2024-04-19 20:40
1978B1 In Search of the Unknown -- Classic dungeon crawl which was designed to train DMs in stocking and to some extent designing dungeonsD1 Descent into the Depths of the Earth -- Classic d… Read More
Blog Directory > Home & Garden Blogs > Hobbies & Crafts Blogs > Classic RPG Realms hobbies-and-crafts Blog >
2024-04-19 17:45
The Products Published by TSR in 1985It really started in 1982. That was when they shipped Gary out to Hollywood to pioneer D&D entertainment. But the culture of the company and it's cre… Read More
2024-03-11 18:02
The year was 1979, June to be exact, or early July when your issue came in the mail. The Dragon magazine Volume III, No. 12, Issue 26. A small design article penned by Michael Crane, "Notes… Read More
2024-03-01 19:31
The Gaming Culture essay I opined on yesterday led me in a couple of interesting directions. One was a post by Grognardia, in reference to a Dungeons and Beavers comment Gary made long ago… Read More
2024-02-29 04:36
An essay I found via Questing Beast on Youtube, covered an article by The Retired Adventurer, called "Six Cultures of Play". This little gem added a coherent and elucidating… Read More
2024-02-16 23:17
I got this little gem on digital media, a bit unusual for me, but nonetheless one of my better PDF purchases. If you haven't had the pleasure of digesting this bit if gaming magic, I summari… Read More
2024-02-14 16:33
I have felt a little down for the past year or so. My regular gaming group was family based. We had a friend who gamed with us, but the rest were me and my three kids. However, kids grow up… Read More
2024-02-13 19:17
If you haven't read Knights of the Dinner Table, or HackMaster 4e/1e (and to a lesser extent HackMaster 5e/2e), you likely aren't familiar with the over the top, tough as nails, unapologetic… Read More
2024-02-01 17:07
Long ago in the saga that is this blog, a fellow gamer once told me that D&D is whatever the owners of the IP say it is. I heartily disagreed, and did so with numerous self assured… Read More
2024-02-01 16:35
So, color me ignorant, but I was cruising through posts on an OSR group, when I ran across one blasting three names I wasn't familiar with. It was a short, sweet blast to the effect of… Read More
2023-05-12 19:56
Is it just me, or does the sight of virtual tabletops, tablets, and laptops at the table make you cringe. I suppose I'm like the old man yelling "Get off my lawn!!!" Or like the stick i… Read More
2023-05-12 19:53
AD&D Dungeon Masters Guide 1st Edition, page 80"As has been often pointed out, AD&D is a game wherein participants create personae and operate them in the milieu created and des… Read More
2022-11-24 06:00
AD&D Dungeon Masters Guide 1st Edition, page 64"Dexterity Penalty And Bonus Considerations: The Dexterity Attacking Adjustment is for missile firing considerations when initiative i… Read More
2022-11-22 20:47
I've been bouncing around lately. I do that alot.I can't seem to scratch my AD&D itch. Stuck playing an edition I'm not fond of, with players who don't want to change. Wanting… Read More
2022-05-19 18:39
A strange thing happened on the way to 1986 ...Gary saved D&D, and in true Lannister fashion Lorraine Williams had D&D's Ned Stark beheaded. Most of us in the rank and fil… Read More
2022-05-18 18:51
Staring into the face of a veteran, and a grizzled old veteran at that, can be an intimidating affair. Whether you are facing a veteran of your workplace, your field, your family, etc. you a… Read More
2022-05-12 17:13
Ethos: the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations.I am, at this point, getting very close to past blog posts, so forgiv… Read More
2022-05-09 18:48
I've been the rounds of the old school discussions lately, and it has put me out of sorts. It's first particularly clear that I am behind the times, once again. The hubris of ever thinking I… Read More
2022-02-28 19:52
You ever been to an actual saltmarsh? I mean, they're wonderful from an ecological point of view--absolutely teeming with life. A critical ecosystem that deserves our protection. And in… Read More
2021-06-01 14:25
Poison is one of the big nerfs to 5th edition. The poisoned condition RAW reads "A poisoned creature has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks." Poison in earlier editions wa… Read More
2021-05-21 16:42
WARNING: Spoilers ahead!The original 1e Sinister Secret of Saltmarsh begins a little differently from most published adventures. Primarily, this difference lies in the delivery of the advent… Read More
2021-05-05 20:49
As I may have mentioned previously, I've been on hiatus. My job has been much more demanding this past year, so I've taken a break for about six months. Although, this has been after a fitfu… Read More
2021-03-25 19:12
The Flies and the Honey Pot"Flies were attracted to a honey jar. They ate greedily. But, their feet and wings got covered with the honey so they could not get free. They died."The Moral: Too… Read More
2021-03-19 20:20
The argument here is simple really. As the sinister, evil-genius baddie who has gone to all the trouble to hide my secrets, and my loot, six or more levels below the earth and guarded them w… Read More
2021-03-14 22:47
I don't know what it is, but I'm here again. This place I get to time and again when I feel overwhelmingly like my D&D is lost. Why do I feel this way? Is it just nostalgia? Or is it som… Read More
2021-03-12 17:44
Dave Trampier Monster Manual 1977AD&D is being terrified when you step into a corridor, cavern or castle festooned with white sticky spider webs. Because you knew there was probably a wi… Read More
2021-03-11 21:57
David Laforce DMG 1979AD&D is being trapped in a room filling with water, while being chased by a 1HD skeleton that you are so afraid will kill you, you desperately try and find the secr… Read More
2021-01-13 17:09
Weird Pete, Owner & Proprietor of the Games PitAnd Grognard Extraordinaire And to a certain degree Crazy Eddie does too ...Eddie's the one behind the counterIn case you haven't yet… Read More
2021-01-13 15:52
NOTE: This post was written some time ago during my "search for the perfect game" period. I found it recently, re-read it and realized it reveals several truths about my search and I b… Read More
2021-01-12 22:07
I made some bold assumptions in my last post. Namely that Fifth Edition might not be a game. That assertion certainly requires a further elucidation. So, if you'll allow me ... Ge… Read More
2020-12-22 18:12
I've been thinking about Fifth Edition (5e, D&D Next, whatever) lately. Specifically how well the game is designed to allow characters to avoid death. This new design principle seems to… Read More
2020-10-28 17:52
I have given 5e a more complete chance, a more thorough working over, a longer and more intense play time than any of the WOTC editions thus far. More than anything I've played actually, exc… Read More
2020-10-26 20:41
Recently, on a AD&D social media page, a member lamented the fact that on two different online locations he had tried to approach the subject of comparing authentic old school play with… Read More
2020-08-24 23:55
The boys at Grogtalk did it again with their excellent Skip Williams interview! Good work on the depth and breadth of questions, and their respectful and insightful way of interacting with t… Read More
2020-04-20 17:29
Recently, Tim Kask gave an interview on the highly esteemed GrogTalk show, where Dan and James have hosted a number of the original D&D crew. Dan and James are a great listen; they are h… Read More
2020-02-29 21:02
Caveat lector: I am not an expert in philosophical logic, nor set theory, though I've taken classes in both subjects. So don't take my use of these clearly technical terms too strictly. &hell…Read More
2020-02-28 19:59
How many of us have gaming shelves at home that look something like the above? I know I do. In fact I'm flat out of room in our rather modest home. That, however, has not stopped me from see… Read More
2020-02-27 00:51
So of course the question with AD&D is: are we playing the real thing, or are we playing some version of classic D&D dressed up in an AD&D suit?I should define my terms. "Classic… Read More
2020-02-25 17:53
I've spent the last few days perusing reviews of old school products compatible with various OSR clones. There are definitely some high quality products being released out there. The injunct… Read More
2020-01-08 04:26
Just a quick note here. Not sure where I am headed with my blog any longer, but the urge and discipline to write more regularly is upon me. Oh that I maintain the discipline. At any rate my… Read More
2020-01-07 21:29
My favorite adventure of all time. Does that say more about me or the adventure? Not sure, but this adventure epitomized the deadliness, capriciousness and evil whimsy that was AD&D. The… Read More
2020-01-06 21:13
Day & Night by M.C. EscherKnowing oneself is not a simple matter. Knowing one's direction is much easier.For the past four plus years now, I have actively played Fifth Edition D&D wi… Read More
2020-01-06 19:14
Now that I've spent some time with the opinions of others, and distilled those comments into some kind of a consensus on the definition of Gygaxian Gaming--it's time for me to consider what… Read More
2019-12-16 21:08
So, in last week's post we looked at hundreds of words from comments across the internet, fora, blogs, interviews and the like to get an idea of what the popular conception of Gygaxian reall… Read More
2019-12-09 21:19
The concept of Gygaxian is a relatively recent idea as far as I know. When I started gaming in the spring of 1981 the term was certainly not thrown around, much less a buzz word. When Second… Read More
2019-12-04 20:57
Man, what a trip down memory lane! This film is by Ethan Gilsdorf, author of Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks, but could have been taken in the houses of any number of 1980's D&D gamers l… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:12
I AM Scott Wiedemeyer!!I've talked about Zero Charisma before, and if you want my short review of this movie: Zero Charisma is an amazingly insightful piece of cinema with a powerful message… Read More
2018-08-07 04:02
An unfinished thought I still find relevant today.So, I've been struggling a bit lately. I've been in a fairly deep creation process and it has turned into a sort of soul searching journey t… Read More
2018-08-07 03:50
A letter to Mike Mearls I never sent. Funny how so much of what I mentioned is now a part of 5e...Hi Mr. Mearls,Thanks for taking the time to read my note. ; I know you're very busy. I'm a l… Read More
2018-08-07 03:43
A long ago post originally written in 2009. Though it was the time of 4e, and me still running the Jr. High gaming club, I think it has a new relevance today in the chic and hipster world of… Read More
2018-06-20 17:10
The Classic 4: Fighter, Cleric, Magic-User and ThiefThis started with one of my players wanting to play the new Blood Hunter class. I wasn't entirely against it, as frankly I've pretty much… Read More
2018-03-26 17:26
The party had explored the entire upper level of the Slaver's Stockade. Things had gotten quite weird the further along they went, with more and more sinister clues that the giants were invo… Read More
2018-03-23 17:47
Okay, let's face it. If we had the chance most of us would step through the magical gateway into a real D&D world.Or would we?I have often played this thought experiment over and over ag… Read More
2018-03-22 18:19
Not being one to let gray grow on an idea, I took my own advice last session and we spent the entire session in primarily exploratory play. It worked well with the storyline so far, since th… Read More
2018-03-19 21:03
An Excellent Example of Mythic Underworld from Hydra CooperativeI found something that inspired me. To be honest, I had first heard about it when I read Philotomy's Musings back when it… Read More
2018-03-16 00:34
Let's face it, the 5e characters in my game right now kick some serious ogre butt.Ow! You kicked my great big ogre butt!I mean in our last encounter through a series of unfortunate events ou… Read More
2018-02-23 21:29
So ... new look? Yeah well, sort of. Truthfully, I have no idea what I am doing. The last six entries I had planned for the blog have been relegated to eternal draft-land, with no idea of wh… Read More
2018-01-25 01:06
So in my redesign process of A2, I thought I would just limit the fort and dungeon portions to the tournament sections. However, some of the non-tournament sections are important on the stor… Read More
2018-01-23 20:00
So we just wrapped up the assault on Highport--Slave Pits of the Undercity (A1). It didn't go exactly according to plan, but that's what makes these things so fun sometimes. In case you have… Read More
2018-01-05 21:44
Yeah, I've been a little stuck in work lately. Every time I think I'm getting a little ahead, I just end up stuck deeper. As the recent month long break in blog posts, no doubt attests. But… Read More
2017-12-20 18:13
The Midlands at LFGCan I just say Stephen Grodzicki has outdone himself? What an awesome piece of work we have in this, his newest release. For any gamers looking for an original, gritty, lo… Read More
2017-11-21 17:39
There has been a proliferation of DM advice columns across the digital universe in the past decade or so, and some of them are quite good. There has been a deeper and more thorough descripti… Read More
2017-11-20 20:29
So, last night's game. No one complained. I guess there's that. But I came away just like that last picture, of the statue, face palm, on myself. Meaning I wasn't mad at my players, they did… Read More
2017-11-02 14:31
Greyhawk GrognardHave I ever told you how much I love Greyhawk Grognard? Well, yes I have. From his incredible and expansive Greyhawk knowledge, to his creation of the amazing Adventures Dar… Read More
2017-10-31 19:13
It's not just the Dungeons & Dragons. Though certainly it is a part of that, a huge part of that. The cultural reference of the game that has made such a huge impact in my life is a sure… Read More
2017-10-24 18:33
Dungeons & Dragons has always existed amidst dichotomies. One of the most frequently experienced at the table is the injunction within the rulebooks of the game that the rules are not th… Read More
2017-10-15 18:39
Recently on one of the AD&D Facebook pages someone asked if characters dying at zero hit points was too unforgiving. I had an immediate opinion (of course I always do) and that opinion h… Read More
2017-10-13 19:02
Everybody has their story from the 80's if the adults in your life were in any way influenced by the rising tide of panic that saw Satan in every shadow and around every corner. For me it st… Read More
2017-10-11 17:28
Remember this age? It was a grand time to be a gamer. The Satanic Panic and the days of D&D Yellow Journalism were over and there was more D& product than there ever had been. At lea… Read More
2017-10-10 20:17
So there was a great discussion today on the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons page on Facebook about what people liked and disliked about 5e. It was, by and large a reasoned discussion design… Read More
2017-10-06 20:53
If you don't know Benoist Poire, you should really check out some of his writings and work. He is probably best known for his work with Ernie Gygax Jr. on The Hobby Shop Dungeon under the G… Read More
2017-10-04 19:01
I will admit that I am not the most savvy Facebook user, and don't even have an Instagram account. Recently my daughter tech-shamed me because I didn't know that my IPhone (I still have a 5)… Read More
2017-09-29 15:04
I have played 5e now for the past couple of years. In fact, I have not played any other game but 5e in all that time. I have written about my struggles with this edition and I have written a… Read More
2017-09-29 14:55
Mike Mearls has introduced, some time ago now, an alternative initiative system that he is using in his campaign. He calls it Greyhawk Initiative, which I find quite telling. The system is g… Read More
2017-09-26 19:24
I would love to write a detailed, thorough and insightful article about different DMing styles, but if I have learned anything in 36 years of gaming and the nine years of writing this blog i… Read More
2017-09-25 15:04
Matt Finch has created a sort of new face to his Youtube channel, or at least the channel he's now calling Uncle Matt's D&D Studio. He recently released a video about Old School Gamer Ra… Read More
2017-09-23 01:40
Ask a dozen old school gamers what old school is and you'll get two dozen answers. Because much of the time they aren't even sure themselves. Perhaps for that reason alone the OSR is not wha… Read More
2017-09-22 18:29
A funny thing happened on the way to the gaming market. Ig you have never seen the delightful Sondheim musical A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum, do yourself a favor and check i… Read More
2017-09-19 19:12
Cultural criticism is often described as the process of describing, interpreting and evaluating a culture. It often breaks down the difference between levels of culture and uncovers the poli… Read More
2017-09-16 20:42
If anybody has gaming in their blood it is the old guard of the TSR D&D generation. Sure, others have it, I like to think I have it, but put up against a GBC (Gaming Blood Count) compari… Read More
Subscribe to Classic Rpg Realms
Get updates delivered right to your inbox!