Skyrim’s best and most useful followers

When traveling throughout the world of Skyrim, it’s important to bring a companion. Here are the best!

Skyrim Lydia

Facing the trials of Tamriel can be difficult by yourself. Thankfully Bethesda has given you many companions to choose from in the massive game of Skyrim.

These followers come in all shapes and sizes, as there are dozens upon dozens that can help you complete the quests you face. Before starting your journey, you should take the time to find the follower you like the most. Here are some of the best followers you can find in The Elder Scrolls V:

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Best followers in Skyrim

J’Zargo (vanilla)

 

J'Zargo

One of the only characters from the base game that has no level cap, J’Zargo is one of the easiest and strongest followers you can acquire. His quest becomes available after the first few quests of the College of Winterhold line.

Since his level is uncapped, his destruction magic can reach devastatingly strong levels in the late game. Also, he’s one of the only mages that will keep up with you past level 50. He also has pretty funny commentary on your actions as the game progresses.

Frea (Dragonborn DLC)

Frea

There are only a few followers in the game that are marked as “essential” and have an uncapped level limit. Since Frea is one of them, that means you can bring her for the most dangerous missions and never have to worry about her dying.

She can’t even be killed by you, the Dragonborn. Also, despite being a dual axe wielding tank-ish follower, she will actually use restoration magic when she gets low on health. This allows her to stay in the battle even longer.

Barbas (vanilla)

Barbas

This good boy brings a new definition to “man’s best friend.”

Barbas is a complicated case. He is technically only usable during his quest, but you can also take advantage of this to have multiple followers at once. Most of the time you can only have one humanoid and one animal companion at a time, but since he’s a quest follower, he will join you regardless.

He is also an essential companion that is incredibly powerful. He will never die and consistently do high damage. The downside to using him, however, is his constant barking if you aren’t following his quest. If you’re willing to put up with this though, he can make one of the best followers in the game.

Rieklings (Dragonborn DLC)

Riekling

The only “animal” followers that you can give equipment to, the Rieklings are a group of followers that you gain access to after completing their quest. While technically not essential, you basically have an unlimited supply of them, since you can just go back to their hut and get a new one.

We definitely recommend picking up one of these little guys, as they can help to effectively triple your inventory space along with a humanoid follower.

Serana (Dawnguard DLC)

Serana

From the moment you help this vampire out of her imprisonment, you are able to take advantage of this very powerful necromancer. She can basically give you two companions, as she will consistently reanimate your dead enemies, and provide a constant source of magic damage. Since she is also an essential unit, you never have to worry about her dying in battle.

On top of this, she has many unique interactions with the world as she is the only follower who is able to interact with all crafting areas. This is purely aesthetic, but it can be very fun to watch. If you have an older version of Skyrim, you’ll need the Dawnguard expansion to unlock her, as she is only obtainable from its main questline.

Dark brotherhood initiate (vanilla)

Dark Brotherhood

Along with J’Zargo, these two are the only followers from the base game without a level cap. However, unlike J’Zargo, they are marked as essential, meaning they will never die. If you don’t finish the quest they are associated with while you have them following you, it’s possible to get a second follower along with them.

This is a little exploitative, but even without this, they are a strong follower that anyone can benefit from using. They are also one of the few followers that are able to successfully sneak with the player.

Go on an adventure

If you’re playing Skyrim on the Nintendo Switch or a similar re-released version, you will already have all DLC installed. This means you won’t have to worry about whether you have the DLC to unlock some of these characters.

Hopefully, this list proved to you that there’s a world beyond Lydia.

Best virtual cartography apps and software

From fantasy worldbuilding to professional cartographer work, use these tools to build your maps!

CArtography

The art of cartography may seem like a dead field, but it is actually still alive and well. It has almost entirely moved to a digital format. However, there are still professional and hobbyist cartographers all over the world.

Geek culture has had a big part in keeping the hobby part alive. The fantasy worlds of D&D campaigns, fiction novels, and sandbox video games often require complex map creation. Thankfully, whether you’re a professional or hobbyist, there are plenty of programs on the web to help you create the various maps you’ll need. Here are some of the best programs to use:

The best virtual cartography software

 

MapScribe

MapScribe

This is a cartography mobile app that is mostly for hobbyists. It is especially useful for people who are just beginning to use map creation software. Some use it for building their fantasy stories or game campaigns. We definitely recommend this to any novelist, game designer, or tabletop player who has never before used a cartography program.

Mapscribe Download now ►
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Maptitude

Maptitude

Maptitude is a somewhat expensive but brilliant map creation tool that any cartographer or geographer would be happy to use. It has so many features and customizable options for your maps, that you may never end up using all of them.

No matter what you need to create a map for, Maptitude is one of the best choices you could ever imagine. The only thing anyone finds an issue with this program is the price, but it is well worth it for how useful the software is.

 

Map Stack

Map Stacks

This app is like MapScribe but for professional cartographers. If you’re looking to work in the mapping industry but are lacking any software to help you with it, Map Stack is a great first choice.

It runs a lot like Photoshop, so you’ll adjust easily. It may not have as many features as some of the more expensive cartography tools, but it is by far the easiest professional program to use.

 

Campaign Cartographer

Campaign cartographer

This program is more for hobbyist cartographers than professionals. More specifically, this cartography tool is probably the best one you’re ever going to find in terms of fantasy world creation.

Tabletop enthusiasts love this program, as it features a large variety of customizable tools. You can create both a physical and political map for your world. Your players can understand the nations they are going through, as well as the geographical landscape they’ll have to traverse.

 

Inkarnate Pro

Inkarnate

Another fantasy map creator for hobbyists, Inkarnate is for mapping smaller regions. It is for making cities, towns, and the surrounding area.

A lot of mapping tools will help you create large scale maps, but very few focus on the smaller details like this one. This is very useful if you’re planning the layout of a town in a fantasy world or something similar.

 

ArcGIS Platform

ArcGIS

ArcGIS has many programs to choose from that can provide a variety of mapping options for you.

ArcGIS also features a variety of mobile apps so you can work on your map creations from anywhere. It also makes field data easy to collect, as you can place it directly into the apps while you’re doing it. It is also by far the most professional mapping tool you’ll find for any smartphone.

“X” marks the spot

Hopefully, one of these tools can help you out with your world-building.

No matter your reason for using a cartography software, these are by far the best choices for professionals and hobbyists alike.

Top 7 escape room video games

While real-life escape rooms are fun, these video games were some of the OGs and still hold up to this day.

Escape Room

Escape room games have certainly come a long way from Escape: The Bathroom. 

Escape room games mostly started off as little flash games on sites like Newgrounds and Addicting Games. More recently they’ve blown up into a huge phenomenon as companies start to created real-life escape rooms.

These are real-life puzzle games where you have a limited time to figure out what you need to do to get out. The video games went from mostly niche flash games to increasingly popular and well-designed escape rooms.

If you’re looking to try some of the games in this subgenre of puzzle adventure games, then you’ll definitely want to check these out: 

Top 7 escape room video games

The House of Da Vinci

Da Vinci

Not a traditional room escape game, as it gives you a clear backstory as to how you ended up in the house that you’re escaping from. But all the same puzzle mechanics are there, and the story is quite an interesting one. Any room escape fan should have this game on their list, as it has everything any gamer would want.

The House of Da Vinci Download ►
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Mystery of Time and Space

MOTAS

AlbinoBlackSheep.com might not be a website you’ve heard about in years, but, rest assured, this game is fun.

Mystery of Time and Space is an interesting and well-developed online escape room game that focuses much more on science fiction than other games in this genre. MOTAS is one of the early successes in escape room games.

MOTAS starts with an amnestic character trying to escape a room. Things start to take a turn when time travel becomes accessible to the player. They are able to travel back to previous levels to collect items that will help solve new puzzles. The plot is interesting and definitely worth checking out.

Elements

Elements

This game is probably the largest escape room from the popular indie company Neutral. While the company has created many escape room games before, none are as ambitious or detailed as Elements. It is in-depth and detailed in ways that many escape rooms aren’t. If you’re looking for a challenge, this game is the way to go.

DOOORS

DOOORS

A great mobile option for room escape fans, DOOORS has dozens of escape levels for you to complete. There aren’t many large escape room games for mobile, so this is one that’ll really capture your attention. The puzzles also range greatly in difficulty and keep you on your toes.

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Faraway: Puzzle Escape

Faraway Puzzle

Myst is often credited for being the inspiration for many room escape games. Faraway is the best example of this, as it has taken the exploration and puzzle mechanics of Myst and placed it into an escape room setting. You play as a young explorer trying to uncover the notes that your father left about an ancient civilization in a variety of temples.

Faraway 3: Puzzle Edition Free Download ►
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The Room series

The Room game

Don’t worry, this has nothing to do with Tommy Wiseau. 

Probably the most popular example of escape room games, this series is dark and mysterious just like an escape room should be. The player slowly uncovers more of the story as they solve puzzle boxes in the room they are being held captive. The art and concept are very good, especially in a genre that is dominated by very small indie games.

The Room Download ►
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The Zero Escape series

Zero Escape

While most escape room games are made from indie companies, this series was actually created by Spike Chunsoft, a Japanese gaming giant. Each game plays out similar to the Saw films, featuring a group of kidnapped people trying to find a way to escape while being forced to play various life-threatening games. It is the pinnacle of the escape room gaming industry and highly recommended for anyone who’s a fan of this genre.

Escape reality

This is just a small portion of the expansive world of escape room games. If you’re interested in finding more games to play, then you’ll definitely want to check out our Softonic Solutions page where our community offers its recommendations of the best escape room games. You can even make your own suggestions to this list and voice your opinion on each game we chose.

Top 6 online tests to help you find a new career

Ready for a new career? Start here.

Job hunt

Sometimes having a regularly updated LinkedIn isn’t enough to land that big job.

Whether you’re trying to decide your major, or you’re in the workforce, everyone has questioned their career choices. You may be currently struggling with the tough question of, “What do you want to do with your life?” If that’s the case, an aptitude test can be exactly what you need to find your answer. 

Top 6 career aptitude test sites

The Princeton Review career quiz

The Princeton Review

Princeton Review’s career quiz is a very short, simple, and free test that will get you fast results. This test is far broader than most aptitude tests, but it can be really helpful if you already have a few ideas in mind on what you’d like to do. This can be a particularly great test to take if you’re trying to decide your major since the entire site is dedicated to college preparation.

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator

MBTI

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is a popular personality test that can help you learn more about yourself and type of and your optimal career. This test is often used as a generic aptitude test in some high schools and universities, as it is far more detailed than any other personality test. It doesn’t require you to have previous career experience for you to understand your personality better. 

123 Career aptitude test

123careertest

123 Career’s aptitude test is a free aptitude test that is based on visuals, instead of a written format like other tests. This test is simple but effective in presenting you with career choices without giving you obscure questions to create a personality assessment. Each question relates exactly to how you feel about your potential career. This makes the assessment somewhat obvious at the end, but it puts together your answers to come up with careers you may not have thought of on your own.

The Big Five Personality Test

The Big Five Personality Test

Not all personality tests are accurate aptitude tests, but The Big Five Personality Test is a lot like MBTI’s. It measures five aspects of your personality. Each of these aspects is broad and can be divided into subcategories. This test is free (though there is a paid version with more details) and short compared to other tests. It can really help you learn more about what you’re looking for in a career.

Sokanu Career Explorer

Sokanu

This career test takes five pillars of a career: interests, personality, goals, work environment, and competitiveness. It helps you find careers that fit your specific pillars. Since there are so many aspects of a career that you may overlook, it can be easy to find yourself in one that you thought you might end up hating. This test is designed specifically to prevent that from happening. It’s free to try, so you may as well take advantage of this test to get a better understanding of yourself.

CareerAddict’s Career Hunter

Career Hunter

There aren’t many job board sites with their own career tests, despite how well the two work together. CareerAddict won’t just help you discover what career is best for you. They can also help you find the career that fits your exact desires on their job board. The 32-question test will let you know at the end which industries suit you best. 

For $24.99, there is an upgraded version of the test where you can see the following:

  • Your top 10 career matches
  • A personalized 55+ page report
  • Detailed results for all 6 tests
  • Relevant course recommendations

Finding the perfect job

While you figure out the career that’s best for you, you may want to look for some temporary work before you can get into the career of your dreams. Our Softonic Solutions team has put together a list of apps that can help you find this temporary job with ease.

Top 7 Netflix true crime documentaries

Netflix has made us obsessed with true-crime documentaries, but what is the best of the best?

Abducted in Plain Sight

Netflix has become the king of true-crime documentaries over the past few years. Social media outlets explode with memes and references to each new documentary they release.

With hundreds of documentaries to choose from, it can be difficult to find the best ones, even for a true crime junkie. We’ve assembled a handy list of the best documentaries any true crime lover will want to see:

7. The Keepers

This was originally created as a web series by amateur investigators. The series follows two former Catholic school students who try to discover who killed their former teacher, Sister Cathy Cesnik.

Her murder was never solved, but her former students believe it’s because of a coverup. They will stop at nothing to find the truth. It is easy to get invested in this case, as things get much darker than you can anticipate.

6. Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes

This documentary is built around the hundreds of interviews conducted with Ted Bundy, one of the most infamous serial killers of all time. In the tapes, he chronicles his entire life. His upbringing, his murders, and even his own death are discussed by Ted and his interviewer. If you’ve ever been interested in criminal minds, this will give you a deep look into one.

5. The Confession Tapes

This is an interesting series that follows murder suspects who originally confessed to a crime, only to later rescind their confessions later. Each episode goes into detail about a different case. They follow the story of the confessor and their explanation of why they made a false confession.

4. Casting JonBenet

A unique take on true-crime films, “Casting JonBenet” is worth your time. It follows a group of actors who are being cast to play the people who are suspected to have taken part in the murder of JonBenet Ramsey.

As the cast dives into the characters together, they begin to form their own opinions on what happened. They also dive into how they wish to portray the events of that night. Since JonBenet’s case is still unsolved, the actors’ speculation is more interesting than in other documentaries. Many of the actors lived around JonBenet’s family, so there is also a personal relationship between each actor and the case itself.

3. Amanda Knox

While most true-crime documentaries are about injustices from decades ago, “Amanda Knox” is about a pretty recent case. Amanda Knox is well known for being twice convicted of a crime she did not commit. This documentary follows Amanda’s story from start to finish. The real Amanda Knox explains what it was like for her to be wrongfully accused, and how she was portrayed by the media. 

2. Making a Murderer

This series was one of the first major true-crime documentaries that Netflix released. The first season follows Steven Avery and his nephew Brendan Dassey, as they are accused of a murder they claim to have not committed. Avery was wrongfully convicted once before and served 18 years in jail until being released. 

The first season took 10 years to film. A second season was released last year, detailing what has happened to the family since the first season was released.

1. Abducted in Plain Sight

Probably the most popular true-crime documentary since its addition to Netflix, “Abducted in Plain Sight” follows the case of Jan Broberg’s kidnapping. Or, should we say, kidnappings.

Every step of this case gets more and more unbelievable as you hear more about Jan’s family and how they were involved in her case. You will have to pick your jaw off the floor a few times while watching this documentary. 

While “Making a Murderer” may have started the popularization of true crime documentaries, “Abducted in Plain Sight” is by far the most popular one currently.

Did your favorite make the list? Do you agree with our top spot? If you have a favorite on Netflix or another streaming service, let us know.

How to avoid MLM scams online

Fast money, huge potential. Too good to be true?

Avoiding a scam

Everyone has at least one friend from high school trying to sell them something. Whether it’s doTerra’s essential oils or LuLaRoe’s yoga pants, you’ve probably seen multiple ads from friends and family on social media.

Some may even have asked you if you’re interested in becoming a consultant for one of these companies and selling their products yourself. Before getting involved in these companies, however, you should learn a little bit more about them. Specifically, you should learn more about their business model as an MLM and what to do if someone wants you to be a consultant for them.

So what is MLM exactly?

Lularoe

MLM stands for multi-level marketing. It’s basically a pyramid scheme disguised as an entrepreneurial opportunity. A pyramid scheme is an illegal investment model that recruits members via a promise of payments for enrolling others into the scheme.

It may seem at first glance that MLMs are just companies that hire independent consultants to sell their products. While that is true, they are so much more than that.

The real money in an MLM comes from recruiting people under you as new consultants since you get a profit from their buy-in fees and performance. Most MLMs require you to buy a large stock of product before you can become an actual consultant for them. Many of the most successful MLM consultants barely sell any of the product. Instead, they focus on spreading their network of consultants so they can rake in money without risking any more of their own.

Spotting an MLM

pyramid scheme

MLMs are usually easy to spot for two reasons.

First, since everyone is looking to recruit people under them, they are often overhyped on social media.

Second, MLMs are a type of direct-selling where you can only buy products from consultants, instead of being able to get them on the web or in a retail store.

The only difference between the two main types of direct selling (multi-level marketing and single-level marketing), is that MLMs pay you for commission and recruitment. SLMs (single-level marketing) pay you a commission. This may seem like MLMs are better, but recruitment is far harder to get than commission, and MLMs incentivize recruitment much more.

Product Quality

Woman checking quality

While there are some MLMs that are decent quality (Tupperware is a good example of this), many MLMs are known to be deceptive in their product quality. LuLaRoe had to change their products after a class action lawsuit was filed due to the defective quality of their material. Essential oils are a common MLM product that faces frequent scrutiny. There are very few studies conducted on whether essential oils actually work or not. The authenticity of these products is often called into question because of it.

As a potential customer or consultant, it’s important for you to research an MLM before getting involved with their product.

Should you join?

Questioning a choice

No matter how good the product or the community a multi-level marketing company has, it is an incredibly risky business. In fact, it is often less risky to create your own business than to join an MLM. Creating your own business lets you decide the quality of your products, and can even be cheaper than the buy-in price that it costs to join an MLM. It costs between $5,000 and $6,000 to join LuLaRoe. Nearly all of that money goes toward buying your start-up inventory. 

That being said MLMs give you the luxury of having a “reputable” name and an easy source for your products. That’s part of how they reel you into becoming a consultant. These perks make MLMs seem easy. However, you need to feel comfortable putting other people below you in debt. Even then, it is an incredibly high-risk venture. There are already so many consultants for each brand, and most people know that these companies are scams.

If you are going to try a direct-selling company, you should make sure they follow an SLM plan. These businesses are still risky to get involved in, but it is far easier for consultants to make a profit than MLM plans. Even then, we recommend you look into starting your own business if you’re looking for entrepreneurial experience since it’s far less risky.

How to change your mobile phone number

Want to change your number? Here’s how.

Getting a phone number

Whether you’re avoiding someone, or just trying to start over, changing your phone number can be a confusing process. Some service providers require you to go through a lengthy system to get your number changed.

Others are just a quick trip to their website. Either way, each provider has a different system that you have to go through to get your number changed. Here is a list of the most common service providers, and how to change your number with each one:

AT&T

Unless you want to change your area code, AT&T has a pretty simple process to get your number changed. Just go to their mobile number change site, log into your account, follow the prompts, and choose the number you want to change.

If you wish to change your area code, you may have to call AT&T’s customer support line or visit an AT&T store. You may be allowed you to change it online if you fit certain specifications.

Additionally, if you’ve been with AT&T more than 30 days, you will have to pay a $36 fee to change your number. If you’re within that 30-day activation time, then you won’t have to pay anything. However, you will have to call their support line or visit an AT&T store to change your number.

AT&T Mobile Transfer Free Download ►
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Sprint

While Sprint has a few restrictions on changing your number, the entire process can be done on their site. First, you’ll need to sign in to your Sprint account. Then go to “My Sprint dashboard” and select “Manage Devices.”

There will be a blue question mark next to each number associated with the account. Click the question mark next to the number you want to change, then press “change phone number.”

You’ll be given a few options based on whether you want to change your area code or billing address. Once you’ve selected the option that fits your situation, you’ll be given a random new phone number.

There is no fee for changing your number at Sprint. Although, you’re only able to do it three times within 30 days.

My Sprint Free Download ►
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Verizon

You can change your Verizon phone number from their online site or on their mobile app. Either way, you’ll have to be the account owner or account manager to change any numbers.

In the My Verizon mobile app, click “Devices” under the main navigation menu, and select the number that you want to change. Then click “Manage” and scroll down until you see “change mobile number.” Afterward, you’ll be given instructions on how to proceed.

Verizon new number

 

If you decide to go through their online site to change your number instead, you’ll first have to go their mobile number change page. Then you’ll be prompted to sign in and select the mobile number you wish to change. Choose “Get new number” and then just answer the prompts that follow.

You’ll be able to select your area code and prefix when changing your Verizon number. However, the last four digits of your number will be randomly assigned to you. Additionally, there is no charge for changing your Verizon phone number.

My Verizon Free Download ►
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T-Mobile

Unfortunately, unlike most providers, T-mobile doesn’t allow you to change your number online. You have to call their customer service center by dialing 611 or 1-877-746-0909.

From there, choose their service option and speak to a customer service representative. They will instruct you on how to proceed from there.

Your next bill will be charged a $15 fee.

Tmobile Tuesdays Free Download ►
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MetroPCS

Just like T-mobile, MetroPCS requires you call their customer service line, 1-888-863-8768 to change your number. Once you get to a customer service representative, they’ll be able to help you through the steps

You most likely will have to pay a small fee as well, although this fee varies depending on your plan.

Other providers

Telephone lines

If your service provider is different then the ones listed above, you may still be able to change your number.

First, you should try seeing if they have the option on their site. Typically, this can be found in the preferences menu of your account details. If you’re unable to find information on changing your number through their site, then call their customer service center. A customer service representative should be able to help you. 

Also, you should be aware that switching providers will allow you to obtain a new number during that process. So, if you plan to switch providers soon, then it may not be worth changing your number right now. This is especially true if you’ll have to inform your contacts of your number change.

Best tabletop alternatives to Dungeons & Dragons

Tired of Dungeons and Dragons? Try one of these alternatives!

Dungeons and Dragons

When most people think of pen and paper (or “tabletop”) RPGs, they immediately think of Dungeons & Dragons. While this may be the most popular, there are hundreds of tabletop games, with at least a dozen new games coming out each year.

While D&D might not be for everyone, there is bound to be at least one tabletop game that catches your interest. Here are some of the best alternatives to look into.

Best D&D alternatives for tabletop gaming fans

Shadowrun

Shadowrun

While most high fantasy games like D&D are set in the past, Shadowrun is set in the distant future. It retains many magical elements of standard high fantasy games, such as varying races and magical abilities.

The game’s backdrop is cyberpunk rather than a mythical landscape. The game also uses a freeform skill system instead of actual classes. This makes character abilities incredibly customizable. This is a perfect game for anyone who enjoys futuristic settings.

Shadowrun Returns Download ►
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Pathfinder

Pathfinder

The main competitor to D&D, Pathfinder is another high fantasy tabletop game that uses the same engine as Dungeons and Dragons. In fact, Pathfinder was actually created as an extension of D&D 3.5 editions.

As such, the gameplay between the two is very similar. Pathfinder is typically a good choice for anyone who wants more options. D&D only creates a finite amount of content per edition. Certain races and classes have to be homebrewed if you want to play them in a D&D campaign.

Pathfinder has continued to build on the same content, giving you dozens of options to choose from. This makes it a particularly good alternative to 3.5 fans, as it’s basically the same game but with more content.

Pathfinder Spellbook Download ►
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Call of Cthulhu

Call of Cthulhu

Like D&D, Call of Cthulhu is a tabletop RPG from the ’80s that remains popular decades after its release. This is one of the oldest survival horror games, and it has created many spinoffs throughout the years.

The story follows the same adventures of the original H.P. Lovecraft’s “Call of Cthulhu” story. Players are regular people dropped into a mysterious world. The classes are based on normal professions, and give unique abilities to the players based on their past.

Players have to worry about both their physical and mental health in order to survive. The game is well known for major player deaths throughout an entire campaign.

Call of Cthulhu Download ►
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All Flesh Must Be Eaten

All Flesh Must Be Eaten

Have you ever wanted to live out an episode of “The Walking Dead?” Well, this is the perfect RPG to live out your zombie apocalypse nightmares with your friends.

All Flesh Must Be Eaten’s expansions have made it possible to experience almost any version of “zombie” and “zombie fighters.” This gives GMs and players a lot of choices in how they envision the zombie apocalypse will go down. 

Apocalypse World

Apocalypse World

As one of the most successful Kickstarter RPGs, Apocalypse World is the first game to use the Powered by the Apocalypse engine. The game has one of the most unique GM roles ever developed, as there is no prior planning for the MC.

The MC, along with the players, develop the backstory and settings of their post-apocalyptic world. Players each follow a player book based on their class and develop a shared history together. This game has been the inspiration for other popular RPGs like Dungeon World and Monster of the Week.

Beyond the Wall and Other Adventures

Beyond the Wall

If you’re new to roleplaying games, then there is no better campaign to play then Beyond the Wall. This game features a simple and easy-to-learn system. The scenarios and character sheets are pre-built, so there is no need to take the time in coming up with new characters or situations. It requires no planning and low maintenance to keep the game going. This is the easiest RPG to get into when you want to have a small and fast campaign.

In conclusion

One of the best things that non-D&D tabletop games tend to have in common is how easy it is to be a GM. While D&D can require hours of planning before a game even begins, many of these games have preestablished settings and situations, making it a much easier adjustment. So, if you’re looking to GM for the first time, you may want to try one of these games before going to D&D.

Where to watch Broadway plays and musicals online

Enjoy the stage without leaving home with these great options.

HamiltonEven if you can’t make it to a live performance, the show must go on.

Being a Broadway fan is tough when you don’t live near a major city. Even if you do, Broadway shows can be expensive, with some tickets fetching hundreds of dollars. 

Ticketmaster Download now ►
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Best options to watch Broadway plays and musicals online

While each trip to the theater is a unique experience, many of these plays have been professionally recorded at one time or another.

With a number of online resources to watch them, you no longer have to miss out on your favorite Broadway musical. 

Here are some of the best sites and apps you should check out:

BroadwayHD

Broadwayhd

If you’re looking for a Broadway streaming service, BroadwayHD should be your very first stop.

Often considered “Netflix for Broadway lovers,” BroadwayHD costs a simple monthly subscription of $8.99/month. The library is huge, and you will find many of your favorite titles. 

You won’t find any amateur work, which can be a bit of a downside. However, all filming is top quality and there are a few off-Broadway productions to be found. 

Oh, what a beautiful day you’ll have while streaming “Oklahoma” on BroadwayHD.

Netflix

Netflix

You won’t find many stage musicals here. However, You can take a chance on Netflix and watch film adaptations of musicals like “Mamma Mia.”

There are a few stage musicals you can find, such as “Shrek the Musical” and “Oh, Hello” on Broadway. However, you won’t find as many on this streaming service as you would on BroadwayHD.

Instead, Netflix is a great choice for anyone interested in movie adaptations of Broadway plays. Some examples include: “Burlesque,” “Grease,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” 

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Hulu

Hulu

Like Netflix, Hulu has more movie adaptations than actual stage films. That being said, it’s one of the only places you’ll be able to find “Jesus Christ Superstar.“ So, you can find out what’s the buzz and what’s a-happenin’. 

Hulu also features a lot of older musicals that can be hard to get, such as “The King and I,” “Hello Dolly,”  and “Annie.” You may want to compare Hulu and Netflix’s selection before deciding if you want to subscribe to one or both.

Fandango

Fandango

Most of you know Fandango as the app that helps you get tickets for your favorite movies. However, many movie theaters have special events where you can watch a recording from a live Broadway performance. 

You can search for those musicals on Fandango, and then go see them at a theater near you. The $10-$20 you pay for a movie ticket far outweighs the huge prices you’d have to dish out to see the show live. 

Basically, if “Hamilton” makes ever its way to the silver screen, don’t throw away your shot to see it through Fandango.

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YouTube

Amateur and off-Broadway productions can be just as good, if not better than original Broadway plays. YouTube is full of well-filmed (and plenty of poorly-filmed) amateur work that you won’t be able to find on any of the other streaming services.

For example, we found this full performance of “Rent.” How can you measure that?

Of course, you may find full Broadway productions on YouTube, too. However, you’ll have more luck finding off-Broadway productions. You also can find full soundtracks to musicals. It’s easy to find soundtracks like “Heathers,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Legally Blonde,” “Spamalot” and many more. 

YouTube might not be the first option that comes to mind when looking for Broadway musicals. However, a little digging might bring up a hidden gem.

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Beyond the Broadway barricade, there are musicals we long to see

Through these services, you can enjoy the Broadway stage straight from your device without having to pay Broadway prices.

If you must attend in person, check out this list of apps that our users picked as the best options for buying Broadway tickets. They can get you the best deals for buying Broadway tickets.

How to add your podcast to Spotify

Don’t miss out on potential listeners. Add your podcast to Spotify with our guide.

Spotify with headphones

While Apple has dominated the podcast industry for a long time, Spotify has stepped up and become one of the top competitors in this field.

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Many people who are new to podcasts are going to Spotify first because of how easy it is to integrate with your music. If you don’t have your podcast on this site, then you’re missing out on a lot of potential listeners.

How to get your podcast on Spotify

Step 1: Log in

Log into your Spotify account on their podcasters page.

Spotify podcast

Step 2: “Add your Podcast”

You’ll be redirected to the “Add your Podcast” tab once you log in. On this tab, press the “Get Started” button.

Spotify Podcast

Step 3: Terms and Conditions

Check the box saying you have read the terms and conditions and enter your legal name or company name. Then press “Continue.”

Spotify Podcast

Step 4: Enter your information

Enter the RSS feed URL of your podcast into the box and press “Continue.” Your podcast’s information should appear after you put the RSS feed URL in the box. If it doesn’t, you may have a hosting problem that you’ll have to fix before you can continue.

Spotify Podcast

Step 5: Answer Spotify’s questions

Spotify will then ask you to fill out your location, podcast category, and some other basic information about your podcast. Once you’re done filling this out, you can press “Next.” Then press “Submit,” and you’ll be finished.

In conclusion

You will likely hear back from Spotify within the next few days. It is possible for them to deny your request if your podcast episode files are too large. They can also reject you if you lack a description, image, or episodes in your RSS feed. If any of these happen, Spotify will let you know the reason for your denial, so that you can go fix it and resubmit your podcast.

Additionally, if you haven’t submitted your podcast to iTunes, then you may want to check out this guide to help you do that as well. Since iTunes is still the most popular site for podcasts, it’s well worth using.