Category Archives: D&D Next

The Future of Non-Ownership Is Now

Posted on November 15, 2012 by

Between the time I graduated high school in 1994 and completed graduate school in 2005, the concept of ownership drastically transformed into something else. Now in 2012, I not only cling to fond stories of obsolete technologies from my youth, but also a seemingly ancient … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, D&D Next | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Ego Check: Mike Mearls, Senior Manager of Dungeons & Dragons Research and Design Team

Posted on August 15, 2012 by

Several months ago, I posted an interview with Monte Cook, which was the result of an effort that started in January to interview a member of the Dungeons & Dragons Next Design Team. After Mr. Cook left the project, I … Continue reading →

Posted in D&D Next, Ego Check | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

The Transparency of Damage Dice Irrelevance

Posted on July 16, 2012 by

Frequent readers of The Id DM likely know the site started as a result of my interest in analyzing data related to combat speed in Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition. To satisfy that curiosity, I coded episodes of the Dungeons … Continue reading →

Posted in D&D Next, DM Advice, Wizards of the Coast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 46 Comments

Combat Speed in D&D Next

Posted on July 2, 2012 by

Over the weekend, I was finally able to play Dungeons & Dragons Next. Our group had first playtested the game over a month ago, but I had to miss that session. I jumped into the fray as Professor Giroux, High Elf … Continue reading →

Posted in D&D Next, Research | Tagged , , , , , | 22 Comments

Dungeon Mastering: Theory & Practice

Posted on April 24, 2012 by

Several moons ago, I posed the following question on Twitter, “What is your biggest flaw as a DM?” I also asked, “What is your biggest strength as a DM?” It should come as little surprise that more DMs responded to … Continue reading →

Posted in D&D Next, DM Advice, Research | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

The Complexity of Creating Compelling Campaign Conclusions

Posted on April 17, 2012 by

With the announcement of D&D Next, many gaming groups are likely now in the process of forming an exit strategy for their 4th Edition campaigns. It is first worth noting that most D&D campaign do not reach a conclusion. Even DM Extraordinaire, … Continue reading →

Posted in D&D Next, DM Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Disposable Heroes: What Does Save Or Die Really Kill?

Posted on March 23, 2012 by

Earlier this month, a spotlight was shone on the save or die game mechanic by members of the development team for Dungeons & Dragons Next. The vast majority of my experience with D&D is through 4th Edition, which is built with less lethality … Continue reading →

Posted in D&D Next, PC Behavior, Research, Wizards of the Coast | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Transtheoretical Model: Are You Ready For D&D Next?

Posted on January 19, 2012 by

Am I ready for a new edition of Dungeons & Dragons? It is an interesting question because – at the moment – I am very content with the 4th Edition campaigns I am either running or playing. I’ve been playing 4e … Continue reading →

Posted in D&D Next, PC Behavior, Wizards of the Coast | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

Diffusion of Responsibility & Open Playtesting

Posted on January 17, 2012 by

I am convinced the concept of diffusion of responsibility saved my life. About 10 years ago, I was swimming in the Gulf of Mexico with my later-to-be wife while on a cruise. I am a notoriously bad swimmer but in … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, D&D Next | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Let The Speculation Begin!

Posted on January 12, 2012 by

I was once again fortunate to be invited on a podcast this week, but this time it was to discuss the next edition of Dungeons & Dragons on Dice Monkey Radio. To begin, if by some chance you are learning on … Continue reading →

Posted in D&D Next, Podcast | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments