Ben dares thee to find a more drawn out, never-ending game debate than D&D 4th edition vs. all previous editions (but mostly D&D 3.5 edition). This RPG dispute has nearly taken on a north vs. south civil war mentality in the world of the InterGoogle.

The gang at the Pile thinks that all this pent up D&D edition anger is particularly silly. So much so, that we decided to make a little tongue-in-cheek video of our own on our YouTube channel. The classic iPhone vs. HTC vid was our inspiration. Xtranormal was our technology weapon of choice.

Of course, we absolutely love 4E for all the myriad of reasons mentioned in our comedic short. Still, we haven’t abandoned Dungeons and Dragons rich history. What tickles our funny bones is how angry and often irrational a few of the diehards get when discussing the D&D editions differences. Just remember the golden rule – any D&D is good D&D.

Enjoy a quick top 5 on why D&D 4E makes Ben so gosh darn happy:

1. Latest and Greatest: WotC supports it with new monthly product releases.
2. Enhanced Combat: Battles are much more diverse and interesting.
3. Game Flow: The overall game moves quicker with a streamlined rule set.
4. Role Play: Group determines RPG weight. Never been the edition’s job.
5. Remembered Roots: Plenty of Gary G’s original ideas and love remain.

Finally, here are a couple fun online articles to peruse at your leisure:

1. Boycotting 4th Edition D&D
2. A Comparison of Content
3. A GM’s First Impressions of D&D 4e: Looks Like Fun
4. 3.5 E, older D&D and Pathfinder. What do D&D vets think of pathfinder
5. Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition Review

Questions to ponder: Which edition do you play most frequently? What is a pro of 4E? What is a pro of 3.5E? What is a con of 4E? What is a con of 3.5E? Will you ever try 4E? Will you ever go back to 3.5 or earlier? Do you play Pathfinder instead of 4E?

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A wise gamer descends upon Indy this year with a plan. Here’s Ben’s Buyer’s Guide and the top 20 items on his radar when he hits the glorious Gen Con showroom floor. We’ve also intermingled some snapshots from previous pilgrimages.

Ben’s RPG Pile Gen Con Buyer’s Guide – the Top 20

- Dwarven Forge: Ben has to see the new Ruins set in person
- TerraClips: Interlocking d-tile-like terrain from WorldWorks
- Specialty Dice: Check out the Chessex specialty dice (on day 1)
- Metal Miniatures: Get a few hand-painted mins for future bosses
- Dungeon Master Tips Book: Find Sly Flourish for my hardcopy
- Mini Singles: Pan for single WotC minis for Pyramid of Shadows (our next mod)
- Terrain: Keep an eye out for new, portable terrain pieces
- Gen Con Memorabilia: Get the annual shirt (but go minimum 3X due to shrinkage)
- Miniature Building Authority: New 2010 buildings will be part of their amazing display
- Gale Force Nine: Get some smoke and ice walls
- Killer Breakfast: Tracy Hickman puts on a great show but buy in advance
- Dice Bags: Been on the lookout for some player pal dice bags
- Litko Tokens: Big hit at Origins (especially the invisibility ones)
- Steak and Shake: Inhale one of their classic shakes
- Confrontation: Snag their new mini releases
- Mage Knight: Find some singles for mini-makin’
- Ascheson Creations: Special molds and huge range of building choices
- Hirst Arts Booth: Love his displays, paint examples, new molds
- Wizards of the Coast: Don’t miss their 2011 product preview presentation
- Unknowns: And always on a mission to find the next great thing

Remember, a loose game plan saves time and helps manages one’s gold-piece budget. Your pre-convention strategy also ensures you don’t mutter the dreaded “I can’t believe I forgot to…” phrase on the flight back home.

Questions to Ponder: What did Ben forget? Do you have any specific gem hunts of your own in mind?

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The annual RPG gaming Mecca, known only as Gen Con, is nearly upon us! Does it matter what you pack? Hell yes, it does! And Ben’s got his top 15 precious packing tips to prove it.

There’s no mistaking the emotional and physical value of this Indy pilgrimage. So rather than try to be all cool and just throw a pile of dirty clothes into a plastic bag, take a breath and think about what you can take to make this trip even better.

Ben’s Top 15 Gen Con Packing Tips:

- Paperwork: Plane tix, hotel receipt, badge (with holder), event tix
- Snacks: Bagged snacks and granola from your local Sprouts
- Energy: ZizZazz & 5-hour drinks
- Remedies: aspirin, Tums, vitamins
- Clothes: The usuals but include a baseball hat & sweatshirt
- Currency: Two credit cards, some cash, and quarters (for the lockers)
- Gifts: pics from last year, a small mini or Hirst terrain, shirts, etc
- Containers: film cases, Magic deck boxes, plastic boxes
- Journal: small notebook for key info
- iPad/iPhone/Smart Phone: for pics and video
- PHB: Players Handbook for the game table
- Dice: Small amounts (for new friend trading) since you can buy a set there
- Foot Powder: You will walk more in 4 days than the entire year so respect the feet
- Pillow & ear plugs: Make ‘em fit for a world of difference on the plane & in the hotel
- Business Cards: has all your social media contact info (to pass to new friends)

Does this list sound silly? No way? Think of it this way…

By packing a bag of granola, some empty cups and plastic silverware, Ben only has to buy a single bottle of milk each morning. No long McDonalds’ lines and waits.

By grabbing a roll of quarters, Ben has ready change for a convention locker and doesn’t have to walk back to the room a dozen-plus times (but don’t put quarters in your carry-on due to airport security).

By tossing in energy mixes, Ben has a chance at surviving 18-hour game sessions and not having to spend $4.50 on diet cokes (or wait in line for them).

By throwing in some pain relief, Ben has mercy on his body as it’s nearly inhumane on what he is going to do in terms of food and sleep.

By including a couple film cases & boxes, Ben will safely transport back his single, pricey minis and other smaller acquisition items.

And by remembering a few thoughtful gifts for his game group, Ben takes advantage of seeing his cross-country friends once a year with a subtle offering of thanks.

So, it’s not a perfect list but one with thought and some planning. Be sure to check out our YouTube video for more packing fun.

Questions to Ponder: What did I forget to pack? Do you agree or disagree with the list? Got any other tips for your traveling brethren?

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