When I was younger, one of my friends attempted to create a “more fun” version of Settlers of Catan, complete with armies that could battle other players… Read more “A Defense of “Ameritrash” Board Games”
Category: Essays
Ukraine and the Demographics of Siege Warfare
Like many Americans, I’ve been horrified by the recent Russian invasion of Ukraine, and inspired by the brave resistance of the Ukrainians. The attack also reveals much… Read more “Ukraine and the Demographics of Siege Warfare”
Legal Effects of D&D Magic: (Danger) Zone of Truth
Last October, I wrote an article discussing some of the spells in Dungeons and Dragons would fundamentally rework the economics and structure of society. One commenter, however,… Read more “Legal Effects of D&D Magic: (Danger) Zone of Truth”
Mini Take: How War Films Lie to You About Age
Several months ago, I wrote an article discussing how, by its very nature, the medium of film tends towards positive portrayals of warfare. I forgot to mention,… Read more “Mini Take: How War Films Lie to You About Age”
The Great Wall: Breaking Down The Trope
In historical and fantastical drama, few tropes are as omnipresent as the Great Wall. The Great Wall divides civilizations. Often, inhabitants on one side of the wall… Read more “The Great Wall: Breaking Down The Trope”
How Historically Accurate is Hearts of Iron IV?
Not many game designers would dare to create a video game that purports to simulate the entirety of World War II, from high politics to economics to… Read more “How Historically Accurate is Hearts of Iron IV?”
What Modern Riots Tell Us About Premodern Warfare
Content Warning: This article contains videos depicting real violence during protests and riots. Despite an abundance of recent books, movies, and video games depicting premodern warfare (that… Read more “What Modern Riots Tell Us About Premodern Warfare”
Science Fiction and Fantasy in Dune
Many of viewers have come away from Dennis Villeneuve’s acclaimed adaptation of Dune with the idea that Dune is a science fiction story. After all, Dune is… Read more “Science Fiction and Fantasy in Dune”
Military Effects of D&D Magic
Last week, I discussed how the spells in Dungeons and Dragons might totally reshape the politics and economics of a D&D world. Today, I’ll dive into how… Read more “Military Effects of D&D Magic”
The Social Effects of D&D Magic
When people think of spells in Dungeons and Dragons, they think of flashy Fireball or the classic Cure Wounds. What most players and Dungeon Masters don’t realize… Read more “The Social Effects of D&D Magic “
Tragedy and Farce 