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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Gaming Tonic" data-source="post: 5753803" data-attributes="member: 6679316">[align=right]http://wizards.com/dnd/images/20111214_hillgiant.jpg[/align]Lots of big news and big adventures are front and center this week.  If you like giants than it is a good week for you. The Book of Vile Darkness has arrived just in time for the holidays as well.  Never thought I would say that, on with the news.<ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Unfortunate news appears to be the big story from Wizards of the Coast this week with the announced lay-offs of Rich Baker and Steve Winter.  Readers have a lot to say about this and you can read all about it <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/news/315187-wizards-coasts-annual-xmas-layoffs.html" target="_blank">here</a>.  I wish both Rich and Steve the best in all they do and thanks for all the great gaming memories.  [*]<a href="http://wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ro3/20111219" target="_blank">Rule of Three</a> by Rich Baker answers your questions about the balance of resources across the classes in 4E, playtesting, and how R&D decides on whether something is "balanced" or not.  You may be surprised by the answers. [*]Dungeon 197 delivers <a href="http://wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/dun/201112hillgiant" target="_blank">Steading of the Hill Giant Chief</a> by Christopher Perkins is the first part in an update for 4E the classic Gary Gygax adventure.  This first adventure in a four part series is much anticipated and 4E D&D is perfect for finally making giants feel massive.  The push mechanic allows PC's to actually get swatted around.  Check out what gamers at EN World.com are saying <a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/d-d-4th-edition-discussion/315159-steading-hill-giant-chief.html" target="_blank">here</a>. [*]Tracy Hurley shows you a <a href="http://wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4news/20111216" target="_blank">Festival of Lights</a>, a look at holiday themes in your game and a massive amount of links, advice, and insight.  Sarah DarkMagic, err, Tracy has great ideas and I have long been a fan.  There is something in this piece for all gamers and I love collection pieces like this. [*]Jared von Hindman brings you <a href="http://wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4dnd/20111216" target="_blank">Tiers for Fears</a> in D&D Outsider Archive.  This is a hilarious look at the adventuring tiers with Billiam, a hybrid fighter/ranger.  This is a different perspective than your typical article and I found it hilarious and entertaining.  [*]<a href="http://wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ll/20111213" target="_blank">Maintaining the Machine</a> in Legends & Lore by Monte Cook takes a look at the DM and how they should be allowed to be the rules arbiter.  Monte cooperative story-telling game was the phrase you were searching for.  Answer the poll questions if you like to have input on your hobby. [*]Christopher Perkins has <a href="http://wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/drdd/20111214" target="_blank">Big Shoes To Fill</a> in Design & Development.  A behind the scenes look at the remake of the G series of classic modules and the design work that went into remaking Gary Gygax's adventures.  Unless the person who did your job before you was a legend you have it easier than Chris did. [*]<a href="http://wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/dufe/20111216" target="_blank">Ecology of the Satyr of Night</a> by Rodney Thompson in Dungeon 197 brings you the dark opposite of the normal satyr.  These are paragon level baddies and a full history and set-up for use in your campaign is included.  Perhaps those hooves you hear up on the roof don't belong to reindeer.  [*]<a href="http://wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4dmxp/20111215" target="_blank">My Campaign Has Issues</a> by Chris Perkins in The Dungeon Master Experience examines how he uses real-life issues in his game and how you can as well.  This article also takes a look at how not to choke your players with too much of this sort of thing and how to find the balance in your game.   [*]Dungeon 197 has delivered <a href="http://wizards.com/dnd/downloads/dungeon/197/dnd_dufe_abyssalplagueepic.pdf" target="_blank">Creature Incarnations: Abyssal Plague Epic Threats</a> by Michael E. Shea expands the baddies for your group at the epic level.  That is right I said "EPIC LEVEL".   Michael also provides some great tips for running an Abyssal Plague campaign at any level.  Lots of new baddies your players haven't memorized yet. [*]Ed Greenwood keeps his Eye on the Realms in <a href="http://wizards.com/dnd/downloads/dragon/406/406_EotR_Xraunrarr_Shall_Triumph.pdf" target="_blank">Xraunrarr Shall Triumph</a> in Dragon 406.  Another piece that is aimed at heroic tier support and includes an epic magic item that is so cool that they must have been reading our minds to create it.  If you like Forgotten Realms, beholders, and cults, than this is the article for you. [*]<a href="http://wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4alum/20111213" target="_blank">D&D Alumni: Winter is Upon Us!</a> by Bart Carroll takes a look back at some classic books such as the Monster Manual II and Fiend Folio and the creatures that contained that helped the winter blues.  More about Against the Giants is tied into the article.  We also hear a bit more about the Book of Vile Darkness.  I got my copy last week and really love the separate player and DM books. [*]Check out the <a href="http://wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4art/20111219" target="_blank">Book of Vile Darkness Art</a> gathered for your convenience here.   I really like some of the interior artwork of the book and it inspires me to get a little evil in my games.  [*]Stephen Radney-McFarland gives you his <a href="http://wizards.com/dnd/files/197_Save_My_Game.pdf" target="_blank">Parting Shot</a>, in his last column for Save My Game.  I have really enjoyed this column and Stephen's passion for the game is obvious.  This column sums it all up.  Good luck in whatever projects are next for you Stephen.</li> </ul></blockquote>

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