By Ross Payton and Tom Church

Synopsis: Since the holidays are around the corner, we turn our attention to that most treasured aspect of gaming: loot. Whether it’s a shiny +5 vorpal longsword or a slightly used bionic arm, every player looks forward to getting more loot. But is that the point of gaming? After all, MMORPGs thrive on the grind of leveling up to get better loot, so should pen and paper games focus on the same? We discuss it, offer some advice and feature our regular shout outs, gaming anecdotes and a letter from Tom.

Shout outs: Urban Dead is a great zombie themed MMORPG you can play from any web browser. Also, Blood Dimmed Tides is a useful supplement for the old World of Darkness.

By Ross Payton and Tom Church

Synopsis: Sometimes a game just screws up because of trivial issues. Shopping for magic items, chasing red herrings, and arguing about guns. Why does this happen? How can it be fixed? We take a look at these quirks in gaming and provide a few solutions. Also, a letter from Tom and a few shout outs. We end with two gaming anecdotes, one from each of us. Find out who Ernie Hudson is and why every detail is important in sketching a map for a gun fight.

By Ross Payton and Tom Church

BONUS: The notes of the successful Hunter the Reckoning campaign mentioned this episode. If you like modern horror, there are numerous plot hooks and ideas to steal from these notes. Enjoy

Synopsis: Horror is a staple of role playing games, but actually making the game scary is harder than it seems. Between creating a suspenseful mood and dealing with players who don’t want to be scared, it is quite hard to make a scary game. However, we’ve done it in the past and we share some tips for those of you want to be terrified. Also, another letter from Tom and a gaming anecdote.

Shout out: DM Of the Rings is a funny web comic. Read it.