Friday, March 6, 2015
Friday Feature: The Stronhold and a GIVEAWAY!
A little over a week ago I received The Stronghold, a new zine on the gaming scene created by none other than +Boric Glanduum of The Dwarven Stronghold. Boric and I have been going back and forth about him putting out a zine. And I've been nudging him in that direction as much as I could. I was so glad when he told me he was going to go ahead with it.
Then Boric goes out and gets +Jay Penn to do the cover. And +Jim Magnusson to do the interior art. Boric went all out for his premiere issue. And after these past couple of years I can say I am a zine connoisseur. And The Stronghold is damn good.
It's your standard zine size, 24 pages, card stock cover. I like that Boric utilizes all available space, including the interior of the cover.
Boric added a cool thank you card with it. And in between my damn fingers that got in the way, I received the 2nd copy of issue #1. There is a lot in these 24-pages.
Found Items is the first article you'll find accompanied by a d30 table. I like it when folks make a simple thing interesting. Or take a look at it in a different way. Boric's writes about mundane items and as I look at the list, I think of all the cool things a player (that I) could do.
The Vat of Variance is his next offering. An artifact of dubious powers and outcomes. I can see humanoid cultures warring over this. This artifact will fit well within a DCC campaign. And Jim added his first piece of art for this article.
Then we move along to my favorite piece in the book, The Mimic. Boric introduces a bevy of new mimic types and sizes. I've always been a huge fan of mimics, but this article gave me a shit-ton* of ideas. I immediately considered using his mundane random table and using the result to have what the mimic would appear to be. Yeah, cool.
Missives from the 'Hold is next. A finger in nose piece. I believe this was written after a few weirdly connected comments on Google+ on night. This is the only place you'll find a rand nose picking table. You might find this useful in future games. Although the 'thumb' result sounds painful.
Next is are Treasure Tables. Boric creates a parcel of treasures. It's very interesting how he does the write-ups. Streamlines the horde.
Lastly is Rkoa, a nasty NPC gnoll to add to your campaign. I love that he chose gnolls. They are like the red-haired step child of the humaniod races. It was good to see the gnolls getting a little love by Boric and Jim added another piece for this article.
In addition with Rkoa, there is Chot Lake. Boric has a short write-up and a cool map.
On the back cover he does a small bit about being a "Patron" and those of us who are involved in Patreon. He gave a batch of us a nod, including myself, +Simon Forster, +matt jackson, +Dyson Logos, +Jim Magnusson and +Erik Tenkar. This is what the OSR is about. Creating cool stuff and then helping out someone else.
The Stronghold is a welcome addition to the zine community. Boric has worked his butt off and it shows.
Okay now to the giveaway portion of this post. I want to share The Stronghold with one lucky person. But there is a twist. I'll be sending you the "Boric Special". What's the "Boric Special"?, you ask. The "Boric Special" is you'll get two copies. Boric often forgets he's got a subscription or that he ordered something from a couple days before and ends up ordering a second copy. So I thought it only fitting my giveaway should be 2 copies to one person. All you need to do is comment below and let me know you want "The Boric Special". It sounds a little dirty and I am sure it will be by the end of the day. This giveaway is open for tomorrow only and on Saturday I'll randomly pick a winner.
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I think I'd like to try the Boric Special. Does that come with a side of fries and can I substitute onion rings for those?
ReplyDeleteThe Boric Special sounds great. I hope it comes with onions.
ReplyDeleteOne Boric special please, hold the tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteThe Boric Special sounds great...especially when served up by one of the pioneers of the 'zine renaissance.
ReplyDeleteI'll take The... err... Boric Special... ;)
ReplyDeleteI would happily take the Boric Special!
ReplyDeleteThe Boric Special, please!
ReplyDeleteI'd like to have the Boric Special, there are a bunch of angry villagers with torches and pitchforks I need to go calm down...
ReplyDeleteI'll take the Boric Special, hold the gnomes.
ReplyDeleteHey there, Boric special eh?
ReplyDeleteCan I have a Boric Special with a side of curly fries and a small, unsweetened tea, please?
ReplyDeleteBoromir special! Wait.... Oh. Boric special!
ReplyDeleteI can pick anyone I choose. And I choose...The Boric Special
ReplyDeleteThe Boric Special sounds a bit dodgy to me...but I'll give anything a go once!
ReplyDeleteMake mine the Boric Special!
ReplyDeleteI'll take the "Boric Special" for two, please.
ReplyDeleteI'd love me a 'Boric Special' ... I've been meaning to pick it up but hadn't had a chance to yet.
ReplyDeleteHow could I not want a Boric Special. I'm in!
ReplyDeleteI want Boric special and I could give away the second copy here in Finland to a lucky guy I wish I was now!
ReplyDelete(Not sure is it still Friday there)
Great review of a great little zine. I already bought two copies just in case of emergencies.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review, Tim! I owe a great deal to the inspirational Manor.
ReplyDeleteHow special IS the Boric Special?
ReplyDeleteI'd love a copy of The Boric Special, it would be the first zine I own. That said, shipping to Canada is a bit more pricy, so I'll understand if that disqualifies me.
ReplyDeleteCanageek, V.A., and all you other unlucky souls whose name Tim's capricious die did not select... Head on over HERE and you can grab a copy while they last.
ReplyDelete