Rollin' Customs

We all know I have an affinity for dice. What true table top nerd doesn't? We have discussed this before. And, like all obsessions, there are those of us who seek out the unique, novel and even absurd variations thereof. Although I have previously acquired my strange polyhedrons from various sources, I was recently contacted by a fascinating individual . . .

And made aware of his excellent operation. Abraham, out of Barcelona, is a professional Dice Maker. Perhaps even, a polyhedromancer? And the "d"s he cranks out are totally rad. Like most geeks, he seems to have a plethora of nerdy interests and these are reflected in his dice designs, and they are awesome.
They look clean and precise and from hints on his blog he experiments to get the most out of his equipment to create the EXACT effect he wants on his dice.
I'm not sure when I'll get some extra cash to procure some, ( I should look up what S&H is from Spain to California. I love international shipping, I'll tell yall my story about a $30 CD later, so worth it though)
But I look forward to ordering some and seeing first hand how well the ink holds, how random they roll, and overall the feel of the craftsmanship. I can only imagine now what it will feel like to roll initiative with something hand crafted by another RPG enthusiast making a living doing what he loves.
Muchos gracias, Abraham. Viva dados!

Gamer Superstitions

(Persevere my brethren! Together, we shall confirm!!)

If you know, or are, a tabletop gamer, you know that there is something . . . odd, about their relationship with dice.

For some of us, its simple. We get mad when we roll poorly and excited when we roll well. For others, we spurn and embrace the little polyhedrons as the winds favor certain combinations.



For some of us though, an animistic view becomes prevalent and we find ourselves test rolling dice, feeling bonds with dice, selecting them from a balance of aesthetic, balance, "rolls" and even materials (ty to JBJ for my pewter dice set, they have served me well!).

I find every approach valid and as long as it is fun and healthy (I use the term loosely, especially in the mental arena) I think it has become an essential part of the tabletop culture. (Picture? see Commandment #8)


Although I have recently discovered THIS GUY (He seems kind of odd at first, and yes, he is VERY passionate about the dice, I believe it and recommend them to any who are even slightly interested) thanks to Gilliam, and fully intend to purchase some dice and use them (Gilly has a set already and they are very crisp and clean, they feel very exact) I still like a little "mojo" to dice and think it adds to the overall experience.


I've heard rumors that the longer you play, the better you roll, but I find this to be invalid.

Some members of my group have used dice rolling software for ease and simplicity, and to further my geek cred, we can tabletop on the fly by keeping our character sheets on digital copy. How many times have you seen a group of geeks playing D&D at a park WITHOUT pencils or dice? Done it! BUT! I shy away from it. Much like music and books for me, having a digital is nice, but having a tactile object, something that cant run out of power, is always preferable to me.

This is just my opinion, but I think there is more to it than just convenience and economy. Whether you're feeling out the "right" dice at the local comic shop or hand painting numbers onto your new razor-sharp-verticesed d4's, keep rollin' kids. Here's to those sweet rolls that make a great story years later, that only other weirdos like you can understand. Those great opening lines "this one time in-game . . ."

P.S. House rule I like, If you roll Yatzhee on more than 3d, you deal double damage if its greater than average, and roll again if it's less than.(True Story, J-explosion did this. I still hate him. "Pics or it didn't happen" right?)