Archive for the 'RPG' Category

Player’s Handbook 3 Class Reviews: The Ardent

March 9th, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

Player’s Handbook 3 introduces the psionic power source, with several new psionic classes (along with one divine and one primal class). I’ll be reviewing the new classes one at a time over the next week or so. To start things off, we’ve got a good exemplar of the new psionics system — the Ardent.

DDI Monster Builder In-Depth Report

March 3rd, 2010 by Ryk Perry

Contributing author Ryk Perry takes us on a tour of the vastly improved D&D Insider Monster Builder. Create enemies from scratch, or customize any creature in the entire pantheon of 4E monsters. Plus, an updated version of Ryk’s home-brew Famine Spirit.

RPG Crossover — Mixing White Wolf’s Changeling with 4E D&D

February 17th, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

For the last year, whenever I’ve reviewed one of White Wolf’s World of Darkness books, I’ve raved about how the books were full of amazing background stories, fantastic characters and fascinating plot hooks, and how you could easily transmute them into another RPG. I’m finally putting my money where my mouth is (or my fluff, [...]

Martial Power 2: More Powers (and Yes, They’re Martial)

February 16th, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

If your Fourth Edition character is a fighter, ranger, warlord or rogue, you’ll find plenty of new options, variant builds and an endless supply of Paragon Paths in Martial Power 2. If you’re not? I’m sure Arcane Power 2 will be along any week now.

Making 4E Damage Feats Less Useless

February 16th, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

Am I the only one who skims past any feats that provide a damage bonus? +2 to damage? Why bother? Here’s a quick idea to make those damage feats more appealing.

4E Underdark — Sometimes You Have to Take the Good with the Darkbad

February 10th, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

Every adventurer journeys to the Underdark at some point in her career. It’s a rite of passage. Now your 4E characters can make the trip. Just don’t go to any of the silly places.

Check Out CthulhuTech for Free

February 5th, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

Would you like to battle other-dimensional horrors in an original sci-fi setting with battlemechs and cyborg demons? Why do I even ask these questions? Of course you would. Right now, you can download the 50-page CthulhuTech Quickstart rules for free.

How Star Trek Online Could Have Been Better

February 3rd, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

I wrote an article for io9.com today about how the story elements of Star Trek Online fit into the greater Star Trek mythos. Instead of just pointing you over there as usual, I’ve got a bit more to say on the subject — specifically, how I would design a “starship captain” MMORPG that’s very different [...]

Enjoying the Local Knightlife, Part 2

February 3rd, 2010 by Ryk Perry

Ryk Perry’s continuing series on playing realistic knights in fantasy RPG campaigns picks up with part 2. Now that we’ve learned about the economic realities of knighthood, what fun things could a knight character do? Ryk has some suggestions, along with a few new powers for mounted combat in D&D 4E.

Enter the Hero System Character Creator Contest…WHILE YOU STILL CAN!

February 1st, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

The deadline for Robot Viking’s Hero System Character Creator Contest is fast approaching (it’s this Wednesday night). You can win a copy of the 6th Edition Hero System Basic Rulebook, plus see your character statted out Hero System style. Here are the details. Lots of good entries so far, this will be a tough one [...]

The Unbidden Shows the Consequences of Magic Beyond Control

January 28th, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

In White Wolf’s Mage: The Awakening, the characters control magic. But do they really? In The Unbidden, we find proof that magic is a force of nature, and tapping into it can lead to disaster and tragedy.

Win a Copy of the Hero System Basic Rulebook!

January 26th, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

I happen to have an extra copy of the Hero System 6th Edition Basic Rulebook here, and as part of Robot Viking’s 1st birthday celebration, I’m going to give it away. How can you win it? You just have to be creative.

Hero System 6th Edition — The Ultimate RPG Toolbox

January 26th, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

Sometimes, you’re just not sure who you want to be. Arrogant mage? Fledgling superhero? Hard-drinking private eye with skeletons in the closet? Blood-soaked warrior king of a barbarian horde? Ace starfighter pilot? Mutant vigilante? Luckily, you don’t have to decide. The mammoth Hero System 6th Edition can do all that.

eReaders Will Change RPG Publishing Forever

January 22nd, 2010 by Ed Grabianowski

eReaders like the Kindle or the Skiff (pictured) are reaching that tipping point where they move from “cool gadget” to “how did I ever live without this thing?” They’re also going to change the RPG publishing industry right before your eyes.