
This is the second short story featuring the wizards Bill and Butch. Fantasy gaming, probably best represented by
DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS, was certainly an influence here. But more than the game was the tone of what made the "old school" exactly that. Dangerous, violent, and scary, but the characters are taking those risks for the gold. Get rich or die trying is
oh so very true when it comes to dungeon delving. Especially true for the lowly first level character.
'Course, that's part of the fun. Especially when combined with the laughs sitting around a table eating pizza and making bad jokes while the brave little PCs get shivved in the dark! Some other tales featuring Bill and Butch can be found online
here.
Oh, I should probably add that
Total Party Kill appeared in the print collection
WIZARDS FOR HIRE - CHEAP!