Grumpy Wizard News: Podcast and YouTube Appearances

On August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 By Travis MillerIn Grumpy Wizard News4 Comments

I've done some other people's podcasts and YouTubes this month. If you are interested in such things here are some links. https://youtu.be/2085sVR1Jvs?si=gV9evhtrzdMYthUv https://youtu.be/2huMqP604Xk?si=FMmE4kGPfi76ScC_ https://youtu.be/EuRLlykW9og?si=Ar4_GhaHqgVOGdcT Cleveland was hit with some tornadoes a few days ago. My power is out and will probably remain so for another week. I'm also limited in my ability to move around. …

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Where to look online for RPG conversation?

On August 1, 2024August 1, 2024 By Travis MillerIn musings2 Comments

I had an enjoyable conversation with Kevin of the Redcaps Podcast earlier this week. One of the questions he asked me was where I would recommend someone looks for conversation about tabletop role-playing games online. I had to work through the question before I found an answer. The question has stuck in my mind for …

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How I Referee Large Groups of Players in Old School D&D

On July 25, 2024July 25, 2024 By Travis MillerIn game mastering advice2 Comments

A reader named Pete sent me a question about how to manage a group of six players. He is new to DMing and groups of more than five is giving him some trouble. Good question Pete, thanks for asking! I'm going to assume Pete is running a face to face game. Personally, I won't run …

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Start with Simple

On July 11, 2024April 10, 2025 By Travis MillerIn game mastering advice3 Comments

Probably the biggest error I made when I started to learn game mastering was trying to do too much too fast. I get excited and, in my ignorance, under appreciate the difficulty or complexity of what I'm attempting. I realize my error once I get under way. My game fails to launch, crashes and burns …

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My first self published RPG Product Hogwater: Village of Secrets is now available

On July 4, 2024July 6, 2024 By Travis MillerIn Grumpy Wizard News10 Comments

First, a note about how to get Hogwater on DriveThru RPG. DriveThru is not keen on selling books that have adult content. There is some adult material in Hogwater but it's not horribly graphic. There's an encounter in one of the monster lairs that implies there is some bestiality happening. The cover has the slightly …

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Creative Adventures From Conventional Elements

On June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 By Travis MillerIn game mastering advice4 Comments

A game master can be creative with weirdness. You can create completely new monsters, magic items, and adventure situations. Another way to be creative is to take the things we already have and use them in ways that subvert expectations while fitting within the constraints of the game rules and the typical fantasy setting.

Rules and Rulings for Darkness in Classic D&D

On June 20, 2024June 20, 2024 By Travis MillerIn game mastering advice, house rules3 Comments

I want players to feel like their characters are in danger the moment they step into the dungeon. Making darkness a danger that players must deal with is one way to do that.