Brendan's fist tightened, unbidden around the hilt of his jeweled dagger as he moved cautiously across the dusty stone floor zigzagging between ancient burial tombs and eons of debris littering the floor. His movements, so precise that nary a dust mote rose in anger at his passing. The other members of the party look on from just beyond the burial chamber's entrance, watching, waiting, impatient, as the nimble thief moved toward the target of this oft ill-fated quest. A bead of sweat slowly rolls down Brendan's forehead and twitching slightly as it enters his eye, the salt stinging as it passes the small cut on his brow.

As Brendan inched beyond the final stone coffin, the dwarf cries out "'Dat a'way lad!" breaking the silence as effectively as his hammer crushes the heads of his enemies. All those alive in that place of the dead could not help but jump at the sound - for even the slightest sound reverberated through the hollowness of the musty chamber and down the darkened hallways growing to a roars as it passes.

Brendan's heart sank in dread as he heard the "cllikkk". It sounded more like the closing of heavy iron gates rather than a sound that a few voices in a whisper could have covered effectively. His eyes followed the sound to the littered floor at his feet in time to see a small stone tile slowly dip into the floor, stopping about 4 inches below the level of the floor. He could see the altar, could almost reach out and touch it. It was but a few steps away, one large one if he leapt for it. Yet something bound him to the floor. Fear held him tightly in its grasp He was unable to move knowing he would set off a horrible chain of events and sacrifice not only his life, which he treasured greatly, but also those of the others traveling with him.

What does he do? What would YOU do? What could have been done to keep Brendan and his party from this fate? That is exactly what player strategy is all about. Learn techniques from master players and the mistakes those masters made! Players, tech team, and dungeon masters, will cover many strategies that will help you become a better player. We can show you how to open the door, but walking through? That's up to you!

What types of strategy will we offer? Some are so obvious they are often over-looked, others a bit more subtle, but all are here to help you improve your player strategy and bring more enjoyment to playing the persona you chose. Here are a few.

Seek and ye shall find!

By carefully examining the scene, you will often come up with little hints and bits of information that will only be found if one seeks them out. Examining the ground will offer the chance of finding tracks. Looking to the sky can reveal the wind's direction, smoke in the distance or even an impending rain storm.

Walk in the shoes of another

It may help to stop and "think" like your adversary for a few moments. A mage will use the tools of magic to protect him. A thief will try to outwit you with clever tricks and traps. Think as they do and you may find the answers to your very survival.

More than just a river

Fill your water jugs at rivers, look for berries; using the resources around you may be what is necessary to live through the night. Look for hills and natural hiding places, use logs, trees and hills in combat, for advantage and shields, there are many ways to use what surrounds you.

Focus on the quest

Do not let yourself be too distracted by all that happens around you, taking notes about hints and signs you might find along your quest's route will help you stay focused on what you are there to accomplish.

Remember who you are

There are times a dungeon master will reward players with experience points for deeply focusing on who their character is and acting as they would and should. Clerics consult their Deities revealing his strong faith and perhaps the essence of his character. Staying true to your alignment is also important; lawful characters supporting the laws of the land or a chaotic evil character motivated with desire for personnel gain. But even if no bonus is awarded, you'll find it more fun and immersive to play this way and will add a real sense of originality and depth to your gaming environment.

Check back after the release of Neverwinter Nights for updates to player strategy!