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Articles by Simon Yule
The ‘Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2’ Bundle Lands on Nintendo Switch 2 This Week
As part of the 40th anniversary celebration of the Super Mario Bros. franchise, Nintendo is rereleasing a pair of Wii-era classics later this week on the Switch and Switch 2. Super Mario Galaxy and its sequel, Super Mario Galaxy 2, both arrive with enhanced resolution (1080p on Nintendo Switch, 4K on Switch 2), an improved UI with streamlined menus, and amiibo support—exactly the kinds of modern bells and whistles one would hope to see for these decade-and-a-half-old titles.
Stack Overflow: Play It Again, Sam
Looks like I’ve got a case of the sequels! Today’s stack includes books that are part of a series, books about movie sequels, and a couple of upcoming books on my reading list for some old series.
Beware of Mutant Cows! Experience the Legendary Edition of 'Phandelver & Below: The Shattered Obelisk'
Back in 2014, Wizards of the Coast released the Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition Starter Set. In addition to the 32-page rulebook, the set included a 64-page adventure module, The Lost Mine of Phandelver. Not only was the Starter Set immensely popular, but The Lost Mine of Phandelver is still to this day considered to be one of the best-written adventures for D&D 5th edition.
Who Will Be the Traitor in 'Betrayal at House on the Hill, 3rd Edition'
The House on the Hill still sits abandoned, with windows like eyes that stare blankly out over the world. So much time has passed that no one can remember who used to live there, or what happened to them. However, groups of explorers have arrived at the house. They have different reasons for coming. You now have the opportunity to be one of those explorers. One of your fellow explorers may betray you in a life or death struggle.
GeekDad paints! Flesh Eater Courts warband for Warcry
With nothing else to occupy myself with in the evenings, my newfound Warhammer Warcry hobby has taken on a life of its own. During Lockdown in 2020, I finished painting the Catacombs starter set and decided that next I would focus on building and painting as many Age of Sigmar warbands as I could to fight in the depths of the fiery catacombs.
Tal'Dorei Reborn - 5 Reasons to love this book - GeekDad
For those who don’t know, Critical Role is a weekly actual play live(ish) D&D stream that has aired on Twitch for the last five years, and has amassed an immense following of devoted fans called Critters. Performed by a bunch of self-proclaimed “nerdy-ass voice actors,” it has proven to be one of the most successful and popular D&D games out there. And with every piece of content the Critical Role team delivers, they go from strength to strength.
GeekDad plays D&D_ Descent into Avernus Session 11
Descent into Avernus – Session 11: Mistaken Identities Leaving Dugg, Reya, and Little Joey at the foot of the stairs waiting for her signal, Arvene, disguised as the serving maid, slowly climbed the stairs. She hoped that she wouldn’t bump into any of the staff who might recognize Ambra and ask difficult questions that she couldn’t answer. Ideally, there would be no one between her and Thurstwell’s rooms.
Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos
Strixhaven: Curriculum of Chaos is the latest offering from WoTC’s Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition and is the next installment of the exciting crossover with their other major product line, Magic: The Gathering. Like Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica and Mythic Oddesseys of Theros, this tome brings forth a fantastic setting from the multiverse of Magic: The Gathering and gives us rules for creating characters from that world and incorporating them into our Dungeons & Dragons games.
Fyreslayers - Assembling a warband for Warcry - GeekDad
With nothing else to occupy myself with in the evenings, my newfound Warhammer Warcry hobby has taken on a life of its own. During Lockdown in 2020 I finished painting the Catacombs starter set and decided that next I would focus on building and painting as many Age of Sigmar warbands as I could to fight in the depths of the fiery catacombs.
Geekdad Plays D&D Descent into Avernus: session 10
Descent Into Avernus – Session 10: Devils in the Dark Alan’s discovery of the clear connection between the Cassalanters and the cultists spurred the others on to find evidence of their own. Little Joe and Reya found nothing. Arvene was distracted by a statue of an elderly lady in her finery cradling a winged cat. Dugg was more successful, although he didn’t realize until it was too late.
GeekDad Plays D&D Descent into Avernus: Session 9
Descent Into Avernus – Session 9 Cassalanter Villa Panicking, and with no idea what had just happened, the heroes pushed the two would-be assassins out of the window and heard the splash as they hit the sea below. Now they could hear the slow rumble of activity from behind the door and looked to the window as their only means of escape. Thankfully, Little Joey knew a trick or two and pulled out a rope, cast a quick spell on it, and it levitated out of the window and hung there expectantly.
D&D Gift Ideas - 10 Top Gifts for a Dungeons & Dragons Fan - GeekDad
Looking for D&D gift ideas? You’ve come to the right place. D&D Gift Ideas Selecting the perfect present is never easy, especially if you know someone has a specific hobby but you know very little about it yourself. In many households the world over, there are spouses, parents, progeny, and friends all scratching their heads, trying to come up with the perfect D&D gift. So what do you buy a Dungeons & Dragons fan?
Fizban's Treasury of Dragons _ Dungeons&Dragons
Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons It’s been a long time coming but finally, with Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons, Dungeons & Dragons’ 5th edition has a whole book dedicated purely to their eponymous monster overlords.
Skaven Warband for Warcry_ GeekDad Paints!
With nothing else to occupy myself with in the evenings, my newfound Warhammer Warcry hobby has taken on a life of its own. I recently finished painting the Catacombs starter set and decided that next I would focus on building and painting as many Age of Sigmar warbands as I could to fight in the depths of the fiery catacombs.
'The Lazy Dungeon Master' Returns to Kickstarter
Struggling to fit in preparation time for your next Dungeon & Dragons adventure? The Lazy Dungeon Master is THE go-to resource for whittling down those long hours. It genuinely saved my gaming group and allowed us to regularly play, in spite of growing families and diminishing free time. Then, in 2018, came the Return of the Lazy Dungeon Master, an updated and revised resource reborn for Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition.
GeekDad Plays D&D Descent into Avernus: Session 8
Descent into Avernus 8 – Plans Continue to Unravel It was getting late as they arrived in the Trade Ward and the clouds parted to reveal a glowing full moon. Suddenly Alan remembered what day it was. Too late. His skin began to bristle and sprout clumps of matted fur. His body bent over. His ears and nose elongating, twisting his features into a rat-like monster. Finally, agonizingly, the long leathery tail erupted behind him. He yelled through his sharpened teeth and snarled at his friends.
Re-Roll: This Week’s Tabletop Game News for the Week Ending October 8, 2021
Here is the board game (and board game-related!) news that caught our attention for the week ending October 8, 2021. Gaming News PAX Unplugged, which will take place in Philadelphia December 10-12, will be opening registration “soon.” Those interested in attending should watch the website to see when tickets go on sale. All attendees will need to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated and wear a mask at all times.
GeekDad Plays D&D Descent into Avernus: Session 7
Descent into Avernus 7 – Discussions over Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks The heroes collectively held their breaths as the six heavily armed dragon cultists stormed into the bathhouse. “Where’s our treasure?” the lead cultist demanded of the disguised Arvene. Stuttering, she imitated the concierge as best she could and directed him to the massage room with the open door and Alan lying naked on the bed. Behind Alan the secret door was still open from when they came in moments earlier.
Kickstarter Tabletop Roundup: Working Together
Despite the challenges facing tabletop game publishers like increased shipping, delayed manufacturing, there are still a lot of great games in the pipeline. They just might take a little longer or cost a little more these days! Here are several Kickstarter projects that I’ve been watching lately—most of them this time are cooperative games, which seems appropriate for a time in which it’s more important than ever that we learn to work together. New to Kickstarter? Check out our crowdfunding primer.
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight
The Wild Beyond the Witchlight is the newest release from Wizards of the Coast for Dungeons & Dragons and it looks to be a fantastic romp into a world unknown. Unknown to me at least. And I can’t wait to run this campaign with my D&D group.
GeekDad Plays D&D Descent into Avernus: Session 6
Descent into Avernus Session 6 – Group Performance As Reya told her tale, Alan and Co. listened intently. They took credit for distracting her captors and explained how many cultists they had already killed. Reya was evidently disappointed at missing some of the fun. Just then the sounds of fighting and yelling came from the next room. “Betrayed! I am betrayed! 100 gold to anyone who defends my honor.” With that, Arvene kicked down the door: “Get ’em boys,” she yelled as the skeletons piled in.
Geekdad Plays Descent inot Avernus: Session 5
After a minute of bloody fighting, only two cultists remained. Alan and Dugg were out of breath and at the foot of the stairs, and the two cultists, panicked, were at the top. They turned and ran and were just able to dodge past Arvene’s outstretched leg. They made it through the room with the well, and dashed down a corridor. Even though Alan and Co. gave chase, it looked like they were going to escape as they rounded a corner and disappeared.
Ironjawz Warband for Warhammer Warcry
With nothing else to occupy myself with in the evenings, my newfound Warhammer Warcry hobby has taken on a life of its own. I recently finished painting the Catacombs starter set and decided that next I would focus on building and painting as many Age of Sigmar warbands as I could to fight in the depths of the fiery catacombs.
Session 4 - GeekDad
Session 4 – More Cultists… Although unable to revivify the body, they did manage to identify it. Dugg recognized Regnet Amcathra, the idiot heir to a noble dynasty. Clearly these cultists were serious if they were taking on untouchables like that. Dugg was furious, this was his city. Not theirs. Arvene agreed. Alan rolled his eyes and shrugged his shoulders. It looked like there was going to be more murdering on the menu today after all.
Lead an Army or Be a Dragon in 'Dragonbond: Lords of Vaala'
Generals with their armies battle for control of the land of Vaala while also fighting off dragons in the process. However, if a general and a dragon can unite together with a dragonbond, they are more powerful than they were individually. Will you choose to take on the roll of heroic general or might dragon in Dragonbond: Lords of Vaala. What Is Dragonbond: Lords of Vaala? Dragonbond: Lords of Vaala is an asymmetric board game for 1-4 players, ages 13and up, and takes about 30-60 minutes to play.
Geekdad Plays D&D: Descent into Avernus: session-3
Session 3 – Well, Well, Well… Alerted by the summons to serve, four cultists of Bane dashed into the altar room. Luckily for Alan and Co. they had just enough time to hide themselves from view, but not before laying the corpse on the Altar. “Brian!” one of the cultists shouted. “What happened to Brian?” From the shadows Little Joe was quick to answer, “The same thing that’s about to happen to you.” The room filled with arcane fire and the smell of burnt herring.
Uk'otoa (Uk'otoa, Uk'otoa, Uk'otoa) Unleash the Leviathan
Uk’otoa hungers and there is no escape. Fans of Critical Role will know the name and whisper Uk’otoa (Uk’otoa Uk’otoa Uk’otoa) in the dark corners of forbidden places, and now the mysterious evil patron is searching for new victims. Not content with being synonymous with Dungeons & Dragons, the team behind Critical Role are reaching out their twisting, grasping, covetous tentacles to the wider world of tabletop board games.
Descent into Avernus - Geekdad Plays D&D - GeekDad
D&D Descent into Avernus: Session 2 – Frolicking Nymphs Two fierce jets of fire blasted out from the sorcerer’s palms as the pirate Dead-Eye was incinerated on the spot. His final words were burnt to a crisp before he could utter them and then the tavern caught fire too. Within seconds the whole upper floor of the Elfsong longue was ablaze and patrons began running for their lives. Tarina, surprising calmly, stood up, dusting herself down.
All Are Welcome in Carrie Ferguson's Grumpytime Club
Kids are sponges for information. Their receptors are brand new and open to all concepts, which is why virulent ideas like racism and antisemitism are taught, not inherited. Musician Carrie Ferguson (no relation to Red Yarn/Andy Furgeson) timed the release of her new album, The Grumpytime Club, to coincide with “” for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride.
'D&D' Descent Into Avernus
GeekDad Plays D&D: Session 69 – Elfsong Tavern Suddenly the cries of horrified citizens and children filled the air as the material plane split open. A tear ran through the sky, accompanied by the most horrific ripping sound. A chasm opened up in the ground beneath the city of Elturel revealing the fiery depths of hell beneath it.
Munchkin: Critical Role - Feel the Might of the Mighty Nein
Released in 2001 by Steve Jackson games, Munchkin is 20 years old this year, and what better way to celebrate than by teaming up with the super talented team over at Critical Role, bringing in their first (of surely many more to come) officially licensed card game.
Dad Deserves a Nintendo Switch: A GeekDad Father's Day Gift Guide
No matter how you slice it, this past year has been a struggle. Whether you and yours were stuck at home for the duration or among those brave souls who kept stores and restaurants and medical facilities functioning even as so many other businesses were temporarily shuttered, it has certainly been no walk in the park.
‘D&D Descent in Avernus’ Session 0 (Part 3)
GeekDad plays ‘D&D’: Session 68 – Cult of the Dead Three Suddenly, the cultists all drew daggers and in turn began stabbing violently into the body on the altar. The figure on the altar, whom Arvene had presumed was already dead, let out a low moan. Arvene had a moment of hesitation. This did not go unnoticed by the leader of the cultists who angrily turned to Arvene. She beat him to the chase, however, and immediately cast Sacred Flame at the lead cultist. “Intruder!” he yelled.
Nighthaunt warband for Warcry
With nothing else to occupy myself with in the evenings, my newfound Warhammer Warcry hobby has taken on a life of its own. I recently finished painting the Catacombs starter set and decided that next I would focus on building and painting as many Age of Sigmar warbands as I could to fight in the depths of the fiery catacombs. Last time I painted a Seraphon warband, and now was the time for the Nighthaunt.
'D&D' Descent into Avernus
GeekDad Plays D&D: Session 67 – The Eltugard Woods Alan called the party to “Hush,” and gave the universal sign for three enemies lurking ahead. Dugg and Little Joe nodded ignorance. Alan, infuriated, drew his short sword. This they understood. A quick melee ensued. Dugg rushed forward and tackled one, Alan skewered another and Little Joe immolated the third. Reya, stood dumbstruck. “Did we not want to interrogate them to see how many more were here and what they were doing?” The others shrugged.
Geekdad Paints! A Warcry Seraphon Warband
With nothing else to occupy myself with in the evenings, my newfound Warhammer Warcry hobby has taken on a life of its own. I recently finished painting the Catacombs starter set and decided that next I would focus on building and painting as many Age of Sigmar warbands as I could to fight in the depths of the fiery catacombs. My first attempt at this is a Seraphon warband.
Preorder 'High Noon,' Unlock Even More Posses, and Get Free Stuff
Back in March of this year, High Noon, a tabletop game set in a fictional Wild West, launched on Kickstarter. Players take the role of posses and battle it out on the streets of Sweetwater Gulch. The campaign was a success with nearly 800 people pledging over $120,000 to help make this game a reality. If you missed the Kickstarter campaign, it is not too late to get on the wagon and preorder this game. There are also 18 expansions to the base game available as well.
‘D&D Descent in Avernus’ Session 0 (ish)
Descent Into Avernus: The Fall of Elturel A week had passed since Alan, Arvene, Dugg, and little Joe emerged from the dark vaults beneath the Brandath Mausoleum with fistfuls of gold. Having successfully heisted those dragons and returned the city’s stolen gold, Alan’s Bureau of Investigators took some time to kick back and relax in Trollskull Manor.
Geekdad Paints! Warcry Catacombs
Warcry Catacombs is the follow up to the hugely successful, popular, and consequently now sold-out Warhammer Warcry starter set, which pits warbands (groups of fighters) from across the Eightpoints against one another for martial supremacy. Set in the Age of Sigmar, the fantasy setting of the Warhammer world, Catacombs is a perfect jumping-in point for anyone interested in eventually building and fielding a fully fledged Age of Sigmar army.
Dragon Heist DM session report 65: The Epilogue
Dragon Heist session 65: Epilogue Little Joe didn’t spot Jarlaxle hunched against the wall behind him until it was too late. Jarlaxle dived at the drow and tried to knock him off the platform, but Little Joe dodged just in time. Dugg and Arvene gasped as Little Joe raised his hands. Smoke starting to build up. ”Now is the time Joe,” hissed Jarlaxle. “Show them your true colors.” Little Joe smiled and released two jets of fierce blue flame at his would-be master.
Dragon Heist DM Report Session 64 Dungeons & Dragons
Dragon Heist session 64: Dungeons & Dragons Immediately, as Little Joe cast his illusion, the dwarf’s countenance changed. No longer smiling, cheerful, and slightly confused looking, he glared up at Little Joe and his companions darkly. Alan, Arvene, and Dugg all took a deliberate step back. “Fool! I am no mere bank clerk to be tricked into a false withdrawal,” he bellowed. “I. Am. AURINAX!” And with that, the elderly dwarf’s body began to twist and curl inwards.
Dragon Heist DM Report Session 63
Dragon Heist session 63: Enter the Dragon (Heist) The oily smell of broiled Black Pudding was almost enough to put Alan off his jerky, but the intrepid leader of this rag-tag group held his nerve, and his stomach, and led the way to the crumbling bridge chewing on his trail snacks. Tying a rope around a piece of fallen masonry, Alan tethered himself and began crossing, watched eagerly by Arvene and Dugg.
Dragon Heist DM Report Session 62 Vault of Dragons
Dragon Heist session 62: Splitting the Bill Little Joe’s silvery lights danced around the tunnel as they descended deeper into the vault. The four adventures were bruised and bloody, but determined to find achieve their goal. Eventually the sloping floor began to level out. Now at almost 300 feet below the surface they found themselves in a long, dark, ancient passageway. In the darkness they didn’t see the end until it pounced on them abruptly. Two large black obsidian slabs barred their way.
Dragon Heist DM Report Session 61
Dragon Heist session 61: Claws for thought As they entered the crypt, Arvene turned to Alan. “I guess we’re not trying to be sneaky anymore,” she said. Thick plumes of smoke many feet wide began to billow up from two of the dead monstrous tree creatures. If any of their pursuers didn’t already know their current location, they do now. The pair shuddered as they stepped across the threshold into the Brandath Mausoleum.
Geekdad Paints! Warcry Chaotic Beasts
Lockdown has done strange things to me. I crave cheap take-away coffees, long for the touch of another human being brushing past on a busy high street, and fantasize about small armies fighting each other in a land of magic and chaos. Thankfully my fabulous new espresso machine helps me deal with the first of these, while expanding my Warhammer Warcry model collection helps with the latter. The less said about the second issue the better.
D&D One Shots Perfect for 1st Level Dungeon & Dragons
When looking for standalone stories or themed D&D one-shots, finding the best adventures to play with your Dungeons & Dragons group is not always easy. I’ve written before about searching for D&D one-shots, and how finding an adventure that only lasts one or two gaming sessions over a few hours can be a real challenge. It can be even harder to find suitable one-shots for new players or for those returning to the hobby that want to start at the lowest level.
D&D Adventures with Dungeon in a Box
Looking for inspiration for your D&D adventures? Can’t quite find the time to plan, prepare, and panic over the complex details of your homebrew campaign? Then Dungeon in a Box might just be the perfect subscription box for you. And now there’s a brand new campaign for this year to keep those boxes coming. What is Dungeon in a Box? Dungeon in a Box is a monthly subscription box for fifth edition Dungeons & Dragons.
D&D Battlemaps for Towns and Taverns from Loke Battle Mats
The battlemaps from Loke Battlemats are a quick and easy way for Dungeon Masters to speed up their preparation time for Dungeons & Dragons games. I’m a big fan of these high quality RPG map books and the latest release from Loke Battlemats, Towns & Taverns, maintains the high standards and quality I’ve grown to expect.
5 Perfect D&D Gifts for a special Valentine's
Show a D&D fan you really care this Valentine’s Day with one of these extra special D&D gifts Occasions like Valentine’s Day and birthdays are the perfect opportunity to show how much someone means to you with an extra special, thoughtful gift. So why not pick up one of the following D&D gifts and show someone you really care?
Re-Roll: This Week’s Tabletop Game News for the Week Ending January 29, 2021
Here is the board game (and board game-related!) news that caught our attention for the week ending January 29, 2021. Gaming News Tabletop games remain the top category on Kickstarter, with 2020 being another record-breaking year. According to ICO Partners, games bringing in a staggering $236,629,466 in the last year, up 33% from 2019, which was also a record year. There were 3,163 funded games on the site in 2020.
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