The Dragon's Toolbox

The Amazing Story Generator So this is a thing I did tonight. It's not great I'll admit, but hey, it's my first time. "That's what he said!" But I felt the this product would be better reviewed thru video than via my written blog. Let me know if I you think should've talked more about it, brought up other details or aspects of it. Thank you.  YouTube Review - the Amazing Story Generator * * * * * * * * *  * * * * * * * * *  You can always reach me for ideas, suggestions or comments at bignastydragon@gmail.com * * * * * * * * *  This blog is proud to be associated with the Nerds-International Gaming Network. Check them out on the Google+ community  ''Nerds-International'' Nerds-International * * * * * * * * *       -  The RPG Brewery , for interviews with guests, as well as product reviews, etc. * * * * * * * * *       -  The Wild Die   podcast, f...

Paper Tigers & Cardboard Dragons This time lets talk about minis. They're cool, especially when they are well painted, but not all of us have the talents of  +Karl Keesler , So what is a busy GM, who lacks the painting and sculpting skills of the aforementioned artist, to do? Maybe he turns to a fairly easy solution,...Paper Minis. Yes, Paper minis can be a godsend when you want a lots of minions and also when your funds are rather low. You want 50 skeletons, hit print. Easy peasy!  And you don't need to cut them out as closely in the above example. Check out the image below. I have found many excellent sources of minis that can fit almost any genre, without busting your budget. Check these links out: PERMES MINIATURES * * * * * * * * *  REIVAJ MINIATURES * * * * * * * * *  OKUM ARTS GAME MINIATURES * * * * * * * * * BATTLE STUDIO MINIATURES * * * * * * * * *  INFINITE DREAMERS...

Taking it to the mat! It's been a little while since my last post. I'm sorry for that but life has a way of derailing one's plans and schedules. Anyway... I came across these very high quality battle-mats for your tabletop gaming. Instead of just being printed on glossy paper or laminated card stock with various fold-lines that you have to struggle with to lay down flat, these 23-1/2'' by 27-1/2'' are backed by a slide-resistant neoprene backing, and includes a travel roll. Plateaux de Jeux The images above show you the ''CITADEL'' MAP, but you can also choose the SWAMP, the BOAT, the FORTRESS, the TAVERN and the VILLAGE. There's even an Ultimate Collection that includes all 6 maps. The biggest drawback is that their site is only available in French. But I'm sure that doing a Google translate of just a few key words should help. And if you need a more detailed translation, feel free to email me, as I live i...

DICE, DICE BABY! I'm always on the looks out for the weird or unusual, especially when it comes to dice. I this it was way back at GenCon 1990, when it was still being held in Milwaukee WI (Yes, I am that old.) that I found round D6s (see picture below). I don't use them regularly, but once in a while I will bring them into the light and show them off. In the same weird vein to these round D6s, someone developed D6s that have 12 sides (the 1 to 6 pips appear twice, i.e. DoubleSix dice) with the theory that a dice closer to a sphere rolls better than a cube.  DoubleSix Dice And pushing the idea a little further, these same people came out with their TripleFour dice (1 to 4 pips appear three times each). So you get a more random result and if you drop them on the floor, there's a lot less risk of stabbing your foot on the '' freaking little caltrops ''.  I've gotten myself set of both (see picture above). They are available in a varie...

This week's blog is about a variety websites that could be useful to GMs and Players out there. There's a lot of stuff out there on the world wide web, more than anyone person can cover or explore, or even know them all. So if you, the reader, know of some not mentioned here, but that you think could be useful, that you've used before and should be shared with others, the please do. Don't hesitate to insert the link as a comment to this blog, please. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Gnome Stew ? No it is not a new recipe by Gordon Ramsay. Quoted from their own website; ‘‘Written by a team of veteran Gamers and Gamemasters, Gnome Stew is a widely read gaming blog with multiple awards and close to 3,000 articles. We're dedicated to helping gamers have more fun at the gaming table. Over 2 million visitors can't be wrong!’’ So, the stew is a collection of articles from people that have a lot experience in the Gaming industry, as players, GMs, pu...

Unless you've been living under a rock, I doubt anyone out there has not heard about DrivethruRPG or RPGNow. And we've all surfed thru their inventory of cool stuff and been able to benefit from one or more of their awesome sales. What you may not be aware of is a category of products that can make the life of any GM easier, whether it's prepping for the game or during the session. I'm talking about is pre-made lists of names for people (male and female, orcish, elven, japanese, persian,...), places (taverns, castles, towns,...), things (ships, potions, merchant goods, etc), and even some stuff that could be found randomly in someone's pocket. Usually all you need is a d100 roll for most of them. You can either print them out, of keep them as PDFs and refer to them on your PC, iPad or other tablet. Lee's Lists Ennead Games Never Engine * * * * * * * * * * * * * As a bonus review, since I mentioned viewing these PDf documents ...