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"I'm Bored, Let's Get to the Action!"
Some time ago, a situation occurred in Helpful NPC Thomas’ Isle of Dread game. As my character conversed with a procession of NPCs, a...
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Blog of Many Words
Hear ye, hear ye! Welcome, fair traveler, to this blogspot, whereupon you shall be enlightened, ensorcelled, and endowed with great wisdom by heeding our counsel.
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Helpful NPCs
- Jan 8
- 1 min
WotC: D&D Fanbase Not Sufficiently Alienated To Generate Profit
According to a leaked memo, Wizards of the Coast executives expressed concern that D&D 5e is too consumer-friendly to be profitable. The...
10,605 views
Helpful NPCs
- Sep 17, 2022
- 3 min
5e: Making Skill Proficiency Better Without Changing a Single Number
A lot of people complain about skills in 5e because the benefits of being trained in a skill are miniscule. A meager +2 bonus at first...
85 views
Helpful NPCs
- Aug 3, 2022
- 3 min
Dungeons & Dividends (Or, D&D's Monetization Problem)
D&D has a monetization problem. Recently, while running a D&D game at a Friendly Local Gaming Store, a gentleman approached the Helpful...
205 views
Helpful NPC Ryan
- Apr 4, 2022
- 1 min
Magic Item Alert: Ease your burdens with this humble construct
Some of our favorite magical items are not the ones that slay dragons. We love the simple stuff that gives parties flavor and utility. ...
39 views
Helpful NPC Ryan
- Mar 23, 2022
- 2 min
Are 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...
31 views
Helpful NPCs
- Mar 7, 2022
- 1 min
5e Sidekick Class: The Camp Master
Hello, fine friends of the Helpful NPCs! We have something exciting to share with you: a new sidekick class for the fifth edition of the...
35 views
Helpful NPCs
- Mar 4, 2022
- 1 min
Chapter 6, Episode 3: Roleplaying Alignment
How should players approach alignment in D&D? With fear and trembling and consideration of the rest of the table. No classes have an...
14 views
Helpful NPCs
- Mar 2, 2022
- 1 min
Chapter 6, Episode 2: DMing Alignment Without Killing Your Game
Nothing kills a game faster than bad DMing, and alignment is ground whereupon a DM must needs tread carefully. As most DMs handle...
11 views
Helpful NPCs
- Feb 28, 2022
- 1 min
Chapter 6, Episode 1: The Malignment of Alignment
Take a listen to the fresh beats of the Helpful NPCs crew as they tackle the controversial system of alignment. It has been (rightly and...
10 views
Helpful NPCs
- Nov 29, 2021
- 1 min
Chapter 5, Episode 2: Loot and Plunder
Following up the previous topic of frittering away your gold, the Helpful NPCs crew discuss treasure management within D&D. You're going...
9 views
Helpful NPCs
- Oct 4, 2021
- 1 min
What To Play When You're Bored of D&D
Spoilers: It's Savage Worlds. Sometimes D&D can get a bit samey and you need a break from d20s, hit points, and saving throws. The...
13 views
Helpful NPC Thom
- Aug 21, 2021
- 8 min
Call of Cthulhu Stinks For Running Call of Cthulhu
Call of Cthulhu isn't well-designed to support its own genre.
41 views
Helpful NPCs
- Jul 30, 2021
- 1 min
Chapter 1, Episode 3: Your First RPG Character
After listening to Chapter 1, Episode 2, you're mentally prepared for your first RPG session. Now you have to get a character ready for...
8 views
Helpful NPCs
- Jul 28, 2021
- 1 min
Chapter 1, Episode 2: Your First RPG Session
You're interested in RPGs and are ready to start a game. What's there to expect? What wonders await you? Herein the gang discuss what you...
14 views
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