E04. The Game is afoot!

Rolling Into Fantasy

RIF - Episode E04

1) Tales from the Tome: YA Fantasy & SMUT

• Young Adult (YA)Fantasy
• Smut: sexual material: Related to 16th century verb “smudge” or “blacken” referring to something indecent or obscene
• 'Twisted' series by Anna Huang
• 'Haunted Adeline' by H.D. Carlton
• 'Icebreaker' by Hannah Grace
• 'A court of silver flames' (5th book) by Sarah J Maas

2) Lorebound: Dungeons & (Mother of) Dragons

• (Advanced) HeroQuest
• MTG
• DnD

D&D is a tabletop role-playing game where players create characters and embark on adventures guided by a Dungeon Master (DM), who narrates the story and controls the world. Players use dice to determine the outcomes of their actions, balancing strategy, creativity, and teamwork. The game emphasizes storytelling, character development, and collaboration.

• D&D was co-created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson and first published in 1974.
• Gygax, inspired by his love for wargames, imagined a game that combined storytelling with tactical combat.
• Arneson introduced the concept of role-playing individual characters rather than controlling entire armies.
• Together, they developed the first version of D&D, which allowed players to explore fantasy worlds, battle monsters, and create their own stories.

The game gained popularity through word of mouth, conventions, and its unique appeal to the imagination, eventually becoming a cornerstone of modern gaming culture. D&D's legacy is its profound influence on video games, fantasy literature, and pop culture at large.

Strong points of D&D:

• Creativity & Imagination: Players can create unique characters and stories, leading to limitless possibilities.
• Social Interaction: Encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and social bonding with friends.
• Flexibility: D&D can be adapted to different styles, from combat-heavy sessions to deep role-playing experiences.
• Legacy & Influence: As a pioneering RPG, it has a rich history and a large, supportive community with countless resources.

Drawbacks:

• Complexity: The rules and mechanics can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Time Commitment: Sessions can be lengthy, and campaigns may last months or even years.
• Dependence on Group Dynamics: The experience heavily relies on the group’s chemistry and commitment.

Overall, D&D is a rewarding but demanding hobby that offers deep, creative gameplay and a strong community.

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, D&D's legacy includes shaping modern RPGs, influencing popular culture, and fostering a global community of players and creators who value imagination and shared experiences.

3) Through the Palantir:

• The Making of Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1977 (June 18th, 2024)
• Quests from the Infinite Staircase (July 16th, 2024)
• D&D Direct to explore the future of D&D airs on 27/08/24
• New Player’s Handbook (September 17th, 2024)
• Prime new series 'Secret Level' based on games incl. D&D. (10/24)
• Worlds & Realms: Adventures from Greyhawk to Faerûn (October 29th, 2024)
• New Dungeon Master’s Guide (November 12th, 2024)
• New Monster Manual (February 18th, 2025)

Upcoming book reviews:

• Laurent: “Twelve Jackals”, by Moud Adel + "Godkiller" by Hannah Karer
• Marie-Noor: "Sister, Maiden, Monster" by Lucy A. Snyder

Links

• Prime 'Secret Level' new adult-animated anthology series - SECRET LEVEL is a new adult-animated anthology series featuring original stories set within the worlds of some of the most beloved video games. From the creative minds behind LOVE, DEATH + ROBOTS, each of the 15 episodes is a celebration of games and gamers. Games that inspired the 15 epic stories include Armored Core, Concord, Crossfire, Dungeons & Dragons, Exodus, Honor of Kings, Mega Man, New World: Aeternum, PAC-MAN, various PlayStation Studios games, Sifu, Spelunky, The Outer Worlds, Unreal Tournament and Warhammer 40,000. SECRET LEVEL, arrives on Prime Video December 10.
• The Making of Original D&D: 1970-1977
• Real Ones video podcast with Jon Bernthal - Deborah Ann Woll introduces Jon Bernthal to Dungeons & Dragons. She explains the game's basics, demonstrating character creation and a simple scenario. Woll discusses how D&D influences her acting and serves as a creative outlet. The conversation explores the game's impact on her life and career.
• D&D Direct - Official announcements of new products - -Future of D&D -Project Sigil -New 2024 Core Rulebook -New 2024 Player's / DM / Monster Manual Handbook
• Dungeons and Dragons - Official site by Wizards of the Coast
• DnD Beyond - Official resource site
• "Twisted Love" - Ana Huang
• "Haunting Adeline" - H. D. Carlton
• A Court of Silver Flames - Sarah J. Maas