Tonight is game night with the crusty, smelly vets. That's why we play on-line so there is no funkification contamination. We've only managed to get in one week this month. Looking forward to grinding the vets again.
We left off as the party was arrested when they emerged from the destruction the Tarrasque caused. I've got a few things planned for them.
On another front of gaming I bought the Lorefinder rules. Trey is putting together a game for Weird Adventures and I want in. So I am reading the GUMSHOE rules for the first time and enjoying them. I can see the advantage of using them. If...strike that...when I run a Weird Adventures adventure I think I would lean to GURPS as my system of choice. I already know it and seems to be the best fit for all the genres found in WA.
My zine is going forward. More on that in a separate post.
Mini post. Lunch is over.
Monday, February 27, 2012
PDF
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Random Sleestak Sunday
Who knew that sleestaks were KISS fans? I did. They are eagerly awaiting their new release this summer.
Finally a team that doesn't make me want to vomit.
Okay, now I am not a realism prude, but come on! Sleestak would never, ever use a torch!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Bad Review
It was bound to happen and it did. Knowledge Illuminates got a bad review, but its not a bad thing at all. I've been involved with writing on and off since the mid 80's and had my share of both good and bad reviews and some I wasn't sure which they were. Brendan Falconer over at the Knights of the Black Banner blog (love the name of his blog) did a review of Knowledge Illuminates. He gave is a D, but please take a moment to go read if you're interested.
Like I said in the comments I'm sort of surprised it took so long for someone to do a negative review on Knowledge Illuminates. We gamers are not short on opinions. But sometimes we do try to encourage one another without pointing out the faults. I know I am guilty of this. I'm used to taking criticism from all my other writing experiences and I don't take it personally. Most people liked my adventure and I'm sure there are more than a few like Brendan did not like it.
A bad reviewer is one that bases his opinion on hearsay, doesn't do his homework or makes comments that aren't related to the product he is reviewing. When I see one of those I just ignore it because its not based on anything. It's just an idiot ranting.
Brendan's review was based on the material he's purchased and read. His faults were based on what was in and not in the adventure. And for that I respect his honesty and appreciate him taking the time to review. And I see his points. I may not agree with all of them, but most of them I do.
I think negative reviews of a product should be a good thing as long as its done well, doesn't get personal and its based on the actually product. I think we all do this when we searching out a new product on Amazon, I know I've done it recently when I was buying a new printer. I read all the one star reviews before I read any of the others. Some of the comments were just dumb of course, but the one star reviewers who took the time to explain why they didn't like it was more enlightening than all the five star rah rahs. Of course you want to see a bunch of 5 star reviews for anything you buy, but I almost guarantee you learn more from the one star.
I want to thank Brendan again for taking the time to review Knowledge Illuminates and like I told him I hope he likes my next offering better, if I can ever get it out. His review is on my Knowledge Illuminates page with all the rest. I think its just as important, if not more important than the others.
Like I said in the comments I'm sort of surprised it took so long for someone to do a negative review on Knowledge Illuminates. We gamers are not short on opinions. But sometimes we do try to encourage one another without pointing out the faults. I know I am guilty of this. I'm used to taking criticism from all my other writing experiences and I don't take it personally. Most people liked my adventure and I'm sure there are more than a few like Brendan did not like it.
A bad reviewer is one that bases his opinion on hearsay, doesn't do his homework or makes comments that aren't related to the product he is reviewing. When I see one of those I just ignore it because its not based on anything. It's just an idiot ranting.
Brendan's review was based on the material he's purchased and read. His faults were based on what was in and not in the adventure. And for that I respect his honesty and appreciate him taking the time to review. And I see his points. I may not agree with all of them, but most of them I do.
I think negative reviews of a product should be a good thing as long as its done well, doesn't get personal and its based on the actually product. I think we all do this when we searching out a new product on Amazon, I know I've done it recently when I was buying a new printer. I read all the one star reviews before I read any of the others. Some of the comments were just dumb of course, but the one star reviewers who took the time to explain why they didn't like it was more enlightening than all the five star rah rahs. Of course you want to see a bunch of 5 star reviews for anything you buy, but I almost guarantee you learn more from the one star.
I want to thank Brendan again for taking the time to review Knowledge Illuminates and like I told him I hope he likes my next offering better, if I can ever get it out. His review is on my Knowledge Illuminates page with all the rest. I think its just as important, if not more important than the others.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Hey Brendan, Here's Your 20 Questions
Ability scores generation method?
4d6, six times, arrange how you like. If they really suck then roll again.
How are death and dying handled?
0 you're taking a nap, -10 your taking a dirt nap.
What about raising the dead?
Rare. In cities the players must have a lot of money or pull. But after a random number of days the spirit has completely detached from the body.
How are replacement PCs handled?
Each case is different. Just depends where the players are and what they are doing.
Initiative: individual, group, or something else?
Group. One person rolls, but each person gets their dex initiative added.
Are there critical hits and fumbles? How do they work?
Yup. For each of them I have homemade tables.
Do I get any benefits for wearing a helmet?
Adds +1 to AC.
Can I hurt my friends if I fire into melee or do something similarly silly?
Only on a critical failure.
Will we need to run from some encounters, or will we be able to kill everything?
Oh Shit Run
Level-draining monsters: yes or no?
Yes. But not levels, but experience points.
Are there going to be cases where a failed save results in PC death?
Well yeah, if a dragon breathes fire and they only have 10 hit points left and fail their save, they will be dead dead. But in general yep.
How strictly are encumbrance & resources tracked?
Not so much. Maybe a little with rations, but not too much.
What's required when my PC gains a level? Training? Do I get new spells automatically? Can it happen in the middle of an adventure, or do I have to wait for down time?
Usually just have them gain a level. Mages will sometimes need to learn spells, but that's it.
What do I get experience for?
Resolving situations, whether its killing or debating or tricking. Exploration. Magic items they use. Role playing. And making me laugh is a great way to get xp.
How are traps located? Description, dice rolling, or some combination?
Combination. Players needs to tell me how or what they are searching and then roll.
Are retainers encouraged and how does morale work?
Retainers are often not used. If they are they are usually off the screen help.
How do I identify magic items?
Taking it to a mage or aim and shoot.
Can I buy magic items? Oh, come on: how about just potions?
Yep. And of course you can.
Can I create magic items? When and how?
Sure why not. We'll figure it out.
What about splitting the party?
Sure. All the time it happens. Although I don't like it to split more than two otherwise one group is waiting too long.
Done
4d6, six times, arrange how you like. If they really suck then roll again.
How are death and dying handled?
0 you're taking a nap, -10 your taking a dirt nap.
What about raising the dead?
Rare. In cities the players must have a lot of money or pull. But after a random number of days the spirit has completely detached from the body.
How are replacement PCs handled?
Each case is different. Just depends where the players are and what they are doing.
Initiative: individual, group, or something else?
Group. One person rolls, but each person gets their dex initiative added.
Are there critical hits and fumbles? How do they work?
Yup. For each of them I have homemade tables.
Do I get any benefits for wearing a helmet?
Adds +1 to AC.
Can I hurt my friends if I fire into melee or do something similarly silly?
Only on a critical failure.
Will we need to run from some encounters, or will we be able to kill everything?
Oh Shit Run
Level-draining monsters: yes or no?
Yes. But not levels, but experience points.
Are there going to be cases where a failed save results in PC death?
Well yeah, if a dragon breathes fire and they only have 10 hit points left and fail their save, they will be dead dead. But in general yep.
How strictly are encumbrance & resources tracked?
Not so much. Maybe a little with rations, but not too much.
What's required when my PC gains a level? Training? Do I get new spells automatically? Can it happen in the middle of an adventure, or do I have to wait for down time?
Usually just have them gain a level. Mages will sometimes need to learn spells, but that's it.
What do I get experience for?
Resolving situations, whether its killing or debating or tricking. Exploration. Magic items they use. Role playing. And making me laugh is a great way to get xp.
How are traps located? Description, dice rolling, or some combination?
Combination. Players needs to tell me how or what they are searching and then roll.
Are retainers encouraged and how does morale work?
Retainers are often not used. If they are they are usually off the screen help.
How do I identify magic items?
Taking it to a mage or aim and shoot.
Can I buy magic items? Oh, come on: how about just potions?
Yep. And of course you can.
Can I create magic items? When and how?
Sure why not. We'll figure it out.
What about splitting the party?
Sure. All the time it happens. Although I don't like it to split more than two otherwise one group is waiting too long.
Done
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Night of the Dice
Tonight was the 3rd session of the newb campaign and they all got their dice. They genuinely loved them. It was nice to see them get excited about a set of dice. Mrs. Bearcharge said her's were 'the most perfect'.
So last session they left off with killing a big baddie named Margesh Blackblood. While they did get the wagons and weapons they failed to bring back the body for the large reward. A reward which was more than 10x what they got paid for retrieving the weapons.
I used the fantasy billboard to good effect. They enjoyed this post on the board the most.
The mage found a post where another of his guild was planning on killing the murderers of his family. The mage failed to convince him.
Another post caught the thief's interest and found out there are some members in the guild are a bit more fanatical and have a religious focus. His contact told him not to worry about it. Just to be aware of them and stay clear. "Fanaticism is bad for business."
And they had an interesting encounter with a dragon, Alexandrous. He was in human form drinking at the tavern. They soon found out asking a dragon questions is often very frustrating. The one piece of information they did find out was the thief would be dead before the end of the week. He admitted he'd been wrong before, but didn't believe he was this time.
The players were commissioned to deliver the weapons to the military camp. It was a two day trip. On there first night camp they encountered one of most horrifying beasts I've ever place on a gaming board. An undead cow! It ran out of the woods with an axe already in its head, arrows sticking out of it, bone and muscle showing. It terrified them. "How are we going to kill this thing?!" The side note to this is Rob gave me this miniature, the cow as a joke, and by god I used it.
The players did kill it. But as the mage and dwarf were check it out the cow's body started hissing then exploded. They were pepper in bone shards. (One of the players thought that would make a great band name, Peppered with Bone Shards). The mage failed his save and contracted Mad Cow Disease.
They returned the weapons the camp. Mage got healed. They found out some information about the battle and that there have been several undead things roaming the countryside making trouble for them. On their return trip they encountered Draco-Lindus. He told not to listen to Alexandrous. They had been adventuring together for years and that a strong will and break fate any day. Draco said he needed to go to the camp, but he could use their help if they would assist in taking out the source of the undead.
In comes BarrowMaze. The players started to explore the surface mounds. They had a fight with a few skeletons and managed to get a +1 broad sword before time ran out.
And then there was a lesson to the newbs. At the end of the night, the one player announced he got a new job and wouldn't be able to play any longer. The game must go on. A few were worried that the game would end, but it won't. Sure it sucks, but we'll continue on.
So last session they left off with killing a big baddie named Margesh Blackblood. While they did get the wagons and weapons they failed to bring back the body for the large reward. A reward which was more than 10x what they got paid for retrieving the weapons.
I used the fantasy billboard to good effect. They enjoyed this post on the board the most.
The mage found a post where another of his guild was planning on killing the murderers of his family. The mage failed to convince him.
Another post caught the thief's interest and found out there are some members in the guild are a bit more fanatical and have a religious focus. His contact told him not to worry about it. Just to be aware of them and stay clear. "Fanaticism is bad for business."
And they had an interesting encounter with a dragon, Alexandrous. He was in human form drinking at the tavern. They soon found out asking a dragon questions is often very frustrating. The one piece of information they did find out was the thief would be dead before the end of the week. He admitted he'd been wrong before, but didn't believe he was this time.
The players were commissioned to deliver the weapons to the military camp. It was a two day trip. On there first night camp they encountered one of most horrifying beasts I've ever place on a gaming board. An undead cow! It ran out of the woods with an axe already in its head, arrows sticking out of it, bone and muscle showing. It terrified them. "How are we going to kill this thing?!" The side note to this is Rob gave me this miniature, the cow as a joke, and by god I used it.
The players did kill it. But as the mage and dwarf were check it out the cow's body started hissing then exploded. They were pepper in bone shards. (One of the players thought that would make a great band name, Peppered with Bone Shards). The mage failed his save and contracted Mad Cow Disease.
They returned the weapons the camp. Mage got healed. They found out some information about the battle and that there have been several undead things roaming the countryside making trouble for them. On their return trip they encountered Draco-Lindus. He told not to listen to Alexandrous. They had been adventuring together for years and that a strong will and break fate any day. Draco said he needed to go to the camp, but he could use their help if they would assist in taking out the source of the undead.
In comes BarrowMaze. The players started to explore the surface mounds. They had a fight with a few skeletons and managed to get a +1 broad sword before time ran out.
And then there was a lesson to the newbs. At the end of the night, the one player announced he got a new job and wouldn't be able to play any longer. The game must go on. A few were worried that the game would end, but it won't. Sure it sucks, but we'll continue on.
I Love This About the Internet
Something this wonderful have been lost to the rust of time. But the internet is the great oilcan, keeping this stuff around.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
King of the Coupons
Whisk has been blogging about her new favorite past time, couponing. While I think it's cute that she saves a quarter on bread, a nickle on a used twinkie and a penny on tic tacs, tonight I became the King of the Coupons. Let me tell you my story.
I carried an old printer to Staples and got $50 off my new printer, an Epson WorkForce Pro WP-4530. I got it for $150.
It's wireless. Does the auto printing on both sides.
The ink cartridge prints out 2400 pages.
I gave the salesman a 'Hell Yeah' when I saw that.
But wait there is more. I bought an extra ink cartridge and you know what? I got a $40 VISA gift card when I did it.
But oh wait, there is even more. I'll get 20% back on the ink I bought which will be about $7 AND I turned in 6 empty ink cartridges and will get two bucks each for them.
So the grand total I save tonight on my $200 purchase is $109.
While I admire Whisk's cutting out coupons and filing them in a nice book. Tonight, I have claimed the throne of King of Coupons. I intend to be a fair and wise ass ruler until the Whisk can come up with a better deal. But there is a happy ending to this story for Whisk. Because I am wise and generous she may have the $40 VISA card and get something pretty. You are welcome.
I carried an old printer to Staples and got $50 off my new printer, an Epson WorkForce Pro WP-4530. I got it for $150.
It's wireless. Does the auto printing on both sides.
The ink cartridge prints out 2400 pages.
I gave the salesman a 'Hell Yeah' when I saw that.
But wait there is more. I bought an extra ink cartridge and you know what? I got a $40 VISA gift card when I did it.
But oh wait, there is even more. I'll get 20% back on the ink I bought which will be about $7 AND I turned in 6 empty ink cartridges and will get two bucks each for them.
So the grand total I save tonight on my $200 purchase is $109.
While I admire Whisk's cutting out coupons and filing them in a nice book. Tonight, I have claimed the throne of King of Coupons. I intend to be a fair and wise ass ruler until the Whisk can come up with a better deal. But there is a happy ending to this story for Whisk. Because I am wise and generous she may have the $40 VISA card and get something pretty. You are welcome.
Fighting With Font
If this had been an MMA fight I would've gotten my ass knocked out in the first minute. I hinted in Sunday's post, by showing my new long stapler, that I may dabble in a zine or two . Nothing like Christian's Lovaitar, which I think sets the standard. Anyway, knowing nothing of how to create a zine I've been getting schooled lately.
First off, I've only recently discovered my printer can print booklets. Never knew cause I never needed to know.
Second, mine is not a automatic two-sided printer. (More on this later.) I have to do it manually. Paper can only beput into the machine four ways, so you think I'd figure it out within four tries. Oh no. No. No. I keep screwing it up, but I think I've got it now.
Third, font size. Again, not having any experience with booklet print I had no idea how tiny the font was going to print. I use a 9 or 10 font most of the time and that was way too tiny. Did 14. Still a little small. It seems 18 is the one to use. I'm using Times New Roman font. Now the smart thing to do would have been to print one page to test. Oh no. No. No. I kept printing the whole booklet.
Four, stapling. My stapler rocks. But I do not. It took me a few tries to get the pointy ends inside the booklet.
Five, page numbers. Still haven't figured this one out. I was planning on doing them on the edge of the bottom of the pages, but haven't figured out how to make them switch sides on alternate pages.
And lastly, no I am not going to say what I am working on because I'm just screwing around for now.
Back to the printer thing. I'm considering purchasing a new printer. One that is a little bigger and can auto print both sides. I was looking at a Epson Workforce 845. Any suggestions about this? Printer suggestions? Looking to keep it under 300 bucks.
First off, I've only recently discovered my printer can print booklets. Never knew cause I never needed to know.
Second, mine is not a automatic two-sided printer. (More on this later.) I have to do it manually. Paper can only beput into the machine four ways, so you think I'd figure it out within four tries. Oh no. No. No. I keep screwing it up, but I think I've got it now.
Third, font size. Again, not having any experience with booklet print I had no idea how tiny the font was going to print. I use a 9 or 10 font most of the time and that was way too tiny. Did 14. Still a little small. It seems 18 is the one to use. I'm using Times New Roman font. Now the smart thing to do would have been to print one page to test. Oh no. No. No. I kept printing the whole booklet.
Four, stapling. My stapler rocks. But I do not. It took me a few tries to get the pointy ends inside the booklet.
Five, page numbers. Still haven't figured this one out. I was planning on doing them on the edge of the bottom of the pages, but haven't figured out how to make them switch sides on alternate pages.
And lastly, no I am not going to say what I am working on because I'm just screwing around for now.
Back to the printer thing. I'm considering purchasing a new printer. One that is a little bigger and can auto print both sides. I was looking at a Epson Workforce 845. Any suggestions about this? Printer suggestions? Looking to keep it under 300 bucks.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Developing the Newb Campaign
Recently I’ve been developing the newb campaign. They are in a frontier village. It was formed because of the large silver mine in the area. Over the past year there has been a large migration of adventurers due to the recent discovery of a massive burial ground (BurrowMaze) and the amount of treasure being found. To the south, there is the outskirt of a now dead kingdom that has been reclaimed by the forest over the years. The border is patrolled by guards regularly. It is illegal to enter this area without a writ, provided by the nobility. They want to settle the area, expand the kingdom, but by the right people. This is where I will be using the Kingmaker adventure path.
There also several small lairs of critters about. The party recently wiped out tribe of goblins. There is another tribe of goblins, much larger and a lair of ogres that will come into play later. And there is an intense little temple adventure of my own making a little farther out. So there is a lot for them to choose from.
In the village there will be some good role-playing opportunities, different guilds and races and other organizations with agendas. It is run by a very tolerant baron. He doesn’t get too worked up as long as no one is murdering people in the streets or setting fires to the businesses. Right now this is what I am focusing on. I have the map and the basic descriptions of buildings, but need to a little more detailing for the NPCs.
I am also going to start using a billboard. This is something I’ve always loved to use and something I wrote about long ago. This is always a fun thing of the players to interact with and an excellent place to plant adventure leads.
This week I will be giving them their own set of dice. That is if I get them on time. I ordered them online and I've been tracking their movement every night.
There also several small lairs of critters about. The party recently wiped out tribe of goblins. There is another tribe of goblins, much larger and a lair of ogres that will come into play later. And there is an intense little temple adventure of my own making a little farther out. So there is a lot for them to choose from.
In the village there will be some good role-playing opportunities, different guilds and races and other organizations with agendas. It is run by a very tolerant baron. He doesn’t get too worked up as long as no one is murdering people in the streets or setting fires to the businesses. Right now this is what I am focusing on. I have the map and the basic descriptions of buildings, but need to a little more detailing for the NPCs.
I am also going to start using a billboard. This is something I’ve always loved to use and something I wrote about long ago. This is always a fun thing of the players to interact with and an excellent place to plant adventure leads.
This week I will be giving them their own set of dice. That is if I get them on time. I ordered them online and I've been tracking their movement every night.
Monday, February 20, 2012
I Nuked Tim's Blog Roll
Thankfully, I was able to unsubscribe him from all of those, through dashboard. But in the process, I blew up his blog roll thinking I could make a new one that would work correctly.
Nope.
Good thing I'm cute, and armed with this steak.
Meanwhile, when I tried to rebuild a new blog roll, Blogger would not let me add more than 167 to his roll, before it locked and froze on saving.
No matter how many different ways I tried.
My solution was to part his blog roll into two lists, A-L and M-Z. If anyone knows how to get past the frozen saving page, please let us know.
Thanks Bunches,
- Whisk
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Sleestak Sunday Accessory and a Tip from the Whisk
I saw this strange cigarette smoking, apparently pirate, beer swilling Stak and thought, even Lurker would have to like this guy. It's so fuzzy! Looks like he killed a muppet.
Over at the Throwawayblog, dmark combines the gripe about the current captcha situation and Sleestak Sunday. He included captures of one of the best episodes of Land of the Lost. Well done.
Whisk did a post on how to stop following blogs. Generally if someone doesn't post in a two or three months I stop following so I can add others. That 300 limit makes it tough sometimes. I never messed with that Google Friends thing, but it seems to make things easier.
And last, I want to congratulate Christian for going over 200 sales. I've written about Loviatar many times and will continue to do so. I just like it. A lot. Congrats and here's to the next 100 sales!
And one more thing.
 |
| Just Say'n |
Saturday, February 18, 2012
What the Fricking Hell
I've been working a lot over the past few days and haven't had too much time to check out blogs. This morning I get on blogger and I see they have developed a new torture device. They've made their 'captcha' (for those who don't know which I was one of them, its the word verification) so incredibly difficult and longer that it makes leaving comments more difficult. In the end its going to frustrate people from commenting.
I'm not sure what the reason is for this change or what problem they addressing, but it's not a good solution. It says its there to prove you are no a robot. I don't know about you, but if a robot wants to post on my blog, I'm okay with that.
I'm not sure what the reason is for this change or what problem they addressing, but it's not a good solution. It says its there to prove you are no a robot. I don't know about you, but if a robot wants to post on my blog, I'm okay with that.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Review: Barrowmaze
I'm continuing my line of reviews. I want to do more of this year. There are so many great OSR products hitting the streets and I want to take more time to do the reviews. I know when someone did a review of Knowledge Illuminates it motivated me and helped me understand how this worked a little better.
This review is for Barrowmaze by Greg Gillespie. It's available at RPGNow for the devilish price of $6.66 for PDF. It comes in at 84 pages and well worth the money.
Buy it. I'm starting off with buy it because it is a great adventure. I am not one for mega dungeons, but as I read through Barrowmaze I was thinking how could I introduce this into my campaigns with both my veteran group and newbie group. It is a solid dungeon crawl that goes on for days. I love the backstory and it kicked started a few ideas of my own. Greg points out in the overview map their is a section for the GM to develop and man did I have a lot of ideas what to do with it once I was done reading.
The artwork is all done by guys that have become the forefront of OSR art. The art really enhances the feel of the adventure and to me captures the spirit of adventures I want to go through.
Layout for this is easy to read. Which is very important considering its scope. But everything is easy to find and Greg makes it easy for the GM to navigate the maze.
I plan on running it in my own game. That's about the biggest endorsement I can give. Do yourself a favor and go get a copy. Oh, and don't forget your 10' pole.
Buy it. I'm starting off with buy it because it is a great adventure. I am not one for mega dungeons, but as I read through Barrowmaze I was thinking how could I introduce this into my campaigns with both my veteran group and newbie group. It is a solid dungeon crawl that goes on for days. I love the backstory and it kicked started a few ideas of my own. Greg points out in the overview map their is a section for the GM to develop and man did I have a lot of ideas what to do with it once I was done reading.
The artwork is all done by guys that have become the forefront of OSR art. The art really enhances the feel of the adventure and to me captures the spirit of adventures I want to go through.
Layout for this is easy to read. Which is very important considering its scope. But everything is easy to find and Greg makes it easy for the GM to navigate the maze.
I plan on running it in my own game. That's about the biggest endorsement I can give. Do yourself a favor and go get a copy. Oh, and don't forget your 10' pole.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
My Newbs Have Leveled Up
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