Game Hardcore with Iron DM

Think you’re the best DM around? Think again. At this past Gen Con, I got to see something really new, roleplaying for the hardest of the hardcore: Iron DM

In this competitive tournament, Dungeon Masters are given three "mystery ingredients" with which they have 1 hour to craft the most awesome, complete, exciting adventure experience they can muster. The DMs then run their adventure for groups of discerning players, using props, gimmicks, and plenty of showmanship in a battle for the title "Iron DM." Presided over by author and taskmaster Nicolas Logue, this year's Iron DM special ingredients were "river rafts," "rakshasa," and "redemption," which came together to make the winning adventure involving a race for salvation down the River Styx. The game has a ton of energy, a lot more (good-natured) shit-talking, and was really something to see. A big hit this year, expect an even bigger Iron DM tournament at next year's Gen Con Indy, and be sure to check out their classy little website if you think you're DM enough.