Taking advanatage of knowing the author

[Crothian]

In my new campaign I'm slowly working on I've decided to go the way of the alternate books of the authors I know. I don't game with any of these guys, but I've spoke to them at cons and in e-mail and they said if I ever have any questions I can feel free to e-mail them to get their opinion. So, I'm going to be doing this.

Anyone else do this? E-mail authors with questions and use the books written by the guys and gals that you know will take the time to answer your questions? Obviously, this is easier for those of you who actually game with them. Alas, I must stick with simple way of e-mail.

 

[Voadam]

I've corresponded with some authors on d20 books when writing reviews. It is nice to be able to discuss things with authors directly and get a new perspective on why things are the way they are, but I wouldn't limit myself to products by individuals who I have corresponded with.

 

[JoeBlank]

I used and abused P-Kitty when I ran Of Sound Mind. He went above and beyond the call, and was more helpful than I ever imagined.

Otherwise, I have asked a few questions of folks here at EN World, but more in the phase of deciding whether to purchase and use the book.

 

[Ashy]

Teneb emails me from time to time about Oathbound stuff, but I don't mind at all! Kinda cool, actually...

 

[der_kluge]

Daezarkian (his real name escapes me) - the author of Black Ice Well, and Hellstone Deep (MonkeyGod Games) and I have had numerous conversations about my campaign world over at their official forums at Mortality.net. He's been a great help to my ideas.

Also, I worked on Bluffside, so I know all the writers, so we've discussed at length all the details and mysteries behind that city. So, all these questions people ask about the Barrocks, and the obsidian tower - we know the answers.

And one of my players in my upcoming game has my Artificer's Handbook, and has had numerous questions about the mithral armor and masterwork rules, and a few other rules about the costs of magic items. I gave them a limit on the GP for magic items they wanted (my game will be starting at 9th), and he's been busy trying to min/max some items.

 

[Psion]

I'm starting a second world campaign. I haven't had occasion to need any extra input, but I imagine I'd pester 2WS Steve if I felt the need.

But I guess in general I've become such a willful DM I generally make my own rulings on most things. The most I might generally ask is "what do you mean by this?" sorts of questions.

I ask about upcoming products alot, though.

 

[Wombat]

My problem here is that all the folks I correspond with in the gaming world work on material for Ars Magica -- not quite so helpful on this forum, but very fun!

 

[Sanackranib]

I have and I do. as a DM you should use all available resources. and whats better then tapping the source.