Sheets and Screens and Minis, Oh My! (Tome 249)

An interesting installment from Jeff this time--basically, an old School Product review which I have not heard him do since the early 4E days. Tracy was not there which also significantly impacted the discussion. Here is the blurb:

In this episode, Jeff is joined by Jon Green and Allison Rossi to talk about gaming accessories for your RPG. They discuss three new-ish accessories; the DM Screen produced by Wizards of the Coast for Dungeons & Dragons, the new line of minis produced by Wizkids, and a character and campaign tracking app called Sheet Yourself.

I really enjoyed their discussion of the DM Screen. The 5E screen is VERY different from previous screens.

The strength of the cover art was covered well, but I do not think the review celebrated the glory of the interior art--I really love that the DM gets pretty pictures for the first time!

The mini conversation was mostly around the Dragons--which are great--but the new character icon's are very fantastic:

The discussion around Sheet Yourself was largely a waste of time--I will never use this...basically it just shows the continued frustration of the community. 

We need Digital Tools. We need an Online Character Builder. We need Online Character sheets. We need these when the edition is released not at some future GENCON.

Round Table 72 - Waterborne Adventures

Currently my favorite D&D Podcast has another new episode out--here is the blurb:

James Introcaso sits down with Joe Lastowski, Topher Kohan, and Sam Dillon to talk about the Unearthed Arcana Waterborne Adventures article. This podcast was recorded May 24, 2015.Please rate and review us on iTunes, it helps a boat load!Links:The Tome Show on FacebookThe Tome Show on Twitchworldbuilderblog.meModern Myths Game StoreActs of Geekrpgmusings.comTopher on Google+Topher on FacebookTitan Games and Comics

The discussion of the Unearthed Arcana  Series in general is worth the listen. The Underwater stuff is great, particularly the Minotaur conversation. Another great episode--I also think Sam, who I hear a lot on other casts, does really well in the kind of informal format of Round Table--it allows him more room to really get into what he likes. Topher is always great & I look foreword to hearing more from Joe.

Seriously, if you are playing D&D Right now, I strongly recommend you listen to Round Table to stay current with what is going on in the community.

PODCAST LEGENDS AND SCOUTS D&D Podcasts

Another great episode that reviews the work of Gary Astleford in creating a D&D Badge.

here is the blurb:

Sword Coast Legends
We first talk with Tim Schwalk at n-Space, and then Gary Astleford leads us through earning a Girl Scout badge for tabletop RPGs! Set in the vibrant world of the Forgotten Realms, Sword Coast Legends offers an all-new way to enjoy the time-tested magic of playing Dungeons & Dragons as a shared storytelling experience.Check out the Sword Coast Legends website for more details.

Dungeon Scouts
In addition to being a writer and designer, Gary Astleford is also a Girl Scout troop leader in Southern California. He’s currently in the process of organizing a badge workshop for tabletop RPGs, where scouts learn the basics of D&D 5th edition, create a character, and of course participate in an adventure.You can find out more about Gary Astleford on his website, dungeonscouts.com.

As always, I was not that interested in the Sword Coast Legends Video game stuff, but the talk about D&D and Girl Scouts was awesome--the website has all of the required material to run the event & I have a strong feeling we will see this really start to grow. Gary has done a great thing & was a fantastic interview! 

Belwar Crystalfist

Elemental Evil--D&D Encounters S20 S12