Part 2 is finally up! Also, it would really help me out if all my watchers would share the link to this article. I get paid per page view, so the more who visit my page, the better.

As mentioned in part one, naming characters can be difficult, and knowing what to avoid is the first step to creating realistic names. The next is tweaking existing names and words into something fantastic. Below is a simple formula that can transform any name into that of an epic hero...

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE!

Other Articles:
Creating realistic fantasy names, part 1
Gaming gold: homemade miniatures
Adventure tools: monster builder review
Integrating new players into an old game
Gaming gold: battle grids vs gaming paper vs dungeon tiles

So much has been going on lately, I've been neglecting my articles for the Examiner, but no more! At last, here is my latest article (and a two parter to boot!).

Naming characters can be difficult, especially for fantasy games like Dungeons and Dragons. Players want their characters to have awesome, fantastic names, but choosing one (or, more often, creating one) can be a challenge even the most veteran player is hesitant to tackle. Many times, a real name will do, but sometimes you just want that strange and wonderful name that can only be found in fiction. Creating a realistic fantasy name seems to be a contradiction unto itself, but by following a few simple guidelines, you can always have a great name for your characters...

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE!

Other Articles:
Gaming gold: homemade miniatures
Adventure tools: monster builder review
Integrating new players into an old game
Gaming gold: battle grids vs gaming paper vs dungeon tiles

So, it turns out there's a local scarecrow contest that my family (read: my mother) wanted to enter. We went and registered, got our "kit" (which consists of a bag of hay and a wooden support), and started discussing options. Mom wanted to do a Celtic/Irish/Scottish themed one, but my sister and I thought it was completely cheesy (not to mention difficult, with what we would need to get in order to make it). The my dad got injured, so the task was left to me and my sister. She lost interest, so now I am the sole creator of this project. Since I didn't really like the first idea, I had to come up with a better one. We finally came to an agreement on something that was simple enough to make, but more unique than tossing hay in hand-me-downs...

I am making the Other Mother from Coraline. First version, since one of the rules for the contest is that the scarecrows can't be too frightening. I finished her face a couple of days ago, and I've been working on her hair all day today. If things go well, I'll be ready to stuff and assemble it tomorrow.

And yes, I will take pictures when it's done.

Just wanted to share ^_^

Today my stepdad had to be taken to the hospital after he injured his back while trying to lift something heavy at work. He's never had any back problems before, so we were all pretty surprised. They've got him on painkillers now, and he should be alright to come home this evening, but he may be out of work for a while. I hope everything turns out alright and this doesn't become a more serious problem. Needless to say, I'm very worried.

Well, I've got a new job (at last!), and this has cut into my article writing a bit, but here's the latest! Remember, I get paid per click, so visit daily to help me out ^_^.

Once your gaming group is equipped with a battle grid of some sort, the next things you need are miniatures: tokens to represent characters and monsters on the board. Found objects – folded paper, small rocks, unused dice, board game tokens, etc. – work marvelously for this task, but don’t look particularly appealing in play. It can also be difficult to remember what each token represents, especially if the same token isn't consistently used as the same creature. At the other end of the spectrum, you could buy official miniatures, but at $10.99 for a pack of three (or more, for larger packs and pieces), official pieces can be a strain on your wallet. Unofficial miniatures work too, but again, they can be pricey (and don’t always fit on the board). Additionally, pre-made miniatures will never perfectly represent that amazingly unique character you've created, and you’re limited by what designs are available.

So why not make your own...

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE!

Other Articles:
Adventure tools: monster builder review
Integrating new players into an old game
Gaming gold: battle grids vs gaming paper vs dungeon tiles