Quick Update on Starter Adventures

One of the newest pictures I've received.

I think we are in the 7th inning stretch.  I think.  John and Jason from UNDERWORLD INK have been producing some great pictures.  I can't wait to get to the layout phase and see how their pictures, Rob's maps and my text blend together.  Ivy is going over the manuscript now.  When I asked her how the edits were going she said "There aren't too many crappy parts.  We'll talk later."  So I have to look forward to.

The entire manuscript is divided up as such:
16 total scenarios (4 for each class): 9128 word count
Tavern: 2011 word count
Dungeon Crawl: 4526

So the word count as of now is 15,665.  I have to admit I am not all that happy with the tavern right now.  That will be altered before it his print.  So with the addition of pictures and maps it is a fairly good sized project.  I have no idea at this time what the page count will be, I know I will be keeping it under 64, but other than that I gots no idea. 

I plan on releasing this one on PDF and print soft and hard cover.  I just have to have a hardcover version for myself and I plan on getting hardcovers for the guys who've helped.  Like I said it would be a quick update.

But no rest for the wicked.  While I wait for the others to finish their stuff I begin working on my next One-Shot adventure.  I already have the outline for the adventure.  I'm excited about hitting the book store and working on it.

So Many Great Dice

As you can see I am going to milk that con for several posts.  This one is about the dice I bought then I think I only have my HakcMaster post, oh and another short one about other stuff I got I think that is it.  Origins made my side bar total for the year leap $300.  I'm not going to break everything down.  I just don't remember.  Well let's see these dice I got. 

First off here are the free dice I got in the bag.  I sorta wish I bought the whole commemorative Origins dice set that was in a very nice tin.  

 

These are the old Armory Alignment dice.  The package was so old it fell apart in my hands.  Though I don't use alignment I still had to have them.  The black die appears to have a bit of dandruff.

A collection of weird dice.  Weather generator, treasure type, monster type, decision die and I am guessing the one with superior on it is to determine the strength of an opponent compared to the players.  All very cool dice.  

These are glow in the dark dice featuring alien heads, eyes and spaceships. 

Glow in the dark I had to have them.  Bad picture of them glowing, but you get the point.

Finally, my first set of Game Science dice.  Uninked.  Which I am regretting a little because I have discovered I suck at inking them.  These things look like perfect chunks of amber. 

Newest Troll in Trollhalla

After meeting Ken St. Andre I had to join Trollhalla.  Not sure why I never did before since I've been a fan for...well since I had a full head of hair and I can tell you that has been years, decades ago.  So I also though I would show you what I got at the Flying Buffalo booth. 

First off I got this hit location die.  I have a twelve sider, but I like the pictures on this one.

Then here is my stash of books I got.  First off I got the 7th CityBook.  These are probably my favorite gaming supplements.  Still need to find number 6.  I got a T&T adventure from Free RPG day from 2008.  Tavern by the Sea, The Wizard's Test and Khara Khang's Random Rainbow Maze.  Ken signed the last three.

So this is what I got from the Flying Buffalo which is a true old school company.  As you can see I was not shy about buying stuff.  And why not?  I love everything I got and am enjoy reading it all.

Don't Touch My Dice

Zack over at his RPG Blog II posted about getting new players, buying supplies for the game and dice.  He likes the Game Science dice which I am now a proud owner of a set, but still need to ink them.  Rob asked why didn't I get the pre inked ones?  I thought it should be a custom to ink your first GS dice.  I sorta kinda wish I got the pre inked ones now, but I digress.

Zack writes about getting some extra dice for new players which is cool.  But what he said next baffles and disturbs me.  He isn't bothered by someone else using his own dice???  WHAT???  I'm not even sure if that is legal.  This is why you buy the bucket of dice from Chessex.  You never ever let anyone touch your dice.  While I have never threatened to break someone's fingers, I have threaten to tear off their arm and hit them with the bloody end.  I believe it is a more game appropriate threat.

The whole thing just creeps me the hell out.  *shivers*  Just don't touch my dice and we'll get along fine.

Playing Tunnels and Trolls with Ken St. Andre

I was going to talk about all the cool stuff that I got at Origins, but that has taken a backseat.  First off, Rob and I must have stored up some good mojo for the trip.  Somehow, without the use of a flying machine we made it to Columbus in 3.25 hours instead of 4.  Rob and I are still wondering how we did that since I wasn't speeding and I don't have a vehicle that could speed if I wanted to.  Parking.  BAM!  Up front.  This was too easy.  Walking through the giant convention center was interesting since signs were sparse, but we found our way without too many missteps.

People we got to meet and talk with for a bit:

Lou Zocchi of the famous Game Science Dice, sharp enough to be considered a concealed weapon.  What a blast he was.  I scored my first set of Game Science dice, 11 dice set that included the new Zocchi dice.  How could I not.  In addition he had these old dice from the Armory, Alignment Dice.  Even though I don't use alignment I will buy any dice that are weird and something I don't have.

Tom Tullis of Fat Dragon was helping at at the Troll Lord Games booth.  Rob gave him a copy of Blackmarsh and the Majestic Wilderlands.  Tom apparently is a big fan of S&W and thrilled to have get them.  I told him to stop clogging up the top ten slots on RPGNow.  Here is a guy who is doing this for a living.  Doesn't use a CAD program, does the math in his head and uses a ruler and pencil.  I like that a lot.

Steven Chenault of Troll Lord Games.  I didn't have a chance to talk to him too long, but the booth next to Troll Lord Games was a Free RPG Day booth and he spoke briefly how he liked that idea.  I agreed as I selected two free items.

Jim & Debbie of Dungeon Decks and Dragon Tomes.  Not sure what their last names are, but this couple definitely has a passion for the hobby.  I bought a Dungeon Deck from them and I really like the idea.  It's fun and I think can be a great tool for a thrown together game or assist in prepping for an adventure in an ongoing campaign.  They are going to release a couple of other decks at Gen Con.  I know the Camp Deck was one.  When characters camp this deck can assist in making it a memorable experience.  They were a pleasure to talk to.

Steve Johansson of Kenzer Company.  I heard Jolly Blackburn was there also, but did not get the chance to meet him.  Hackmaster released two new modules for their HackMaster Basic and they gave away a copy of their new Hacklopedia.  And were also taking pre orders.  He asked me if I wanted a order a copy and no one to be shy about speaking my mind, "I would love to, but when I put down $60+ for the book I want the PDF for free not to be charged an additional $20."  Well, little did I know if I pre ordered it at Origins I got the copy of the PDF right there for free.  Bam!  Sold!

Last, and definately not least is Ken St. Andre, Mr. Tunnels and Trolls himself sitting at the Flying Buffalo booth with Rick Loomis.  Flying Buffalo is one of those companies that still maintains that old school feel that we all talk about, but they have maintained over all these years.  I bought a bunch of T&T books which Ken graciously signed and added his own humor to.  I got the last copy Tavern by the Sea at Origins.  So as he is signing Ken says, "I've been trying to get a game of Tunnels and Trolls going, but can't get anyone to play."  I told him I would be right back.  I found Rob, told him of Ken's offer and the two of us hurried back to Ken to let him know to trolls were present and willing to be subjected to his adventure.

That's right I got to play Tunnels and Trolls with Ken St. Andre.  That was a lot of fun.  Getting to meet, play and be privy to a few secrets within T&T.  My character started out as a 171 pound human and exited the adventure a 8550 pound dwarf.  Ken declared my dwarf the heaviest in the world.  A moniker I will wear proudly.  Without a doubt an unexpected surprise and the best part of my convention experience.

Packed and Ready for Origins

Hotel reserved.  Check.
Cell phone charged.  Check.
Map printed.  Check.
Clothes packed.  Sorta checked.
Filled the Tank. Check.
Cleaned the car out.  Check
Cleared out the checking account.  Check.

It's been a very few busy days at work.  I know.  Blah, blah...Charlie Brown's teacher talking.  Rob and I are meeting up at 6:30am and heading west.  Should be a blast.  Rob and I can talk about gaming and other nonsensical stuff during the 4 hour drive.  I'm sure the current GURPS campaign will come up.  We will be adding our old/new guy on Monday.  Rob is thinking about running a game, but since we are not sure of the layout or how far it is to get here from there he can't bring his uhaul of gaming props with him.

I've also bringing my digital camera and hope to get a few good pictures.  I will get some lighting shots for Trey and Lurker because I know how important it is to them.

The booths I am frothing to get at are the Kenzer booth, Game Science Dice, Toad and Troll, Steve Jackson Games, just to name a few.  I am looking forward to finding that surprise vendor or vendors I had no idea about.  I also hope to maybe get into get in a little game time. 


So I need to go finish packing.  I'll blog at you guys on Sunday.  It may not be sleestak Sunday, but I am hoping I find one at Origins.  That would be the best.

Orc Artifact : Crul-Crak, the Sword of Fangs

This bastard sword was forged by orcs and enhanced by the fangs of the Crul-Crak, the serpent of a thousand fangs.  It took nearly a year for the orcs to finish the sword, the orc warlord, Tarnghest, had little patience for the time it took to enchant the sword.  He killed a handful of shamans within that year before it was finally finished.  And even then rumors say the sword was still not complete. 

The Sword of Fangs is embedded with hundreds of the small fangs from the Crul-Crak.  They retain their poisonous effect of paralyzing their victim.  And causes wounds to bleed profusely.   The grip is wrapped with the skin of the Crul-Crak.  It is always cold to the touch.  

The Sword of Fangs became the symbol of strength the orcs rallied around.  Targhest used it on those who challenged him and his most hated enemies, the dwarves.  Battles were waged constantly against the dwarves.  Not much ground was gained by either until the Battle of the Garish Banner.  Targhest battled the dwavern king, Oswald the Hammerlord.  Oswald wielded Stahlgard, a dwarven artifact passed from king to king.  The brilliant amber hued stone hammer crashed against Crul-Crak.  The two fought such a fierce battle that the both armies watched.  

Scholars mention the battle lasted five days.  Neither willing to give ground and there was never a thought of surrender.  On the fifth day Tarnghest grazed Oswald's arm, a wound barely noticeable, but enough for the Crul-Crak's poison to paralyze the dwarven king.  The dwarven army stood quiet as the orc army roared for blood.  Targhest split Oswald's skull.  A massacre followed.  With the dwarves demoralized, the orcs slaughtered thousands of them.  

What should have been the height of his victory, Tarnghest hefted Stahlgard, but what he did not know was Crul-Crakwas a jealous thing.  It released one of its fangs and it fell upon the warlord's wrist.  One of the captains saw his chance and ran Tarnghest through.  The others saw it happen and soon orcs were fighting orcs.  All wanted to possess Crul-Crak.  It was lost after the battle.

It emerged a few years ago in the hands of a bandit known as Margesh Blackblood.  This simple bandit ruled a small army with the powerful sword in his hands.  He put villages and towns to the sword and hung the corpses on the walls to warn others that he ruled, not the pretentious idiot on the throne.  The king put a large bounty on Margesh Blackblood's head, but no one collected it and no one has heard of him it several years.  

Crul-Crak is a +3 bastard sword.  The fangs secrete a poison that paralyzes its target on a successful hit (save vs. poison negates).  The only way to help the victim is to cure poison.  There is rumor that the skin wrapped around the handle if prepared correctly will neutralize the poison.  It can also grant the wielder strength 1d6 for one battle/day.  The sword is intelligent, but does not make itself known until the user decides he wants to use another weapon.  Cralcrak is a jealous sword and will paralyze the wielder as it did Targesh.  Or instead of granting the wielder strength it will weaken him for the same duration.

GM Report Card

So the party started tied up, blindfolded and most of the possessions taken away before their butt hit the chair.  You know what else?  They were the prisoner of a giant vampire medusa.  That's the kinda GM I am. 

Rob blogs about the session here.

I wanted to start them in the middle of something so I did.  Threw their bacon into the fire.  Overall I thought the session went well.  Rob tells it pretty well so I won't retread all that.  As a GM I didn't have the time to do the NPCs I wanted.  I had a list of about twelve I wanted to get done, but once the session was over I only needed about half those.  As I always do I like to set up a situation mix it up with possible advantages and disadvantages then add the players and wing it from there. 

There were a few bumpy spots.  Some rules conflicts here and there, but that didn't stop us.  We discussed it quickly then moved on.  Though GURPS can have a rule for nearly anything I an a firm believer in being consistent, but allowing enough flexibility within those rules to not let them slow the game down.  But still, if your world has a set of rules of how magic works its important to stick within those rules or have a good reason why not. 

Example, the one situation I ran into is the medusa has a magic resistance and can still cast spells, but those two are not mutually agreeable in the rules.  But, there are different types of magic with the campaign, one is the regular magic and the other is god magic.  I won't go into too much detail, but it worked out well.

GM Self Report Card
Adventure: The adventure and situation itself I thought was pretty good.  A good starting point with several plot threads the players could pick up on.  So I give myself a solid B.

Rule Calls:  Still deficienct with rules knowledge the need to page flip was minimal and it really helps when you have three guys with the same rule books.  Rob helped mainly with combat options and Dwayne with magic.  I would say may judgement calls were minimal and fair, but knowledge still needs improved C.

NPCs: I had a handful of NPCs.  Robert the servant to medusa, a timid man, but he was able to get some revenge by killing a guard.  A hyper and loud mercenary who turned into lunch for the medusa.  A few of the mages.  Were any of them remember-able (really stretching to make that a word)...I would say one was, possibly two.  I flounder too much with Robert and he was an important NPC.  So my grade for NPCs C+.  Need to nail them down a little more.

Pace: I thought I did pretty well with keeping the pace up.  I wanted to keep the tension up and I think I did well with this part.  That sense of urgency adds to the atmosphere of the game.  Game B.

Session Ending: I think this is an important part of GMing.  Leaving off at a point where the players are chomping at the bit, or introduced to a twist.  Something that will have them wondering what is going on for the next session.  Our session ended with a revelation, a small one, but one that can have large implications with the mage guild.  And there is plenty of fodder to pick up plot threads next session.  You never want to leave a session with the players thinking, what are we going to do next.  Grade A.

Fun: When it comes down to it this is the main and really the only grade that counts.  Of course if one of those section fails above it can really effect the final grade.  Last night we had a blast.  Players were in a good mood.  The game went smooth.  No problems with Skype or FG2.  So I am going to give the session an overall grade of a B+. 
 

Tonight We Begin

...again.  After Rusty needed to take a departure from gaming for a short while the onus of GMing fell upon my shoulders which I gladly accepted.  Tonight we begin the new campaign.  *sound the trumpets or kazoos*

I won't go into too much detail on how it will begin because I know Rob and Dwayne will read it although I could make something up and pull the old switcharoo on them.  Something I may do in the future.  The other cool news I heard was one of our old gamer friends is graduating college, he's been going for like 3000 years, and wants to get back into the group.  Bonus.  He's a good player and brings another dynamic to the small group.

As I mentioned in an earlier post I am using the old Judges Guild City-State of the Invincible Overlord as the setting using GURPS as the system.  But our homebrewed version, mainly flavored by Rob over the past 1000 years.  Being thrown into GMing I thought why make up a new setting when there is one already rich with history with the group and I don't have to do much work because it is already there and everyone knows it well.  I am setting it a few years after the death of the Overlord Lucius, with no true heir except a distant relative who is only 9 a regent was assigned, Lord Divolick.  This polarized the other dukes and a civil war soon followed led by Duke Draco-Lindus.  This civil war is divided by race and religion.

My campaign starts where the civil war is winding down and it seems both sides have lost steam in their commitment to the fight.  Both sides have taken heavy losses and though some boundaries have changed very little is different after the years of war.  So there is a bitterness that nothing was resolved to have so many sacrificed and a relief that it looks like the civil war may be over.

That is the overall backdrop.  A land still in grips of the final stages of a war.  Now where to begin.

So what I had the players do is make up their characters and I gave them the responsibility to figure out how they knew one another.  What past they shared.  There would be no, You see a mysterious stranger in the corner table of the tavern.  I am not against it and I may use it next session for all I know, but I wanted to hit the ground running and both of them know the Majestic Wilderlands better than me overall.

Both completed characters, Dwayne is a mage who specialized in healing, light and movement colleges.  So he can heal very well, get out of a situation very quickly and has only one real offensive spell, Sunbolt.  Rob is playing a mercenary/guard assigned to mage's guild.  During Divolick's rule the Guild of Arcane Lore who for all its years of existence remained neutral in political matters.  Now the guild allies itself the regent and was used extensively in the war.  As part of this arrangement Divolick made assigned a portion of the mercenary guild to protect mages and are paid very well for it.  And so our little party is born.

With their character made and their professions and likes and dislikes created, I made a more extensive background for each character.  I little family history, developed friends and allies, rivals and enemies.  Both have a little of both. I do this so it feels like their characters have existed in this world before they started rolling dice.  And it provides a little fodder for future adventures.

Now my part as GM is to develop that introduction adventure.  And I am going to say it right here, there is going to be a little railroading involved.  That's right, I said railroading in a sandbox campaign.  Who may think they cannot coexist, but they can in the hands of a master GM.  Well at least one who is doing anyway.  I'm going to jump into this one where the characters are in the middle of something.  Wham!  In your face PCs!

Again, can't say much because Dwayne and Rob are reading this blog carefully hoping I may give them a detail or two.  So to prepare for this first adventure I've had to re familiarize myself to GURPS.  Its been a while since we've played.  And also I need to whip up a few NPCs I have outlined.  This shouldn't take long with the help of GURPS Character Assistant 4.  Probably one of the best tools for a game system ever.

Have a great Monday.  I am thinking it may be a long week because Rob and I are going to Origins this weekend.  Still have to find a hotel.  Man, too many things to do.

Sleestak Sunday

That is one dedicated gamer.

It's Been One Crap Ass Week

I won't go into all the arguments that have occurred in the past couple of weeks.  Seems like things are settling down and of course when one of these dust ups occurs nothing changes and no one changes their mind.  Just happens.  Happens in all sections of life.  Work, home and here on the blogosphere people get irritated and pissy.

So here it is Free RPG Day, I was not feeling all that enthusiastic about it to begin with, but damn it I wasn't going to miss it.  I wanted to get my commemorative d6.  And who knows I might actually meet a cool gamer or two.  So into the game store I go (I won't mention the name because I am not going to be too nice here in a few) and at the counter is the gaming guy.  This store is mainly a book store, but it has a decent gaming section and he is in charge of it.  This gaming guy is about as irritating as they come.  He's one of those I have an opinion on everything especially about the things I don't know about.  If you've been to the moon, he's been there twice.

He's talking to two other gamers.  "Goodman Games DCC is crap.  He's trying to be all 'old school'"  He did that little finger quote thing when he said old school.  "The OSR is such lame shit."

Ya know, I try to be a nice guy.  I really do, but sometimes things just don't work out.  So I ask gamer guy, "Have you ever played any of the old school games or the clones?"

Without a beat "No.  Don't see the point.  If they were any good WotC would still be publishing them."

Now there are so many things wrong with that statement I stood there for a second hoping he would laugh or give me the gotcha sign or something.  Nope.  Dead serious.  Now, like this recent fray on the blogs, I knew speaking with gamer guy would be like going into a deep mineshaft without a lantern.  No chance of changing his mind.  So instead I addressed the two gamers.

"If you guys are interested at all in playing some old school style gaming you can download the rules for free.  *gave them S&W, LL, and Osric were the ones I could remember*  There is a game just south of here we play twice a month, your welcome to join in any time you feel like it.  It's a great time.  If you don't like it it won't cost ya a thing."  Also gave them my email if they had any questions.

The two guys were interested, gave them some gaming blogs to read.  I am not sure if that was the best thing considering the rants of late.  The gamer guy actually tried to grab the paper I gave them.  WTF  Luckily the goof has the dexterity of a dog turd and nearly fell down.  The two other guys laughed at him and left.  Said they would give it a look.

So now I am alone with gamer guy.  He's pissed and I still didn't get to pick any of my free stuff yet.  This was going to go well.  I am thinking, I'm going to get arrested today.  And to tell you the truth, I was in a mood where I was okay with that. 

Fast forward ten minutes after looking at some other gaming stuff.  I ended up buying Pazio's Misfit Monsters.  They always do a great job.  Luckily for me and my arrest record gamer guy's shift was over and the owner lady took over.  I didn't say anything about what happened to the owner because the gamer guy is her nephew.  I ended up getting the Dragon Age quick start and Goodman Games DCC.  What I failed to get. and one of the main things I wanted was a commemorative d6 for this year's Free RPG day.  I'd gotten one for the past four years. 

So as I end this I will make a small plea to my readers who may have gotten an extra d6, if you would like to trade for it or get a copy of something I wrote or you just want a little RPGNow credit I would love to trade for that elusive d6.

So with that, I am going to turn this week around damn it.  I have the rest of the day off, I need to get ready for the start of a new campaign I am GMing and Netflix is brimming with stuff I could watch until my bones turn to dust.

Fear the Fro

Ark over at Rather Gamey is getting a little tired of the negativity going around the blogs and I gotta say I am to.  I love good discussions, but they have devolved into pettiness lately.  So I am going support Ark by putting up Happy Trees. 

Here you go Ark.  This tree is for you!

Even People Who Play Golf in Indonesia Follow Me

So I get this google alert about Gothridge Manor and up came, The Golf Channel in Indonesia.  I gotta say its one of the stranger connections I've had with the blog, but i kinda like it.

Free RPG Day 2011

It's that time again.  Free RPG Day is coming this Saturday the 18th so make sure you check out the website and see which stores are active.  To be honest though this is the first time in past three or four years that I'm not planning my attack.  Not that excited to see what I can score.  Free RPG Day was one of the reason I came back to gaming and the join in on all the OSR goodness.  So I am hoping that I get more in the mode closer to game time.

Each year I manage to score a quick-start of this game or that and then I've always gotten the commemorative 6-sided die.  This year I'll probably go for Goodman's DCC or Pazio's Pathfinder.  I'll bring Ivy along so I can have her pick up an extra item for me.  And if you have children I encourage you to use them also. 

It's a good way to get out to your game store and maybe pick up a few items.  I usually pick up something, but with Origins the next week I need to save some money, but who knows I may still pick up a set of dice.