ArsGeek

Where (computer based) D&D went wrong?

The Escapist is running an article titled I Want My D&D. Supposedly the author pens a treastie about the downfall of the CRPG (Computer Role Playing Game), but I find it more fitting as a critique of D&D in general - and I find it even extrapolates out well to the new 4E. It seems to me that the days of creating a well thought out and personalized character are gone for the most part. Especially with the advent of 4E, players are being shoehorned into roles they may or may not want to play.

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Tor.com launches, with a great new short story

The new Tor website launched today - they are the publishers of one of my favorite new authors, John Scalzi. Mr. Scalzi penned the great novel, Old Man's War and several sequels, all of which are a fun read. John has a way with dialog, and weaves a wonderful story. I highly recommend his work.

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Blogger posts from beyond the grave

The Guardian and the Army Times are both carrying stories on a blogger by the name of Andrew Olmstead. Andrew blogged for the last 5 years for a local newspaper, and had quite a following, as well as several blogging awards. Why is this story interesting? Andrew died in early January in Iraq, and had an [...]

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Installing an Ubuntu monitoring system with Cacti, Zenoss and Smokeping

I work for a major Fortune 1000 company, and recently had occasion to specify, purchase and install a network/systems monitoring server. I decided to go with Ubuntu 7.04 running on an HP DL360G5, using the Cacti, Zenoss and Smokeping FOSS software packages. Click the icon, share the link: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers [...]

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Cavtroop reviews Combat Mission:Shock Force

  Today, Arsgeek.com begins the first (of hopefully many!) game reviews. We choose games based on both our interests, and what we expect our readership to be interested in. Let us know if you find this review helpful, not helpful, or if there are other products out there you’d like us to review! We’ll begin with [...]

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Running Vista? Need shortcut keys?

Computer Productivity has the scoop on Windows Vista shortcut keys: Windows Vista is the next version of Microsoft Windows, an operating system for both home and business. As with its previous counterparts (Windows XP, Windows ME, Windows 98, Windows 95), developers of Vista have made available many shortcut keys to make our lives easier. We’ll take [...]

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Ziggurat Con 2007 followup

Spc. David Amberson, from Camp Adder/Tallil Airbase in Iraq, sends us the following correspondence on the the recent Ziggurat Con 2007, the worlds first (known) roleplaying convention held in a war-zone. I’m proud to say my gaming group put some stuff together, and sent it over for the troops use. Pictures of the event can [...]

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Jericho to make a return?

In looking at CNN.com, it looks like Jericho may be making a return: ‘Jericho’ fans assail CBS with 25 tons of peanuts - CNN.com CBS, deluged with calls, messages and shipments of nuts signifying viewer displeasure, is reconsidering its decision, a source close to the production said Tuesday. Click the icon, share the link: These icons link to [...]

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Tabletop RPG resource for GMs

I stumbled across Treasure Tables recently, and as time goes on, I find myself going back to the site again and again. I’m a budding GM, having just started my own Palladium Fantasy RPG, and the tips and insight on that site are proving valuable. Great job by the site owner, Martin Ralya! Click the icon, [...]

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First No Starch Press contest winner!

Congratulations go to Aaron, for submitting the following: “This is a cool site that does video reviews of games. Nice when you want a really in depth review with pictures.” Perusing the site, its a video review of off-the-shelf boardgames. Aaron wins for submitting the most unique link that fits within the Arsgeek theme! Congratulations (Did [...]

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