Micheal “Chgowiz” Shorten is a long-time Dungeons & Dragons player and referee. He’s been writing about his gaming and campaign since 2008 and has published two blogs, previously on Google/Blogger, about Old School style role playing. (Old Guy RPG BlogChicagoWiz’s Games)

Michael is the host of a companion podcast, The Dungeon Master's Handbook. You can find that podcast here on Substack, just click the Podcast tab above! You can also listen to it on your favorite podcast app or even on YouTube!

Michael is a champion of the "Three Hexes" campaign starter concept  - an idea that you don't need a ton of work to start a campaign. He's currently publishing the Three Hexes 'zine, which can be found on DriveThruRPG. You can also read the blog posts that started it all.

Michael is one of the two authors who created the One Page Dungeon. He also wrote the Swords & Wizardry Quick Start module and has contributed to magazines like Fight On! and Knockspell.

When he’s not running games, painting miniatures or writing about D&D and wargaming, Michael also raises 5 children/6 grandchildren, works in IT and takes care of ThePrincessWife. 

You can contact Michael at chgowiz@gmail.com. Find Michael on Mastodon at Dice.camp!

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Home of the Dungeon Master's Handbook and Chgowiz's blog - sharing my love of RPGs and wargames, ideas, game recaps, ideas and free stuff for other referees.

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Michael / Chgowiz

Michael, aka Chgowiz. (Chicago-Wiz) Co-author: One Page Dungeon template, author: Three Hex Campaign Starter, Dungeon Masters's Handbook podcast, credits in Swords & Wizardry 2nd ed D&D/AD&D/OD&D, gardening, exploring life