Friends and fellow role-players, inspired by EnWorld.org's shift to "Diaglo's OD&D News," I'm pleased to announce that I'm also going to be making some changes as a Game Master.
Frustrated by the trend toward increasingly streamlined rules, the use of miniatures to help visualize combat, and readily available supplements? For my "Returned Realms" campaign this summer, I'll be mixing the first editions of Dungeons & Dragons, RoleMaster, Champions, Palladium, and MegaTraveller for that good old-fashioned feel, with none of the simplicity. The coin-toss method, combined with cue cards, will replace those tricky polyhedrals.
Tired of endless discussions of what to play, assorted one-shots, and low-powered characters earning their reputations? The "Returned Realms" will feature a series of modular, disconnected adventures designed to force decisions along a clear course to godhood. All characters will be pregenerated and assigned, and all other settings and genres will be folded into this game.
Does heroic storytelling get you down? The "Returned Realms" will emphasize independent action over teamwork, encourage hoarding of information and magic, and constantly change the rules of physics to challenge everyone. Why have one party when you can spend unlimited time on parallel solos?
On a related note, the play by e-mail and teleconferencing teams will revert to play by Postal Service games. I'll also be looking to switch from online gaming to the thrills and chills of going down to the arcade to spend my lunch money. In fact, all gaming should be out in public, where we can gain the acclaim of our peers.
If you're still with me on this, I've got a bridge to sell you, citizen. April Fool's! Seriously, though, I enjoyed last night's D&D3.5 "Vanished Lands: Holy Steel" teleconference, and I look forward to tonight's "Broken Chains" game, as well as upcoming City of Heroes virtual sessions, Byron V.O.'s visit in less than two weeks, and Dungeons & Dragons Fourth Edition! -Gene
>>Player Character Roster for D&D "Vanished Lands" Party A, Spring 1983
-"Namir Delmarin" [Gene D.]-male Hifalendorin (proto-Western European) human Fighter; LGn, Level 2 (died once already)
-"Krogath Golirsen" [John F.]-male Hill Dwarf Fighter; NGl, Lvl. 3
-"Bonner of Runneymeade" [Jon B.]-male Hifalendorin Ranger; NGc, Lvl. 4
-"Galen Sontil" [Ray C.]-male Hifalendorin Mage (Wizard); LNg, Lvl. 4
-"Dan Gamgee" [Damon F.P.]-male Harfoot Halfling Thief (Hobbit Rogue); CNg, Lvl. 1
-"Ivan Marblehammer" [Frank P.D.]-male Mountain Dwarf Fighter; LNg, Lvl. 2
-"Lark" [Peter D.]-Grey Elf Mage (Wizard); CGn, Lvl. 4
Gene's Worlds 
