Tag Archives: Psychology

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

First Steps Into a Larger World

Posted on March 10, 2012 by

Exactly one year ago today, I published the first post on my blog with a brief introduction about me and my plans for the site. For those that are new to The Id DM, the following post serves as a … Continue reading →

Posted in Gratitude, Introduction | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

Critically Hit by Mike Shea

Posted on January 23, 2012 by

I had the pleasure of talking about Dungeons & Dragons and several psychological components of roleplaying games with Mike Shea for the Critical Hits Podcast. You may know Mike Shea from his popular blog, Sly Flourish. Long-time readers of this … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, DM Advice, PC Behavior, Podcast, Research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 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

I Am The Entertainer, And I Know Just Where I Stand

Posted on December 15, 2011 by

The players are at the table to win. The DM is at the table to entertain. The statements above seems stark and cold, but – for me – it rings more true than false. I have often wondered about the role … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, DM Advice | Tagged , , , , , | 47 Comments

I’m A Bad DM. Now What?

Posted on May 27, 2011 by

A question was raised this week by Randall Walker that led me to reflect back to my time as a career counselor, “What happens when I suck at being a DM?” The question is intriguing to me for many reasons, … Continue reading →

Posted in DM Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Stages of Group Development

Posted on April 18, 2011 by

The topic of group development and dynamics has been at the forefront of my mind during the past week for two reasons. First, the group I DM has undergone some challenges this year. Two players had to drop out entirely because of … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, DM Advice, PC Behavior | Tagged , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Build A Better Arena

Posted on March 25, 2011 by

Strip away the rules and combat mechanics. Take away the character-build and monster-creation options. Stop rolling dice and moving miniatures around the table. Now, look around . . . What remains is you – the DM – sitting down with a … Continue reading →

Posted in Communication, DM Advice, PC Behavior | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments