RIF - Episode E04

• Young Adult (YA)Fantasy
• Smut: sexual material: Related to 16th century verb “smudge” or “blacken” referring to something indecent or obscene
• 'Twisted' series by Anna Huang
• 'Haunted Adeline' by H.D. Carlton
• 'Icebreaker' by Hannah Grace
• 'A court of silver flames' (5th book) by Sarah J Maas

• (Advanced) HeroQuest
• MTG
• DnD

D&D is a tabletop role-playing game where players create characters and embark on adventures guided by a Dungeon Master (DM), who narrates the story and controls the world. Players use dice to determine the outcomes of their actions, balancing strategy, creativity, and teamwork. The game emphasizes storytelling, character development, and collaboration.

• D&D was co-created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson and first published in 1974.
• Gygax, inspired by his love for wargames, imagined a game that combined storytelling with tactical combat.
• Arneson introduced the concept of role-playing individual characters rather than controlling entire armies.
• Together, they developed the first version of D&D, which allowed players to explore fantasy worlds, battle monsters, and create their own stories.

The game gained popularity through word of mouth, conventions, and its unique appeal to the imagination, eventually becoming a cornerstone of modern gaming culture. D&D's legacy is its profound influence on video games, fantasy literature, and pop culture at large.

Strong points of D&D:

• Creativity & Imagination: Players can create unique characters and stories, leading to limitless possibilities.
• Social Interaction: Encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and social bonding with friends.
• Flexibility: D&D can be adapted to different styles, from combat-heavy sessions to deep role-playing experiences.
• Legacy & Influence: As a pioneering RPG, it has a rich history and a large, supportive community with countless resources.

Drawbacks:

• Complexity: The rules and mechanics can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Time Commitment: Sessions can be lengthy, and campaigns may last months or even years.
• Dependence on Group Dynamics: The experience heavily relies on the group’s chemistry and commitment.

Overall, D&D is a rewarding but demanding hobby that offers deep, creative gameplay and a strong community.

As it celebrates its 50th anniversary, D&D's legacy includes shaping modern RPGs, influencing popular culture, and fostering a global community of players and creators who value imagination and shared experiences.

• The Making of Dungeons & Dragons: 1970-1977 (June 18th, 2024)
• Quests from the Infinite Staircase (July 16th, 2024)
• D&D Direct to explore the future of D&D airs on 27/08/24
• New Player’s Handbook (September 17th, 2024)
• Prime new series 'Secret Level' based on games incl. D&D. (10/24)
• Worlds & Realms: Adventures from Greyhawk to Faerûn (October 29th, 2024)
• New Dungeon Master’s Guide (November 12th, 2024)
• New Monster Manual (February 18th, 2025)

Upcoming book reviews:

• Laurent: “