Adventure design...

[SHARK]

Awesome list Shark! Many times non-gaming materials are the way to go.

Greetings!

Thanks very much, my friend! Indeed, this modest list of books are a portion of my personal library. I own and have read all of the books listed. I used more than a few of them for numerous academic classes that I completed at California State University, Long Beach, in the process of gaining degrees in Ancient & Medieval History, and a sub-specialty in Asian History, as well as a Bachelor's Certificate in Medieval Studies.

All of these books are professional, top-notch academic books, peer-reviewed and all that good stuff. I should also note, of some interest, that a decent selection of the books from the list also includes many *primary* sources. Without boring other good readers here, suffice to say that academics and knowledgeable history buffs understand and appreciate the distinctions between *Primary*, *Secondary* and *Tertiary* sources..all of which, in university-level academics and professional publishing, possess a sort of quality of source rank structure, and have distinct properties involved in evaluating the particular subject material, which in turn provides a basis and foundation for what kind of reasonably considered and supported conclusions and arguments a person can make about whatever the topic in question is.

Anyways...lots of neat stuff here. As noted, I had to read all of these books for research and academic classes--which I was usually overjoyed to do, naturally--and along the journey, I am glad to report, there is a wealth of just mind-boggling great stuff for D&D campaigns, which I of course have taken due note of, and diligently incorporated into my own campaigns. I can assure anyone here that your purchase of any of these books is money well-spent, and time well-invested.

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

 

[KJSEvans]

I personally have both Toolboxes, some of the Legends & Lore books (particularly the Traps & Treachery books), and all of Gary's Builder books from TLG.

However I find that I have to remind myself to look at them. Mostly the resource I rely on the most is the inspiration I get from other gamers. For instance, reading about the Tomb of Horrors on this forum has really gotten my creative itch going.

Just talking with friends, who say "wouldn't it be cool if..." is really a great way to get some ideas. Hearing old stories about AD&D campaigns and the sorts of things that used to happen in them... or even reading KODT - hell, especially reading KODT. The strips alone are all the inspiration most adventure writers will ever need...

 

[SHARK]

I personally have both Toolboxes, some of the Legends & Lore books (particularly the Traps & Treachery books), and all of Gary's Builder books from TLG.

However I find that I have to remind myself to look at them. Mostly the resource I rely on the most is the inspiration I get from other gamers. For instance, reading about the Tomb of Horrors on this forum has really gotten my creative itch going.

Just talking with friends, who say "wouldn't it be cool if..." is really a great way to get some ideas. Hearing old stories about AD&D campaigns and the sorts of things that used to happen in them... or even reading KODT - hell, especially reading KODT. The strips alone are all the inspiration most adventure writers will ever need...

Greetings!

I love Gary's Builder Books from Troll Lord Games! i agree, those books are real treasures. I use them a lot. It's really handy that they provide all sorts of common, yet somewhat obscure, knowledge. Stuff that is easily forgotten, overlooked, or otherwise presumed, and yet not fully appreciated until such knowledge is actually examined, and looked at carefully. Great books from Gary!

Your other points are well-noted, as well, KJSEvens! Other game materials, adventures, and listening to other DM's and players relate stories and discuss ideas are also an excellent source.

Hell, I'm *still* inspired by crazy ideas and discussions I used to have with my very first DM, who was also my best friend and the person that got me into AD&D way back in the day! My best friend's campaign that I played in for years--from gradeschool all the way through high-school, and sometime beyond, is still a source of amusement, fun, and inspiration for me. Good DM's and players can both be fantastic and rich sources of ideas for the campaign!

Semper Fidelis,

SHARK

 

[the Jester]

I don't remember if I have the Campaign or Catacombs books. If I do, I have them boxed up out in the garage. What, in particular, makes them favorites to you, Jester?

It's a single book- one of the 2e blue softcover DM books.

Hmm, at a quick glance at my shelf I can't find it, but I had it out not too long ago...

The thing about it is, basically, it's an awesome mass of dming advice. It discusses both dungeon and non-dungeon environments and is almost all fluff and advice. Much like Creative Campaigning and the Complete Book of Villains, it is full of awesome advice on how to weave a compelling campaign. If I can turn it up, I'll be more specific; I haven't actually read it in years.