Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition gets its second full campaign setting with the release of the Eberron Campaign Guide, a setting that combines pulp, noir and everyday magic and offers a sharp break from standard D&D fare. It’s a setting in which civilization advances not through technological breakthroughs, but arcane ones, giving rise to trains, … Read more
When my group playtested D&D 4th Edition, I immediately thought that that the new rules could work well in Eberron, particular in its pulp-ish, high-adventure incarnation. The lost continent, the dinosaur-riding halflings, the magical technology — it all seemed like it would mesh well with 4E’s default power setting, but unfortunately, Wizards decided to destroy, … Read more
Three weeks of rainy days put a major crimp in my podcast-listening schedule in May as I was forcd to drive (rather than walk) to work. It’s the difference between a 2 minute commute and a 15 minute one … as well as no podcasts or three podcasts a week. With the sun finally shining … Read more
Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition is seeing a nice publicity bump from its second round of major book releases as PHB 2, Arcane Power, Monster Manual 2, Eberron Campaign Setting and DMG 2 all hit the stands over the next few months. Right now the focus is on the just-released Monster Manual 2, which a … Read more
Thinking of trying out Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition, but don’t want to layout money for books? Then check out Wizards of the Coast’s new D&D Test Drive, a free set of downloads that includes: Quicstart Rules H1 Keep on the Shadowfell Pregenerated characters The free version of the D&D Character Builder (for character levels … Read more
Dungeons & Dragons: Tiny Adventures is that rarest of WotC digital products: one that actually delivers. Wizards of the Coast’s litany of digital failure is long. D&D Master Tools. D&D eTools. D&D Insider. Gleemax. All overhyped, and under delivered. Yet here’s Tiny Adventures for Facebook, a simple but surprisingly addictive little app that no one … Read more
Some of the second-stage books for D&D 4th Edition are hitting book stores, which has ignited a new wave of reviews among bloggers. I don’t think any of these new books are going to change hearts and minds among those who dislike 4E — that will have to wait for 2009’s Player’s Handbook II — … Read more
One area where Star Wars: Saga Edition could use some help are its creatures. There are certainly a number of them out there, particularly the iconic ones from the movies, but the system tends to come up a little short with more mundane critters. After my third session of Star Wars, I thought back our … Read more
Skill challenges were one of the best things to come out of our D&D 4th Edition playtest. Building on earlier versions that appeared in Spycraft and Unearthed Arcana, skill challenges provided an in-game mechanic for resolving non-combat conflicts and complex tasks. We used it to handle the exploration a lava tube complex leading to a … Read more
Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition has been getting some more reviewer love the last few weeks as another wave of third-party products hits the shelves. The two notable books are Advanced Player’s Guide (Expeditious Retreat Press) and Forgotten Heroes: Fang, Fist and Song (Goodman Games), and both are looking to fill the void left in … Read more