Neal Litherland
Bio
Neal Litherland is an author, freelance blogger, and RPG designer. A regular on the Chicago convention circuit, he works in a variety of genres.
Blog: Improved Initiative and The Literary Mercenary
Stories (298/0)
How to Build The Dread Pirate Roberts in The Pathfinder RPG
His name strikes fear into the hearts of merchant captains everywhere. A pirate lord whose cruelty is only whispered of, and whose thirst for blood is matched only by his rapacious hunger for treasure. The black mask beneath black sails, the monster at the helm of Revenge is a true terror to all who would sail the high seas. The man known only as the Dread Pirate Roberts.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Gamers
Character Reputation in RPGs: The Small Legend
It's that time again. You're all sitting around the table, dice drawn up in a phalanx protecting your character sheet. Sweat is rolling down your Dew, and your mouth is dry from potato chips and anticipation as the head honcho stands up at the end of the table. He looks you over, and asks the same question he always asks when you start a new campaign.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Gamers
3 Ways to Spice Up Combat in RPGs
You spent weeks planning this confrontation. Squads of hobgoblins harried the party all the way up the mountain side, deathtraps lurked around every corner, and ancient curses tried to break their minds and spirits. They finally step into the ancient tomb of the lich lord, roll initiative... and just like that, the spell is broken, and you're back to business as usual. The tension, the drama, and the pulse-pounding excitement all leech out of the scene, hiding under the table until one side or the other emerges victorious from the run-of-the-mill slug fest your combat has become.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Gamers
- Top Story - July 2017
5 Tips For Playing Better RoguesTop Story - July 2017
We all think we've got a handle on the rogue. They're trap spotters, skullduggerers, thieves, blackguards, and all-around bastards. Their moral compass points toward gold, and there is no trick too low, and no scheme too dirty, for them to stick their fingers in.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Gamers
French Vanilla
We all like to think we're normal, for the most part. It's not until we get out of our comfort zones, and start meeting other people, that we find out there are folks who think it's weird to put pineapple on your pizza, who don't like watching scary movies right before bed, and who think it's a little weird that you coordinate the shoes you're wearing with the gun you're carrying.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Filthy
What's The Difference Between A Fetish and a Kink?
If you're a sexually active human being in the 21st century, then you've heard the words "kink" and "fetish" before. If you're lucky, you've been to the kind of parties where these things are put on display, and those who aren't familiar with them can get a hands-on demonstration to see what they like. Leather, bondage, whips, chains, and candle wax are probably the images that come to your mind, but it's actually possible for almost anything to be a kink. The problem is that it's also possible for any kink to be a fetish.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Filthy
- Top Story - June 2017
It's Okay To Admit There Are Problems In Your HobbyTop Story - June 2017
When you're a geek, your hobby is your happy place. Whether it's the flying of digital lead in the latest first-person shooter, the shuffle of Magic cards, the wood pulp aroma of comic books, or the rattle of dice as they clatter across your character sheet, this is the place where you belong. You're doing something you enjoy, and a lot of the time you're doing it with your friends.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Geeks
The Varangian Guard
The Eastern Roman Empire was a place of grandeur and majesty, and Byzantium (known today as Constantinople) outlived the Western half of the empire by centuries. However, while the Eastern Empire was known for its wealth, for its culture, and for the prominent role it played in the spread of Christianity throughout the world, it was also known for its political treacheries. Usurpers were not common, but they were far from unheard of in the city's history.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Geeks
The Danger Word
These days, everyone knows what a safe word is. It's a word, or a short phrase, you can say as a signal to let other people know you are no longer comfortable with an activity, and you need it to stop. The word originally comes from the kink community where participants would be engaged in scenes that might push boundaries, and trigger unwanted emotional responses. Bondage, whipping, consensual non-consent, etc. In some cases a person might even want the freedom to shout stop without their partner actually stopping.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Filthy
The Medusa Model 47
Be honest, you've got a zombie survival plan. Even if you aren't one of those doomsday preppers, or a fan of The Walking Dead, you've had this discussion with friends or co-workers at some point. From barricading yourself into Wal-Mart, to making a break for your cabin in the woods where isolation will protect you from the shambling hordes, everyone has their own idea of what they'll do to avoid becoming the Monday special on the zombie buffet.
By Neal Litherland6 years ago in Geeks
