We're back with Sarah Babe of Encounter Party and gamer about town Brad Davies to review the new quickstart rules from Critical Role, Candela Obscura!

We're back with Sarah Babe of Encounter Party and gamer about town Brad Davies to review the new quickstart rules from Critical Role, Candela Obscura!

Candela Obscura Review Ep- 252

It's a celebration today as we recognize the graduation of Scott Bruner, Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin! We also discuss sages! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)

It's a celebration today as we recognize the graduation of Scott Bruner, Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin! We also discuss sages! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (<a href="https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)</a>

Reading the DMG Aloud 30 Ep 251

We talk about the D&amp;D movie a mere two months after it came out, and then march on with our merciless read-aloud of the 1st edition Dungeon Master's Guide.  Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)

We talk about the D&amp;D movie a mere two months after it came out, and then march on with our merciless read-aloud of the 1st edition Dungeon Master's Guide.  Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (<a href="https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)</a>

Reading the DMG Aloud 29 Ep 250

We continue our unrelenting and merciless recitation of the 1st edition Dungeon Master's Guide. This week! Gem cutters and heavy cavalry! Oh my! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)

We continue our unrelenting and merciless recitation of the 1st edition Dungeon Master's Guide. This week! Gem cutters and heavy cavalry! Oh my! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (<a href="https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)</a>

Reading the DMG Aloud 28 Ep 249

Hobilar? Hobilar? What the heck is a hobilar?   Harken and enjoy the 1st edition DMG's rules for expert NPCs as read and commented on by RPG historian Ben Riggs and RPG academic Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)

Hobilar? Hobilar? What the heck is a hobilar?  Harken and enjoy the 1st edition DMG's rules for expert NPCs as read and commented on by RPG historian Ben Riggs and RPG academic Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (<a href="https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)</a>

Reading the DMG Aloud 27 Ep 248

Haberdashers! Teamsters! And more! Oh my! Harken and enjoy the 1st edition DMG's rules for expert NPCs as read and commented on by RPG historian Ben Riggs and RPG academic Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA) Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

Haberdashers! Teamsters! And more! Oh my! Harken and enjoy the 1st edition DMG's rules for expert NPCs as read and commented on by RPG historian Ben Riggs and RPG academic Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (<a href="https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)</a> Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>!

Reading the DMG Aloud 26 Ep 247

We're back! Hear Ben &amp; Scott talk over the equipment list in the 1st edition Dungeon Masters Guide!  Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA) Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

We're back! Hear Ben &amp; Scott talk over the equipment list in the 1st edition Dungeon Masters Guide! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (<a href="https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA)</a> Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>!

Reading the DMG Aloud 25 Ep 246 ver 2.0

Craig Campbell

Peter Petrusha

Hear friends of the show Craig Campbell (Good Strong Hands) and Peter Petrusha (Rest in Pieces) talk about their experience being nominated for ENnies this year! Vote for the pair of them here! At last! Ben's book on D&amp;D history, Slaying the Dragon, is available for sale here!

Hear friends of the show Craig Campbell (<a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/347465/Good-Strong-Hands" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Good Strong Hands</a>) and Peter Petrusha (<a href="https://www.imagininggames.com/rest-in-pieces-1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Rest in Pieces</a>) talk about their experience being nominated for ENnies this year! Vote for the pair of them <a href="https://vote.ennie-awards.com/vote/2022/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here!</a> At last! Ben's book on D&amp;D history, Slaying the Dragon, is available for sale <a href="https://read.macmillan.com/lp/slaying-the-dragon/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here!</a>

ENnie Nominees Peter Petrusha & Craig Campbell Ep 245

Hear about armor and Armor Class in the 1st edition DMG with Ben Riggs and Scott Bruner!  Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA) Preorder Ben’s book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&amp;D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It’s just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

Hear about armor and Armor Class in the 1st edition DMG with Ben Riggs and Scott Bruner! Join us on Discord! It’s booming over there! (<a href="https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA</a>) Preorder Ben’s book on TSR history by clicking <a href="https://read.macmillan.com/lp/slaying-the-dragon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here,</a> and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&amp;D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It’s just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! Already preordered the book? Click <a href="https://read.macmillan.com/promo/smpslayingthedragonpreorder/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>!

Reading the DMG Aloud 24 Ep 244

Today, we start with the value and uses of gems and stones. Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA) Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking here, and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&amp;D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! Already preordered the book? Click here to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon!

Today, we start with the value and uses of gems and stones. Join us on Discord! It's booming over there! (<a href="https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/95nH7AdnyA</a>) Preorder Ben's book on TSR history by clicking <a href="https://read.macmillan.com/lp/slaying-the-dragon/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here,</a> and you will receive FOR FREE a bookplate featuring art by D&amp;D icon Jeff Easley and signed by Ben. It's just our way of saying thanks for preordering the book! Already preordered the book? Click <a href="https://read.macmillan.com/promo/smpslayingthedragonpreorder/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to acquire your Jeff Easley bookplate! Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a>!

Reading the DMG Aloud 23 Ep 243

Plot Points is a monthly podcast which discusses table-top role-playing games and their supplements as literature. Our quirky panel discusses games old and new, spotlights innovations in the hobby, and links to literature.

A cheerful, witty, fun bunch. Recommended to RPG fans of all genres!

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Plot Points

Ed Greenwood

Ben Riggs interviews Ed Greenwood, father of the Forgotten Realms, about his 1987 agreement with TSR wherein he sold the rights to the Realms for $5,000. They also discuss the origin and publication of the Realms, and Ben is able to tell Ed, officially, how many units his game work sold decades after the fact. (You can check out the numbers below!) In January, an episode of Appendix N University will cover Three Hearts and Three Lions by Poul Anderson if you want to read it for the episode.  Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now.

Ben Riggs interviews Ed Greenwood, father of the Forgotten Realms, about his 1987 agreement with TSR wherein he sold the rights to the Realms for $5,000. They also discuss the origin and publication of the Realms, and Ben is able to tell Ed, officially, how many units his game work sold decades after the fact. (You can check out the numbers below!) In January, an episode of Appendix N University will cover Three Hearts and Three Lions by Poul Anderson if you want to read it for the episode.  Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/278718/Encounter-Theory" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now.

Ed Greenwood Sold the Forgotten Realms for $5,000- Ep. 174

Shannon Appelcline

Shannon Appelcline, author of Designers &amp; Dragons, received legal notice from TSR to stop posting D&amp;D material online in the 1990's. Thing was, he wasn't posting about D&amp;D! Listen to hear the story, and how Shannon came to write his comprehensive look at RPG history.  Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now.   Image courtesy of Evil Hat Productions.   Theme music courtesy 50 Breaks.

Shannon Appelcline, author of Designers &amp; Dragons, received legal notice from TSR to stop posting D&amp;D material online in the 1990's. Thing was, he wasn't posting about D&amp;D! Listen to hear the story, and how Shannon came to write his comprehensive look at RPG history.  Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/278718/Encounter-Theory" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now.   Image courtesy of Evil Hat Productions.   Theme music courtesy 50 Breaks.

RPG Historian Shannon Appelcline Told to Cease & Desist by TSR- Ep.166

Possibly no novel had a greater impact on Dungeons &amp; Dragons than Three Hearts and Three Lions by Poul Anderson. Law, chaos, the paladin, the troll, the list goes on. Ben Riggs discusses the novel with gaming great Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan and academic Scott Bruner. Ryder-Hanrahan is one of the geniuses behind the greatest RPG campaign of all-time, The Dracula Dossier, and he has a new novel, The Shadow Saint, out right now! Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now.  Image courtesy Orbit Books.  

Possibly no novel had a greater impact on Dungeons &amp; Dragons than Three Hearts and Three Lions by Poul Anderson. Law, chaos, the paladin, the troll, the list goes on. Ben Riggs discusses the novel with gaming great Gareth Ryder-Hanrahan and academic Scott Bruner. Ryder-Hanrahan is one of the geniuses behind the greatest RPG campaign of all-time, <a href="https://geekandsundry.com/four-reasons-the-greatest-rpg-campaign-of-all-time-is-the-dracula-dossier/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Dracula Dossier,</a> and he has a new novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Saint-Black-Iron-Legacy/dp/0316525359" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">The Shadow Saint</a>, out right now! Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/278718/Encounter-Theory" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now. Image courtesy Orbit Books.

Appendix N University- 3 Hearts and 3 Lions- Ep. 176

Americans, enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday with this deep cut from the Plot Points archives, our first-ever episode, Ravenloft! The Delta Green Agent's Handbook is currently free on DriveThruRPG! Check it out! Music courtesy 50 Breaks. Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

Americans, enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday with this deep cut from the Plot Points archives, our first-ever episode, Ravenloft! The Delta Green Agent's Handbook is currently free on DriveThruRPG! <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/181674/Delta-Green-Agents-Handbook" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Check it out!</a> Music courtesy 50 Breaks. Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

Best of Plot Points: Ravenloft!

The Plot Points gang continues looking at Descent into Avernus chapter-by-chapter. This week, we visit Baldur's Gate, and then descend into the pit itself! Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now. Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

The Plot Points gang continues looking at Descent into Avernus chapter-by-chapter. This week, we visit Baldur's Gate, and then descend into the pit itself! Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/278718/Encounter-Theory" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now. Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

Going to Hell with D&D or Chapter Delving Descent into Avernus- Ep.185

How many great RPG sessions have you played in? How many have you run? Given how much we all want RPG sessions to be successful, how come they so often aren't? These questions and more led Plot Points' own Ben Riggs to create a theory of adventure design. Like this episode? Ben wrote a whole book on the topic! Encounter Theory is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now.   Interested in Magical Draught of Happenstance? Click here to back it! Theme music courtesy 50 Breaks. As a note for Patrons, you will not be charged for this episode.   Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

How many great RPG sessions have you played in? How many have you run? Given how much we all want RPG sessions to be successful, how come they so often aren't? These questions and more led Plot Points' own Ben Riggs to create a theory of adventure design. Like this episode? Ben wrote a whole book on the topic! Encounter Theory is on DriveThruRPG. <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/278718/Encounter-Theory" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now.   Interested in Magical Draught of Happenstance? Click <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nobledwarf/the-magical-draught-of-happenstance" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a> to back it! Theme music courtesy 50 Breaks. As a note for Patrons, you will not be charged for this episode.   Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

How to Write Better Adventures Seminar Gen Con 2019

Academic Scott Bruner and Ben Riggs read aloud and comment on the 1st edition Dungeon Master's Guide by Gary Gygax, an attempt by the game's co-creator to instruct players, but also exert control over the burgeoning community of gamers. This week, we tackle the forward and preface to the work.  Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now. Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

Academic Scott Bruner and Ben Riggs read aloud and comment on the 1st edition Dungeon Master's Guide by Gary Gygax, an attempt by the game's co-creator to instruct players, but also exert control over the burgeoning community of gamers. This week, we tackle the forward and preface to the work.  Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/278718/Encounter-Theory" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now. Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.

Reading D&D Aloud- The 1st Edition DMG- Ep186

Monte Cook

Ptolus was the home campaign Monte Cook ran while designing 3rd edition D&amp;D. Brimming with brilliant fodder for the gaming table, it quickly sold out and became an item for the collector's market. Now, Monte Cook Games is Kickstarting a new edition of Ptolus, updating the classic setting for both the Cypher System and 5th Edition. Click here to learn more about this stupendous setting! Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now. Image courtesy Monte Cook Games. 

Ptolus was the home campaign Monte Cook ran while designing 3rd edition D&amp;D. Brimming with brilliant fodder for the gaming table, it quickly sold out and became an item for the collector's market. Now, Monte Cook Games is Kickstarting a new edition of Ptolus, updating the classic setting for both the Cypher System and 5th Edition. <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/montecookgames/ptolus-monte-cooks-city-by-the-spire?ref=5wmfwx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn more about this stupendous setting! Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/278718/Encounter-Theory" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now. Image courtesy Monte Cook Games.

Monte Cook Kickstarts Longest RPG Book Ever Written by a Single Author- Ep. 182

A 1979 contract between Random House and TSR would take 18 years to kill the company that started the role-playing game hobby. Thanks to historian Micheal Calleia, Ben has a copy of that very contract, and discusses how it led TSR to near bankruptcy in 1997 with TSR alums James Lowder, Chaosium’s executive editor, and John Rateliff, an internationally renowned Tolkien scholar.  Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. Click here to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on Patreon at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now.   Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.   Theme music courtesy 50 Breaks.

A 1979 contract between Random House and TSR would take 18 years to kill the company that started the role-playing game hobby. Thanks to historian Micheal Calleia, Ben has a copy of that very contract, and discusses how it led TSR to near bankruptcy in 1997 with TSR alums James Lowder, Chaosium’s executive editor, and John Rateliff, an internationally renowned Tolkien scholar.  Ben’s book on RPG adventure design, Encounter Theory, is on DriveThruRPG. <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/product/278718/Encounter-Theory" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Click here</a> to pick up this essential volume! Like Plot Points? Support it on <a href="https://www.patreon.com/plotpoints" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> at the $2 level, and you’ll get a sneak peek into Ben’s book about the sale of TSR to Wizards of the Coast! This chapter concerns TSR West, an effort by TSR to open an LA office devoted to producing comic books, an effort that failed rather impressively. It is the product of a dozen interviews with professionals from comics, gaming, and Hollywood, and as far as I can reckon, it is a tale entirely untold until now.   Image courtesy Wizards of the Coast.   Theme music courtesy 50 Breaks.

Death by Debt at TSR: Ep 161

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