Lo' and Behold, the Stronghold Come'th

So there's this guy, you might know him, +Boric Glanduum.  He has this blog called The Dwarven Stronghold.  I've talked to Boric on-line now since, since, Moby Dick was just a minnow.  He's been talking about do this zine thing.  Zine, as in, cool little booklet filled with cool picture, cool articles, and cool adventures.  That kind of thing.  Well, this guy Boric release a zine today!  Bet you can't guess what it's called?!?!

Look at the beautiful cover by none other than +Jay Penn.  The dude who did all the artwork for Lovitar and did some work for me a while ago.  So Boric is not messing around, he brought in a big gun to do his art. 

I will not say I am not biased.  I completely am.  Boric is about as good a dude as you'll meet and I am a giant fan of zines.  BUT!  This one stands on its own and is very, very good.  Boric permitted me a secret back stage pass to look at what he wrote (he did not have the art at the time so I am excited to get a glance).

The articles are smart and useful.  Seriously good.  There is one on mimics that I absolutely love and will absolutely use.  Boric's very good at taking a look at a common element in game and looking at it in different ways.  It shows in this issue.  He's got a great take on finding mundane items.  The treasure found on someone is not all +5 sword of kick assdom.  He demonstrated how simple, mundane items can become something significant in game.

I won't spoil anymore of what you'll find in this print only zine.  Click the link THE STRONGHOLD and order yourself a copy.  This is another excellent entry of zines being produced by us old crusty dudes who just love to game. 

A Tiny Rant About Why Patreon is Good

There has been some recent discussion about Patreon, mainly coming from +Erik Tenkar's end.  I'll join his so his wife can send me some of his gaming stuff.  muhaha

It seems many folks are very aware of Patreon and what it is.  I was a fan of it before I got involved with my own.  I can't remember who my first person I patroned, it was either +Dyson Logos or +matt jackson or very likely I may have discovered them at the same time.  I thought what a cool idea.  I didn't think it would come to much, but I thought it was a fun idea.

Wrong.  I was very wrong. 

People are making some serious money off Patreon.  And despite what some folks say, THERE IS NOTHING FUCKING WRONG WITH THAT.  I hope I didn't leave any gray area in my opinion. 

The great thing about Patreon is the patrons have absolute control over how much they give.  You can donate by project, the patrons can select one of the pre-selected pledge levels or you can adjust to the amount your comfortable with.  And you can put a max amount per month so you don't go over your budget. 

I back 8 or 9 projects (I forget the exact number) myself.  I love giving these guys a little monetary motivation to do what they do.  And the very cool thing is, they offer their stuff for free, just like I do.  You don't have to get involved in their Patreon to enjoy what they do. 

I offer the same for my micro-adventures.  They are up for anyone to download.  But I have a great group of folks who have backed me.  It motivates me to push the boundaries, to do something new or put that extra effort in developing a project.  For my higher patrons they get a 4" x 6" laminated version of the adventure.  It's cool to do.  Takes time and postage to do it, but I like the product.

I know I am preaching to the choir, so to speak, most folks understand Patreon and how it works.  If you have the time browse Patreon, they have some great stuff going there.  It's a ton of fun to just check out all the creativity being funneled through there.

Esoterrorist Game Props

Over on Google+ I've been sharing some of the game props I've created for my Esoterrorist game.

I recently created the AEGIS handbooks to help the players understand the philosophy behind the organization they are working for.  And of course I couldn't miss an opportunity to make some look old and used in the field. 

The great thing about running a modern day adventure it the amount of material that is available the players can interact with.  There will be times during the adventure that the players may need to find information about a certain organization or event and they can use their computers to get that information.  I develop my adventures using real places, events, organizations and people (although  handful are an amalgamation of two or three people).  This grounds these fantastic and horrible events in a real setting.

"Is this real.  I'm finding all this stuff on-line."  This is what Rob Conley said during the first session.  Because the setting and events were tied in with real happenings its an easier sell to the players.  What also helps is I am using my local area as the setting so I know exactly what services are available.  What judges are kind and which ones are the hard asses.  Hell, I can tell them the price of gas from town to town if that suited the adventure.

I've got a few more props to create.  The cool thing about the game is I have no idea how they will get to where they are going, but I know they'll get there at some point or time and the significance of a clue they find could vary greatly depending on the timing of the find. 

Since we are playing on-line, delivery of props is tricky, but since I am no stranger to the post office and sending things out, I plan on sending my two players a case file, with stuff they've already discovered and sealed envelopes.  These sealed envelopes will contain clues not discovered yet.  Each will  be labeled with a letter.  And when they come across it during game they will be asked to open that envelope. 

Because of the intensity and heavy role-playing aspect of the game I think two players is good.  The larger the group the more noise involved and when I GM something like this I prefer to have as little of that as possible.  Plus, it keep the players more engaged in what's going on.  No one has a chance to slip into the background. 

I think we start next week.  I've forgotten already.  I'm a lousy GM.  I've got work to do on the game yet, but its a pleasure to do so. 

The Flayed King

I recently completed my 20th micro-adventure for my Patreaon page, The Flayed King.  It went through several adjustments as I wrote it and rewrote it.  Originally it was called Tullius Well.  A well constructed by the Northmen for religious ceremonies.  Originally, it was going to be a simple crypt.  A few interesting cultural tidbits to add some flavor to the undead....hmm flavor to the undead, maybe not.

But as I wrote and tinkered, rewrote and thought about it again, it was becoming a place of note.  Something or someone significant was going to be here.  I still had no clue.  That is until the last room.  I was writing in the bookstore cafe when the idea for the flayed king set upon me.  My caramel, caramel coffee drink gets those synapses revved up. 

Also included in the adventure is a cultural item that rifts off the putting coins on the eyes of the dead.  These items are more of interest to me that magical items in general.  I like the cultural connection and what it signifies to others.

Necklace of the Dead (new item) 
A Necklace of the Dead is given to a man of worth who has died.  Typically it is made of coins.  Minted on the coins are things the man enjoyed in life; weapons, ships and ale are the most common.  A necklace provides a man income to continue his adventure in his next life.

 But what would an adventure be without a little something, something.  I created an intelligent, minor artifact.  This one is not going to argue with you or compel you to do something.  The Ring of Raraek's purpose is to aid you.  To figure out what you do best and make you better.

Ring of Raraek (new minor artifact) 
Ring of Raraek is sentient, but not aligned.  It adapts to the wearer, providing two unique powers to the wearer.  Should the wearer have magical abilities, the ring may increase the potency of a spell.  For a warrior, such as Goreth, it enhances his melee prowess.  For example is has a draining burst to attackers and creates a magical two-handed sword (without the plus increase to damage or to hit).  The ring needs to be worn constantly for one month so it can decide what powers would be most beneficial.  If the ring is removed, even for a moment, the ring requires a month to reestablish its assessment.  The ring notices changes and adapts, so the abilities it provides can change over time.

I want to thank all my patrons.  While I would be doing this whether Patreon existed or not, it sure makes it exciting for me and affords a extra gaming book or art that I wouldn't have been able to have otherwise.  

You can download The Flayed King on my Patreon page.  It is free for anyone who wants a copy.  I've stylized it using sepia.  But if that's not to your liking I also have a b&w version.  In addition there is a separate GM map and a players map in case you use it on-line.   

My big goof in this adventure is the concealed door in room 5 that leads to the Flayed King's room.  It's not noted on the map as a concealed door, just a normal door.  While overall not a huge deal in the scheme of the adventure, but who wouldn't want to push the six-titted boar god to gain entry?  An opportunity not to be missed.

Lulu Suggestions

Looks like Lulu is doing a 28% off sale through Sunday.  So I am going to make ten suggested buys.  None of which will be my own.  These are not in any particular order, just my memory jumping from synapse to synapse.  I make these suggestions without comment.  Just ones I have personally ordered and have enjoyed and most importantly, used.

+Paolo Greco's Kefitzat Haderech - Incunabulum of the Uncanny Gates and Portals. 
+Ignatius Umlaut's - Fight On! Foliated Folio +8
+Dyson Logos's - Magical Theorems & Dark Pacts
+Simon Forster's - Mischievous Monsters
+Courtney Campbell's - Hack & Slash Compendium
+Matt Finch's - S&W Monster Book
+joseph browning's - Advanced Adventures Compendium Two
+Patrick Wetmore's - Anomalous Subsurface Environment (ASE1)
+Jason Sholtis - The Dungeon Dozen
+Peter Regan's - Oubliette Issues 1-4 Compilation

They all made my list because I've bought them all.  I've bought them all and used them.  Some of them are older, but I think still very significant.  Peruse Lulu and take advantage of the 28% off.

Onward to the weekend!

Valentine Takeover Post

Temple of the Black Oracle

A new batch of micro-adventures are mailing tomorrow.  Temple of the Black Oracle is my 19th micro-adventure, in addition I've complete two micro-location and a micro-sandbox.  For my high-end patrons they get the adventure on a laminated 4" x 6" note card.  They are a blast to make.  And it justifies purchasing a laminator.

If you want to get in on this, just head on over to my Patreon page and check out the different contribution levels.   I've enjoy the process and all my patrons are top-notched dudes that contribute to the content.  Recently I asked for some names for a future adventure/location and they delivered.

As always, my micro-adventures are free for everyone.  You can download the PDF adventure, a GM map and a players map.

Enjoy.

Random Map Monday

Finished this one yesterday.  An out of the way hunting lodge for a now deceased cruel knight.  This may be a Patreon addition or I am going to include it in the next Manor.  I'm thinking the latter.  I'm going to add a few interior maps and make it part of a micro-sandbox setting. 

Looking at it now I think I'll go back and redo the text with a little white background to make them pop a bit more.  Hunters Creek up there is washed up on a rock. 

It's Monday.  It's game night.  And I am trying to make it sound like a great thing even though I am already late for work.  I guess I gotta go.  Today, I just want to write and layout issue 8 of The Manor.

Strange Mail Call!

It's been a very good gaming week.  It didn't stop today.  Today I got +trey causey's, Strange Stars.

This is the print version...duh.  It's just cool.  I'll even let you take a peek inside my copy.

The book is 30-pages, but it's a concise and detailed 30-pages.  A lot of setting books are bloated and over written, what Trey has managed is to give you the skeletal workings of a galaxy in a few short pages.  There is a surprising amount of content conveyed by the writing, the layout and art.  You'll be hard pressed to find a better looking book on top of it.  +B. Portly worked some kick ass layout magic and my god, the back cover.  If there were awards for best back cover, this one would win.

I love my mailbox. 

Mail Call!

Yesterday I bragged about my Mythoard haul.  What I didn't tell you is I also got a copy of The Ruins of Haunted Hill written by Patrick Bird and illustrated +Fred Dailey.  They created 50 copies Ruins of Haunted Hill for Save vs. Hunger Convention, to donate to a food bank.  Love that.

I believe it was Fred who put out the word that he had a couple copies left and asked if there were any takers.  Adventure.  Zine!  Fun.  I raised my virtual hand quickly and high.  I may have even said "ohh, ohh" a couple of times.  All they asked is to donate a fiver to a local food bank.  Since I do what I do for work I have a lot of interaction with my food bank, not only did I donate I got them two volunteers for the next couple of months.

I haven't had a chance to read through it yet.  So I can't write about the adventure itself.  However I have flipped through it and I'm now a huge fan of Fred Dailey's artwork.  Many of his pictures are breaking out of their framework giving the picture more depth, just like the cover above. 

I wanted to thank Fred and Patrick for the adventure and its made me think of acting on a charity I would like to work with.

January Mythoard Has Arrived

If you are still waiting for yours, avert your eyes when you read this because I am showing you the full Monty.  And it is big.

Look at this...we've got dice from Chessex, a miniature and pin from +Lesser Gnome.  I recently purchased the collector's edition of Venom & Whisper and fricking rocks.  I need to take pictures of all the stuff that came with it and do a Feature Friday.  +Zach Glazar and +John Hammerle know how to put out a kick ass product.  Then we move down to the Creature Deck featuring Abberations & Magical Beasts brought to you by +Inkwell Ideas & +Joe Wetzel. I've been eyeballing these decks for a while, but never pulled the trigger on them.  These are great, look fantastic.  They came with two card protection sleeves which I admit took me a few moments to figure out.

Then a book The Powers the Be by +Bryan Steward, a supplement for Pits & Perils.  Again, another gaming item I've seen for a while, but never explored P&P.  And that's the beauty of +Mythoard, it's a buffet for you to try new things.  Bryan introduces you to a plethora of divine beings for your players to fall on bended knee and hope the blue bolt hits the next guy. 

I got two of these paper folder holder things.  I'm not sure if I was supposed to get two, but I am NOT giving mine back.  I've got a new character keeper.  +Randy M's fantastic picture is not served well by photography skills.  Great details and I think a perfect picture of an adventuring party that is a half-a-day away from being TPKed.

Inside the folder is the Brimstone Epitaph (absolutely love that name) created by from +Carl Bussler and his Stormlord Publishing.  Carl is a known entity to me.  He's one creative dude and an excellent adventure writer.  On the other side is the Mythoard newsletter to introduce all the dudes that participated this month.  I like this, it a cool touch and in addition there is a short chart of information about each contributor.

 Look what's on the back of the newsletter, a +matt jackson original.  I've not heard much about this Jackson feller, but I heard he like to do maps.  We'll see if they come to anything.  Either way it's a good start for him.  And I do enjoy that it is Tenkar's Tomb.  heh.

 +MonkeyBlood Design graces the back of the folders.  His maps are amazing.  When I grow up one day I hope to create maps as artistic. 

+Jarrod Shaw and the contributors put out an excellent sophomore edition of Mythoard.  I got new stuff from guys I already know how awesome they are and got to sample some new things I've wondered about.  I'm really hoping Mythoard only get bigger.  I'd like to see it stick around for a while.  I loved getting that envelope in the mail.  I only had a inkling of what was inside.

The only thing that sucked was I got it at work and I had to wait to dig in.

Game Night: What It Feels Like to be in the Know

+Rob Conley started his game last night.  We jumped back into the skins of the 5E characters that we played through the Phandelver adventure.  I give 5E props for the adventure, but they still can't hold a candle to adventuring in Rob's Majestic Wilderlands.  I am bias as hell, but I stand by my opinion.  Rob and +Douglas Cole wrote posts about last night, I'd link to them, but I am sneaking this one in my lunchtime at work.

Rob's campaigns are role-playing heavy, but you need to be able to handle yourself at the same time.  When I say handle yourself I mean you gotta know who you're pissing off.  You have to pick and chose who you go against.  There is a time and place for confrontation and you don't want to be wrong.  Like for example, last night the villagers of Phandelver took it upon themselves to clear the village of all Set/Tharian influnces. 

Quick tutorial for Majestic Wilderlands:  There is Set, Father of Dragons and mainly worship by Tharians, think of them as the Romans.  On the opposing side of the coin is Mitra, The Red Maiden and she is mainly worshiped by Gynorians, think of them as Greeks or sorta kinda the English.  Either way you have an ideological clash between cultures that uses religion as a weapon.

So the villagers kicked out the Set and Tharian influences.  The problem with doing that is most of the leaders, political and military are Tharians who ally with Set.  The villagers are manning barricades with two untrained boys with pointy sticks.  Sidwin, my guy, understands the conflict, but he also understands the ramifications of their actions.

During the discussion they were arguing religion and philosophy and I was trying to make my point that trained soldiers are going to slaughter them, not giving on farthing what they think.  During the end the leader of the rebellion seemed to understand and made haste to contact allies.

Meanwhile while Sidwin is no warrior and wouldn't consider going against a trained army, you can't make money if you're dead.  Maybe if you're undead, but Sidwin doesn't like that option.  So the plan is now is to use his knowledge of superstitions, the weakness of people and his ability to manipulate the situation without the threat of disembowelment.  The plan, to create a bad omen Set worshipers would never go to war after seeing. 

This is the beauty of Rob's campaign, getting entwined with the depth of the cultures.  Using knowledge as a weapon that is rarely duplicated in other games.

It's pretty cool.

Cover I've Been Messing With

Here is the cover I've been working on for another project.  It's supposed to be sepia in color.  The picture isn't all that great and scanning it in screwed it all up.  I like how it has turned out.

 Here's what it looks like on the inside. 

I've already have the first section written.  I wrote this while power watching Game of Thrones, 3rd Season.  Yes, I know I am behind and I've finally saw the Red Wedding.  Anyway, this is what I do when I watch TV.

Random Map Monday 7

This week I've been working on another project.  Yeah, I know.  I'm a poster child for gamer ADHD.  This is the Village of Offcombe.  I stole the name from an episode of Robin of Sherwood - The Swords of Wayland.  Although in the episode it's called Uffcombe, but I always heard it Offcom.  I also stole the main guy who asks the Robin Hood crew to help his village, Gareth.  I always liked the name.  But in my version Gareth is the lord over the village that is being attacked by the Endless Enemy.

Sounds fancy eh?

Anyway, to the map.  I changed out the Offcombe map a couple of times until I found one I liked.  This one made more sense to me.  The other maps had indefensible huts.  Or kindling to most invaders.  This one at least had a small keep nearby and made sense for Gareth, a fighting lord who has settled this land.

The entire adventure is done in the sepia coloring.  It gives the look I want.  Even the text is brownish in color to give it that aged feel.  Plus I have cardstock that fits the theme.  I'll scan in pictures of the working cover tonight or tomorrow.

Until next Monday, keep drawing maps!