Helpful NPC ThomMay 7, 20223 minD&D 5e's Skills (Part 1): What's the DC for Open Heart Surgery?Hello, Helpful NPC Thom here, and I'm going to talk about how to make 5e's skill system work for you, but first let's talk about the DC...
Helpful NPC RyanMar 23, 20222 minAre Traps out of Touch?Helpful NPC Thom says: No, it's the children who are wrong. One of my friends was recently discussing Elden Ring with me (which I’ve not...
Helpful NPC ThomNov 3, 20216 minOn the Virtues of RailroadingChoo-choo! That's the Dragonlance module leaving the station. Prepare yourself for a one-way ride in the land of Krynn as you watch Tanis...
Helpful NPC ThomOct 18, 20216 minRespect My (GM) AuthoritahThis title blatantly stolen from a thread filled with contentious commentary on this issue. What are my thoughts on the matter (as it...
Helpful NPCsOct 13, 20217 minTen Things I Fate About You: Aspects and Codifying Best PracticesHelpful NPC Thom back again to talk about the Fate RPG. Today's topic: Aspects. It turns out that you, as an excellent GM, have been...
Helpful NPCsOct 9, 20212 minArguing About Hitpoints Three Thousand Years LaterI was there, Gandalf. I was present and accounted for during more than one of the pointless and boring bickerfests about what hit points...
Helpful NPC ThomAug 25, 20215 min"Failing Forward" For Dummies (That's You)Fightin' words, I know, and I'm ready to bring the hammer. Straight out of the gate: fail forward is a big dumb meme that half of all...
Helpful NPC ThomAug 21, 20218 minCall of Cthulhu Stinks For Running Call of CthulhuCall of Cthulhu isn't well-designed to support its own genre.