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  1. Ralif Redhammer

    What are you reading in 2025?

    I was in my 30s when I first discovered it and Hardwired. I've re-read Hardwired multiple times since, but this was my first re-read of Voice of the Whirlwind.
  2. Ralif Redhammer

    Geek Confessional Thread 2024 [NOW 2025!]

    Gotcha. I think I've watched exactly one episode of Hazbin Hotel.
  3. Ralif Redhammer

    TSR On the Relative Merits of the TSR Editions

    We used it back in the day as well. Were I to revisit 2e, I'm not sure I would, though. Yes, it adds depth to the game, but I'm not sure it provides enough value to justify the additional layer to initiative.
  4. Ralif Redhammer

    Geek Confessional Thread 2024 [NOW 2025!]

    While there have been some notable series that have been "rescued," I feel like those are in the minority. But one can always hope. Arguably, not taking chances and gambles is part of what is deadening modern media, leading us to formulaic storytelling, to so many premature cancellations.
  5. Ralif Redhammer

    Geek Confessional Thread 2024 [NOW 2025!]

    Oh definitely. Some stories take time. But it's a huge gamble in today's streaming environment. I never expected the Wheel of Time series to make it to the end, for example.
  6. Ralif Redhammer

    What are you reading in 2025?

    Wintersmith is an exceptional book. The Aching series sneaks in just as much depth and insightful commentary on human existence as the main Discworld series. Warhammer Fantasy fiction, while not uniformly great, generally set a higher bar than D&D fiction.
  7. Ralif Redhammer

    Geek Confessional Thread 2024 [NOW 2025!]

    As much as I loved Alien: Earth, it took a huge gamble on getting a second season with its storytelling. Heck, I recently re-watched the first season of Stranger Things and, had it been all there was, the narrative would've worked as a coherent single story.
  8. Ralif Redhammer

    D&D 5E (2024) Ditching the Treasure Treadmill

    Those weird utility items are always way more interesting than a flat plus item. Having to go find a wizard and negotiate, risking the shady dealer, these are both potentially way more interesting than walking into a store and picking the exact magic item you want off of a shelf.
  9. Ralif Redhammer

    D&D 5E (2024) Ditching the Treasure Treadmill

    Magic item shops can server as means to give PCs something to spend their gold on, bur I positively hate those. To my mind, a magic item you buy from a store will never be as exciting and, well, magical as one you earn through daring deeds or craft yourself. Also, it makes no sense in the...
  10. Ralif Redhammer

    TSR On the Relative Merits of the TSR Editions

    As much as I love 1e, it doesn't always make running it easy. 2e mechanics still live rent-free in my head. Before 5e came along, it was the edition I played the most and the longest. If I had to pick up an edition to run with the least amount of prep, it would be 2e or Basic.
  11. Ralif Redhammer

    TSR On the Relative Merits of the TSR Editions

    My first 1e character was an Assassin. I played some Thieves, but they were a class that really took a lot of leveling for their abilities to be viable until 2e's kits came along.
  12. Ralif Redhammer

    TSR On the Relative Merits of the TSR Editions

    Whoops, temporary brain jam-up there! Thanks for correcting.
  13. Ralif Redhammer

    You're Top-10 Movies/Shows based on Games

    True, there's no easy way outside of turn-based-combat, to do what speedware does in the TTRPG in an action RPG.
  14. Ralif Redhammer

    You're Top-10 Movies/Shows based on Games

    Technically, it counts as both, since a huge part of Cyberpunk Edgerunners' DNA comes from 2077. And also got everyone thinking that the Sandevistan stopped time. Sigh...
  15. Ralif Redhammer

    TSR On the Relative Merits of the TSR Editions

    I think my highest legit AD&D character made it to 14th level or so. But my highest level character was a 30th+ level Magic-User from BECMI. I still have his character sheet, too. I was 9 or 10 and there's no way that was on the level. The Complete Book of Thieves was probably my favorite of...
  16. Ralif Redhammer

    TSR On the Relative Merits of the TSR Editions

    No arguments on that from me, either! In all the years I've run D&D, I can say that my enjoyment has often slid in direct proportion to how far past 10th level the PCs have gotten.
  17. Ralif Redhammer

    TSR On the Relative Merits of the TSR Editions

    I think the case could be made that every time D&D has tried to go above 20th level, it's had diminishing returns.
  18. Ralif Redhammer

    What are you reading in 2025?

    Heh, yeah, even then Morris was evoking the past. Lord Dunsany is so good in my book. Eminently readable, painting fantastical views with a most magical brush. George MacDonald is hit or miss for me. I didn't care for Phantastes (though I do keep meaning to give it another read), but "The Day...
  19. Ralif Redhammer

    TSR On the Relative Merits of the TSR Editions

    At this point, you could sell me on playing just about any TSR edition of D&D. To my mind, they all have their charms. OD&D - I never really encountered it until the deluxe reprint boxed set came out some years ago). Even it is fun to play in an ultra-retro, rough and free-wheeling fashion...
  20. Ralif Redhammer

    You're Top-10 Movies/Shows based on Games

    Hmm, in no particular order: Cyberpunk: Edgerunners D&D (original cartoon) D&D (Honor Among Thieves) Silent Hill The Last of Us Fallout The Gamers series Record of Lodoss War Rocky is a great movie. Everyone remembers Gonna Fly Now playing as Rocky triumphantly runs up the steps, but they...
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