Ask Doctor Evil

The point to this blog is to let some light into my little attic, to give my wee gray cells time to play. Game design, free mechanics, play experiences, and product-pimping are the sorts of things I’m hot to explore. However, it strikes me that folks out there might want something specific. So let me introduce you to Doctor Evil.

My relationship with Green Ronin Publishing has always been a happy one. From the very start, Chris, Nicole, Hal, and the rest were great to me, supportive and glad to have me around. My association, however, did not come without gentle ribbing. The first two books I did for them were the Unholy Warrior’s Handbook and the Book of Fiends. They covered rather grim and wicked content. It was after Fiends that Chris bestowed onto me the nickname, Doctor Evil. The name stuck and it’s one I’m proud to bear.

Move forward a few years. At the time, I was the d20 line developer, handling everything that wasn’t Mutants & Masterminds and True20 (lines masterfully managed by my very good friend Steve Kenson). As a gag, I thought it would be funny if we actually created Doctor Evil as an honorary member of the staff. We put up a special section of the website with email address included where fans could submit questions and have them answered by my alter ego. And if no emails showed up, I’d just make up questions and answer them instead.

I think I’ll bring Doctor Evil out from the steamer trunk. Consider it my special request line. Have an idea that’s not represented in the current rules? Shoot it my way and I’ll whip up the mechanics. Have a question about your game, need advice, or a tip? I’ll do my best to help. Want to know why the hell mechanic X works the way it does? Again, I’ll see what I can do. The point here is to give you the content you want and need. This said, if you want a new class with powers for every level, well, that may be a bit too much. Rather than give you a class, I might show you how to build the character with existing tech or whip up a few mechanical nuggets that can help shape an existing class to create the character you want. And finally, while I know 1st, 2nd, and 3rd really well, I am a bit rusty. Be warned.

How do you get in touch with the Doctor? Go to the Contact page and send me mail. At the top of your message, write “Dear Doctor Evil.” This way I can give it the special attention your message deserves. I hope to hear from you soon!