For whatever reason, I'm particularly drawn to D&D adventures featuring an oceangoing, seafaring theme. I really don't know why this is. In truth, I don't have any nautical experience to speak of and I've only seen the ocean once in my life. Perhaps it's the mystery of the water that draws me -- not knowing what lies beneath the waves and the untold possibilities of adventure that await.

Kraken D&D Miniature

One of my earliest D&D homebrew campaigns involved my players sailing the ocean, fighting pirates (Arrgh!) and a sea monster from the deep. I drew out the ship on a vinyl game mat and we had a blast. In those days, there weren't a lot of options (if any) when it came to oversized miniatures and I resorted to using a hard plastic dinosaur as a stand-in for a sea monster. It wasn't too difficult to suspend our disbelief, and we had an amazing time role-playing the adventure. Still, it would have been cool to have a sea monster mini.

Needless to say, I was pumped when WizKids added a monstrous Kraken to their excellent D&D miniature collection (to see the Kraken on our website click here). The Kraken is actually part of a boxed set that includes:

• A huge Kraken body surfacing from the water
• Six waving tentacles
• A row boat with oars and a treasure chest

The pieces are secured nicely in the box, and like other WizKids minis the Kraken and all accessory pieces don't require assembly. In addition, the pieces come primed and ready-to-paint so gamers can get started painting right away with zero prep time.

Final Thoughts

I've been collecting and painting miniatures since the 1980's, and I'm truly impressed with the attention to detail and the Kraken's overall size. The model is huge in relation to a standard 28mm miniature, and the separate tentacles can be positioned however you want to give the illusion of an even bigger menace. I can't wait to release this beast on my current players and see how the battle unfolds (cue maniacal laughter).

Until next time fellow travelers! If you like WizKid miniatures we have a lot to choose from on the site, as well as Reaper, Dark Sword, and Tomb Guardians. We try to stock minis that will inspire your imagination. Keep on role-playing and having fun!

The good folks at Dark Sword Miniatures are at it again! Three brand new releases are available for your game table with an exciting Dragonborn Mage leading the pack.

Dragonborn Mage Miniature

The Dragonborn Mage miniature is another outstanding representation of the high quality craftsmanship of Dark Sword Miniatures. Sculpted by Jeff Grace, one of my all-time favorite artists, this mini is flat-out fantastic (note: Jeff has sculpted for all the best companies including Dark Sword, Reaper and Ral Partha Enterprises among others).

• Dragonborn Mage DSM7492

The detail on this model is amazing -- the flowing robes, the mystical amulet, the horned belt buckle, and the dragon-head staff are just a few of the features that make me want to roll-up a Dragonborn spell caster for game night.

You Might Like: New Dark Sword Miniatures October 2018

Is There A Cleric In The House?

Besides the Dragonborn Mage, two clerics have also been released. The first is a female dwarven cleric rearing back a mace (presumably to smite an undead horror -- that or an annoying party member... can't really be sure), along with a classic, heavy plate armored cleric with a mace and shield:

• Female Dwarven Cleric With Mace DSM7353
• Male Cleric With Mace And Shield DSM7349

The clerics were crafted by the legendary Tom Meier, another amazing talent who was one of the early sculpting innovators during the golden age of RPG gaming.

Until next time fellow travelers! If you'd like to chat about the Dragonborn Mage or miniatures in general, please send me a message via our contact page. I've been painting minis since the mid-80's, and I love to talk about gaming.

Yesterday, we added a new set to the Shadowstone dice collection -- Shadowstone Abyss. This new dice set has the hallmark, otherworldly color combinations as the other dice in the series, but with an added twist.

Shadowstone Abyss Dice

Shadowstone Abyss dice feature a mixture of green and purple with a soft infusion of iridescent glitter. The end result is a gorgeous, shimmering color. If you're looking to match dice with a character class, these are amazing dice for a wizard, sorcerer, or any magic-based character in Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and other fantasy tabletop RPGs.

You May Also Like: Mystic Dice Have Arrived

Iridescent Glitter

It's no wonder that iridescent glitter is popular with gamers and collectors alike. First used in Chessex Borealis dice and the since retired Crystal Caste Moonstone dice (we miss you!), iridescent glitter gives dice like the Shadowstone Abyss an ethereal sheen that shifts and intensifies in the light. Glitter isn't appropriate for all dice mind you, but when used properly with the correct color base the dice have a seemingly added energy that adds to the fun of any game night.

Until next time fellow travelers! Dark Elf Dice is full of surprises and we'll be adding many more dice sets in the coming months, so stay tuned.

Late this afternoon we received a restock of Wiz Dice, including Philospher Stone and Royal Bubblegum. The dice are now live on the site.

Wiz Dice Arrivals

The following Wiz Dice sets are back in stock and ready to ship immediately:

• Copper Sands
• Desert Topaz
• Dwarven Brandy
• Jade Oil
• Philosopher's Stone
• Royal Bubblegum
• Sea Glass
• Serpent

You May Also Like: The Blended Dice Collection Keeps On Growing

Still Waiting...

While we received a large shipment, regrettably some sets are still out of stock, and will remain on backorder for at least another 30 days. The out of stock dice sets include: Celestial Sea, Cherry Blossom, Ghost Jade, and everyone's favorite -- Sparkle Vomit :)

We're also waiting on our shipment of 100+ Random packs and hope to have the dice in soon. If you'd like us to hold a set or sets of Wiz Dice for you, please contact us and we'll add you to the list. As soon as the dice arrive you'll receive an automated email with a coupon code to boot.

That's all for now fellow traveler's! If you have any questions about Wiz Dice or any of the amazing dice we sell here at Dark Elf Dice, but sure to send me an email. Happy adventuring!

A good Dungeon Master screen is a DM's best friend. Not only does a screen hide valuable information from players (that could otherwise ruin a carefully planned gaming session), it also serves as a resource for useful information while showcasing artwork to help set the mood of an adventure.

Screen Or No Screen?

Not every DM uses a Dungeon Master screen. Some believe that all dice rolls, etc. should be made in the open. That's perfectly fine, but as a player and DM I feel that a screen adds to the sense of wonder and mystery of a game. Dice rolls notwithstanding, I typically keep notes and maps that I don't want my players to be privy to. A DM has to keep secrets, and a Dungeon Master screen helps in this endeavor.

The Best Dungeon Master Screen

I've used many DM screens throughout the years, but my absolute favorite is the Master's Tome -- a completely customizable 4-panel screen. I like this Dungeon Master screen so much, that we started selling it here on Dark Elf Dice.

We carry the screen in three colors: black, brown, and red (I personally have a red one). Beside the color, there is no difference between the screens. Each has 8 pockets that fit a regular sized piece of paper. I keep my notes, maps, and reference materials on the side that faces me, and I put artwork, notes, and other useful information on the outside for my players (the Master's Tome comes with 4 art and 4 game mechanic inserts if you want to use them).

As an added bonus, the screen's customizable pockets are waterproof and notes can be taken with a dry erase marker (I find this useful when I'm keeping track of a monster's hit points).

If all this isn't cool enough, what I think is brilliant is that the screen can be changed completely between campaigns or even entire games (I use the same screen for D&D and Pathfinder -- just switch out the papers and I'm all set).

Final Thoughts

So what do you think about DM screens? Do you use one in your campaign? If so, what have you found to be the best Dungeon Master screen? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Until next time, fellow travelers! Keep rolling crits and live your best life ever.

One of the sweetest dice sets we carry is back! Even though it's now autumn and the temperatures are starting to fall here in Wisconsin, Watermelon dice are still in season.

Watermelon Dice

Since their initial launch earlier this summer, Watermelon dice have proven to be a customer favorite. As part of the Forbidden Fruit collection, the dice fit in perfectly with the popular Passion Fruit and Kiwi dice we sell. Alas, the dice quickly sold out, but thankfully we just received a big shipment.

Watermelon dice are made from three color layers to look like their namesake. The green and off-white layers represent the rind, while the semi-translucent red mimics the fruit. The dice even have little black specks that look like watermelon seeds. To top it off, complimentary gold numbers complete the look. As a whole, the dice give gamers something truly different for game night.

Final Thoughts

Until next time fellow travelers! If you're interested learning more about Watermelon dice be sure to visit the Dark Elf Dice store listing here or contact us if you have any questions.

It's no secret that Dark Sword Miniatures produces some of the most brilliant tabletop miniatures this side of the Misty Mountains. This award winning company never ceases to amaze us with gorgeous new minis.

New Dark Sword Miniatures

Within the week, we'll be stocking the new Dark Sword Miniatures: three awesome models just released and ready for your greatest roleplaying game adventures.

The miniatures are:

• Female Paladin with Great Sword DSM7343
• Female Sorceress DSM7344
• Male Elf Warrior DSM7346

All three minis were sculpted by the legendary Tom Meier, and as you can see in the photos they look fantastic.

Final Thoughts

I've never met a miniature that I didn't like, but my favorite out of the three is the female paladin. Yes, I'm biased (paladins are my favorite character class to roleplay), but the full plate armor, winged helmet, and flowing cape really do it for me -- a perfect miniature for a player character or NPC (captain of the guard, king's champion, etc.).

Until next time fellow travelers! Dark Elf Dice is constantly adding new products to the store so be sure to check back often. Whether it's new Dark Sword Miniatures, dice, or toys you'll never know what you'll find next :)

There's a lot of excitement surrounding the Pathfinder Roleplaying Game these days. The RPG fan favorite is undergoing a slew of changes in its upcoming Second Edition release. Gamers will get a chance to play test the new system at next month's GenCon (public playtesting begins August 2 and runs through the end of 2018).

There are hundreds of new spells, magic-items, feats and more. Core classes are also being redesigned in 2e, but it's the new rogue features that I find especially intriguing.

New Pathfinder Rogue Features

Rogues need to be quick and skillful, leveraging their unique abilities against unaware enemies. The Pathfinder Second Edition will help achieve this through a mix of classic and new game mechanics. Here's a quick breakdown of some of the new rogue features sure to excite players and Game Masters alike:

• At 1st level, rogues get a surprise attack feature and can treat any enemy that has not taken its turn yet as if it were flat-footed. Strikes against a flat-footed enemy grant extra d6s of precision damage.
• At 9th level rogues get to apply debilitating strikes against flat-footed enemies as well (allows the entangling or enfeebling of foes in addition to the extra damage). As a rogue levels, more conditions can be applied with debilitating strikes, culminating with Master Strike at 19th level (the potential to insta- kill!).
• Rogues will now gain skill feats at a quicker rate (one per level instead of one every other level).
• Skill feats are rich and wide-ranging, allowing rogues to enjoy varied play styles -- everything from iconic sneak and stealth rogues, to dungeon-delving specialists, to smooth talking con artists, to fences and burglars, to everything in between! Players will be able to use expanded skill feats to create a truly unique character.

RELATED POST: New Reaper Miniatures Feature The Red Raven

In addition to the features above, a variety of class feats will be available to rogues as they level. A few examples:

• Nimble Dodge: a reaction that increases a rogue's Armor Class by 2.
• Mobility: rogues move at half speed and ignore reactions triggered by movement (attacks of opportunity for example).
• Reactive Pursuit: as a reaction, a rogue can chase after an enemy attempting to disengage.
• Dread Striker: frightened creatures are treated as flat-footed.
• Gang Up: allows a rogue to treat creatures within melee as flat-footed.
• Instant Opening: a rogue can treat a single enemy within 30 feet as flat-footed until the end of the next turn.
• Cognitive Loophole: rogues ignore a mental effect for a full round before it takes hold.
• Blank Slate: immune to detection, revelation and scrying effects.
• Twist The Knife: after sneak attack damage is applied, rogues can then apply persistent bleed damage equal to half their current sneak attack dice.

Final Thoughts

The above is only a sneak peak (pun intended), and there are many more new and exciting rogue features in store for Pathfinder Second Edition. All in all, the planned changes should allow players more variety when creating and roleplaying their characters.

So there you have it fellow travelers! What are your thoughts on the new Pathfinder rogue features? Do you plan on taking part in the upcoming Second Edition playtest? If so, what would you like to see tweaked or added to the rogue character class? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below. Until next time! Remember: life is the ultimate adventure, so keep rolling natural 20s.

At Dark Elf Dice, we're always adding new dice to our impressive catalog, and some of the newest dice launched were Blended dice -- polyhedral dice in unusual two-color mixes.

New Blended Dice

Since we started carrying Blended dice late last year, the collection has steadily grown. The three newest dice sets came out last week, and are sure to offer something special for gamers and collectors.

The new Blended dice include Glamour Spell, Vorpal Blade, and Wild Magic (you can view these and other Blended dice here).

Glamour Spell dice are an unusual mixture of yellow and rose -- two of the rarer colors on the market today. The end result is a beautiful mix that appears soft and velvety. These dice are a great choice for Bards and spell casters.

Vorpal Blade dice feature a mix of purple and green. Unlike other purple/green mixes we sell, these Blended dice have a soft, metallic sheen. Combined with bright gold numbering, Vorpal Blade dice evoke the mystery of magical weapons.

Rounding out the newest Blended dice in our collection is my personal favorite, Wild Magic dice. A purple and red mixture is the hallmark of Wild Magic. Where the two colors blend together, an almost coppery-hue is created. Again, these are awesome dice for spell casters -- especially sorcerers of any alignment.

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy our newest Blended dice, be sure to check back often! As always, we'll be launching new dice sets over the coming months.

Until next time, fellow travelers! Take time to enjoy the precious gift of life, and have fun gaming :)

At Dark Elf Dice, we're big fans of Chaosium's Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game. It's hard to believe this horror classic is already in its seventh edition, but a game this good can't be stopped!

New Call Of Cthulhu Dice

Like most tabletop roleplaying games, players need dice, and Call of Cthulhu is no exception. For several years now, Q-Workshop has created amazing dice for CoC that help capture the mystery and horror of the game (to see the Cthulhu dice collection click here).

Last year, Q-Workshop and Chaosium teamed up yet again to expand the CoC dice line and launched an exciting Kickstarter project to bring new dice to the table. The Kickstarter proved to be a huge success, and 2,723 backers pledged over $280,000 to make the dream a reality.

Thanks to the Kickstarter, the new Call of Cthulhu dice are here. Four new plastic sets have been released under a sinister collection titled The Outer Gods. The dice are available in four separate colors: blue, green, red and yellow -- each color representing one of the Outer Gods of the CoC mythos (Azathoth, Cthulhu, Nyarlathotep, and Hastur). Like all Q-Workshop creations, these dice are rich with artistic carvings and symbols and quite frankly look flat-out amazing.

Metal Cthulhu Dice

As if four new CoC dice sets weren't enough, Q-Workshop also released the crown jewel of the Call of Cthulhu dice series: a premium metal set. These Cthulhu dice are a work of art: each metal die is adorned with sculpted tentacles and fanged mouths of madness on the corners. Really, there hasn't been anything produced quite like it in this or any other universe.

As soon as we introduced the metal dice on Dark Elf Dice, we sold out within a day. At the time of this blog post we're still sold out, but we have a new shipment inbound :)

Final Thoughts

In my opinion, the Q-Workshop/Chaosium partnership is one of the best collaborations in gaming, and has been for years. I was thrilled that both companies launched a Kickstarter to bring new Call of Cthulhu dice to CoC. It really is a good time to be a gamer and collector!

Until next time fellow travelers! May all your dice throws be critical hits, and all your enemies' dice throws be critical misses!

At Dark Elf Dice we're always looking to add new miniatures to our site, because you can never have too many minis! This week we added two new collections: Kitsune and Tengu miniatures.

Kitsune And Tengu Miniatures

A growing number of D&D gamers like to think outside the boundaries of traditional fantasy. Certainly there's nothing wrong with the abundance of elves, dwarves, and halflings that populate our imaginary worlds, but sometimes it's fun to challenge perceptions and roleplay a rare and exotic race. Both the Kitsune and Tengu races help satisfy that desire (the Kitsune being a race of anthropomorphic "fox people" and the Tengu "crow people").

That said, it's been hard to find good Kitsune and Tengu miniatures for the game table. D&D is at heart a pen and paper game where imagination reigns supreme, but miniatures have always been a way to add a level of fun to a game. Often times players wanting to roleplay a Kitsune or Tengu have had to use substitution miniatures (humans, elves, etc.) to establish their characters.

Thankfully, both Reaper and Dark Sword Miniatures carry a limited selection of Kitsune and Tengu Miniatures that we're now proud to carry on our site. The miniatures are exceptional, and are the same high quality gamers and collectors have come to expect. Many of the familiar classes are represented in these models: magic-users, fighters, rogues, etc. and gamers should no longer have to settle for substitution minis.

Final Thoughts

Though we're happy to add the new Kitsune and Tengu miniatures, there's always room for more! Both races are still underrepresented and hopefully Reaper and Dark Sword will continue adding new figures. When they do, we'll be sure to offer them on our site.

Until next time fellow travelers! Life is a precious gift so be sure to appreciate each and every day and make every moment count. Happy adventuring!

I have some good news :) Giant Inflatable d20 dice are back! It's been years, but the dice are finally being produced again. The dice were always a big hit with gamers, and we just received our first shipment.

Inflatable D20 Dice

The giant Inflatable d20 is the brainchild of Crystal Caste. When they first came out, CC would toss a few out at GenCon while the crowd was waiting in line. As you can imagine, good times ensued -- the dice were batted around like beach balls at a rock concert.

Initially, the Inflatable d20 was produced in 4 colors: black, red, blue, and green. The colors were a limited production run, and tended not to be released at the same time (though there was some overlap). The dice were a fixture not only at gaming conventions, but were a novelty item used on game nights, parties, and even weddings.

Back In Production

Sadly, about four years ago, the Inflatable d20 dice were retired. It happens with many products in the gaming space -- certain items get shelved so new products can be released.

Needless to say, we here at Dark Elf Dice were disappointed. All of us were big fans of the giant dice because they were so different and our customers really liked them. I lost track of all the conversations I had with the good folks at Crystal Caste regarding the Inflatable d20's, and I practically begged the company to bring 'em back.

I'm not sure how much of an influence my whining had in the decision to bring the dice back, but regardless they're here! This time around CC has released two colors at the same time: both black and red. At this point I'm not certain if the other colors are coming, but hopefully they will. There's even rumors that a purple d20 will be released.

If you're interested in checking out the Inflatable d20's please do so here.

Until next time fellow travelers! I hope everyone gets a chance to hang with friends this weekend and do some gaming. Happy adventuring!

You can never have enough D&D dice, and neither can we! Dark Elf Dice has been expanding our considerable dice catalog these past months, and one of the most intriguing dice collections we've added are the spectacular Mystic dice.

Mystic Dice

Dice collectors may remember the old Silk line produced by Crystal Caste -- a mixed blend of opaque blacks, blues, purples, reds and white. Sadly, the Silk series was retired almost five years ago now, and it really is a shame. The dice had a bold, fresh look that proved to be popular with gamers looking to steer clear from dark mixes and wanting to "lighten" things up a bit. The dice were an amazing choice for wizards, illusionists, and other magic-based characters.

The now retired Silk dice shown in red.

Thankfully, Mystic dice have materialized on the gaming scene and should prove a worthy replacement for the sadly missed Silk line. Mystic dice are a similar color mix of opaque hues and white. As of the time of this blog post, Mystic are the only dice in mass production that features white in a two-color mix. The colors tend to be a tad more vibrant than even the Silk, and come in even more attractive color choices:

• Black and White
• Blue and White
• Green and White
• Purple and White
• Red and White
• Teal and White

Mystic dice are definitely a great choice for magic-based characters and for anyone looking for beautiful dice. The collection is produced in complete, 7-piece polyhedral sets perfect for Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and other tabletop role playing games.

More To Come

Mystic dice are only the beginning, and we'll be adding even more exciting RPG dice to the site in the weeks and months to come. Be sure to check out the Dark Elf Dice homepage for new arrivals, and this blog for more information as we showcase some of the new product lines.

Until next time, fellow travelers! Make each and every day special, and keep rolling natural 20's!

Please follow this link for more information on Mystic dice.

Over the holidays, new Reaper Miniatures were released, and boy are they awesome! Headlining the new minis is none other than the Red Raven, the vigilante hero from the Pathfinder mythos. This iconic character comes complete with dual-wield daggers and tattered cloak. This mini also works well as a master thief or assassin in the RPG of your choice (though this mini just begs to be painted red in my opinion).

The Red Raven 60203

Aravir the Elf Ranger comes next, a two-fisted fighter just begging for action and adventure. Check out his weather-beaten cloak and elvish armor expertly painted in this example picture. This new Reaper Miniature is sure to find a place on just about any gaming table.

Aravir, Elf Ranger 3763

Not to be outdone by her kinsman, Merrowyn Lightstar is here to save the day! This heavy armor wearing Elf Paladin is ready to take on the forces of evil with her imposing sword and board setup. Your paint choices are limitless, but I can't help but imagine Merrowyn wearing anything other than white armor gilded with gold highlights (yes, it'd be a pain to keep clean, but it'd be ultra cool -- especially for a lawful good champion of light).

Merrowyn Lightstar, Female Elf Paladin 3764

The Highlander Heroine finishes the new releases. She's warrior-born and wields a fierce, two-handed claymore. Her worn cloak and simple armor pieces are fringed with thick fur, and she wears her hair in a tribal braid. Like all the new Reaper Miniatures, she's a highly detailed mini ready for your greatest adventures.

Highlander Heroine 3765

If you're interested in more Reaper Miniatures, but sure to browse our Dark Elf Dice store. We currently have over 500 models to chose from.

Until next time fellow travelers! Live each and every day to the fullest, and make sure to have fun along the way.

I fell in love with gaming miniatures not long after I first started playing Dungeons & Dragons. Back in those days, Ral Partha and Grenadier minis ruled the day. I can't recall how many driveways I had to shovel and how many lawns I had to cut, but within a few years I had amassed a respectable collection of miniatures: elves, dwarves, orcs and too many beasties to remember.

Miniatures Storage

Back then, there weren’t many options when it came to storing and transporting my miniatures. Grenadier sets came packaged in cardboard boxes with slotted foam (which was nice), but Ral Partha minis came in simple blister packs (just like Reaper Miniatures today). My only solution was to keep my collection in shoe boxes lined with tissue paper. Overall not a bad thing as long as the boxes were stored safely beneath my bed, but when it came time to transport my miniatures to my best friend’s house for a weekend of D&D, it truly became a nightmare. More than one paint job became chipped and damaged as my minis banged and crashed against each other on the car ride over.

BattleHive II

As far as miniatures storage goes, the good old days weren’t so good after all. Today’s gamers have a much wider variety of options available when it comes to safely protecting and transporting minis.

One of the more intriguing options is the BattleHive II manufactured by Crystal Caste. Yes, this storage solution isn’t for everyone, but if you have a big enough collection and the budget for such a large case, the BattleHive II is sweet.

We’ve been carrying the BattleHive II at Dark Elf Dice since we opened for business in 2005. The case is a specialty item to be sure, but we always try to keep a few in stock for the gamers that need one.

If you’re considering purchasing the BattleHive II, here are a few of the positives in my opinion:

• If not the biggest, it’s definitely one of the biggest storage cases on today’s market. Great for large collections and entire armies.
• Hard-shell case offering better overall protection than a soft-shell counterpart.
• Has wheels and an attached tote handle for easier transportation.
• Comes with 7 foam “pick and pluck” storage trays of different depths so gamers can customize different openings for specific miniatures.
• Comes with an accessory tray for storing dice, tokens, pens, and whatnot.

Final Thoughts

The BattleHive II isn't inexpensive mind you, and the price has gone up over the years due to increased manufacturing costs. At the time of this article, the case is $124.95 + shipping. That said, you get a lot of bang for your buck with the BattleHive II, and depending on the size of your collection you may be able to fit all your miniatures in the case and save money by foregoing multiple, smaller cases (or shoe boxes).

That’s it for this week, fellow travelers! If you have any questions about the BattleHive II or any of the other miniatures storage cases we carry, be sure to ask. And as always, remember to make each and every day count. Live life to the fullest and game on.

Just in time for the holiday season, we received a new shipment of metal D&D dice. The metals tend to sell out fast, but we're fully stocked in all the colors at the time of this blog post:

• Antique Gold
• Antique Silver
• Black
• Blue
• Copper
• Gold
• Green
• Pink
• Red
• Silver
• Sterling Gray

We have quite the selection, and several of the colors are available in matching d6 sets as well.

Metal D&D Dice

If you never gamed with metal D&D dice you're in for a treat. The dice are made from solid zinc and plated in shiny, durable nickel. The dice we carry are produced by MDG, and they really make a terrific product. Not only are the metal dice solid and heavy in your hand, they also have oversized numbers for truly easy-to-read rolls.

Dice Choices

We do our best to stock a huge variety of RPG dice for gamers of all budgets. That said, the metal D&D dice are one of the more expensive products we carry, and may not be the best choice for players just getting into Dungeons and Dragons, etc.

No doubt about it though -- they're great dice, and seasoned veterans and collectors may want to add a set to their arsenal. There's nothing quite as satisfying as the sound metal dice make when rolled across the table. Power. Strength. A gratifying "thunk." And just sheer awesomeness!

Metal Dice Pictures

I've posted a few pictures of the metal D&D dice below (gold, silver, and copper to be exact). If you'd like to see the entire collection, please be sure to visit Dark Elf Dice here.

Until next time fellow travelers! I hope you're having fun. Remember to play hard and cherish each and every day.

Ghostly Glow dice are the latest creation from Chessex, and they're already proving to be very popular here at Dark Elf Dice. Available in both Pink and Orange, these RPG dice are beautiful in their own right -- a milky translucent with ethereal wisps of color. These dice are intense, but it's their eerie, bluish glow that really makes them special.

Ghostly Glow Dice

When we first added the Ghostly Glow dice to our website, we didn't even realize that they glowed-in-the-dark. You'd figure that the name "Ghostly Glow" would have tipped us off, but we simply added the dice because we liked the way they looked and believed that our customers and fans would as well. Besides, Chessex makes really terrific gaming dice, so how could we go wrong?

Popular

Since adding Ghostly Glow dice to our store last month, we've already had to re-order twice. Without a doubt, the glow is what makes these dice popular with gamers and collectors. I've been gaming since the 1980's, but I've never seen anything quite like these. A lot of glow-in-the-dark dice give off a greenish light, but I really can't recall seeing blue before. And those ethereal wisps of color I mentioned earlier? They actually turn dark when the lights are out, and this gives the dice a truly supernatural feel.

More Information

To learn more about Ghostly Glow dice, please click here. The dice are currently available in traditional 7-piece polyhedral sets. Until next time fellow travelers! Remember that life is an adventure, so make each and every day special.

The Gemini dice collection is one of our favorites here at Dark Elf Dice, and our loyal customers would seem to agree. Gemini has been a perennial favorite ever since we opened, and it's not surprising why. When it comes to Gemini, Chessex really "got it right." The collection features the finest RPG dice in twin, complimentary colors, and there really is something awesome for everyone.

New Gemini Dice Color

Like most manufacturers, Chessex introduces different colors from time to time, and we're always excited to see what's new for the gaming table. I have to say that the newest Gemini Teal and Steel dice pattern really brought a smile to our faces.

Cool And Classy

Chessex has never been afraid to experiment, and they're one of the few companies that uses teal to great effect. Whether they're combining teal with copper, purple -- and now steel -- the end result is brilliant. The new teal and steel dice really come across as cool and classy. The two colors really work well together, and are a great fit with the other dice in the Gemini collection.

Share Your Thoughts

So what do you feel about the new Gemini dice color? How does it compare with some of the other colors in the Gemini collection? Share your thoughts and opinions with your fellow gamers and let your voice be heard!

Until next time, fellow travelers. May all your rolls be natural 20s :)

In the world of RPG accessories, dice reign supreme. Ever since the early days of Dungeons and Dragons, dice have been an integral part of every campaign. Without a good set of dice, gamers are unable to tell their unique stories. Every sword slash, every dodge roll, every random encounter is dependent on the roll of a good set of dice.

Halfsies Dice

Over the last forty years or so, dice manufacturers have really upped their game (pun intended). Gone are the sets of low quality dice once packaged with D&D, and in their place are a myriad assortment of dice in every size, color, and luster imaginable. Companies such as Chessex and Crystal Caste dominate the market with their amazing and innovative designs, now familiar to the majority of gamers. That said, there's always room on the game table for something new, and this is where Halfsies dice come into the picture.

Halfsies dice are the brainchild of John Wrot!, owner of Gate Keeper Games -- a small, indie company best known for The King's Armory. Halfsies dice started out as a Kickstarter project that eventually led to the release of 13 unique polyhedral dice sets.

Something Different

We carry a monster assortment of game dice here at Dark Elf Dice, so what exactly is it that makes Halfsies so different from the rest?

• To start with, Halfsies dice come in a two-toned, half and half color combination. The closest thing on today's market is the wildly popular Gemini line by Chessex. Unlike Gemini dice however, the Halfsies colors don't blend with each other. The separation between the two colors is very distinct.
• John Wrot! also saw to it that Halfsies are blessed with truly different colors that really haven't been seen in dice before (violets, cyans, browns, vermilions, etc.). Even familiar colors like golds and blues take on different shades. As part of the initial Kickstarter campaign, backers chose the colors they thought best.
• Finally, Halfsies have a subtle, yet pleasing, pearlescent swirl finish, unlike most of the hard gloss finishes we're most familiar with.

Pictures

Taken as a whole, Halfsies dice really are something special. One look will reveal just how incredibly awesome they are. Currently, Gate Keeper Games has 13 color combinations. Here's just a sample below. To see all 13 sets, be sure to visit the Dark Elf Dice store here.

No matter what fantasy role playing game you play, the thief class is one of the stalwarts of the genre. Lots of players enjoy playing the thief. Whether roguishly charming or sneaky and stealthy, the thief relies on cunning and skill. Not one to simply hack and slash, thieves live by their wits: street smart, savy, and more than willing to shape their own fates. The RPG thief is one of the most fun and challenging classes to play in Dungeons & Dragons and a host of other games.

Thief Miniatures

For gamers willing to play the thief, we have a great selection of RPG miniatures to help represent the class.Presented in no particular order, here are 6 awesome RPG thief miniatures we think you'll enjoy (if you'd like to see all the awesome thief miniatures we have for sale, please click here).

#1: Hellakin

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Hellakin is a halfling thief. Bare-footed, and woolly-toed, Hellakin isn't lacking in courage. With his long hair and drawn dagger, this halfling is more at home in the back streets of a bustling city instead of the rolling meadows of some backwoods Shire. Approach with caution.

#2: Merisiel

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Merisiel is an elf thief. She's reputed to come from a noble family, and no one knows exactly what turned her to a life of crime. Perhaps it was a deep seated need to prove herself, to show the world she was more than a stuffy aristocrat destined to a life of boring social events and dinner parties. No matter the reason, Merisiel is an expert at her chosen craft, and the master of her own destiny.

#3 Blue Orchid Assassin

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The Blue Orchid assassin has devoted his life to making his body a living weapon. He's not a brute or brawler by any means, but a master of disguise favoring stealth and prowess. He keeps to the shadows and knows how to stalk his prey without being detected. And when he strikes, he strikes quick and sure. His face is the last thing his victim will ever see.

#4 Lonodi

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Lonodi grew up poor, and when her parents died, it was up to her to support her younger siblings. Apprenticed by a master thief who saw the hunger and raw determination in Lonodi, she mastered the craft of deception and burglary, honing her skills in one of the wealthy coastal cities. She earns a fair living picking pockets and working as a thief-for-hire. Her siblings are taken care of, and no longer live in fear of poverty and ruin.

#5 Damon

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Damon started life as a caravan guard for a rich merchant. He risked his life daily in the service of a wealthy man concerned only for himself and money. For years, Damon watched as his employer cheated others, using his wealth to crush lesser men. He and his fellow guardsmen were treated as disposable assets -- under appreciated and underpaid. Finally having endured enough, Damon robbed the rich man of his ill gotten gold and gems, turning the riches over to the families and victims he had seen hurt throughout the years. Damon now leads a band of robbers that prey on the wealthy and stingy, using leverage to help others in need.

#6 Sandru Vhiski

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Sandru Vhiski likes to think of himself as the most important man alive. Roguishly handsome with a winning smile, Sandru uses his charms to con others of their wealth. He's a thief and a gambler, relying on his wits, luck, and good looks to seduce his victims. A ladies man and a flirt, he's also an expert swordsman and doesn't lack for courage if he feels his honor has been insulted.

It's been a long time coming, but Dark Elf Dice finally has the new Lustrous dice series in stock and ready to ship. While not as well known as other dice by Chessex (the Gemini series for instance), Lustrous dice will hold their own against any RPG dice on the gaming table.

Lustrous Dice

So what makes Lustrous dice so special, and why are we so excited about their addition to our website? Well for starters, as far as RPG dice are concerned, Lustrous dice are drop dead gorgeous. Take a look at the pictures at the end of this blog post and see if you don't agree. Not only are Lustrous dice beautiful, but the series also offers a unique blend of colors that we really haven't seen before -- purples, greens, blacks, and seriously awesome bronzes, golds, and blues. In total, there are eight different color options available to RPG gamers and collectors.

Click here to see the entire Lustrous collection.

• Black
• Bronze
• Dark Blue
• Gold
• Purple
• Green
  
• Shadow
• Slate

Lustrous Effect

From the D4 all the way up to the D20, every Lustrous die is polished to a high, glossy sheen. This smooth, brilliant finish really makes the blended colors pop, and gives credence as to why the dice are named lustrous.

Like all Chessex dice we carry, the Lustrous series has pre-inked, easy-to-read numbers. Ink colors include white, silver, and gold, and contrast perfectly with the varying lustrous hues.

Chronoscope miniatures offer something new to RPG gaming.

Back in the early days of table top role playing, RPGs were often referred to as "pen and paper" games. Game Master's would create fantasy worlds out of their imaginations, spinning epic tales and describing scenes in great detail. Players would share this vision, and chart the world their characters moved through on graph paper.

It didn't take long though for gamers to borrow a page from strategic wargaming and incorporate miniature models into their adventures. Miniatures helped players visualize the scenes before them, representing their characters and spacing during battles and encounters. Even though RPGs still relied on "pen and paper," miniatures added depth and richness to a night's worth of gaming.

Chronoscope Miniatures

Fast forward 40 years, and things haven't changed all that much. Though not entirely necessary, gaming miniatures still add to the pleasure of role playing games.

In an area long dominated by fantasy miniatures (think Dungeons & Dragons and Pathfinder), one exciting development is the Chronoscope miniatures line by Reaper. Forgoing the miniatures one usually sees in fantasy games (armored knights, battle-axe wielding dwarves, elven archers, etc.), Chronoscope focuses on the unexpected. There's gun toting vigilantes, musclebound superheroes, steam punk time travelers, secret agents, western cowboys, and more. Chronoscope miniatures are a diverse lineup that cross many RPG genres.

Incorporating Chronoscope Miniatures

Because of their diversity, Chronoscope miniatures can be used in any number of role playing games. Sci-fi RPGs readily come to mind, but how about traditional fantasy? Would it be wrong to drop a Malvernis Soldier into your D&D campaign for instance?

Remember, there's really no wrong or right when it comes to fantasy role playing. These are imaginative games, after all, but Game Masters should still exercise caution lest they break lore and cheapen the shared adventure with their players.

So how can miniatures like Chronoscope be incorporated into a traditional fantasy setting?

The best advice is to stretch, but don't break lore. Introduce an out-of-this-world character through the "realities" that exist in the current campaign. Perhaps the party discovers a well in an ancient temple that's actually a portal to another dimension. How about a magic mirror taken from a wizard's hoard that allows players to see (and encounter) a steampunk heroine like Belle?

Whatever you do, don't simply spring a Chronoscope miniature packing a laser gun on your players without some logical basis. You wan't to suspend your players disbelief (not ruin it) and the best way to do that is to base the encounter on something that makes sense in the fantasy world the characters exist in.

Chronoscope Inspires Imagination

If handled properly, Chronoscope miniatures can really freshen up a fantasy RPG. I wouldn't overdue it, but an encounter with a sci-fi hero or villain can truly inspire your players' imaginations. Not that there's anything wrong with battling Orcs, Trolls, and the like -- but how about forcing your players to adapt to a new situation? By facing unexpected challenges and expanding the scope of the fantasy world they play in, your players will thoroughly enjoy themselves and have a memorable night's gaming that will be talked about years to come. Fun, excitement, and imagination. Isn't that what RPG gaming is all about?

Final Thoughts

So how about it readers? What do you think about the Chronoscope miniatures lineup, and have you ever stretched the boundaries of a traditional fantasy RPG? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below.

Also, if you're interested in purchasing a Chronoscope miniature from our Dark Elf Dice website, we're offering a 10% off coupon code for the entire month of August. Simply use the code CHRONOSCOPE at the time of checkout. Until next time fellow travelers! Make each and everyday an adventure :)

Frosted dice will help RPG players stay cool this summer.

Dark Elf Dice already stocks a huge collection of the best role playing dice from the world's greatest manufacturers, so it's not often that our store gets a chance to add something new to our inventory. That being said, we've spent a lot of time this summer searching for new RPG dice and role playing accessories for our loyal customers.

Frosted Dice

During the next month or so, we'll be introducing exciting new products to the store. One of the coolest things we've just added though are Frosted dice.

Frosted dice come in eight new colors, and we have them all:

• Black
• Blue
• Caribbean Blue
• Pink
• Purple
• Red
• Teal
• White

Frosted Effect

As a color group, Frosted dice are cast in soft, pastel hues. The dice aren't solid opaque by any means, nor are they purely translucent. Frosted dice are somewhat of an inbetweener -- a semi-translucent if you will. There are other semi-translucent dice on the market, but what makes Frosted dice truly unique is their cool, frosty finish.

Have you ever had an ice cold soda in a frosty mug? Refreshing, isn't it! The cold glass creates frozen condensation on its surface, and this same effect is mimicked on Frosted dice. Thankfully, you get the same frozen look without the ice cold temperature (icy dice wouldn't be too much fun to play with, and would surely melt after a marathon session of Dungeons & Dragons).

The frosted effect gives the dice a slight bit of texture, and helps soften, and evenly distribute the color across the entire surface. The white inked numbers show up beautifully against this surface, and as a result the numbers are clear and easy to read.

Final Thoughts

So if you're looking for something cool this summer, be sure to browse this newest addition to our Dark Elf Dice store. Frosted dice look so unbelievably chill, and the series is definitely one of the most unique that we carry.

Until next time, fellow travelers! Let us know what you think about the new Frosted dice, and tell us which is your favorite color. And always remember that life is an amazing gift, so be sure to make each and everyday an adventure :)

Pathfinder Flip-Mats can add depth and richness to any fantasy RPG game.

When it comes to fantasy RPGs, there's been quite a few innovations over the years, and as a lifelong Game Master, I've always been interested in products that help suspend my players' disbelief. Fantasy role playing is all about the imagination after all, and anything that helps gamers visualize the world they adventure in is beneficial.

Pathfinder Flip-Mats

I've always been a big fan of vinyl RPG game mats. Grid mats like the Combat Mat and Megamat allow Game Masters, such as myself, to sketch out the rooms and dungeons my players crawl through. In general, game mats help players get a bearing on their surroundings, and allow for the positioning of RPG miniatures.

One of the more recent gaming innovations though, is the Pathfinder Flip-Mat. Flip-Mats have the same benefits of their vinyl grid predecessors, but can really add an unparalleled layer of depth and richness to any fantasy RPG game.

Flip-Mat Benefits

For starters, every Pathfinder Flip-Mat is reversible, with a printed game mat in stunning color. Each side is expertly illustrated, giving players a more finished view of their surroundings. Every Flip-Mat is richly detailed, and it's these details that help gamers visualize their fantasy world.

Pathfinder Flip-Mats come in a variety of flavors, and are designed around unique fantasy themes. Some of the ones I find the most useful in my campaigns are the Seedy Tavern and Village Square -- excellent locales for story hooks. I've also used less generalized Flip-Mats like the Desert Ruins and Giant Lairs for a week's worth of extended RPG battles and exploration. Overall, Pathfinder Flip-Mats offer a host of themes that can inspire both Game Masters and players.

Here's a breakdown of how Pathfinder Flip-Mats can help your game:

1. Flip-Mats are pre-printed with richly detailed fantasy environments.
2. Flip-Mats save valuable time, helping players visualize their surroundings and getting them right into the action.
3. Flip-Mats are printed with a coated surface, allowing for the use of wet and dry erase markers (helpful for notes, tracking hit points, etc.).
4. Flip-Mats are versatile, and can be used for Pathfinder, Dungeon & Dragons, and any fantasy role playing game.

Final Thoughts

With their many unique themes, Pathfinder Flip-Mats are a useful accessory for just about any RPG campaign. Game Masters will appreciate the game mat's ease of use, while players will enjoy the richly detailed environments.

We stock a nice assortment here at Dark Elf Dice, and if you're interested, I'm sure you'll find one or two that will appeal to your gaming group. If so, you can save 10% off any Pathfinder Flip-Mat through the end of this month. Simply use the coupon code FLIP at the time of checkout. Until next time, fellow travelers! Remember to make each and everyday an adventure.