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Travis Miller's Blog About Sword & Sorcery Fiction and Classic Fantasy Adventure Gaming

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Tag: osr

Is Fudging Dice Good Game Mastering?

On May 25, 2023June 9, 2023 By Travis MillerIn assumption busters, game mastering advice5 Comments

It's bad practice to fudge dice rolls for a number of reasons.

How Do I Play a First Level OSR Thief?

On May 4, 2023May 4, 2023 By Travis MillerIn advice for players10 Comments

The lowly first level thief can be challenging to play in an old school renaissance game. They have some special skills but are weak in a fight. Here are some tips for playing a low level thief character.

a collection of books on medieval history. The Northmen by John Haywood, Kings and Vikings by P.H. Sawyer, Crusaders by Dan Jones, Europe in the High Middle Ages by John H. Mundy, A History of the Vikings by Gwyn Jones, Life in a Medieval Village by Joseph Gies, Life in a Medieval City by Joseph Gies, Life in a Medieval Castle by Joseph Gies, A World Lit Only by Fire William Manchester, Medieval Cities by Pirenne

Why Do Gaming Grognards Love History?

On April 27, 2023April 28, 2023 By Travis MillerIn 2E, inspiration, musings7 Comments

Old school RPG gamers tend to have a deep interest in history. In this essay, I explain why that is and what effect it has on the style of game we run and play.

Why Dark Sun Is The Best Setting Ever Made For D&D.

On April 6, 2023August 15, 2025 By Travis MillerIn 2E, recommended, Review, sandbox7 Comments

Dark Sun is my favorite published campaign setting. It is the bar by which I measure all other campaign worlds.

How Do I Play a First Level Magic User?

On March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 By Travis MillerIn advice for players, inspiration, Just For Fun11 Comments

The low level wizard is one of the most challenging character classes to play in Old School Renaissance games. They have limited access to spells and are very weak in combat. How do you play a magic user?

YouTube Appearance for Immortals Inc.

On January 31, 2023 By Travis MillerIn announcements, Grumpy Wizard News

A video I shot with some fine gentlemen from a local game shop I enjoy. We discussed a couple of the major differences between old school games and more recent editions. Also, it was a good beard day. https://youtu.be/xHaAUdIbvM8

I’m Looking For My People, Not More People.

On September 22, 2022November 27, 2025 By Travis MillerIn blog dialogue, musings10 Comments

Is more the same thing as better? I don't think so.

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Travis Miller

I write about tabletop role-playing games, sword-and-sorcery fiction, storytelling, and heavy metal. 

The friendships I’ve forged while playing adventure games, listening to heavy music, and sharing stories saved my life and made it worth living.  

I live in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. America’s most underrated city.

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Cover of a a roleplaying game product titled "Hogwater: Village of Secrets" by Travis Miller


Hogwater: Village of Secrets is a starting location for a sandbox campaign. It includes everything you need to begin a campaign while still having the space to add your favorite old school modules or build your own. There are factions, non-player characters, unique monsters, locations, and a series of pre-written hooks for you to introduce players to the village of Hogwater and its troubles.

Immortals Inc, one of Cleveland's best Friendly Local Game Stores, keeps signed copies of Hogwater in stock. They ship to locations inside of the United States or you can pick it up yourself if you happen to be in the area. Great shop and great people. I also run special events and appear on their YouTube channel from time to time.

Buy Hogwater on Lulu in Print. Send me the receipt and I'll send you a PDF for free.

Buy Hogwater in PDF on Lulu

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