DRAGON ROOTS Magazine fact page

Be Thee For Law or Chaos? top
Using Alignment in Dungeon & Dragons
By Daniel J. Bishop

(Excerpt)
There may be nothing in the Dungeons & Dragons game that causes more arguments than alignment. When discussions turn to house rules and sacred cows, alignment is nearly always among the first things on the chopping block. For some vocal players, alignment gets in the way of role-playing.

I find this attitude unfortunate. Alignment can be a tool to bring depth to your characters and campaign environment. This article is an attempt to show you how. You should be advised that some of the advice in this article goes against the basic philosophy of the current edition of the game.


What's your Story? top
Socially expected backgrounds with flare for your new campaign
By C.E.Rocco

(Excerpt)
From the dawn of time to present day, man has been judged on social standing. From the time of your birth your social standing speaks volumes about not only who your parents are, but who you are as well. Society is always comprised of a social structure and your place in it matters. Social standings, like life, are not fair. It is usually better to be born into the wealth and prestige of the upper class than in the slums of the city like the lower class. Sometimes, however, the social trappings of the upper class leave one open to a less than desirable living, mainly because of politics.

Many times a DM asks for a character background for the PCs, but usually this amounts to a short, sometimes very short, paragraph and nothing is ever heard about this again. Presented are rules for creating more in-depth character backgrounds that can be expanded in the future. This article can be used in conjunction with the Zero to Hero Campaign Arc presented in the back of this magazine or your own homebrew campaign.

Zero to Hero Campaign Arc top
A Day at the Fair
By C.E.Rocco

(Excerpt)
Every hero comes from humble beginnings. Every hero has a mother, father and sometimes siblings. Every hero did not start out working as a hero. Most heroes had jobs, skills and professions that occupied much of their life before they ever dreamt of picking up a sword or casting a spell.

"A Day at the Fair" is the first chapter of the Zero to Hero Campaign Arc, a complete campaign consisting of a yet to be determined number of adventures printed in Dragon Roots. We have at least 15 adventures planned so far, ranging in levels from 0-26. Depending on the success of the magazine and the response of the players, we may alter this number to go further into the epic levels. Also see additional articles in this magazine to help aid you in running this and future adventures in the Campaign Arc.

The PCs should be an unprecedented 0th level for this adventure and by the time they reach the end of their training, they should reach 1st level. See the article "What's Your Story" in this magazine to learn how to make a 0th level character for this adventure.

Go forth brave adventurers. Delve into the depths of unparallel danger and excitement. Gone is the conception of a level appropriate adventure and never having to worry about encounters being too tough. If you are foolish or fool hardy, death will be a constant. Keep your wits about you, measured with a touch of common sense, and you will survive to be rewarded like never before. If you don't want a challenge, then don't play this Campaign Arc that is guaranteed to put the Dragon back in the Dungeon where it belongs.

We are bringing back the feel and fear of AD&D within the confines of 3.5. Not everything will kill you with a look. However, don't go mouthing off to that stranger on the street. He may be an epic level sorcerer out for a stroll. Don't insult that silver haired elf. She could be a polymorphed silver dragon with a bad temperament and a disposition for tasty treats. Stock up on 10' poles and practice your courtesy, adventure awaits.


Plus, a 4th edition Q&A with Andy Collins and Scott Rouse and our feature article Working your Way Up To First Level (revisited)​