Tag Archives: D&D 3.5E

Making Death Interesting

I’ve died six times. Given the amount of time I’ve been playing D&D, it’s a little surprising that I’ve only died six times. One was from a TPK during the first session of a campaign, and I decided that maybe … Continue reading

Posted in DMing, House Rules | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments

On the Magic Item Compendium

Oh Lordy they’re doing it again.

Posted in Commentary | Tagged | Comments Off on On the Magic Item Compendium

Designing Interesting Classes (or, Why Nobody Plays a Samurai)

As I look at races, classes, prestige classes, and other things (but mostly classes, since they’re the biggest deal) for Underpowered, I’ve found myself wondering more and more why I think these options need help. It’s true that I don’t … Continue reading

Posted in Game Design, Underpowered | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Alternate Hit Point Systems (or, Various Ways to Make Crits Stop Being Fun)

There’s a quiet assumption in 3rd Edition and its related systems that hit potions don’t actually keep track of damage. Getting cut by a sword is normally quite severe if not fatal, and gunshots and firealls aren’t any better. Rather, … Continue reading

Posted in DMing, House Rules | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

On the Premium Spell Compendium

I know it’s not really in keeping with the theme of the blog, but I have to point out how ridiculous that Wizards is putting previews of the Spell Compendium reprint on its website. When I visit the Wizards website, … Continue reading

Posted in Commentary | Tagged | Comments Off on On the Premium Spell Compendium

Underpowered: Samurai (3.5E)

The samurai has been ranked by very smart people as perhaps the least-powerful PC class in D&D 3.5. Apparently it’s on par with the expert, the adept, and other NPC classes. I think it’s common knowledge that non-spellcasting classes are … Continue reading

Posted in Gaming Systems, Underpowered | Tagged | 7 Comments

Live GameScreen

I have to give props to Live GameScreen, and not just because I invented it. It’s the tool I’ve been using at the table for almost three years now, and along with MapTool (for online gaming) it’s the only software … Continue reading

Posted in DMing, Gaming Systems | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Skill Challenges (or, They Wasted a Perfectly Good Mechanic)

One thing I was excited about in 4th Edition was skill challenges. I think they’re a great idea. I think they’re such a great idea that I can’t help but notice that every DM in every campaign I’ve seen has … Continue reading

Posted in DMing, Gaming Systems, House Rules | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Pacing (Part 2, Short-Term)

Some aspects of pacing are pretty clear. I think most DMs understand (and players prefer) that campaigns start with something interesting to make the characters care about the story, like a surprise fight that unites the party or a mystery … Continue reading

Posted in DMing, Gaming Systems | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Pacing (Part 2, Short-Term)

The Three-Character Rule (well, Suggestion)

When I first heard the idea that most players only play three characters, I think I had the same reaction as everybody else, which was basically “That’s dumb, and you’re dumb”. I kind of resented the idea that players are … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , | Comments Off on The Three-Character Rule (well, Suggestion)