I like NPCs with secrets!Comment from discussion Dice, Camera, Action! AMA with Chris Perkins.

CommentDo you tend to have a favorite or preferred class/race etc that you lean towards playing (if so what?) or do you prefer to mix it up and come up with something depending on the story/setting?I find there are two kinds of players in that regard: those who basically play the same character over and over, and those who are always trying new stuff. I fall into the latter category. from discussion Chris Perkins AMA.

Hi, Chris. Thanks for doing this AMA.
My question is about inspiration and preparation for your stories. What sorts of materials do you consume before setting pen to paper (or type to screen, as the case may be)? How do you incorporate these sources to inform and enhance your story nuggets?
I ask because my friends and I often discuss the changing tone of RPGs over the past 30 years, and we congenially argue about (for lack of better terms) history/novel-based game mentality vs video game mentality. I understand it’s not an either/or proposition, but I’d be interested to read what you think about source material and story development and output.
Thanks again!How I think about D&D and our stories has a lot to do with what I read in history books, what’s happening in the news, what I watch on TV, and what other games I play (which isn’t many at the moment). But I also get a lot of ideas from things I discovered in my younger years, as well as conversations with my fellow Wizards employees. The other day, we were talking about Ray Bradbury’s novel, Something Wicked This Way Comes. That conversation filled my head with all sorts of ideas!Comment from discussion AMA with Chris Perkins (Today at 10:30 AM PST).

Comment A cunning mind and a strong motive. It also doesn’t hurt if the villain has some tie to one or more of the characters. I also like villains who have redeemable or likeable qualities. Anna remarked recently that she liked the relationship between Duke Zalto and Duchess Brimskarda. Yeah, they’re evil fire giants, but they’ve found a way to make their marriage work, and there’s real love there. from discussion Dice, Camera, Action! AMA with Chris Perkins.

Comment Do you have any tattoos?
Which monster do you think would make the coolest tattoo? No, and I’m going to go with dragon. (The classics.)from discussion Chris Perkins AMA.

How do you deal with character conflict snowballing into player conflict, or just how do you deal with conflict at the table in general? I would love to hear your thoughts!I crush it immediately. I’m very protective of the idea that all the players should have equal fun. If someone is disrupting that balance, I call them on it immediately and shut it down by whatever means necessary.Comment from discussion Chris Perkins AMA.

Hey Chris,
I have a background (and some success) in screenwriting on the side, but am interested in transitioning into game/story design full time. Do you have any suggestions on where I should focus my effort?The gaming industry is much, much smaller than the TV/film industry, and mostly comprised of “garage band” companies operating on shoestring budgets. But the paths to success are similar. You have to create your own opportunities by meeting influential people, forming friendships, and getting your brand name “out there.” In the past, we had vehicles such as the D&D magazines. Now we have the DMs Guild. That might be a good place to start. Also, attend cons and talk to the professionals who you think can help you. Comment from discussion AMA with Chris Perkins (Today at 10:30 AM PST).

A good trap is one that can be avoided and/or neutralized through smart play.Comment from discussion AMA with Chris Perkins (Today at 10:30 AM PST).