Superior Scribbler

Brian Murphy, over at the excellent The Silver Key, has selected this blog as his pick for the Superior Scribbler Award. I'm always pleased and a little surprised when someone specifically speaks well of what I've done here. On some level, I believe I'm too eccentric a writer to have much appeal beyond a handful of likeminded people, so it's gratifying to learn that someone has enjoyed and appreciated my musings. Brian very kindly writes:

Grognardia is the premiere blog for fans of old school Dungeons and Dragons and its literary heritage. Author James Maliszewski offers brilliant analysis of the origins of the game and convincing explanation of why the older editions worked and continue to work, blowing up the myth that fans of AD&D and OD&D are simply stricken with an unhealthy nostalgia.

I can't say how much this made my day. Thanks, Brian.

Now, I have to pick five blogs to which I'd like to give the Superior Scribbler Award. This is hard, as there are so many good ones out there these days. To narrow it down somewhat, I'm going to limit my selections to those that have not yet received the Award to my knowledge. I'm sure I'll screw up and give it to one someone else has already honored, but so be it. I'm also going to limit myself to gaming-related blogs, because no one really cares what else I read online.

Bat in the Attic: Online home of Robert Conley, who is both a talented writer and cartographer -- and thus a source of great envy to me -- this blog is a sometimes-rambling but always engaging foray into the mind and gaming habits of an old schooler of superb pedigree. Rob and I actually have very different tastes when it comes to games, but I've never failed to find his posts interesting and thought-provoking despite this.

Greyhawk Grognard: Writing about all things Greyhawk, with occasional forays into assorted other topics, writer Joseph -- alas, I don't know his full name -- is a ready source both of knowledge and insight about the setting Gary Gygax created. I consider myself pretty well read on this topic, but Joseph shows that I still have much to learn.

The RPG Corner: Dave/Sirlarkins comes at old school gaming from a different background than I, which I consider a good thing. Every time I read this blog I am reminded that there are many different approaches to our common hobby and we all benefit from taking full advantage of them. It's an important thing for me to keep in mind and I'm very grateful to Dave for his role in helping me do just that.

The Society of Torch, Pole and Rope: Michael Curtis truly embodies the spirit of OD&D and the early hobby. His posts include many I consider instant classics, like the multi-part "The Dungeon Alphabet." Michael is positively brimming with ideas and is never afraid to reconsider long-held notions in the pursuit of fun.

Uhluht'c Awakens: The blog of Dan Proctor, creator of Labyrinth Lord and Mutant Future, though very sporadic in its posting, is nevertheless one of my favorites. Dan is simultaneously idealistic and clear-headed in his approach to old school gaming and never loses sight of the fact that these are games we're all so passionate about. I consider him one of the most astute creators in the old school community today.

Winners are expected to post the rules of the Award as follows:

• Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.
• Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.
• Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to this post, which explains The Award.
• Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List (scroll down). That way, we’ll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!
• Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.