a hazmat suit” –Jessy Hannaford, proving yet again things can always be worse. The rest of the journey towards the air field proceeded [...]
Darkest of Winters Adventure Synopsis #7
by Silveressa “What the hell’s wrong with that girl? She got some kinda death wish or somethin?” –Jessy Hannaford, commenting on Heather’s daring acrobatics.” “I think she’s trying to avoid the stench of your cigars uncle.” –Tommy Booths, repulsed by the smell of his uncles’ sewage dipped tobacco products. The bullet riddled truck continues its [...]
Darkest of Winters Adventure Synopsis #6
by Silveressa “Fly? Anyone can fly a plane, it’s easy. Landing it in one piece, now that’s a might bit trickier.” –Renee Black, clarifying her piloting skills. “That reminds me why they tell you to put your head between your knees when assuming a crash position, it’s so you can kiss your ass goodbye.” –Jessy [...]