I'm not so much interested in the article, but in the fact that it's made mention in the mainstream media. Slow news day, gamer at the Herald or RPGs no longer niche?

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/technology/news/article.cfm?c_id=5&objectid=10579328

SEATTLE - Eight people face accusations they illegally posted the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons' newest handbook for download on the internet.

I've managed to join a D&D4e game on Tuesdays. Dillo (I'm-a Dillo!) is a halfling fighter who wields a flail and whose default tactic whenever the game gets bogged down is to charge into the middle of things and start mixing it up rather than wait for the other PCs to eventually come to a consensus.

I think he'll be fun to play.

~~~
A last-minute lack of players led to NeverWinter being cancelled for the second week in a row, so instead we played Pandemic. I liked it - it requires very tight strategic teamwork on the part of the players to stand a chance against a fairly vicious outbreak mechanic. The randomisation of the initial setup and which character (therefore useful special ability) isn't in play for any given game provide good elements of replayability. The chance to clean up a virus entirely can buy you some valuable time, but can equally waste time which could have been better spent getting into position to share cards and find the next cure. The temptation to eradicate cost us the first game, but managing to do so took a lot of pressure off in the second.

Oravalen is an average height, average featured male human who can usually be found in the corner of a tavern somewhere drinking steadily. With slightly grubby robes and occasionally trimmed brown hair/beard he doesn't stand out in a crowd except for the wizards staff he carries and a tendency to have Mage Hand fetching and carrying at any given time - for example lifting his ale mug to his mouth or to the bar for a refill.

The more observant may note that one actual hand is usually out of sight in a fold of his robes, unless he is traveling outside of town in which case a dagger is displayed more prominently.

His past includes dropping out/being kicked out of every notable mages guild in the surrounding area and occasionally hooking up with ill-fated adventuring groups. The most recent of which started with an Elven Mercenary casting aspersions on the Dragonborn Paladin's ability to 'do what it takes' while they were both examining the noticeboard in the tavern. The ensuing conversation attracting the attention of Oravalen and a local Tiefling scholar, who may be a Rogue but is more likely a Warlock like her father (according to the barkeep, who is also a Tiefling). A Dwarven Cleric who also happened to catch the elf's attention was additionally roped in.

This little band is off to try and clear out a local kobold infestation, retrieve a smith's stolen dragonhide, find out why the kobolds have become unusually organised and aggressive and in the tradition of good mercenaries everywhere get paid at least twice for the expedition.