Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 the_wandering_alchemist Jul 07, 2015 12:59:21	EDIT 2: Part two has been put up.  Link below!   EDIT 1:  Part one is below with link and list of covered books.  This is going to become a multipart project I continue adding posts too and I hope to get more suggestions to look at from you guys.   Hello everyone!  I'm trying to compile a list of resources than every DM should have, well every GM even.  The books and articles that surpass the setting and the game.  The podcasts that go beyond teaching you to play this game or that or GMing some system or other.  The things that help you become better at the game no matter what game that may be.  I already have a number of them in my head, but I want to make a list.  This list won't be just to remind me but I plan on posting about it on my blog and updating this initial post as I make the list, as I find things, and as you folks respond with similar resources.  Please everyone share those resources you guys always go back to whatever they may be....and why.     And to throw out the resource at the top of my head right now Pathfinder's Game Mastery Guide.  Honestly one of the most mechanically unneccessary books to play the system it was made for (have DMd pathfinder games for years without it).  Nevertheless a source that as become invaluable.  It goes into everything from DM styles, play styles, random generating tables, world building tips galor, and so much more.  Useful for every setting even if it is heavily geared towards fantasy (obviously).     Core Books Part 1 (Pathfinder GameMastery Guide, Dungeon Master's Guide 5E, Savage Worlds Deluxe) Core & Supplements Part 2 (Stronghold Builder's Guidebook, Ultimate Campaign, Realms of Cthulhu)
#2 OGRE1984 Jul 07, 2015 22:03:52	grand history of the realms, for insight into running forgotten realms. 2nd edition campaign and catacomb guide & creative campaigns have in the past been very useful to me, however they may have more updated versions now.
#3 the_wandering_alchemist Jul 09, 2015 20:53:46	I'll have to look into these.  Another good one is the Stronghold Builder's Guidebook from 3.0.  Much of it can be used in any system with just pricing adjustments.  Tomorrow I'll actually be able to update things with a real list.
#4 OGRE1984 Jul 09, 2015 23:56:03	i liked the stronghold guide, but none of my players did.
(Reply to #4) the_wandering_alchemist	OGRE1984 wrote:
(Reply to #5) the_wandering_alchemist	I thought up an article I found that I always have to dig through magazines to find but theres a really good Dragon issue that I'm going to add to this list too.  It has a number of random generators useful on the fly or to make a quick list of like tavern names.
#7 the_wandering_alchemist Jul 15, 2015 9:49:40	Part one is up everyone.  Includes the Pathfinder GameMastery Guide, Dungeons Master Guide 5E, and Savage World's deluxe.  Links for all of these included in blog along with why I think DMs should check them out and maybe even have them on the shelf.  I will continue to do this in parts and hopefully create a nice list of things people should look into.  Please let me know if you have sites, articles, books, anything to contribute.  If you include a paragraph on why it should be on the shelf or how it's helped you I can feature it sooner as a bonus resource on my blog posts.  Otherwise it'll have to wait till I get to it myself which may include finding it if I haven't ever seen it.  To see the post and list head to the first thread post or click my blog link in my sig.
#8 OGRE1984 Jul 17, 2015 4:15:17	also include cityscape and city works [legends and lairs]. legends and lairs & AEG both had some good 3.5 books.   wildscape, city works, dungeoncraft, & traps and treachery by legends and lairs are all very good.   AEG is good for general minig for ideas
#9 the_wandering_alchemist Jul 17, 2015 10:49:10	Some resources posted by the folks at the Paizo boards.   Linked:   Unframed Fate Core Play Unsafe     Websites:     https://www.patreon.com/the_geomorph_project?ty=h http://slangdesign.com/rppr/ http://www.kenandrobintalkaboutstuff.com/     Unlinked:   GM Miscellany: Dungeon Dressing GM Miscellany: Wilderness Dressing
#10 the_wandering_alchemist Jul 22, 2015 12:53:01	Part two is up with 3 supplement books that are very useful to have.  Direct link can be found in the top post.
#11 the_wandering_alchemist Aug 24, 2015 6:32:01	One of the books that got mentioned over at the Paizo boards that I shared here, called Unframed, I purchased a couple weeks ago.  It is fantastic.  For anyone who hasn't checked it out, you definitely should.  It has a ton of great, well written essays that teach you how to be prepared for anything when running your game.  If you want a little more information and a more detailed opinion on the book you can go here.  And if you would like to check it out or buy it go here.