Ronin's Fortress

2010-08-22T22:22:00.000-04:00

Been busy at work. Never enough time in the day.

2010-03-07T20:59:00.002-05:00

Lost, but not forgotten. More updates to this little outpost to come.

Tambak Island

2010-01-20T17:41:00.001-05:00

A sample of a location for the pulp game I'm working on.

Tambak Island
Within this assortment of islands, atolls, cays, shoals, reefs, and sandbars that make up the Spratly Islands. There is a small land mass known as Tambak Island. Rocky beaches surround the isle, opening on the eastern end into a sheltered cove. The center of the island that features a small outcropping of jungle. Located on this harbor with its back to the encroaching jungle, a formerly sleepy fishing village has grown to a busy seaplane weight stop. A destination for adventurers, pilots, mercenaries, spy's, pirates, and other less than savory types. The Japanese Navy maintains a small garrison and flight of seaplanes. But the island is a neutral ground. Thanks mostly to an agreement forged with the commander of Japanese forces by the de facto leader of the island residents, a Frenchman known as De Salis. While the town can be a rough and tumble place. All out warfare between different factions is rare. For no one wants to incur the wrath of the Japanese.

Hey look a Post!

2009-11-23T15:26:00.003-05:00

Ok obviously I've been a royal fucking slacker the last year. No posts or communication. But I'm resolving to try to be a more proactive poster. I make no guarantees. But it is my goal to be more social.
Now with that out of the way. I've been working on a pulp game for about a year now. A little here, a little there. Its kind of a combination of "Tales of the Gold Monkey", "Sky Captain", and few other of my favorite pulps and/or pulpy media. Its really coming along now. I have the majority of the ideas and stuff down now. I don't expect it will be ever published. Its more for myself. But that's ok. I hope to give it a test run here in the near future. But we'll see if I can swing it. I plan on posting some thoughts and excerpts from and about it. So look for it. :-)

Return of the the Son of the Blog?!?!

2009-10-06T03:37:00.003-04:00

I figure its been six months I better make a post.

Ya, get it? Post, its a joke son. (Nice kid but a little slow on the uptake.)

The Blog Lives!!!

2009-06-18T19:51:00.001-04:00

Well sort of, it doesnt really live when I take 6 months between posts eh? I'm not gonna say it will improve. But I will say maybe.

Doings

2008-12-05T08:45:00.005-05:00

So much going on, to many ideas. I need to start working on the latest issue of the supplement. With the holidays it going to be a short month for writing. Not to mention one of my main contributors is working on a feature film. So I'm not sure he can be relied on for his usual, well contribution.
Then theres my goofy ass. The theme of this months supplement is apocalypse, or post-apocalypse. But all I can dream of is Victorian science fiction. I say VSF not steam punk. Because I think that denotes a slightly different idea/meaning. I envision Victoria's boys in red coats and pith helmets battling the soldiers of the Imperial German Empire, pickelhaubes and Mauser's. Fighting over deposits of lift material to power their aeronef fleets. Ground fighting involving soldiers and steam powered land ironclads. Dueling on the African continent for control of this precious resource.
Perhaps I could combine the both. Maybe a war of the worlds scenario. Except the humans don't do so well. Or the first onslaught of the martians is devastating.
On the other hand will the readership really want more of a Mad Max, road warrior type of thing? Or maybe a more gonzo approach like Gamma World, or Mutant Future? Or the one I really like, a realistic gritty game like Twilight 2000. I just don't know how I'm going to proceed at this point. But I got to get moving on it. So a decision needs to be made soon.

Space 1889

2008-11-27T20:59:00.011-05:00

Been to long

2008-11-26T09:17:00.002-05:00

Wow! Been a long time since I did an update. Been pretty busy though. Work, real life the works. Thats not an excuse though. I need to pay more attention to the blog. Even as I suspect I just get the occasional visitor by accident. So I guess this is really a journal of my gaming ramblings. But even if no one else reads this. Its good for me to write this down. If for nothing else but my own benefit.

So let me tell you what Ive been up to as of late.

I'm the chief Editor of a local gaming fan-zine/newsletter. About to publish issue #3 in a day or two. It has been going well. I wish I was getting some more support from the gaming community. But this is only the 3rd issue. I think people need to see I'm going to be around for a while. Become comfortable with it. Before they start submitting stuff. I would like for it to be a thing for the community to share ideas with each other. So slowly but surely its coming along in that direction. Currently there are three of us contributing articles, adventures, and fiction. Spencer, Michael, and I. They have been invaluable. I couldn't have done it without them.

As far as gaming goes. My Monday night group has fallen apart. Monday night football, new television programs, and a dick weed have broken it up for now. I hope this is only a temporary situation. But quite frankly people are being flakier than usual. Its not just with my game either. Mikes restart of his D&D has had attendance issues as well. So I know its not me. But its still discouraging. Perhaps I can get something together in the next month. Because I really want to run a game.
Ive rediscovered a bunch of old gems recently. Twilight 2000 (2nd ed.), Flashing Blades, Labyrinth Lord (Not an old game but a clone of one), and my latest obsession Space 1889. Oh my god how did I miss this game?! I mean, I saw it for years at the game store. Never gave it more than a passing glance. Oh I wish I would have. I wish I would have discovered this years ago. Such a fantastic setting. I've always enjoyed steam punk. But I'd never discovered a steam punk setting that really grabbed me. Till now. This is it! To think a steam punk game that was produced before the term steam punk was really even used. Is the answer I've been looking for! Their are a bunch of 28mm miniatures for the game too. Which just fuels my interest that much more. I see some of the examples that people on the net have produced. The scratch built aeronefs/cloud ships, and things. So awesome. I wish my painting and building skills were better. I mean the 1/72 WWII Cossacks I did turned out great. But they are no match for the stuff I see some people do. I'm jealous as all get out. Hopefully I will get to run a game in Space 1889 soon.

Games and pics

2008-08-16T20:14:00.014-04:00

Well dont have much to say about my gaming right now. My Sunday game. The D&D halfling game. Has ended. Kind of badly. I mean we're all still friends. But its done. I am still running my monday Golden age/WWII super hero game. So I'm not gameless. I'm trying not to be negative about it. I'm trying to look at it as opening up new opportunities. So in the mean time more pics!
Tasty. In many different ways.

Grab me anoder beer eh. The dream.

GI Joe, In the Nam.

Evolution.

An interesting SMG. The reliability of the kalashnikov action. Fed by a high capacity helical magazine. Depending on the caliber and version around 60 or more rounds is carried. I would love to get my hands on one. I bet its fun as all get out to shoot. The standard kalashnikov is fun to shoot. A version chambered for a smaller round, lower recoil round. Like 9mm parabellum, or makarov. Has got to be frigging awesome.

Jungle girls and space girls? Think of the possibilities.

More jungle girls.

Yo Bazook.

Set to ride.

Mecha.

You know you want one. Its fun in a box.

More Thursday Pics!

2008-07-24T19:09:00.012-04:00

You may not know this. But Basset Hounds are pretty much the cadillac of dogs. No really.

Two of my favorite villians.

Have you seen this? Great film. Blade Runner for a new generation.

They list these as extreme duty AR-15 magazines. By being extreme does that mean they dont jam at the drop of a hat. You know by merely tapping the feed end of the mag. Which is why every time I see idiots with magazines bush clipped together. Which is slang for mags taped together. It makes me laugh.

All the Appleseed movies are awesome. But not as awesome as the manga.

My favorite anti-hero.

Mmmmm.... Hobgoblin dark english ale.

Apocalypes anyone?

Big, bigger, biggest.

I'll surrender.

And finally a Kick Ass jungle girl. Nuf' said.

Thursday Photo Dump!

2008-07-17T19:44:00.016-04:00

Remember. Read my blog or Micheal Caine will come to your house and shoot you in the face.

I think I've found my new bike.

Gogol Bordello. One of my favorite bands. Check'em out.

A good movie. Its a thinker though. Bring your brain. Otherwise just put it back and rent Rambo. (Not that theres any thing wrong with Rambo either. It is what it is. Wicked gory action, to the extreme.)

Words of wisdom.

For our Canadian Friends

Goooo, Team Venture!

I usually really hate it when they mess with the look of classic comic book characters. But I really dig this verson of Union Jack. Not as much as the Classic costume. But its pretty cool.

Pointing out the obvious.

One of my favorite comics Hitman.

You've been warned.

I think the word we are looking for here is homage.

Eat steak, eat steak eat a big ol' steer.

Eat steak, eat steak do we have one dear?

Eat beef, eat beef it's a mighty good food.

It's a grade A meal when I'm in the mood.

Cowpokes'll come from a near and far

When you throw a few rib-eyes on the fire.

Roberto Duran ate two before a fight,

'Cause it gave a lot of mighty men a lot of mighty might.

Eat steak, eat steak eat a big ol' steer.

Eat steak, eat steak do we have one dear?

Eat beef, eat beef it's a mighty good food.

It's a grade A meal when I'm in the mood.

Eat meat, eat meat, filet mignon.

Eat meat, eat meat, eat it all day long.

Eat a few T-bones till you get your fill.

Eat a New York cut, hot off the grill.

Eat steak, eat steak eat a big ol' steer.

Eat steak, eat steak do we have one dear?

Eat beef, eat beef it's a mighty good food.

It's a grade A meal when I'm in the mood.

Eat a cow, eat a cow 'cuase it's good for you.

Eat a cow, eat a cow it's a thing that goes "Mooooo"

.Look at all the cows in the slaughterhouse yard.

Gotta hit'em in the head, gotta hit'em real hard.

First you gotta clean'em then the butcher cuts'em up,

Throws it on a scale,

throws an eyeball in a cup.

Saw a big Brahma steer standing right over there,

So I rustled up a fire cooked him medium rare.

Bar-B-Q'ed his brisket,

a roasted his rump.

Fed my dog that ol' Brangus steer's hump.

Eat steak, eat steak eat a big ol' steer.

Eat steak, eat steak do we have one dear?

Eat beef, eat beef it's a mighty good food.

It's a grade A meal when I'm in the mood.

Reverend Horton Heat, Eat Steak

Thats right Snake Eyes IS just that bad ass.

Monday is WWII Day!

2008-07-15T20:59:00.002-04:00

Ok well I ran my first session of the WWII/Golden Age M&M game yesterday. I have to say we had a blast. We did a little tweeking of characters and rules checking as we went along. But thats to be expected. As it is the first time any of us had played M&M. The characters started out as a group put together by the US government. The ADF, American Defense Force. Sent to England to help out the war effort in Europe. The session opened with the characters taking part of a meet and greet, photo op. In front of the British Ministry of Defense. The press conference being led by a Lord Farnsworth. A high ranking member of the ministry of defense. Who is confined to a wheel chair due to wounds suffered in WWI.

Everything was going along like normal. With the characters introductions being made to the press corps. When a Photographer in the front row suddennly dropped his camera and got very sick. Turning very pale then, a greyish color. Before growing eight foot tall. Rippling with muscle, half tearing out of his clothes. He then starts going berserk. Knocking the total hell out of any one in arms reach. Trashing the place in a mindless rage.

First out of the gate Real American dressed in GI combat fatigues (who is basically a soldier, whos power is hes friggin indestructable. Protection, Impervious at 30.) jumps down and starts slugging it out with the raging humanoid brawler. Then Steam Punk the gadgeteer, that can interface with machines. From his holster on his custom leather armor/jumpsuit. Whips out the Samaritan (yup just like Hellboys) and trys to blind him with a dazzle round. Then Whiteout the radio active hero. (Not really, hes actually an avenging spirit from WWI. Out to kill nazis. But thats a secret from the rest of the group. So its not really radiation, but holy fire he controls) Dressed all in white. (Think of the Question, but all white garb.) Blasts him holy fire. This battle goes on for a little bit. Till Steam Punk snares him with an adhesive round. Then Real American administers the coup de grace, knocking him out. With a pistol whip to the head.

Lord Farnsworth thanks the heros for dealing with the monster. As they talk the monster slowly turns back to the normal human. The guy doesnt know what happened except that hes glued to the pavement and had the crap knocked out of him. Just then a motorcycle courier pulls up with an urgent message for Lord Farnsworth. He tells them that large grey men have been sighted around London. Reaking havok. Lord Farnsworth then says something to the effect.
"Bloody hell! The Prime Minister is to give a speach in Trafalgar square in a half hour! ADF you've got to go help!"

To which the group agree's. Not being familiar with London. Lord Farnsworth offers them a ride in his car. The Real American grab the side and rides on the top of the car. Steam Punk follows from above using his jet pack. While Whiteout rides in the backseat, enjoying a glass of brandy. As they come flying into Trafalgar square they see one of the monsters ahead of them. The driver of the car slamming on the brakes. Utilizing the rule of cool. Real American uses the momentum of the braking car to help him jump and attack the monster. Unfortunatly he rolled a 1. So he misses totally. (as we put it digging a trench with his chin through the pavers) Before the battle starts Whiteout flys up in the air and uses his huge instill fear feat (Its like rank 10) and scares all the reporters and soldiers out of there. To prevent them from getting hurt or in the way. A battle now ensues, between the characters and the monster. With Lord Farnsworth firing his revovler at the beast in the background. Which had no effect on the beast. The highlights were that Real American picked up a broken stone paver and smashed the creature from behind. Knocking him down. (Overrun, trip attack.) Then Steam Punk adhesived him. While a final blast of holy fire put him out of the fight.

Once the fight was over and the monster had changed back to human form. Then interrogated him to find out. That he had been injected with a vitamin serum by his doctor. That was the only thing different about his day. His doctors name? Dr Jeckle. (Yeah I know its obvious, but I couldnt resist.) Lord Farnsworth dug a radio out of the trunk of his car and used his ministry resources to find out where this Dr. Jeckles office is. Finding out, they drive there imeadiatly. The Real American drives as Lord Farnsworths driver had run off from the instill fear. They park several doors down from Jeckles office. A small two story brick biulding. It looked like it was a flat upstairs and the office down stairs.

Farnsworth stayed at the car. Radioing for help. Steam Punk flew to the back side of the top floor. Jimmying a window open sneaking inside. While Real American and Whiteout took the direct approach kicking in the front door. They imeadiatly faced the doctor and a man they had not seen before. Dressed in a suit, a leather flying helmet withgoggles, and a leather flight jacket featuring an eagle with a swastika in it talons. Whos say,
"Herr Doktor not only have your kreatures failed, but the verdoton ADF has found you. Goodbye!"
With that he throws some sort of device with a small dish attenna on it, down. Jumping and flying into the air and through a window. Steam Punk was going to give chase till the man broke the sound barrier shattering the windows of the biulding. I believe the follow exchange was something like. "I got'em! No, I dont." The doctor cried out "My previous creations were nothing! I have perfected my formula for myself!" With that he injects himself in the arm. Imeadiatly changing into one of the creatures. But stronger and with the doctors intelligence.

All three heros now square off against the doctor. This is a battle royal. As the doctor has a protection (6) and a high toughness. Real American smashes every chair, table, and even a desk against him thats in the place. Steam Punk uses a full arsenal of bullets against him. While Whiteout heavilly relies on the cleansing power of his holy fire. Soon Real American runs out of furniture to smash him with. And goes for the car. With the idea to drive it through the wall and hit him. As he gets to the car, Lord Farnsworth hands him a PIAT Launcher out of the trunk. Which unknown to the group is a friggin arsenal. So as RA runs back in to the office, he yells out "Hey look what Farnsworth gave me, look out." and fires the laucher in the house. Fortunatly the group was unharmed by the blast. They all continue on fighting. Ra now using the launcher as a club. SP now runs out to the car. "Hey do got another one of those things?" He says sure and hands him a round for the PIAT. "What about another launcher?" "Thats the only one I had" he says. SP runs back in and gives RA the shell. Ra runs up and smashes it against the doctor (as RA is pretty much industructable). This battle keeps rolling on. The characters finally defeat the creature by knocking out the biuldings support columns and knocking the building down on him. Trapping him unconscious and dying. They search the rubble for important items. RA coming up with the records, showing who he injected with the serum. With SP finding the microwave attenna device. That triggers people that have been injected, turning into the monsters. Meanwhile unbenounced to the rest Whiteout with his powerful hatred of the Nazis. Quietly and secretly kills the doctor.

This is the end onf the sessin. There was a little rap. Farnsworth invites the group to use his manor as their base of operations in England. He also tells them that he used to be The Lion in WWI. and that his son has taken over the mantle, and is now The Lion. (The Lion is similar to Union Jack) And that hes on a secret mission for the Allies.

Lessons learned? People with a high toughness and a decent protection, invulnerable rating are a tough fight! :o

Next time
France, and here we come Axis!

Check this out

2008-07-11T20:11:00.001-04:00

Dark Roasted Blend

On a more positive note

2008-07-10T20:45:00.002-04:00

Well I'm still running the Sunday game. We've had a bit of trouble playing lately. As we have not been able to get together for like a month and half now. But hopefully this Sunday we will be getting right back on track. As I have stated before. One of my friends was running a game on Monday nights. But due to his freelance work in movie production (Hes actually working on some features) and other responsibilities. Hes had to put his game on hold. Well in his absence I am running his group. Don't misunderstand me. I'm not high jacking his game. I'm just filling the void. While he takes care of his business. Not to mention a couple of these fellas are only able to play on Monday night because of their demanding schedules. Being that I am friends with all of them as well. I have taken the helm and have started a Monday game. I wanted to get away from D&D. As I enjoy it but am feeling a little burnt out. SO running two D&D nights would frag me. I am running something a little different, but still familiar. I am running a Golden Age/WWII Super campaign. Think of the Invaders from Marvel. I'm using Mutants & Masterminds (2nd ed). So its different but still familiar enough with the fellas. That the rules come naturally. Its shaping up to be a good campaign. We started last Monday working on characters. Their still in the finalization stage. But are shaping up to look like this.

Scotts character is kind of a Ex Machina (Great Machine) gadgeteer

Jerry is playing a character like Brit. Not especially strong or fast. Just friggin indestructible.

Robert is playing a Ghost Rider/Spawn kind of vengeful spirit. Complete with holy fire powers.

I plan posting the game summaries. (Till I get burnt out on them like the D&D ones) So stay tuned.

I gotta say it....

2008-07-10T20:30:00.006-04:00

I got to say it. I have a love hate relationship with Jack Kirby. I love a lot of his creations. But I really hate a lot of his art. I personally think the quality of his work went steadily down from the mid sixties on ward. Today I found myself looking through a Marvel Essentials Captain America. Cap is one of my favorite characters of all time! But I put it back. Why? Because I couldn't deal with the squat figured crumby art work of Kirby's. I mean do you know who draws a worst Red Skull than him? Trick question. No one does.

Then theres people who praise his work in creating and on the New Gods in DC. Do you know what the best thing about the New Gods was? That DC recently did a series about the death of the New Gods. Worst part about it though. They didn't wipe the trash out.

On the other hand I love many of the characters he created or helped to. I don't know what to think. I do know the next time I here some moron say out loud that Kirby was the Greatest. Their either going to get a "Kirby was a hack" and/or a punch to the mouth.

Happy Days Present and Future Tense

2008-06-08T00:19:00.003-04:00

My group hasnt been able to get together and play in like three weeks. Sunday Afternoon we play! The group has changed though. One of the players and I have had a falling out. So that leaves us a player short. I have it covered this week. But the next I dont know. I might have to change up what I have planned.

I have made a decision though. I'm gonna finish off this campaign using 3.5. But the next one we're gonna give 4e a run. Course I might get a chance to run 4e sooner. As some friends of mine game has fallen apart. They've lost members, and their DM (who is also a good friend of mine, whos game I used to play in.) is busy with his freelance business. So I though I would talk to them to see if they are interested in me running something for them. At least till their DM is able to run a steady game again.

So the future looks bright. Busy, but bright.

Wednesday photo dump

2008-05-21T20:50:00.013-04:00

Remember River Raid? It was one of my faves back in the day.

Is'nt pre 1960 war propaganda fun?

Wont you help save the Gnomes?

Mmmmm..... Beer

Rip off? You be the judge.

If anyone one can translate any of this I would be interested. It appears to be some sort of strange breakfast pizza.

Nuff said.

This is a real product. No really swear to god.

Tell me thats not awesome. I dare you.

See not all cos play has to suck. :-)

Coming Soon

2008-05-21T18:55:00.002-04:00

More content coming soon!

No really.

Hey, I'm serious.

Oh yeah well screw you too!

Oh, yeah?! Oh Its on! Come here you little sonav....

Update

2008-05-11T21:10:00.019-04:00

Well the astute out there will notice my lack of posting. I apologize for that. Its just a struggle for me to do a summary of my game. So I'm gonna stop. Not the game. Just the summaries. So in lieu of actual content photo dump! A few of the things that amuse/interest me.

The Black Isle Conclusion, Team Thunderdome, and Welcome Home

2008-04-20T15:56:00.008-04:00

So last we left our hero's, they had just deciphered the runes. They determined that they needed to get five of the ale tankards. To open the secret door. So Barnaby and Phineas snuck back down to the main floor. They skillfully stole the tankards. But as they left Barnaby clanked and smashed around. Waking the undead. So to speak.

They ran out of the great hall. Closing the big double doors leading out. The Barbarians then pushed over one of the huge stone statues. Blocking the door closed. They ran back upstairs, down the walk to the pipe organ. The regular norse skeletons were going crazy. Trying to open the door and climb up to the walkway. Meanwhile the cloud giant skeleton didn't have that problem.

Barnaby and Phineas battled the giant. While Gaylen the druid placed the tankards, and opened the secret doors. As the barbarians finished off the giant. Which the characters really surprised me. They had some good rolls, and just really whipped on that skeleton.

Meanwhile Gaylen entered the door. He found himself in a black void, with scattered hazy fog. Before him was a stream of wispy, silvery liquid. He leaped over it. Instantly finding himself in a white void of a room. Before him is a short greek style marble pillar. On top is the next, and map. Behind the pillar is a doorway made of white light, outlined in red. Well Gaylen grabs the key and map. Not being able to figure out where he came in. He steps through the door of white light. Finding himself on what appears to be the fog shrouded top of a mountain. A chariot, with two goats is sitting before him.

Meanwhile Phineas and Barnaby wait for Gaylen. It doesn't appear that Gaylen is coming back. Not to mention the skeletons seem posed to reach the walkway. So they pass through just as Gaylen did. Finding themselves at the top of the mountain as well.

They all boarded the chariot. With the goats hooves literally sparking and thundering. They take to the air. The chariot rapidly flew through the air. Quickly taking them off the island. Breaking out of the thick fog. The chariot and team took them to the stone dock they originally left form. On the Suzes Island.

They headed back to the main village of the island. There they were reunited with Hudson the master thrower. There they stayed tending to there wounds. It didn't hurt that the islanders treated them like royalty. Being that they saved them from the dracotaur invasion. Anyways they gained passage back to Erland Keep for free. From the grateful islanders, and a sympathetic ships crew.

While this was a happy time. It wasn't for one member of the group. Gaylen the druid. As he was unable to bring back his bear. This abandonment really troubled him.

They had a uneventful trip. Once they arrived, they again needed money to book passage back to Sandpoint. So it was off to the arena. Where their was a sign up for a team battle event that night.

The teams are as follows,

The players.
The Red Hand Crew, a group of orc berserkers. That have all painted or dyed their hands red.
Grunts Vengeance, a group of Ogre Scouts. Seeking vengeance on those who killed Grunt.
Team Steeb, a group of misfits. Steeb jr. and a compatriot are wereboars. The other two members are Clay half golems.

First it was the players vs the Red Hand Crew. Of course the characters bet on themselves and won. The next battle was Team Steeb, and Grunts Vengeance. Which Grunts Vengeance was the victor. So it came down to the big battle. Which the players bested them. Winning the team battle they got a cash reward of 2000gp. Which just happened to be enough to pay for their passage to Sandpoint. But along with the cash prize was a mystery sack. The sack contained a war hammer, an ioun stone, a potion of moderate healing, and a scroll of speak with animals. They stayed a day or two. Resting up.

Finally they sailed back to Sandpoint. But sans one member. Gaylen went another way. To atone for abandoning his bear. (Plus the player was not able to play the next couple sessions. So it worked out as a convenient way to write him out of the story, temporarily.)

As they neared the Sandpoint docks. They saw a small group people waiting at the docks. As the gang plank was lowered. Sheriff Hemlock was right there waiting for them. As they started off the ship. The sheriff called out to them. "Hey fellas welcome back. I'm sorry to tell you, but we've got a bit of a situation. This feller over here." Pointing at the guy named Jago, who some time ago sold Phineas some junk (a cheap dagger, and gem). Passing it off as good stuff.

"He says he saw you kill William Wilhelm Esquire the traveling merchant. With a sling stone to the head." (Which they actually did. As they though he screwed them on a deal of tainted potions. But they were actually tricked. So they killed the wrong guy.)
"So if you''ll just hand over your weapons. We'll go down to the guards hall and figure all this out."

So you can guess how that went. Hudson volunteered his bandoleer of dagger. Phineas and Barnaby had different ideas. Phineas used the flat of the blade of his great sword. Then went to town. Knocking the crap out the town guard. (Non-lethal of course.) Barnby followed suit using the flat of his axe. (Yeah, I know we all got a laugh out that one. But I allowed it. As I'm a big believer of the fun factor.) Well they knocked out the lot of them. But Jago took off running.

So they chased after him. They rounded a corner. They saw Jagos hat peaking over the top of a rain barrel next to one of the buildings. Hudson throws a dagger threw the top of the hat. They hear a scared yelp, and the hat takes off in to the alley next to the building. They chase after him to find a young boy at the end of the alley wearing Jagos hat.

They ask him where he got the hat. He tells them "Some guy. They ask where this guy went. He says he doesn't know. Hudson puts a dagger next to his head. Suddenly he remembers and points in the last direction he saw him travelling in. Which happens to be toward the guards hall.

Well they plow through one more group of town guard before they reach the hall. They move inside the hall. Its empty save for a small child wearing a guard helmet. Who appears to be the child of one of the guards. They ask him what happened to Jago. He tells them that he ran in here. Grabbed a gem off the table. Saying a couple cryptic words he disappeared.

Jago, having evaded them they exited the hall. Suddenly the stable owner they had befriended before pulls up in his cart.
"Get in quick. I'll get you out of here."
They asked why he was helping. He told them that he was grateful for when they saved the town. Besides the guard is a bunch of incompetent jerks.
So he quickly whisked them out of town.

A short ways out of town. He dropped them off and wished them well. The group decided to move on toward the next town and closer to their goal. On to Argus.

They made camp that night. On the first watch Phineas heard horses approaching. So woke up the group. Phineas and Barnaby hid up in the trees, while Hudson hid behind a tree. Four riders clad in chain mail rode up. They were obviously not guardsmen. They looked like experienced warriros, mercs. One jumped down and examined teh camp site. Determining that they couldn't have been gone long. He called out to them. Calling them cowards.

Well this is when the barbarians reacted. Phineas slung a stone at the guy on the ground. While Barnaby jumped out of the tree at one of the riders. Husdon just walked out from around the tree. He just kind of stood there. Till one of the riders shot an arrow at him. Not an ordinary arrow. But an arrow with an alchemical fire tip. That exploded into fire on impact. Well a quick battle ensued. Including Phineas using his bear form. (Hes got a level of Bear Warrior) They killed three of the mercs. The fourth one took off.

Well the rest of the night went quietly. The next couple days were without incident. Till they were a couple days outside of Argus. That afternoon as they walked. They were ambushed by a small party of Blackspawn raiders. Again they killed off three of the four attackers.

They finally reached Argus. This is where we left off for now.

Next,
Argus and the deal with the devil

Summary?

2008-04-14T06:29:00.002-04:00

Well we played Sunday. But I have been busy with non-sense. I will be posting a summary soon though. So stay tuned true believers.

Cobra In 08

2008-04-07T20:42:00.003-04:00

So I changed the theme a little. Thought I should throw up a post while I'm at it. Watching Bill Maher I'm starting to get sick of politics. So I propose this.
(Shameless stolen from the ISB, Check the link in my list to the right)

And seriously, would it be any worse. At least we would have a weather dominator to smight our enemies.

One more thing

2008-04-06T21:48:00.002-04:00

I forgot to mention one thing. At the first fight at the entryway room. Bartleby used the duck call he found a while back. The big joke with the group was that it better summon a Dire Duck. Well I originally intended it to just be a duck call. Knid of a goofy random item. But I really liked the idea of it summoning a dire duck. So thats what it did. I didnt use the rules I just flew by the seat of my pants and did it up. So I used the stats for a dire hawk, for the dire duck. Then gave it a breath weapon, a sonic blast (cone shaped) that it can use once a combat. It can be summoned only once a day. For 1d6 rounds.

The Black Isle of the Dead

2008-04-06T15:50:00.003-04:00

Well as we left our adventurers last time they had just defeated the juvi siege crab. Sealed in the large stone hewn hall. Their was only one way out. Through the double doors the crab had entered through. They passed through to find a large cavern. This is a natural cavern that appears to lead out to the sea. Though it is hard to tell. Because of the dense grey fog rolling in. Of to one side of the cavern is a small rowboat. The row boat has a series of runes carved into it. All the way around it. The players all climb in the boat. The boat turns and slowly moves into the fog. It travels slowly across the water. With only the sounds of the wave sloshing.

It finally comes to ground. Beaching itself on a black sand beach. The whole island is shrouded with the same dense fog that the sea was cloaked in. As they step away from the boat it turns around and heads back into the sea. Leaving them on the shore.

Suddenly out of the fog a group of four skeletons attacks. Skeletons dressed in chain mail, horned helmets, and furs. Very viking-esque. They were destroyed quickly.

In the distance they heard the sounds of music. Chanting, and instruments. So they started off for it. The sound of the music that is. The whole idea was that they would have to make a listen check to find their way to the music. Each time they were successful the next DC got easier. But if they failed the DC would fall back to the last one. So it started at 20, and went down the line. 15, 10, and 5. At which point they had found the great hall. After each listen check I had them roll on my random encounter chart. Which was,

01 - 15 Skeletons (1d8)
16 - 25 Nothing
26 - 40 Zombies (1d6)
41 - 50 Nothing
51 - 65 Drowned (1d2)
66 - 75 Nothing
76 - 90 Mixed Undead (*)
91 - 100 Nothing

* 1, Drowned
2, Skeletons (1d4)
3, Zombies (1d4)

The characters breezed through the search for the hall. They made all the listen checks. They only rolled two encounters. Which were super weak. They fought two skeletons, then in another they fought 1 zombie.

Anyways they got to the great hall. A large heavy timber frame building/hall. It had giant double doors in the front. Bartleby started around the building looking for any other entrance. He found nothing but a chute of some sort to the basement.

Meanwhile the rest of the group pushed open the double doors and went in. They were immediately faced with six skeletons, three zombies and a drowned. They made quick work of things. Till they got to the drowned. Which was a problem. Especially since they realised that they hadn't healed from their encounter with the siege crab. Bartleby joined them and they finally defeated it. They searched and surveyed the room. There was another set of double doors. Presumably leading to the main hall. On each side of the doors was a statue. On the right side the man with the great club, they had seen before in the Kuo-Toa halls. On the other side the woman they had seen, lying down with a dagger. Was now standing with a dagger to the right of the doors. Stair cases rose on each side of the room. They found a trapdoor that lead to the basement. All they could see from the opening was stacks of cord wood. They found the last piece of the decoder.

They decided to leave the building and camp to heal up a bit. This was they had a large piece of luck. They camped for two days. I had them roll to see if they were found. Each day. They totally rolled fantastic. Not being found at all.

They then went back in to the front room. They fought another group of undead. Eight skeletons, six zombies, and a drowned. They made quick work of this horde. The feat cleave was super useful for the barbarians.

After they finished them off. They went to the top of the stairs. They cracked open the door, and scoped the scene. They were at the raised walk way hat went around the whole room. At the end of the room on the walk way is a great pipe organ. Which is surrounded by other musicians. The main floor is occupied by large tables. With skeletons, and zombies eating, drinking, and singing drinking songs. At the end of the room was a huge throne. Seated in it is a skeleton of a giant. That appears to be in charge of the hall. As they watched he spoke a language they weren't familiar with. (Giant to be specific) The hall went quiet as he spoke. Then when he (it) finished speaking everyone seemed to lay down and sleep right where they were. The torches slowly dimmed. It all seemed a bit surreal. As all the undead acted very much as if they weren't.

They checked their key that had been guiding them. It pointed to above the pipe organ. Before the went for that though. They decided to check out the trap door and the basement.

They descended into the basement. Rows and rows of stacked cord wood. Snaked through the room. The sounds of a wood saw, and axe. Echoes through the room. In the corner by the chute that lead down there. Was three skeletons. Two using a large handsaw, and the other using an axe. The group rushed them annihilating them.

They peaked out the double doors that left the room. They saw a large room. Immediately in front of them is two rows of cages. They contain all manner of animals. Pheasants, chickens, pigs, cows, and more. To the right are three giant beer kegs. On the left is another room they cant see into. Past all this is three rows of long tables, stoves, and ovens. At which eight skeletons and six zombies work at making food.

Well Gaylen snuck to the cages and started opening them. Phineas snuck to the side room. To find it contained fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Well Bartleby said to hell with it and charged the undead. Gaylen and Phineas quickly joined him. In pretty short order they smacked down the undead.

They went back to the trapdoor and up to the first level. They climbed the stairs to the walkway. They snuck to the skeleton musicians in front of the pipe organ. Quickly ending them. Before them stands the pipe organ. Right above the keyboard is five circular cutouts the size of ale tankards. Right above that are runes. Which they used the decoders to figure out what it says. Its said,

DRINK TO THE DEAD ALL YOU STILL ALIVE
WE SHALL JOIN THEM, IN GOOD TIME.
SHOULD YOU GO CROSSING THAT SILVERY BROOK,
IT'S BEST TO LEAP BEFORE YOU LOOK.
DRINK TO THE DEAD ALL YOU STILL ALIVE
WE SHALL JOIN THEM, IN GOOD TIME.
SHOULD YOU GO CROSSING THAT SILVERY BROOK,
IT'S BEST TO LEAP BEFORE YOU LOOK.

This is where we left off. Next time the conclusion of The Black Isles, and Team Thunderdome!

(a dull wooden nickle to the first one of you knows where the lyric is from)

Game On!

2008-04-06T12:19:00.001-04:00

We game today! Rise my undead hordes Rise!

No Game Again

2008-03-29T16:29:00.003-04:00

Due to scheduling conflicts no game again.

No game, holiday.

2008-03-22T21:40:00.003-04:00

Well since this sunday is easter their will be no game. So in leu of actual content here some RPG motivators.

Laser Guided "Smart" Pit Bull Terriers

2008-03-17T20:30:00.000-04:00

Into the Black

2008-03-16T20:22:00.002-04:00

Into the Black

Last we left our intrepid hero's. They had just found out that they was a ship on the other side of the island that will take them to the Black Isles. Well they immediately set across the island to reach this boat. They traveled over the tropical island. Past the sugar cane fields, bamboo groves, and grassy fields. Finally coming down to the opposite shore. In the distance on the ocean the skies turn from bright blue. To a hazy gray, black. A cobble stone path leads down to a stone archway. the archway leads to a stone dock. All around the archway, the plants are dead and brown. To add to the evil, dead, feeling a corpse lies next to the archway. The characters come down to the archway. Phineas notices a slip of paper sticking out of the corpses pocket. He removes it to find part of a decoder of a strange language. (I would put it here. But blogger defies me!) Its this point that the characters step onto the dock. A viking long boat rises from the water. This damp and moldy hull is attached by a harness to a large white draft horse. This horse is dripping wet, draped with sea weed.

They board the ship. As the last character gets on. The horse starts to trot. Walking on water so to speak. It pulls it at a brisk pace. They quickly enter a thick dark, dense fog. They finally arrive at a stone dock at one of the Black Isles. Gaylen casts a light spell. Which pierces the fog lighting up a small area.

Before them is a great stair case carved into the cliff. They walk up it to the top which is a small outcropping. From it leads rope bridges one on each side. Everything enshrouded in fog. Long story short they travel through a maze of rope bridges. From out cropping to outcropping. Some of the outcroppings have ruins on them. Most of the outcroppings are guarded by Kuo-Toa. Each encounter was a different mix of regular Kuo-Toa, 3rd lvl clerics (Whips), and 8th lvl Kuo-Toa fighters. (Although in hind site I did mess up. The 8th lvl fighters should of had multiple attacks, besides the additional bite attack. But next time, eh?) Phineas in one of these combats got to try out one of his new bear warrior transformation abilities. Which was pretty cool. Anyways they made their way through the maze. Ending up at a tunnel entrance. On each side of the tunnels mouth are stairs carved into the stone. On a ledge directly above the tunnel. Is a zombie that is crucified. Its eyes have been replaced by fake ones made of gold. Well the characters cut the gold eyes out of the zombie. While doing this they find an envelope, in the zombies pocket. They open it to find another piece of the strange language decoder.

They then set up camp for the night. Which is a relative concept here. Since it is always dark and so densely foggy. During the "night" they are attacked by a small group of Kuo-Toa. Which they make quick work of. They finish the night. Then proceed into the tunnel.

They come to the first room honed out of the rock. A 20x30 affair, occupied by 6 warriors. They cut through their ranks quickly. They move ahead the tunnels split right, left, and straight ahead. The travel straight ahead into a 30x30 room. They are attacked by three clerics. They quickly kill them off. (Which unbeknownst (sp?) to them were building up to a lightning bolt attack. Oh, well.)

Again they move forward. Into a circular room containing a fountain. This fountains has strange characters, and images carved into it. It does appear that it contains water. Barnaby goes back and fetches one of the cleric corpses. Throwing it in the fountain. Nothing seems to happen. Although it does appear to contain saltwater.

They continue north (forward) coming to a four way intersection. Again they proceed forward. (Which not coincidentally is the direction the key points) They enter a large room. The walls contain carvings of strange creatures, and people. In the center is a viking long boat made out of stone. Resting in a pool of red. They are attacked by four clerics, yelling something at them in a language they don't understand. They attack two on each side. So the barbarian brothers attack/defend one side. The other side is defended by Gaylen the druid and his bear companion. They defeat them. (Although it takes Gaylen a little longer than the barbarians. Go figure.) They now get a better look at the long boat. In the center near the mast is a statue of what appears to be a bearded human carrying a great club. At his feet lies another statue this one of an attractive human woman armed with a dagger. They find nothing of value though.

At the back of the room is an intersection. They proceed like the rest moving north/forward. They travel down a short tunnel. That opens up into a huge room. As they enter a giant slab of stone slides down behind them. The other doors leading out seemed to be blocked by stone as well. Except in front of them is a gigantic set of wooden double doors. Above them is a small balcony.

From this balcony a Kuo-Toa steps forward. He yells down to the characters. Speaking in common. He says to them "You must be very strong to have made it this far. But this is far as you will travel. My child is hungry, and you will be a perfect meal." (Or something to that effect anyway.) :-)

The double doors open and out walks a Juvenile Siege Crab. (I created this creature as I wanted to use a siege crab. But CR14 was just to much for them.)

Siege Crab, Juvenile
Vermin, Huge, Aquatic
Hd: 15d8+100 (167 Hp)
Int: -2
Speed: 60' (12 squares), Swim 60'
AC: AC: 24 (size -2, Dex -2, +13 Natural, +5 Deflection)AC: 24, Touch: 11, Flat-footed: 24
Base Attack/Grapple: +11/+26
Attack: Claw +16 melee (2d6+7)
Full Attack: 4 Claws +16 melee (2d6+7)
Space/Reach: 10'/5'
Special Attacks: Constrict 2d6+7, improved grab, Trample 2d6+10
Special Qualities: Amphibious, Damage Reduction 5/-, Darkvision 60', Vermin traits
Saves: Fort +22, Ref +8, Will +10
Abilities: Str 25, Dex 6, Con 16, Int -, Wis 10, Cha 2
Skills: +10 Swim
Feats: Cleave, Great Cleave, Power Attack
Environment: Warm Aquatic
Organization: Solitary
Challenge Rating: 10
Treasure: None
Alignment: Neutral
(This is a creature I created, with some help fine tuning it from Graham, The Chatty DM, and Dave the Game. All of whom I would like to thank for their help.)

Well a tumultuous battle erupts. The barbarians pulled out all the stops, rage, bulls strength, and etc. It was a challenging fight. That nearly spelled ruin for the characters. But they emerged victorious. They even chased off the Kuo-Toa on the balcony. This is where we ended the session.

Next week, On to the Black Isle of the Dead

Onward to the top

2008-03-09T21:07:00.003-04:00

Today's session was quick and combat heavy. Last time we found the party at the Inn. Turning in for the night. They were awoken by a servant boy. Freaking out yelling that the village is under attack. The party gears up and goes outside. They see an orange bridge made out of light. That has formed between the island and the island across the straights. An army of Dracotaurs is forming up to cross. Mean while advanced troops have already arrived on the island. Occupying the light house. (Which is more or less a step pyramid. With light reflecting mechanism.) With what appears to be their leader on the top of the light house. A Black Dragon (a young adult black dragon to be exact).

The village Chief tells the group. That the light house is an ancient weapon. If they can get to the top and figure it out. They can use it to fight off the invasion.

So the battle begins. They first engage three dracotaurs on the way to the light house. They quickly learn to close to melee quickly to prevent the dracotaurs from spiting globs of fire at them. They then battle two dracotaurs, and a 4th lvl barbarian dracotaur on the first tier. They quickly defeat them. They then move to engage the 4 regular dracotaurs on the second tier. The kill these then proceed to the third tier. Which is guarded by two 4th lvl barbarian dracotaurs. (They sounded like the Bart and Gurnie characters from the Bob and Tom morning show. A little inside joke for the group. Which they all enjoyed.)

Then came the final battle. They reached the top of the lighthouse. They exchanged banter for a moment. The dragon saying something along the lines of "You must be strong to make it this far. But it ends here. Mothers plan to rule the world is unstoppable."

They then fight. It went quicker than I expected. If I had it to do over I would have done some things a little differently. I don't think I really used the dragon to the best of its abilities. But next I'll know better! The dragon opened in traditional fashion with a breath weapon attack. then proceeded with bite, claw, and so on. I didn't bother to use any spells. As they only have a smattering of first level poop at that level. Its natural attacks were/are far more potent.

Well they of course defeat the dragon. Then they turn their attention to the light house mechanism. Gaylen makes a successful general knowledge roll. Figuring out how to use the light house. He directs the others. The barbarian brothers utilise their strength to open up the iris of the mechanism. While Gaylen and Hudson aim the reflector. A great beam of energy surges from it. Destroying the bridge. Depositing the dracotaurs not burned up to the sea.

Having destroyed the invasion. They reset the mechanism. Being of the blood thirsty variety. They carve up the dragons hide. So they can have it made into armor. They then meet with the overjoyed villagers. Teh plantation owners and shop keeps reward the characters for defending their island. They receive a necklace of fireballs, a headband of minor blasting, two ioun stones, Quaals feather token, healing potion, and a duck call. I think that kind of a lot of stuff. But I figured that they wont be getting much in the future. Not to mention the kind of are getting jipped on the dragons treasure.

The town asks them where they are going next. Then say "The Black Isles". They are then told that no one goes their. That no ship will take them. Hudson hears some one say "I know a way." Then someone else says shut up, don't tell them. They tell the person to speak up. He says the Dock of the Dead on the other side of the ocean. The Black Ferry will take them. Then the crowd pipes up again. Telling them that no one returns from the Black Isles.

So next time to the Dock of the Dead, and into the black.

Gary Gygax, RIP

2008-03-04T17:42:00.004-05:00

I'm sure you folks out there is intarweb land have heard the news. Gary Gygax the father of the RPG industry has passed away. Sad day indeed. I would like to thank him for creating something that has meant a lot to me. Giving me years of memories, and fun to cherish. Along with many more to come. Thank you, Gary. You'll be sorely missed.

Gladiator

2008-03-03T19:22:00.003-05:00

The gladiator arena went well. I think the group had a lot of fun with it. After the end part of the island adventures. I was going to just have the group return to Sandpoint. But I think now I will have the group return to Erlands Keep. For more arena fun. This time though I think it needs to be a team battle. Rather a series of team battles. So they can bet on battles too. As I think that was a fun element as well.

New beginnings, Of Keys and Islands

2008-03-02T17:11:00.002-05:00

Well we played as per usual. The last series of adventures I didn't do an actual play log/review. As I was using modules and such. That and quite frankly I was a little burned out doing the reviews. But now, we have started the part of the campaign that is all my creation. So with no further ado...

Of Keys and Islands
We picked up where we left off at Sandpoint. The characters reunited with Hudson the master thrower. They then sought out a ship to take them to their next destination, Erlands Keep. Erlands Keep is an island about a week and a half's journey north into the sea.

Well they finally find a ship willing to take them. They negotiate a price, and actually save some gold on the deal. (Phineas, actually had a really good diplomacy roll) Well they were a couple days into the journey when they were attacked by pirates. They spotted a ship with black sails, which promptly intercepted them. Their was a limited exchange between the ships ballistas, and catapults. The ships then grappled and the pirates invaded their ship. The group fought a variety of evil humaniods. Goblins, hobgoblins, bugbeears, orcs, gnolls, and ogres. They successfully and quickly fought them off.

The rest of the journey was pretty uneventful, finally reaching Erlands Keep. Erlands Keep is basically a small island consisting of a small mountain. The Keep its self is carved out of the mountain. With a small walled off area, protecting the entrance to the keep. Outside the wall is a town composed of shacks, shanties, and tents. A den of scoundrels, pirates and thieves. The dwarves have very little to do with the town. They protect their interests. (The docks, the keep, and shipping.) Other than that the town is on its own.

Any ways the characters arrive here. They immediately head for the center of town, where the action is. As they do. They see a huge earth elemental walk out of the ocean. It starts to smash tents, and shacks. Sifting though the ruins. Looking for something. Well being of the heroic sort. They attack the elemental. It is a long battle. At first the elemental ignored them, continuing its search. But annoyed by their attacks it starts to fight them directly. Hudson didn't engage the elemental. He went looking for help. He found a Skullcrusher Ogre named Grunt. He immediately flailed his way through the crowd running from the elemental. Helping the characters fight the elemental. They damage it a great deal. It (the elemental) finally decides to retreat. They characters (the barbarian brothers, in particular) strike the final blows. Killing it. It collapses in to the surf in a heap.

They are surrounded by grateful folks. They inquire about how they can make some money. As they will need gold to buy passage to the next island. (The Suzes Island) It is suggested to them. Being as powerful as they are that they try their hand at the arena. Before they go though. They are approached by a half elf named Kiev. He asks them to deliver a package to the Suzes Island. He promises them 500 gold pieces on delivery. He gives them a potion of cure moderate wounds as a gesture of good faith. He tells them to meet a contact. At thepig rock hill when they arrive at the islands. They then go to the arena. There is one slot left open. Barnaby volunteers to fight in the arena.
The only rules to the arena are this. No throwing the match, no healing between rounds, and no spells/potions. Other than that anything goes.

The brackets shake out like this.
Barnaby (3rd lvl barbarian/3rd lvl fighter)[odds 2-1] vs. Kutter (regular, goblin)[2-1]
Sark (3rd lvl Darfellan, barbarian)[3-1] vs. Fitz (4th lvl Ork barbarian)[2-1]
Bansh (3rd lvl Hadozee, ranger)[2-1] vs. Bark (2nd lvl Gnoll, Ranger)[3-1]
Steeb (3rd lvl Human Fighter)[3-1] vs. Grunt (Skullcrusher Ogre)[2-1]

The other characters bet on the fights and the results are pretty much what is expected. Their were varying odds on the fighters as well.

The winners were,
Barnaby
Fitz
Bansh
Grunt

The battles outside of the players was decided like so. A 1d4 was rolled for each fighter the highest roll won the match. Ties were rerolled till a winner was found. Then a d4 for was rolled to see how many times the winner was struck in the fight. Then a d6 was rolled for each hit. This damage was taken off the fighters remaining hit points.

The next battles were,
Barnaby [2-1] vs. Fitz [3-1]
Bansh [3-1] vs. Grunt [2-1]

The winners were,
Barnaby
Bansh (Who was a supprise winner. One of the players had bet on Bansh and made out well.)

It was down to Barnaby [2-1] and Bansh [3-1]. Barnaby made quick work of the Hadozee ranger.

He won the grand prize, 2000 gold pieces. They then found lodging for the night. At the best "Inn" they could find. I use that term loosely as it was a wooden shack. The next day they booked passage with a ship to the Suzes Islands. This time they were not very successful at negotiating with them. Paying full asking price.

They have a very uneventful journey the seas are a little rough. But not to bad. They arrive at the Suzes Islands. It is a tropical island. Primarily consisting of different grasses. The main export is sugar. As there are large sugar cane plantations here. As they pull up to the docks. They see a large stepped circular pyramid. Which at the top has a bright light shining in all directions. Its referred to as the light house. Its an ancient fixture. That no one remembers the origin of. As they depart the boat they encounter the primary race on the island. The "Wild Elves". Imagine skinny native Hawaiians, with pointy ears and blond hair. They welcome them with flower leas. As they approach the village a leopard charges them. The villagers seem indifferent to it. Saying things like "Shoo!", "Go, away". Talking to it like it was a house cat. Well as the cat charges, the druid Gaylen casts charm animal on it. Immediately befriending it.

Well being mid day they ask of the location of the pig rock hill. They are told where to find it, and head their immediately. To meet the contact. The pig rock hill is a large hill that had several large rock formations protruding from the earth. The natives carved them into giant pig statues. Their they find a short man in a hooded cloak. He is half goblin, half red dragon. They quickly exchange their items. The players giving him the gems. While he gives them a sack of 500 gold pieces. He then turns from them walking away. Suddenly his cloak turns into a set of bat wings and he flies off. As he does this. From behind some rocks two Dracotaurs, reveal themselves and attack. The group battles them defeating them. They then return to the town. Where they talk about eh dracotaurs in the inn. They are told that the dracotaurs live on the island across the straights. That occasionally a couple will find their way across and attack. But they never have been able to cross en,mass. The characters then go to bed for the night. This is where we ended the session for today.

Next week,
Onward to the top, into the black.

Distractions

2008-02-21T20:04:00.005-05:00

Ok I havent been updating my blog like I said. Sorry folks I've been distracted. I've been working on my D&D campaign. Which I cant talk about here. As some of my players cruise by here occasionally. Which is really killing me. I want to tell you all about the awesome, I'm assembling. But at teh same time I dont want to ruin the surprises for my players. So in leu of the game allow me to present you with one of my other distractions.

Starcom (episode 1)
Pt1
Pt2
Pt3

I swear, no really this time

2008-02-08T22:15:00.000-05:00

So lately I've just been bitching about Palladium, and posting some of my favorite things. Well I'm determined to up my gaming content. And soon! So stick around. I swear more gaming stuff is on the way. Not to mention once my gaming group starts on the new section of the campaign. I will be posting summaries again. As it will be my stuff. Not the premade stuff. Like the Paizo pathfinder stuff I'm running right now.

Beating a dead horse

2008-02-08T22:09:00.000-05:00

Remember last week when Kev said,
"We are working hard to get the Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® role-playing game done and to the printer by next Friday."
Well this week, this is sent out, and I quote
"The writing is nearly finished. Kevin is working on the last handful of stats and adventure ideas, leaving only O.C.C.s and game rules to finish. He’s keeping the rules hidden from us so far. We know most of it will be the standard character creation and such (yes, Palladium’s usual Mega-Damage system), but Kev claims to have whipped up an alternative means of character generation that will take only 15 minutes! We can’t tell if he’s a genius or whacky from long hours of writing and lack of sleep.

As soon as we get final approvals on everything from the good folks at Harmony Gold, we will layout the book and it will go to the printer! We hope that will be sometime next week."

Doesn't really sound like hes as far along as he claimed last week. Just say its going to be out sometime this spring damn it. Let quit the BS games Kev. Thats the last I'm gonna say about it.

My problem with Palladium

2008-02-01T23:13:00.000-05:00

I have a real love hate thing going on with Palladium games. Not so much Palladium, as I do Kevin Siembieda. I love the settings, games, and fluff he comes up with. I hate his micro managing, and total control freakness. What do I mean by this? Here let me show you an example.

I will post my comments in blue.
Palladium Books® – Press Release – February 1, 2008

UPDATE!
Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® RPG

We are working hard to get the Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® role-playing game done and to the printer by next Friday. Really? Cause it was supposed to release in the beginning of December just in time for Christmas. Then it was supposed to be released for the beginning of the new year, in January. Then the end of Jan. Now the end of February.

We know a lot of you are wondering how different these books will be from the original ones. How much new art? How much new writing?

Well, here are some answers.

* We are giving the entire new Robotech® RPG series the Rifts® Ultimate treatment by approaching it very much as if it were the first book in a completely, brand new Robotech® RPG series – which it is! Like Ultimate Rifts eh? So you'll change the order the book is layed out in. Then make rule changes so minute that its hard to tell what they are? Yeah you wouldnt want to tweek the standard pally rules to make it more fast paced like the anime.

* We estimate 70% of the artwork is ALL NEW and it looks fantastic! Good Palladium has always had good art. Except for Kent Burles. O' how I hate his stuff. Its horrible. I would rather Kirby came back from the dead as a zombie and did the art, instead of him. And I hate to break it to some of you comic people. I hate Kirby too. So if I prefer his crap over Burles that should really tell you some thing.

* The writing is close to completion and many sections are undergoing final editing. That means we are also still shooting for an end of February release, though it could slip into the first week of March (we hope not). Gee this sounds familiar. Oh yeah I heard it last November too.

* All the text is new, updated and brought in line with the official timeline, data, stats and info of Harmony Gold, plus additional details, info and gaming data. This makes Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® RPG not only a fun role-playing game but an excellent and accurate guide and sourcebook to Robotech fans who have no intention of playing the game. Of this I have no doubt. I think they did a good job with the original Robotech RPG books. So I would expect no less from them now.

* Stats have been adjusted to reflect the official Robotech data and satisfy a new generation of gamers. And yes, that means the M.D.C. of mecha and the Mega-Damage inflicted by weapons have been powered up. Which also makes the Robotech® mecha and gear more readily compatible to Rifts® and other Mega-Damage settings. Power Creep oh, boy! (Thats sarcasm if you cant tell)

* The game rules are simple and direct. Which is code for the same rules with no revision since the early 80's. Again why not spruce it up. For a faster paced anime style combat.

* O.C.C.s use an M.O.S. structure and should be reasonably fast to roll-up. Fast for pally any ways. Not that I'm bitching about it. It is what it is.

* The Apollo Okamura cover looks great, 95% of the new black and white artwork is completed, and much of it has been approved or is awaiting final approval. Apollo Okamura's stuff is fantastic. That I'm really excited about.

* Working with Tommy and Steve Yune has been a joy, and we’ve been working close with Harmony Gold to make the Robotech® The Shadow Chronicles® RPG as accurate a reflection of the DVD movie and TV series as possible. You are going to love it.

* And remember, this is just the beginning! The first book in the new Robotech® RPG series and we’ve already been making notes for the New Generation and Shadow Chronicles® sourcebooks as well as notes for Southern Cross and Macross. Wow been late for three months already. Cant wait for the other books to come out in the next 6 years. Maybe they'll print it with Mechanoid Space. Oh wait.... (More sarcasm)

Then lets look at some of the non-sense from the Latest Rifter. First up Robotech. And I quote "Robotech the Shadow Chronicles RPG, the first book in the new roleplaying series, will be available in February. We are excited about doing Robotech again, and have big plans for the return of Robotech, including four or more sourcebooks released throughout the year, plus deluxe edition."
Again let take a look at few things. Kevins aready back pedaled and said it may not be released till March. You know in time for Christmas, March its all the same. Then four more books this year? You cant do a book in three-four months. You expect me to believe your going to put out four more in the next year. Never mind all the other books (non-Robotech) promised to us this year. You sir are on drugs.

More than one dozen books are in the pipeline. That's 12+ manuscripts actually sitting on my shelf in my office. They all need editing and some rewriting and artwork to be assigned, and some need more work than others, but they are done and waiting. Which is control freak Kevins way of saying their done. He just needs to take what some one else wrote and completely rewrite it.
Rifts Delta Blues This was written by one of the posters on the Pally boards. I know its been written for like two years now. Whats the hold up? If its not good enough to stand on its own. Then you dont really have a manuscript do you? Just an outline. But no, its not is it? Just more micro managing.
Atorian Empire Whats the hold up with this one? The moderator "Mr. Deific NMI" got a copy of the "Manuscript" used stuff from it for his game he ran at the Open House. Whats the hold up?
These are just a few that are listed. These are the ones that really burn me.

More books are in development. The above are finished manuscripts. Really? Finished means ready to publish. Oh, wait their not. Any one else getting sick of the micro managing crap?
The following are just some of the other projects in development.
Heros of the Megaverse Hey look theirs an ad for this book. In this very Rifter. And look it shows a tentative release of March 2008. So you got 12+ finished manuscripts. But this book thats just in "development" will be released in March? Again are you sure your not on drugs?
Dead Reign Hey now dont get me wrong I like zombies just as much as the next gamer. But it seems a little late to be jumping on the zombie bandwagon.
Warpath: Urban Jungle Now this has been in "the pipeline" for like a year and a half two years. Seems like we were talking about this at the first open house. Now this really buggs me. Because I really want this book.
Triax 2 Agian one of the few Rifts books I really want. Will I see it? Who friggin knows.

In conclusion. I really love many Palladium Games. I know it really doesnt sound like it. But I have had many, many years of fun, with palladiums games. I'm just growing very frustrated with Kevins micro managing. Get some help. If you cant afford help. Or cant trust them with "Your vision". Then quit promising so damn much. Not to mention if you cant trust people with your vision. Then quit excepting their manuscripts. Either someone hands you a finished manuscript or they dont. If you have to rewrite it. Then its not worth screwing with in the first place.

End Rant

Pickled Eggs

2008-01-28T20:16:00.001-05:00

My sixth in the series of my favorite thing. Pickled eggs. Spicy and tasty. A wonderful treat to go along with a beer. No links though. But I suggest you scan the intar-web for recipes. Make some for your self. Hey dont knock'em till you try'em!

Ruben Sandwich

2008-01-28T18:29:00.000-05:00

The fifth item in teh series of my favorite things. The ruben sandwich. All that tasty corned beef, sourkraut, and swiss. Doesnt get much better than that. Oh and by the way. I dont really like thousand island dressing on my ruben. I like instead of that, horseradish and spicy mustard. Especially the chefs ruben from Big T's Deli. As Alton Brown would say, thats "Good Eats".

Glenlivet Scotch

2008-01-27T21:59:00.001-05:00

The fourth in the series of my favorite things. Glenlivet Scotch. While I enjoy other scotches this is the friend I keep coming back to. I especially like the 21 year old archive. Though its price prohibits my enjoyment on a regular basis. Learn more here.

Bushmills Whiskey

2008-01-27T21:39:00.000-05:00

The third thing in the series of my favorite things. Bushmills Irish Whiskey. Its an exceptionally smooth whiskey. This is do to by law in Ireland a whiskey has to be distilled three times. Good stuff. Learn more about this great whiskey here.

Boddingtons

2008-01-27T10:48:00.000-05:00

The secopnd in a series of things I like. Boddingtons, yet another tasty beverage from across the pond. You those of you not familiar with this fantastic beer, look here.

Guinness

2008-01-26T21:51:00.001-05:00

I haven't posted anything in a while. I know again. So I thought I would do a series of things I like. First off to start the series, Guinness. A tasty beverage, for the disconcerting palate.

Iron Man

2008-01-22T12:35:00.000-05:00

Sorry been a while since I posted. Have been a little scattered lately. So to make up for it. Here are cartoons from 1966!

Iron Man vs Titanium Man
pt1
pt2
pt3

Iron Man vs The Crimson Dynamo
pt1
pt2
pt3

Iron Man vs Mandarin/Ultimo
pt1
pt2
pt3

Dry Spell pt 2

2008-01-06T16:23:00.000-05:00

As you may remember from the previous session,
"They then approach the cave. Xanth scouts ahead. The tunnel opens into a large cavern. Across the center of which is a tall wall made of loose rocks. Behind this wall are two orcs, and three gnolls. He goes back a tells the others. They all sneak to the wall together. Readying to ambush the evil bandits. This is where we ended the adventure as people had to get going. Next week the conclusion of Dry Spell."

Now the conclusion,
As the players are crouched against the low wall hidden from the orcs and gnolls. Who appear to be arguing about some gambling, game of chance. Phineas and Xanth look toward the entrance to the cavern. They see Gaylen the druid looking at them. He waves and sneaks to them. They quietly form a plan. Xanth sneaks around the wall. Then behind the orcs, and gnolls. He then hollers out to them. "Hey what you guys arguing about?" The group turns to him. They holler at him. Then the orcs draw their swords and advance on Xanth. While the gnolls ready their bows. Staying in place. Well this is also the cue for the barbarians and druid to climb the wall and surprise the gnolls.

Well Xanth makes short work of the Orcs. Hes half dragon. So with his claws he does 7-9 points of damage every hit. The barbarians and druid have more trouble. The druid falls trying to climb the wall. Taking minimal damage. The barbarians climb the wall and attack. They have a bit of trouble. (Meaning they rolled threes an unnatural amount of times. Even missing when getting free attacks of opportunity as the gnolls used there bows against them in melee.) They finally take down the gnolls.

Xanth moves down the hall scouting ahead. While the rest of the group searches the orcs/gnolls and the room. Xanth comes to what appears to be the end on the tunnel. As it looks like ther was a cave in. But it had been rearranged to cover up tunnels to the right and the left. He returned to the rest of the group to tell them what he found.

Meanwhile the rest of the group found a 100 gold on each of the gnolls. That's besides the eight gold the creature were arguing over.

Well they all advance to the tunnel intersection. They proceed to the left. Gaylen cast light on to the end of his quarter staff to light the way for them. The hallway opened up into a huge cavern. With piles of furs and skins on one side. With a large table in the center with 4, orcs and 3, goblins seated at it arguing over treasure. As they rise to attack the intruders. Gaylen casts entangle. Stopping them in their tracks. (I know theirs no real plants there. But I told him I would allow it. So there you go.) The group went to work on them with ranged weapons. Gaylen throwing a dagger back and forth at a goblin. Along with Bartlebys short bow, and Phineas's sling. Xanth tried to parlay with them. Which they weren't very receptive to. Till they had been mostly killed. Then the last orc left cut a deal with them. The remaining goblins at that point were foaming at the mouth, going crazy. They definitely were not OK with making a deal. Yelling slurs and crazy talk at the characters. So they were killed off. Leaving the lone orc.

Well they searched the room and the creatures. Finding 400 gold pieces and a gold bracelet on the table. They then escorted the unarmed orc to the intersection. He told them that Relgores lair was straight ahead. And to be careful as their are traps up ahead. He then left the caves.

The characters moved ahead. The hallway widened, the floor being covered with small pebbles. They slowly crossed this. Expecting, and correctly so a trap. Phineas fell into a pit trap. Taking 9 points of damage. Bartleby lowered a rope helping him out of the pit. Xanth found a safe path across the hall. Which the rest of the players followed. They then entered Relgores lair. A large cavern, containing skins and furs for sleeping on. With two big snake headed humanoids statues in the center. There was Relogore and his two bodyguards. The barbarians advanced and engaged Relgore. While Xanth made short work of the orc body guards. Relgore did not go so easy. (He was a CR5 creature so he was no push over) Even with both the barbarians raging and using there strength of the bull powers. As Relgore did large damage to the brothers. bartleby was at -4 hit points for a little bit. They finally took him down. After a mighty struggle.

They recovered the sponge, the bugbears axe, and a bunch of gems. They took the head of Relgore as proof of their killing him. They returned to town and immediately rode to Bootlums house. The returned the sponge and showed him the head. He was quite pleased by that. Rewarding them the 2,500 gold pieces he had promised.

They then went to the general store. Where they traded in some of the gems and purchasing some equipment. The shop keep was very surly toward them. Especially Xanth, who he was very insulting toward. Saying to him at one point "Ugly and stupid is no way to go through life tiny man."

This is where we left off. With the characters heading to the Inn.

Next time "The Ettin's Riddle"

Magic Items

2007-12-30T22:07:00.000-05:00

Well I didnt have enough player to run the session today. Holidays put a dent in everyones time. Anyways in leu of a summary I present this. Magic items I have created for a little fun on the Musings of the Chatty Minions. So here they are.

Truncheon of Justice
Merciful Club of Web Casting
1d6 damage, critical of x2, Range increment of 10', weight 3lbs, Bludgeoning damage.
The weapon deals an extra 1d6 points of damage, and all damage it deals is nonlethal damage. On command, the weapon suppresses this ability until commanded to resume it.
50 charges of Web (as per spell)
Faint conjuration; CL 5th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, cure light wounds, web;Price: 6950gp
This appears to be a finely turned and detailed club. Tired of losing criminals an fearing the death of a suspect. An honest, and dedicated city guardsman commissioned this weapon to assist him in his duties.
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The Woodcutters OutfitIn a rural kingdom a simple woodcutter grew to a posistion of great admiration. Hes saved not only the druids sacred grove, but the Princess, and Queen. Dispite this he remained a simple woodcutter. Acepting gifts of appreciation, but staying in his woods. Keeping the local area safe. Till one day, he just disappeared. Some say he returned to the woods that bore him. Others say he asendended to a fey sainthood of sorts. No one really knows the truth.The following are said to be gifts bestowed upon him by the kingdom through out the years.

Suspenders of Strength
They grant the wearer great strength, adding a +2 enhancement bonus to his Strength score.
Faint transmutation; CL 6th; Craft Wondrous Item, bull’s strength; Price 4,000 gp

Boots of Blanace and Climbing
They grant the wearer +5 to Balance, and +5 Climbing.
Faint transmutation; CL 5th; Craft Wondrous Item, bull’s strength, cat’s grace; Price 6,250 gp

Trousers of Protection
These pants provide +2 AC protection.
Moderate conjuration; CL 7th; Craft Wondrous Item, mage armor, creator’s caster level must be at least two times that of the bonus placed in the trousers; Price 4,000 gp

Shirt of Guidance
This shirt imbues the subject with a touch of divine guidance. The wearer gets a +1 competence bonus on a single attack roll, saving throw, or skill check. The wearer must choose to use the bonus before making the roll to which it applies. Can be used once per day.
Faint Divination; CL 0; Craft Wondrous Item, guidance; Price 1000gp

Cap of the Woodsman
You instantly know the direction of north from your current position. The cap is effective in any environment in which “north” exists, but it may not work in extraplanar settings. Your knowledge of north is correct at the moment of casting, but you can get lost again within moments if you don’t find some external reference point to help you keep track of direction. A creature protected by endure elements suffers no harm from being in a hot or cold environment. It can exist comfortably in conditions between –50 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit without having to make Fortitude saves). The creature’s equipment is likewise protected.Endure elements doesn’t provide any protection from fire or cold damage, nor does it protect against other environmental hazards such as smoke, lack of air, and so forth. Both effects are constant.
Faint Abjuration/Divination; CL 1st; Craft Wondrous Item; Know Direction, Endure Elements; Price 4000gp

Woodcutters Adamantine Felling Axe
Damage: 1d8; Crit. x3; Weight: 6lbs; Type: Slashing+1 Adamantine enchanted axe. +1 to hit and damage. Ignores hardness.This axe excels at attacking plants. Against plants, its effective enhancement bonus is +2 better than its normal enhancement bonus. It deals an extra 2d6 points of damage against plants.
Moderate conjuration; CL 8th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, summon monster I; Price 11,010gp

Woodcutters Amazing Hand Axe
Damage: 1d6; Crit: x3; Weight: 3lbs; Type: Slashingmagically enchanted +1 to hit, and Damage.Returning: This special ability can only be placed on a weapon that can be thrown. A returning weapon flies through the air back to the creature that threw it. It returns to the thrower just before the creature’s next turn (and is therefore ready to use again in that turn).Catching a returning weapon when it comes back is a free action. If the character can’t catch it, or if the character has moved since throwing it, the weapon drops to the ground in the square from which it was thrown.Throwing: This ability can only be placed on a melee weapon. A melee weapon crafted with this ability gains a range increment of 10 feet and can be thrown by a wielder proficient in its normal use.
Moderate transmutation; CL 7th; Craft Magic Arms and Armor, magic stone, telekinesis; Price 18,306gp
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Rod of the Acorn
Detects and locates any nuts in 400 foot radius. Can crack any nut in one round.
Faint Divination; CL 1st; Craft Rod; detect animals or plants; 3000gp
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The Hat of Wonder
Hat of Wonder4 times a day random semi useful and useful items can be pulled out of the hat.
1-3% Bell
4-6% Blanket, Winter
7-9% Block and Tackle
10-13% Bottle of Wine
14% Bust of Abraham Lincoln
15-17% Caltrops
18-21% Candle
22-24% Chain (10' peice)
25-27% Chalk
28-30% Crowbar
31-33% Dagger
34% Halberd
35-37% Huge Chunk of Meat
38-40% Ink (1oz. vial)
41-43% Iron Pot
44% Keys to a Volkswagen Scirocco
45-47% Ladder (10' tall)
48-50% Magnifying Glass
51-53% Mirror
54-56% Paper (10 Sheets)
57% Potion of Cure Light Wounds
58% Potion of Bull’s strength
59% Potion of Cat’s grace
60% Potion of Invisibility
61% Potion of Fly
62% Potion of Mage armor
63% Potion of Neutralize poison
64-66% Ram, portable
67-69% Rope (50')
70-73% Rowboat Oar
74-76% Signal Whistle
77-79% Soap
80-83% Shovel
84-86% Tankard of Ale
87-89% Ten foot Pole
90-92% Torch
93-95% Tower Shield
96-98% Warhammer
99-100% Wooden Sword (stats as per club)
Moderate conjuration,transmutation, illusion ; CL 9th; Craft Wondrous Item, secret chest, teleport object, cure light wounds, bear’s endurance, bulls strength, cats grace, invisibility, fly, mage armor, neutralize poison; Price of this artifact is unmeasureable. (As is its silliness)

Dry Spell pt1

2007-12-23T16:15:00.000-05:00

Well I was missing two of my players due to Christmas activities. So today playing was Phineas and Barnaby the barbarian strongmen, and Xanth the half dragon scout. I played Augustus as an NPC for a little while. We question whether the player who plays him will show up again. As he is a little flaky.

Anyways we started out in Duriks Pass. Barnaby went to the general store to get a bow. But since they didn't have one there they left. As they left town, Augustus came walking up with four donkeys. Everyone got one, so now everybody has transit. Except for Gaylen the druid who has a riding dog already. But he is no where to be found. So they proceed without him.

Well they made good time the first day. They broke and made camp. They had the drunk (Augustus) take watch. He woke Xanth up to tell him he hear something in the woods. Xanth looks in the woods using his low-light/dark vision. To see a small group of goblins about to throw javelins. Well they do. One of the four hits. Doing minor damage to Barnaby. Well the group takes off after the goblins. Minus Augustus that stays to watch the donkeys. The barbarians quickly lose pace as they can not see in the dark like Xanth. So while the barbarians cant see, and before the goblins get away. Xanth uses his breath weapon. Striking down the lot of them with a stream of acid. He kills the whole group of them. When the barbarian catch up. He tells them them must have set off a trap they were leading them into. Phineas goes back to camp and gets Augustus to help track where they were going. Well Augustus does a poor job of tracking. Finding himself in a pit trap. Not finding the goblins base of operations. They go back to camp.

The next day they travel some more. The next night Xanth takes the first watch. He sees the goblins approach. But this time he rushers them. He first talks to them trying to start a dialog. They attack. The sounds of battle wake the barbarian brothers that run to help Xanth. Xanth strikes the first one with his clawed hand. Ripping his face off. Killing him. none of teh goblins are able to hit him. So he strikes again. Slicing open the gobbos chest, killing it. Phineas strikes and misses. While Barnaby destroys one. The last runs away. Only to be brought down by a dagger. Thrown by Xanth. They search the bodies. But find nothing of interest. They return to camp. Then the next day to the trail. But before they left camp they tricked Auguatus into thinking that he was a were creature. In need of help. So he returned to Duriks Pass.

The rest of the trip to Baltasar is quite uneventful. They reach Balthasar. Its a small town. But has all the required amenities. A black smith, tavern, inn, barber, and general store. They stop to talk to the black smith. He tells them of the terrible drought they are facing. Then about the bandit Relgore Himtooth. Who has plagued the area. The noble Bootlum who lives in the town has put out a bounty on Relgore. They move on to Bootlums house after getting directions from the smith. They are greeted at the door by his manservant. They inquire about the reward. He lets them in, seating them in the front room. It is a very nice, and comfortable house. A man dressed in a purple smoking jacket and slippers walks down the stairs and addresses the characters. It is Bootlum. He tells the characters about the reward, and his past history with Relgore. How he robbed him and left him for dead. Taking a fortune in gems and a special sponge. He got the king to dispatch the militia after him. But he believes that it just slowed him down a little. Now hes using the sponge against them. Drying up the lakes and wells. They tell Bootlum that they will bring back the head of Relgore, and claim the reward.

They leave there and go to the general store. Barnaby purchases a short bow and arrows. Phineas purchases a sling and bullets. They then start off to face the bandits. They travel to the three lakes area. Finding the lake dry. Quite amazing even in a drought. The group begins the search of the area.

Eventually coming across a cave entrance, and a dumb ogre. As the ogre is sort of hiding behind a tree. Xanth tries to parlay with him. The ogre is not fond of this and throws a javelin at him. It misses but now combat begins. The ogre rips off a branch to use as a great club. Barnaby hits with his bow as well. But does only minimal damage. While Phineas closes in. Xanth joins in hitting the ogre with dagger. Barnsaby closes as well. They all trade blows. The ogre having taken some hits retreats toward the cave. Phineas strikes a the fatal blow. Felling the lumbering enemy.

They then approach the cave. Xanth scouts ahead. The tunnel opens into a large cavern. Across the center of which is a tall wall made of loose rocks. Behind this wall are two orcs, and three gnolls. He goes back a tells the others. They all sneak to the wall together. Readying to ambush the evil bandits. This is where we ended the adventure as people had to get going. Next week the conclusion of Dry Spell.

Dry Spell

Note

2007-12-17T20:45:00.001-05:00

The latest adventure is chronicled below. As I had started the other day finishing today. Look below and enjoy.

Tired

2007-12-16T21:33:00.000-05:00

Well another session is under our belts. I'm not feeling very well. So I will put up the post in a day or two.

The Burning Plague

2007-12-16T19:03:00.000-05:00

Well the game went off with out a hitch. Everybody except Bungee who is on a film job showed up. Well the game went well. I really wished I had reread it again last night. That would have given me that little bit more familiarity. I kind of dropped the ball on the whole disease thing. I should have paid more attention to it. I might have been a little sharper. But being sick has worn me a little. But I know the players were happy. They got stuff. Which seems to make them happy. But on to the after action review.

The Burning Plague

The characters entered the town of Duriks Pass. The place had a run down feel. They stopped at the nearest tavern. The Weeping Weasel. They went inside to see a nasty old hag behind the bar and a couple locals at a table. They speak with the hag Agatha. Who pretty much insults them the whole time. Discriminating against them, as they are halflings. They insult her back. Barnaby constantly refers to her as a man. As the player states. My character really does think shes a man. Anyways this goes on for a little bit. Before she kicks them out.

They then wander down to the mayor office. They speak to him about the mines, and the curse. He is very condescending. Not thinking their was much good that could be done by a group of halflings. They gather what little info they can, before leaving.

They then head to the general store. In there they meet the owner Billy. A large rotund man. Who is very polite and nice to them. They purchase a few items. They inquire as to a good place to stay. He tells them that would either be the Weeping Weasel or the Church. As sister Sophia takes in people. They go with the church. As their last experience at the Weeping Weasel was less than desirable. They visit the church and stay the night. The next day heading to the mine. As when they points the key they had found previously. It growled loudly when it was pointed at the mines.

They head up the mountain to the mine. They get there and find the entrance deserted. As they enter they notice that their was a battle in this shaft. Evidenced by the chips and cuts in the supports that line the shaft. They end up in a small square room containing two over turned ore carts, with a body wedged under one. To east is a door and to the west is another tunnel. The key growling to the west. They search the area finding a trap. That would have released a thunder stone if they had not disarmed it. They find a couple pieces of silver ore for their trouble.

Next they go to the door. They open it to find a mess hall. Two of the tables in the back are flipped over. With kobolds using them as cover. The was the beginning of the 20's. Now let me step out of the review for a moment. I rolled more 20's against the players than I have rolled ever. If I was playing a character. It would have been the most joyfullest session ever. But as a DM. It turned a scenario designed for 1st level characters and made it hell. Back to the review. The characters had a lot of trouble with these kobolds. But they finally overcame them. They searched the bodies finding a gem, some gold, and an iron key.

At the back of the room is a locked heavy door. The key they found just happens to open it. They opened it up to find the Larder. The room that food is stored in. As they are checking out a cluster of barrels. They unleash a swarm of rats. As they fight the rat swarm. The ranger is fighting them from the near the doorway. Then from out behind a pile of flour sacks. A dire weasel jumps out and attacks. Augustus would have fared better. But missed the weasel on his second attack. Which he surely would have felled him. But instead was knocked down to zero hit points. Knocking him unconscious. Phineas moved in and took out the dire weasel. Shortly after that they did away with the rats, and healed Augustus. (For those of you that read the adventure as published. The trap that was present in the larder was more than I wanted to deal with. Especially after the amazingly hard time the players had with the kobolds in the mess hall. So I deleted it.)

Next they moved back to the cart room and down the opposite hall. With the key had growled toward earlier. They traveled down this sloping passage. Avoiding the pit trap at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel opened in to a great cavern full of stalagmites. The western wall glinted of silver in spots as well as having a cavern about twenty feet up. From this cave ropes came down affixed at the top. Suddenly four kobolds appeared at the mouth of the cavern. Firing down at the characters. They all quickly hid behind the stalagmites. Except Augustus. Who began firing back at the kobolds. The other characters attacked back as well. Throwing daggers. Only the druid was successful. Augustus killed off the rest. It was then they heard a voice calling to them from up above in broken common. He told them he wanted to make a deal. Urging them to take out the "demon" at the end of the tunnels. They pretty much told them what he could do with his deal. They began climbing up the wall with the ropes. As they did. They saw a kobold. Trying to cut Barnabys rope. Well Barnaby got to him first. Grabbing him by the throat before he could finish cutting the rope. Throwing him down to the cavern floor below. They saw at the back of the cavern the kobold chieftain, and three warriors. They charged them. Focusing on the chief. Even though he managed to cast a spell. (Ray of Frost) They quickly dispatched him. then the rest of his crew.

Searching the cavern they not only found treasure. But a concealed entrance to a side compartment. Their they found the encampment of the kobolds. Now empty save for two kobold children huddled under a cloak. They characters tied up the kids and made camp for the night. As they were hurting and wanted to heal up. During the night they heard noises in the next room. Going to investigate. They found that half the bodies were missing. They returned to sleep.

The next day they ventured back down into the big cavern. Following the unexplored tunnel at the back of the cavern. This was a deeply sloping passage. That increased in heat the deeper they traveled. Till they reached a hot bowl shaped room. This room they rank. Filled with dead rotting bodies, and rats. As they entered four dead miners, and four dead kobolds, rose to greet them. They battled them. Which again took a toll on them. But they did over come them. (Which brings about a question from me. Why the hell are zombie kobolds so much tougher than regular? 4 average hit points to 16 hit points seems like quite a leap but whatever.)

Well they kept on moving coming to the final chamber of the mines. This caver featured a pool of murky water that poured into a hole on the wall. In the center of this pool. Is a tall stone pillar featuring strange glyphs carved in it. Suddenly Barnby felt strange for a moment, that quickly passed. (Their opponent tried to cast hold person on him. But he made his save.) The fiend revealed himself. A sickly orc, dressed in strange priestly robes. He began firing a cross bow at them. The barbarians moved around to the stair case up the pillar. While Augustus and Gaylen attacked from range. As the Barbarian brothers closed the gap. They became engulfed in darkness. They pressed on. Suddenly being attacked. This goes on for a couple rounds. Till Barnaby hears in orcish. "To hell with this." followed by a big splash. August and Gaylen see the orc jump down into the water. Followed shortly after by the barbarians. They quickly ganged up on him finally taking him down. He had quite a bit of treasure. Which the players gladly took. Searching at the top of the pillar. Which the key when pointed at growled loudly. They found another key and parchment.

Which had the same rhyme/poem

5 Keys
5 Keys to Wealth
5 Keys to Power
5 Keys to Salvation
5 Keys to the Vault of the Archon
1 Finds another
The Last Finds the Vault

The map shows the road from Duriks Pass. In the Serpent Coil Mountains. Passing the town of Baltasar. To New Keep over the Great Chasm. Ending at Sandpoint.

The characters returned to Duriks Pass. Selling off their ill gotten gains. At Billies general store. This is where the adventure ended. As real life came into play and folks had to leave.

Next Week:
Dry Spell

Rambling man

2007-12-16T10:34:00.000-05:00

Well I got some spare time before people start trickling in for my D&D game I run. The Halfling Saga as Documented below. It aught to be interesting to see who shows up. As we got hit with a big snow storm. At least a foot if not more. As it is blowing. Which can make it hard to judge. Anyways on top of that one player I know for sure cant make it as he has a film job down in Detroit. Ones kind of flakey so I don't know if the snow will deter him. I'll probably offer to pick him up. We'll see. His brother who plays with us. I'm sure will be here. Although he did call last night. Left a message about whether we were playing or not. Then the last guy I have no way of getting ahold of him. Except the internet. I'm sure we all know what a pain in the ass that can be. Then to top it off. My roommate has walking pneumonia, and I've managed to catch a cold. Probably the one that turned into my roommates affliction. I don't think that will happen to me though. The progression of my illness has been different.

So it should be interesting to see what happens. I'll run the game. As I have been looking forward to it all week. Funny enough it involves disease too. Its a funny old world like that I guess.

Anyways enough of my rambling. I got something for all you kids in blog land to check out.

If your an old fogey like me. You'll enjoy this,http://www.midway.com/rxpage/ClassicGames.html
Includes:
Bubbles
Defender
Defender II
Joust
Rampage
Robotron 2084
Satan's Hollow
Sinistar
Spy Hunter
Tapper

An old school blast from the past. I need a friggin joystick though. Running some of this stuff with a keyboard is killing my hands. :-p

The beginning

2007-12-09T19:28:00.000-05:00

So the halfling saga started today. In other words my D&D campaign is off the ground and running. I wanted to avoid the whole you meet in tavern scenario. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I just play with a bunch of old school fellas. So they have encountered that cliche to many times to count. Plus I wanted them to start out as a definite group. I think I succeeded in that.

The characters are all residents, staying at, or living nearby Long Leaf Shire. (Just as a note in my world all halfling towns, villages, and hamlets are referred to as Shires. Typically they are named after the founder or a local landmark.) They are all halflings.

Allow me to introduce them. Phineas, and Bartleby the barbarian brothers. Who are circus strongmen (or would stronghalflings be more appropriate?) that happen to be staying in Long Leaf after being on the road performing. Gaylen the druid tends a small sacred grove not to far from the shire. Agustus Busch the ranger typically prowls the woodlands around the shire. Coming to town for supplies, to trade, and to get drunk in the tavern/inn. Lastly is Zanth. A half dragon, halfling scout. Yet another wilderness explorer. They are all gathered together by the town. Save for Zanth. To whom a messenger has been sent. (The player arrived late so he was inserted into the game later.)

They were addressed by the mayor of the shire, Vartan Keghart. He told them how a series of murders have been committed on the outskirts of the shire in the last two weeks. As the only adventurer types in the shire he asks the characters to help there shire and find this killer and bring the individual to justice. They have no money to pay the characters. But they do offer them a bag on items to help them. As well as the gratitude of their people. They except and are given the bag. It contains three potions of cure light wounds, a vial of holy water, a alchemical silver sickle, and a black iron hand axe.

Well after distributing the items amongst them selves. They headed to the scene of the last murder. Which is a ten minute walk outside of the shire. They came to it. A small one room cabin. The front door wide open. Well Bartleby and Gaylen investigate the house. While Phineas and Augustus search out side. Inside Bartleby and Gaylen find the cabin filled with common drab items. Nothing of real value. Nor does it look like anything has been taken. Though it is obvious that a struggle has taken place. A large pool of blood is in the middle of floor. The body having been taken care of by the towns folk. After a closer examination. It appears a part of the pool looks like has been mopped up with a cloth. Outside Augustus finds a set of small footprints (about halfling sized.) leading off into the woods. It appears to him that the footprints head in the direction of Tarin.

The hamlet of Tarin was a human settlement. It was abandoned thirty years ago. An evil druid plagued the land. This druid was eventually hunted down and killed. But the blight he had visited on the land lasted longer than the people could wait. So they abandoned the hamlet.

Anyways Augustus and Phineas go in the house and tell the others what they found. The group travels to the hamlet of Tarin. Which is about an hour and a half, two hour walk. They arrive at the abandoned hamlet. Augustus tracks the footprints to the old mill. The old mill (as well as the rest of the building left in the hamlet) has its windows boarded up.

They walk up to the porch and the front door of the mill. They try the door. Its locked. Bartleby puts his shoulder into the door. Battering it to bits. As they enter Gaylen casts light onto his quarter staff. Lighting up the room. As it is pitch black in the mill. They all enter the front room finding it completely empty. Save for the counter at the back of the room. Where there is a door located. They check it out and find it unlocked.

They open it and enter the room. They find the mills old machinery, piles of bags, a cluster of barrels and a stair case up ward. The machinery looks like it hasn't worked in decades. Augustus starts to the stairs while Bartleby checks out the cluster of barrels. Well Bartleby cracks out a barrel to find it half full of moldy corn and rats. Which pore out and attack having been disturbed. Well the players make quick work of the rats.

They continue to check out the rest of the room. Agustus heads up the stairs (Missing a spot check) he triggers a trap. A barrel swings down on ropes nearly hitting Augustus. He checks out the barrel that has swung to a rest. It would appear to be full of rocks or some other kind of debris. Well before August can continue up the stairs.

The party hears a noise out in the front room of the mill. The party save for Augustus who stays on the stairs lighting a torch. Readies itself by the door to the front room. When they see and hear Zanth. Whom they recognize from the shire. Its hard to forget him. Being a half dragon and all. Well as the rest of teh group regrouped. Agustus headed up to the top of stairs.

As he reached the top. A sling stone bullets whips past Augustus. Nearly hitting him. Impacting the wall behind. Splintering the wood leaving a divit. This is obvuiously not a normal bullet. Augustus runs for cover behind a pile up moldy flour bags. Next up the top is Bartleby. Who happens to be missed by teh attacker as well. (Man, these guys got lucky.) Gaylen had followed up behind, Bartleby. With his staff held up tall. Providing light to the room. Bartleby spots the attacker. He stands behind some of the mill equipment.

A gnarled little man. With a maw full of long pointed teeth. Wearing a blood red cap. Bartleby charges the attacker. the rest of the gang runs up stairs. Bartleby squares off with the red caped assailant. The attacker switching to a large scythe attacks Bartleby first. Hitting him, causing a massive wound. Bartleby strikes him back. (He rolls a natural 20, critical hit. Doing massive damage himself.) Augustus from his posistion behind the bags shoots at the attacker. The arrow strikes true. But falls, doing absolutely no damage to the red cap. By this time the rest of the group moves to surround teh redcap. It attacks bartleby again missing him. Bartleby attacks back. Striking him back. Doing a small amount of damage. Agustus tries to shoot him again with an arrow. He misses, hitting Bartleby. But does no damage. Zanth strikes the redcap with his dagger. Finishing off the redcap. It falls to the ground. Quickly turns gray, and turns to dust. Leaving only his red cap, a pouch, and a single tooth.

Phineas grabs the hat. While Gaylen takes the tooth, and pouch. The pouch contains twenty five gold, and thirty one silver pieces. The room contains more piles of sacks and barrels. On the side wall there is a ladder leading up to what appears to be an attic. The characters search the room. Finding much teh same that they did below. Moldy flour and corn.

Zanth with Gaylen, and Bartleby head up the ladder. They find a pile of sacks containing moldy flour and a barrel of moldy corn. Zanth notices that the barrel has a false bottom. They smash it open. Inside they find. A big silver key, with a dragon head on it. With that they find a map. On the top it says,

5 Keys
5 Keys to Wealth
5 Keys to Power
5 Keys to Salvation
5 Keys to the Vault of the Archon
1 Finds Another
The Last Finds the Vault

Below that is a map showing the Hamlet of Tarin. With the trail to Duricks Pass highlighted.

They take this and head back to the shire. As they enter the shire they are greated by mayor Keghart and some of the residents. They speak with them. Telling them of what happened. They tell the Vartan of the creature that they battled, and show him the tooth. He tells them it sounds like they fought a redcap. An evil fey/fairy. They ask him about Duriks Pass and Archon. He tells them that Duriks pass is home to a silver mine. Archon sounds familiar to him. From one of his uncles books. He invites them to his house for drinks and to check out the book. So they go with him. His house is a very lavish and well apointed. They chat and have a drink while he finds the book. He does and showit to them. Its written half in common, and half in some unknown tounge. What they can gleem from it. Is that Archon was a sorcerer king from centuries ago. Well the group decides that they will go to Duriks pass in the morning. Vartan tells them that they can stay at the Inn he'll pick up the tab. In thanks for saving the town from the murdering redcap.

So they move to the tavern/inn, Lysandras. Save for Gaylen who retreats to his sacred grove. They enter and com into the common room. They are greeted by Lysandra. "So Phineas, Bartleby have you come to stay with us again?" They say yes. She gives them the rooms they had before. They go imediately to bed. Augustus sits at his normal table. As when he comes to town he always comes here to drink. He has never rented a room though. As everytime hes come here, hes passed out at the table. Zanth stays and drinks with him, till Augustus passes out. Zanth gets up to leave. Lysandra comes up to him as he is the last person in the common room. She offers hims a room. Hes hesitent. But she insists. Telling him she doesnt care that hes different. That he welcome here. Basically showing him real kindness. Something that he has not seen in a while.

The next day they gather together at the tavern. Then head off to Duriks pass. The first day is very uneventful. That night though is different. As Zanth keeps watch. He is attacked by plant like creatures. (Twig Blights) He hollers waking everyone up. Except for Phineas. Who is still fast asleep. Zanth attackes with his claws ripping out the midsection of one of the creatures. Apparently killing it. Gaylen pokes Phineas with his staff waking him up. Augustus attacks the creature missing it. But Bartleby strikes true. Killing the creature. They search around, but find no more of the creatures. Phineas in disgust goes back to sleep. While the rest throw the bodies on the fire. Which burn hot and produce a stinky black smoke.

The next day as they travel along the trail. They encounter a boar, rooting around a tree. Being very territorial. Its charges the characters. Well they make short work of the boar. They cut up the boar, adding it to their supplies.

Several days later, as they are almost to Duriks Pass. They encounter a group of people. They all seem very sickly, and are carrying what appears as all their worldly possetions on there backs, and in carts. They stop and talk to them. They tell them they are leaving Duriks pass as the mine is cursed. That they are all sick, and that their is a great evil there. Even though they are refugees, and sickly. They still talk down a little to the group. Being that they are just little halflings. Well they part ways with the refugees, and finally arrive at Duricks Pass. Thats where we left off.

Next time, The Burning Plague.

Your moment of zen

2007-12-08T00:08:00.001-05:00

Mekton Z

2007-12-02T19:05:00.000-05:00

Once again so many games so little time. I've known about Mekton Zeta for a long time now. But I've just never really had the opportunity to check it out. Oh, man. I wish I had looked at it sooner. It was like reminiscing with an old friend. It uses the interlock system. Which powers Cyber Punk 2020. Which is a game/system, I was heavily into after high school. It was my favorite. My buddy Dennis and I played it a bunch. Anyways so it was really instantly familiar. It even has life paths like the old CP202o. Which is fun. It definitely looks the way to go for a mecha game. I think this will work better for mecha/anime than other systems I have. I found this hidden gem browsing the used section at the local game store. Its in fantastic condition. Scooped it up for five bucks! Win! Now, if I can only find some time to play it.

Paizo and Campaign Ramblings

2007-11-28T13:04:00.001-05:00

Well I had heard good things about Paizos Pathfinder series. I believe the Chatty DM has spoke of it several times. Well I saw it at the game shop I frequent. Holy crap! This things gonna ruin my campaign. Cause now I gotta figure out how to incorporate Sandpoint into my game. Well it wont ruin my game. Realistically it wont be hard to incorporate either.

But man is this thing chock full of awesome! Sandpoint is definitely going in. I really like the size of it too. Cities like Waterdeep I always found really neat. But so times there so big. They can just feel too unwieldy. But Sandpoint is just the right size for what I want run. It think that Sandpoint will be a recurring launch point for this campaign. The characters base of operations so to speak. Paizo released a very small (If I remember the name correctly. As I am currently away from the book.) Players Guide deal for the Pathfinder. It gives a little history/background for the races, classes. and setting. It has a small equipment section that I am totally using. The Barbarian chew, and the Earth breaker I find particularly interesting.

I'd like to post more about my campaign. But I don't want to ruin it. As the main hook links everything together. Man I cant wait to share it with you folks.

One of the things I can tell you about is my item cards. As some of you loyal readers (their are a couple of you out there right?) may remember. I created a whole mess of item cards. Similar to the ones Paizo put out. (Anyone sense a pattern here.) As I drew them all myself. The are not quite as nice as Paizos official cards. I like them, and everyone that has used them has seemed to like them. I know the DM of the game I play in digs them. Anyways I have created a bunch of them for my game. When the players start off on their first "Mission" so to speak. They will be given a sack of items to help them. I have created cards for all the items. Plus all the incidental stuff they may encounter. As I have said before. I'll have to see if Bungee can help me get them scanned. So I can post pics here.

Getting Ready

2007-11-26T22:57:00.001-05:00

Well the fellas are putting together their characters. So far we have Phineas and Barnaby two barbarian brothers that are circus strong men. Augustus Busch a two weapon fighting ranger. Who I have a sneaking suspicion will be played like an alcoholic dwarf. Then a yet unnamed character that is a druid. An interesting start.

All of them are wilderness types. This kind of surprised me. Not as much as the fact even though I made all the prestige classes available. Or half race options. Everyone picked standard halflings and base classes. Don't get me wrong that's fine. I'm just a little surprised. One player has yet to make his character or discuss a character concept with me. I'm interested to see what he picks. As hes usually the GM. So I know its a rare occasion for him to be a player.

Anyways its all coming together well. I cant wait to start. I've done a bunch of prep for this. Its driving me crazy. I cant talk about it here. Or talk to my roommate about it. As I don't want to ruin the surprise. All I can say is this. Its a good group builder, (with out resorting to the "You meet in a tavern") and has a hook in the ending so juicy, no fish can pass it up. It will be sweet. After we're done I'll see if I can get my buddy to scan some stuff so I can post it up here. Cause I have to say I am really pleased with some of the handouts, and maps.

In with the New

2007-11-21T21:56:00.001-05:00

So the group in taking a little two week break. After that we are starting a new campaign. We're going to play D&D. Sounds plain you say? No sir, here's the ketch. The one requirement of all the players. You must play a halfling. Other than that sky's the limit. Even prestige classes at the start. Obviously there will be some fiddling if people would like to do that. But no big deal. Everyone will also start at second level. I figure that makes folks powerful enough not to get killed by a couple kobolds. But not strong enough to smack down ogres.

I think it will be a fun campaign. Besides hack'n people and take'n there stuff. It will be fun to see how the characters deal with wandering in a big world. I'll try to post summaries and stuff as I did with the star frontiers game. I got to say I'm really looking forward to this game! :-)

The End

2007-11-18T20:49:00.000-05:00

This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end

The End, The Doors

Well I have decided, and it has been done. Today was the final session of this section of the Star Frontiers game. I'm putting it on hold for a little bit. I can feel the excitement fading. I don't want that. I can tell at least one of my players is disappointed. But I don't want it to turn in to a chore. Or have it blow up and disintegrate. I will come back to it. But I need some time off of it. To recharge the batteries.

The meta blog pt2

2007-11-15T21:45:00.000-05:00

This is my list of links to RPG companies.
RPG Sites
Arc Dream Publishing
Atlas Games
Cubicle 7 Entertainment
Deep 7
Eden Studios
FanPro games
Kenzer and Company
Mongoose Publishing
Palladium Books
R. Talsorian Games
Steve Jackson Games
West End Games
Wizards of the Coast

I got to be missing something. Anyone out there in blog land got some links and/or suggestions you wants to share?

No really I swear!

2007-11-15T07:53:00.000-05:00

I will post the game log from last sundays Star Frontiers game. I've just lacked the will as of late to do it. But it will happen. For those of you following along at home. The corporate war heats up as Mahg Mar City is invaded by the rival factions. Not to mention a new faction rears its head. Will the characters be sinners or saints. Who will be the ultimate victor of the corporate war?!

The Meta Blog

2007-11-14T13:20:00.000-05:00

Yup, Im gonna do it. I'm gonna blog about my blog. I know they say you shouldn't. (By they I mean people better versed in intarweb etiquette.) But screw it I'm do'n it.

First my links to blogs and stuff.

The first two Whozawaza, Bungee's Orphanage, and Kanes Mind.
Are blogs by friends of mine. Their not real keen on keeping them updated. But I like dropping by to see if they've posted anything.

Now these Lebowski Fest, Hero Machine 2.0, Superdickery.com, Venture Bros / Adult Swim, Venture Bros., Brick Commander, and Gundam are things I enjoy checking out once and a while. They have some neat stuff. I do check Brick commander once a week to check out the newst creation being diplayed. Its pretty neat seeing mecha and vehicles in 3-lego-D. So to speak.

Now these are links to some of my favorite comic writers and artists. Tim Bradstreet, Ed Brubaker, Flying Fist Ranch, Liberty Meadows, Frank Cho, and The Punisher. This list is nowhere complete. But as I've come accross them or thought about them I've posted them up. Now The Punisher site is a fan site. But it is really great. A must check for punisher fans.

ClassicMarvel.com, Palladium-Megaverse Forums, theRPGsite Forums, John H Kim's RPG Encyclopedia, The Blue Room, Star Frontiers Revival, StarFrontiers.com, Star Frontiersman, and Cumberland Games & Diversions. These are the forums and rpg related sites I cruise. I have really been involved with the Star Frontiers Revival site. Its a fantastic resource. If you played SF back in the day or have a passing interest. Do your self a favor and check it out.

These here The Old is the New New, paleo-future, and Pith Helmet. These are some I've been considering dropping. I dont really look at them much. But every once and a while theres good stuff. Perhaphs I would see that more if I check them more.

Now these are my bread and butter links I check on every day. I'll go over them one by one.

Adventures in Writing This one isnt updated to often. But has a ton of good stuff. It is written by a dude named Gabriel. Its kind of an online notebook, of him working on comic/pulp stories with his character The Red Phantom.
Chris's Invincible Super-Blog is one of the best comic blogs I've found. It friggin famous too. He displayed a peice of a Captain America issue. That part of the issue had Tony Stark on the bridge or whatever of the heli-carrier. It showed banks of monitors. The panel he showed had a monitor with his blog on it! I thought no way. Thats photoshop or something. So I grabbed my copy of Cap and looked for myself. Holy sheep dip! It was there. It was no photoshop hoax. A sure sign of awesomeness. That and pics of people in the comics being kicked in the face.
Daves Long Box This is the other one of my favorite comic blogs. We share a similar taste in a few things. Besides anyone who devotes a full week of blogging to the Suicide Squad. Deserves, no demands a thumbs up from me.
A Nerds Country Journal This is a blog written by Jeff Hebert. The creator of the Hero Machine. He has just recently stated that he going to stop blogging. But the archives are still there.
RPG Blog II This is written by Zachary Houghton. AKA, Zachary The First. Who is a judge for the 2008 Ennies. For those not in the know. Is an award deal for RPG's. He hasnt updated lately. But his wife just had a child recently. I'm sure hes busy with that.
the Chatty DM This is written by a dude named Phil (Sorry I dont remeber your last name dude.) It is in my humble opinion one of the very best RPG/D&D blogs out there. He deals with all manner of mechanics, fluff, concepts (like Tropes), and everything else. Always fun and informative.
I Waste The Buddha With My Crossbow This is written by Doc Rotwang, the man, the myth, the legend. Hes a minor genius, with an 80's newwave sound track. Always fun. King of the Gonzo.
Jeff's Gameblog Another gonzo king. He is taking a little break from GMing. As he feeling burned out. But has a lot of interesting things to say on his blog. Definitely one to check out.
Rpgpundit's Blog Love it or hate it. The RPG Pundit is no holds bared. Letting you know exactly whats on his mind. Hes kind of like Ted Nugent. Either you agree with him 100%. Or your like WTF! Always an interesting read.
The Lair of the Evil DM Last but surely not least is the Evil DM. Who has a fun array of weekly features. Modivational Monday, Wednesday Girl, and Pulp Thursday. All this and more. Its a great read. Definitly check it out. (As a side note. I'm going to be playing in a Star Frontiers PBEM game he running too. I really looking forward to it. Right now we are in the character creation stages.)

Some things to share

2007-11-08T18:46:00.000-05:00

Thought I would share some of the stuff I posted on the Star Frontiers Revival site.

Interstar Weaponry underbarrel add-ons

Interstar Weaponry UBGL-1 Under Barrel Grenade Launcher
Cost: 600, Wgt: 3kg, Damage: As Grenade, Ammo: 1, Rate: 1/2, Defense: RS check,
-/25/50/100/200
Description: Just as it says a grenade launcher that can be mounted underneath the barrel of any laser, gyrojet, or automatic rifle.

Interstar Weaponry UBL-3
Cost: 600, Wgt: 1kg, Damage: 1d10 per SEU, Ammo: SEU, SEU 1-10, Rate: 2, Defense: Albedo,
5/20/50/100/200
Description: A laser pistol pod that can be mounted underneath a rifle barrel. Gives the soldier an option of a different weapon system. To deal with different defenses, and/or tagets. Uses standard power clips. Can be mounted underneath the barrel of any laser, gyrojet, or automatic rifle.

Interstar Weaponry UBG-1A
Cost: 200, Wgt: 1kg, Damage: 2d10, Ammo: 10, Rate: 3, Defense: Inertia,
-/5/50/100/150
Description: A gyrojet pistol pod that can be mounted underneath a rifle barrel. Gives the soldier an option of a different weapon system. To deal with different defenses, and/or targets. Uses standard pistol jetclips. Can be mounted underneath the barrel of any laser, gyrojet, or automatic rifle.

Interstar Weaponry UBSS-1
Cost: 500, Wgt: 1kg, Damage: Stun, Ammo: SEU, SEU: 2, Rate: 1, Defense: Sonic/A-S,
3/10/20/30/50
Description: A sonic stunner pod that can be mounted underneath a rifle barrel. Gives the soldier a non-lethal alternative. Popular with bounty hunters. Uses standard power clips. Can be mounted underneath the barrel of any laser, gyrojet, or automatic rifle.

New Model WarTech Gyrojets

WarTech GC-6 Gyrojet Carbine
Cost: 250Cr, Wgt: 3.5kg, Damage: 2d10, Ammo: 10 rounds, Rate: 3, Defense: Inertia,
Range: -/5/60/125/175
Description: Small, compact easy to use weapon. Designed for use by non-frontline troops. Or issued when size is a problem.
Notes: Uses Pistol Jetclips.

WarTech GAR-10 Gyrojet Assault Rifle
Cost: 400Cr, Wgt: 5.5kg, Damage: 3d10/8d10, Ammo: 20 rounds, Rate: 3(1), Defense: Inertia,
Range: -/5/75/150/300
Description: Standard gyrojet rifle with extended magazine, and burst fire capability.
Notes: Rifle Jetclips for the GAR-10 cost 40Cr, for 20 rounds.

WarTech HGR-9 Heavy Gyrojet Rifle
Cost: 800Cr, Wgt: 12kg, Damage: 10d10, Ammo: 5 rounds, Rate: 1, Defense: Inertia,
Range: -/5/60/125/200
Description: Heavy gyrojet rifle. Designed for light anti-vehicle, anti-material role.
Notes: HGR Jetclips cost 40Cr for 5 rounds.

WarTech GJMG-12 Gyrojet Machine Gun
Cost: 5000Cr, Wgt: 25, Damage: 15d10, Ammo: 5 bursts, Rate: 1, Defense: Inertia,
Range: -/5/75/150/300
Description: Designed for heavy fire suppresion and anti-vehicle work. This a heavy weapon typically is mounted on a tripod.
Notes: Ammo cassette of 5 bursts cost 100Cr.

WarTech PGR-2 Precision Marksman Gyrojet Rifle
Cost: 600Cr, Wgt: 5.5kg Damage: 3d10, Ammo: 5, Rate: 1, Defense: Inertia,
Range: -/70/200/500/1km
Decription: Extreme long range gyrojet. For precision sniper work.
Notes: 5 round Jetclip for PGR costs 40Cr.

I pity the fool!

2007-11-07T20:09:00.000-05:00

Last time we left our hero's (and I use that term very loosely). They had aquired an Explorer. They needed to change the way it looked. So its former owners would be unable to identify it. So they thought the easiest way to do this. Paint it like the A-Team van. Well I made the suggestion. Its was just acepted as awesome. So what do you think?

Game

2007-11-04T15:17:00.000-05:00

No game this week. Things have come up. So next week.

Imortant Information Update

2007-11-03T09:32:00.000-04:00

The guy (Clean cut rogue) that does the Star Frontiersman, along with a couple other hard Star Frontiers guys has biult a web site. Oh man, is it sweet. Its got forums, projects,and all kinds of stuff. If your a Star Frontiers fan (or hell even if your not) you got to check it out. You can thank me later.

Bootleggers Run

2007-11-01T20:46:00.001-04:00

The characters are hanging out in the hotel bar. Recouping from the day before's activities. In the bar hanging out is Loran the disgruntled former UPF man, Octavian the Vrusk entrepreneur and their robot which they have dubbed Awesomo. Omar the yarizian merc, is out taking care of personal business. Well as they sit there in the bar. They get a pleasent surprise. In walks Gesh the dralasite medic. He tells the group of how he (or would it be better to say it?) miraculously survived the shuttle crash. Then walked his way back to Mahg Mar City. Even though the long walk. Gesh seems no worse for wear. He sits down just as Mack from Macks Friendly Liquor Store enters the bar. He tells the characters that hes glad to see them. He asks them if they have any more liquor for sale. He tells them being that this city is full of frontiersmen, college kids, and currently mercs. That alcohol is in big demand. Especially now with the planet blockaded. With nothing getting on, or off the surface. He offers to pay them double the amount per bottle that they brought him before. (See last summary) The characters tell him they may be able to help him out. He thanks them and takes off. The characters decide to cash in on his offer. Knowing that there is at least thirty more cases of liquor in the crashed ship. Which equals big money. (36,000 credits to be exact) They decide to go to the Army/Navy store and stock up on supplies. Then they pay their old pal Crazy Ralphy May a visit. Of Crazy Ralphy Mays Rental Center. They talked and haggled with him for a bit. Finally deciding to rent a ground transport from him. (described as looking like an army 2,1/2ton truck painted blue) They drove the truck deep into the hard pack desert. Past the site of the shuttle crash. Which now seems stripped of usable parts and material. To the village of the lizard people. They see lizard folks in their brown robes hiding behind rocks and ledges as they approach. Till they get to the village proper. They they see the lizard folk going about their daily lives. As they disembark from the truck they are greeted by the chief and a few lizard guards. They at first question the characters about the dralasite. (Gesh) But they convince him that he is part of their tribe. So they accept him too. They go to the entrance of the ship buried deep in the caves. Once there they have Awesomo start loading cases of liquor in to the truck. They group decides to explore the rest of the ship. They open the other door in the room. Finding a long hallway. Appearing to be the main connecting hall of the ship. They first jimmy open the door directly across the hall from they. They found another cargo section. Which contained crates of medical supplies and three 55gallon drums. Two of windshield washer fluid, and one of 80w90 oil. They move on from here toward the front of the ship. Finding a small crew section. With quarters, and rest room facilities. They find a few useful items there. But nothing of particular importance. They move forward again to fin the gallery/entertainment area. Finding nothing but long rotten food turned to dirt. They move on to the cockpit. This is a scene of carnage half of the cockpit area is destroyed and full of rock from the impact. They find a couple bodies that have decomposed to the point of skeletons. They then travel back down the main hall to the rear of the ship and the last door. They open it to reveal the engineering section. As they enter they are attacked by a security robot. The robot is a simple looking affair. A barrel like cylindrical body mounted on triangular shaped tracked assemblies. The top of the body is a dome like head with a single eye mounted between the head and body. In the center if the body protrudes a large barrel of a launcher. They battle the robot. Guns a blazing, electro stunners blasting, and swords flashing. The robot returning fire with tangler rounds. They quickly dispatch the robot. They deduce that the robot had been on standby. Being powered by what was left of the ships parabatteries. They find nothing of use here. So they return to the cargo compartment, and Awesomo. Who has loading the majority of the crates of liquor. They help finish loading the truck. They bid the chief and villager goodbye and take off. As they get to the exit of the ravine the village is located in. They see smoke ahead. Loran uses his Magnigoggles and sees a large scale battle going on between Merc Co. forces and Galactic Task Force troops. It a full on battle including hover tanks and the tank robots. The group wisely decides to go around and avoid this. As they circle out of the way of this battle they are attacked by Merc Co skirmishers in a modified Explorer. Sporting a machine gun in a turret on top. The machine gun damages their transport. It grinds to a halt, with the explorer coming to a stop in front of it. The Merc CO guys in the explorer accuse the group of being GTF troops. The characters try to talk there way out. Even offering them some liquor. But the Merc Co troopers turn greedy and decide they should have all the alcohol. Thus the fight begins. The fight was fierce. The characters escaped mostly unscathed. But Awesomo took a beating. The group took the Merc Co troopers Explorer. They found some tow straps. Which they connected the ground transport to the explorer. They tow the truck and its load to Mahg Mar City. They delivery to liquor to a very happy Mack. At Macks Friendly Liquor Store. Who as promised pays them handsomely. They then drag the truck back to Ralphies. Who isn't very happy about his truck being shot up. But has half come to expect it from the group. They pay him for the damages. Then they ask him about repainting the explorer. So it cant be recognized by Merc Co, or anyone else. Ralphy says that he can help the group. The characters decide that they would like the explorer painted up like the A-Team van. They then go to the Pompadour bar. They find one One-eyed Hank there. In his rhinestone jumpsuit glory. They hire him to fix Awesomo. Which he does. So they reward him handsomely. The characters then return to the hotel. Next time new van, and new adventure.

apologies

2007-11-01T10:15:00.001-04:00

I been lax of posting the summary of last sundays Star Frontiers game. I will get to it though. Hang with me folks.

Continued themes

2007-11-01T10:02:00.000-04:00

I occurs to me. That today's paperback fiction is a descendant of the pulps. The Executioner is a modern day pulp equivalent. A neo-pulp if you will. Its just as much a modern action/adventure series. As Doc Savage was in its time. Just some food for thought.

[edited]

Two of the same?

2007-11-01T07:07:00.000-04:00

On theRPGsite lately. Their has been a lot of talk about pulp gaming. On poster (Zolan (Something)?) posted a large post. (Yeah, I know thats sounds stupid. But I dont know a better way to put it.) It was very interesting. It seemed very knowledgeable as well. It, as well as several others have caused me to rethink. Or just think differently about the subject. Most pulp games out there as well as movies and comics. Are pulpy. But are what I would consider neo-pulp, or retro pulp. Reserving the word pulp, for the original. It just seems like the right thing to do. Maybe I'm over thinking things. But I think there should be a descriptor acknowledging the difference between the two. Now dont get me wrong. Modern day stuff like Indiana Jones, or the Red Phantom (a character created by adude named Gabriel. He talks about the character and his ideas for the character, stories, and etc. Here on his blog. Which astute readers will see has been of my links list for a while.) But I think the word pulp should be saved for use on the rel stuff. Much like Maltese Falcon is considered Noir. While Mulholland Falls, would be considered Neo-Noir. So what do you think? Am I over thinking it? Does there need to be a distinction between to two?

Executioner Crazy!

2007-10-29T19:02:00.000-04:00

Hi, my names Ronin and I'm an addict. I'm addicted to these damn books. As I stated before I happened into an old friend. Mack Bolan. Used to check these out from the library in the tiny town I'm from. I enjoyed them back in the day, a lot. Well As I told you before I purchased a couple Saturday. Oh, man. I still dig it way to much for my own good. I read one and am 1/3 the way through the other one. So if its worth doing. Its worth going overboard about, right? I just bought four more books. That aught to keep me busy for a while. Remember when I start looking into purchasing an Auto Mag, or Desert Eagle .44. Its time to step in. I need help. :-p

Blood sacrifice.
Guatemalan rebels have discovered a new way to finance a campaign of terror. They are looting rare Mayan artifacts and selling them for millions. The location of the jungle tomb is a secret to all but the rebel army, who's tapped it as its own private war chest.
Mack Bolan's mission is twofold: find the hidden ruins, then stop the pillage by whatever means necessary. But he's up against an army determined to maintain its deadly hold on a lost temple and its riches. Bolan's unerring skill in the hostile jungle makes him a formidable enemy. He's willing to face death for a just cause, but he knows the difference between a soldier's sacrifice and a suicide mission. If the Executioner is going down, he's taking the bad guys with him.

Fury spiral.

The prolonged conflict between the Irish Republican Army and the Protestant Nationals is escalating beyond Ireland's borders. Now America is being lured into the crossfire through a deeply rooted conspiracy designed to force the U.S. government to take its war on terror to the Emerald Isle.

Mack Bolan's mission begins with information retrieval. He must find out who is using terrorist threats to force U.S. intervention in Northern Ireland. Evidence piles high against the Protestant Orange Order, which wants the world to endorse the existence of two Irelands. But when the Executtoner uncovers a plot to launch a dirty bomb on American soil, the true threat- and the real face of the deadly enemy- comes under his lethal and personal attack.

A bloodbath aboard a celebrity-packed yacht leaves the daughter of a high-ranking politician dead. Going undercover as a DEA official, Mack Bolan probes what appears to be a drug deal gone bad. But as kilos of high-grade heroin flood Los Angeles, Bolan's investigation exposes something worse than business as usual for local gangs and dirty politicians.

The trail leads to Jakarta and the Golden Dragon, a drug lord with his hands deep in thepockets of officials- and an agenda that goes beyond white powder and cold hard cash. The Executioner hammers the opposition with a vengeance, savaging the Dragon'sstranglehold on the drug trade ... and enraging a powerful enemy whose mission stops nothing short of full-blown terror.

Critical interception.

Mack Bolan is directed to use any means necessary to defuse a crisis that puts America in the hot seat. Iran's hardliners are pushing an extremist agenda, defying U.N. rulings and amassing an arsenal with bio and nuclear capabilities. They've got stolen U.S. technology and unlimited financial backing by China, who's willing to lend its muscle in exchange for oil. With Russian black market weapons dealers eager to profit from international terror, the Stony Man warrior's multifront mission becomes one of infiltrate and confront, uniting him with Bedouin brothers-in-arms and other unlikely allies across enemy territory in a race to shut down an explosive situation before the deadly fuse is lit ....

The Executioner

2007-10-27T17:53:00.000-04:00

Well reading and thinking about the Mack Bolan books. I did it. I went out and purchased a couple. Man its the asskicking goodness I remembered. These are the ones I got.

Final accounting.

The hunt for a killer on a rampage of revenge in upstate New York leads Mack Bolan to a nest of criminals. A vigilante is targeting local meth-lab gangs doing business with white supremacists. But innocents are dying in the wake of one man's killing spree. That places him squarely in Bolan's gun sights.
Trailing his quarry through chaos and death, Bolan exposes a new and far grimmer scenario- a conspiracy involving local power brokers. The goal is an act of homegrown terror orchestrated by rogue sleeper cells of the Chinese government. There's a fine line between rough justice and cold-blooded murder- something the Executioner understands all too well.

Dangerous allegiance.
When the military career of a top-notch Green Beret is terminated by a raw deal, the soldier turns mercenary to spill blood for profit. Now he's cast his lot with terrorists and organized crime, knowing there's big money working for those fueled by hatred and fanaticism. And if it brings him some payback against the government that betrayed him- all the sweeter.
Mack Bolan not only understands the mind-set of a well-trained soldier, he can play it to his advantage. But he's got less than 24 hours to rattle Vancouver's Triads in hopes of shaking loose their prized American gun for hire- because the mercenary has a suitcase full of death, and the incentive to make sure it reaches its final destination across the U.S. border.

Mack Bolan The Executioner

2007-10-26T15:11:00.000-04:00

Well folks meet the character/book that inspired the Punisher. Well no one really says that. But lets look at a couple things. Vietnam vet? Check. Family killed by mobsters? Check. Becomes vigilante bad ass, scourge of the mafia? Check. Any one picking up a pattern here? Their are people that say its the other way around. They are wrong. Dead Wrong. (Ha, Ha! Cheesy I know but roll with me.) The first Executioner (Mack Bolan) book "War against the mafia" was released in 1969. The first appearance of the Punisher was in 1974 (if I remember correctly). Now don't get me wrong I am a huge Punisher fan. But I recently rediscovered Mack Bolan. I remember checking Executioner books out of the public libary. A buddy of mines brother turned me on to them. The Executioner Mack Bolan is the largest series of book printed in english. Theres 349 books printed as of right now. That doesn't include the Able Team, Phoenix Force, and Stony Man books he appears in.
Mack Bolan is pure bad ass. His regular load out is a Beretta 93R, and "Big Thunder" his .44 Automag. Just like the Punisher he kicks seven shades of mobster/terrorist/foreign agent/bad guy ass. If this sort of thing appeals to you. I highly suggest you check them out.

(I posted the entirety of a pamphlet that Walden Books put out to celebrate the 100 book in the series. You may have to click on the pics, possibly even save them to you computer so that you can zoom in to read it better. Its a fun little short story. Give it a read. Especially if the Executioner sounds interesting to you.)

Porco Rosso

2007-10-25T19:28:00.000-04:00

Porco Rosso is rated #2 in Anime Insiders top fifty anime. This surprised me. I had seen it at the store before. But never really thought much of it. I just though it was another goofy/dumb anime. Well I've been reading up on it after reading AI's blurb on it. It sounds pretty interesting. I think I'm going to have to check it out. I would recommend you folks check it out. Please it you have seen it. Leave a comment. I'm interested in learning more about it.

Jin-Roh The Wolf Brigade

2007-10-25T13:50:00.000-04:00

Recently I recieved a Anime Insider magazine. From my friend Bungee. He had aquired it at the recent retailers summit. This is a magazine that I dont typically read. Not that theirs anything wrong with it. Its just not on my list so to speak. Well this issue had their top 50 anime of all time. They listed Jin-Roh The Wolf Brigade as #7 in their poll. It is definitely a top ten anime movie. I havent seen it in my prefered anime movie store. Nor have I looked for it online. I really should once I get some money saved. I'm posting a couple links that I think will explain it better than I. Link .1, Link .2

Its a really great movie. I cant recommend it enough.

So many games, so little time

2007-10-25T11:14:00.001-04:00

Twilight 2000. This is a game I more or less stumbled across a little less than a year ago. Its a game I was interested in, back in my youth. But a friends brother had convinced me it was a crap game. Oh man he was wrong. Sure its crunchy as hell. But everything was back then. I would have totally dug it back then. Probably would have play the hell out of if it. Heck if I had time I would play it now. If I had thew time or players interested. I would definitely use the timeline from the old books. I would consider it to now be an alternate future. I bought the PDF off drivethru rpg. If I remember correctly. As I said it was a while ago. I was just taking a look at it recently. Which is what prompted this post. Far Future Enterprises has reprinted the 1st edition. Which is very cool. I may have to get a hard copy sometime in the future. A company called 93 games studio has gotten the rights to Twilight 2000, and is coming out with a 3rd edition. Its supposed to be title Twilight 2013. I guess its a complete rewrite. New history moving away from the superpower conflict of the cold war. Sounds interesting. I will definitely have to check it out.

[edit] Found a PDF of some fluff text for the new 2013 game on 93 games studio site. LINK.

Golgo 13

2007-10-24T09:30:00.000-04:00

Well I've been thinking a lot about a crime game again. This being brought about by Mean Streets. I finally had Kinkos print my PDF's. Which turned out fantastic. Quality is top notch. There was a minor problem with one. But Kinkos fixed no problem. Anyways this has gotten me thinking of a crime game. I've been talking with my roommate. He doesn't seem to want to run a Sam Spade style detective game. But more of a mobster/criminal game. Well I've been really into watching "Brotherhood" on show time. Its about these brothers one a politician and the other a Irish mobster. I been very good. I just got into it recently but I think I going to have to buy the first season on DVD so I can catch up. This and movies like the Departed have been influencing my thinking. So I would really like to run it set in Boston. But truthfully I don't know much about Boston. Just the little tidbits here and there on the Internet and what not. But Mean Streets has a source book all about New York. As that's where its primarily set. So I though why not just move all this into Hells Kitchen. I seems like a good fit. I think a noir style heist. Something like The Usual Suspects, Goodfellas (Especially the Lufthansa Heist part, which is something that really happened.), Reservoir Dogs, Asphalt Jungle, or The Way of the Gun (Its a kidnap movie but it has a lot or noir elements). Anyways your probably wondering what the hell does any of this have to do with Golgo 13? Well like I said. I've been thinking about a criminal game. So the thought of a hit man came to me. Then Golgo 13 hit my brain like .44 magnum. For those of you not familiar with Golgo 13. Its a manga that's been around for ever. (I believe it is one of the longest running mangas in Japan.) Its been done as anime a couple times, a live action movie (Starring Sonny Chiba!) and as a video game. (The old NES, thanks right kids. Not game cube, not super NES. The original baby!) Hes sauve, yet dark hitman. Considered to be one of the best. His signature is that he uses a tuned M-16. Golgo 13 has this whole 70's/80's thing going on. That is just bad ass. Please don't take my word for it check it out in video. Watch "Golgo 13: The Professional". If I were to run this sort of game. The question becomes what system to use. I guess I could use Mean Streets XPG system. Just strip the setting from it. But maybe use one of the new systems I've found. Both Haven City of Violence from LPJDesign, and Dog Town from Cold Blooded Games would fit the bill. I've had Haven for a while, and I just discovered Dog Town (which is free now by the way). But I don't have any experience with them. They both have that dirty, gritty crime movie feel. They both have very crunchy systems. That's not a bad thing. I would just have to go over the material enough. to not have reference the books a bunch. In all reality it would probably just as easy to use GURPS. I very familiar with the rules already. So it would be a smooth transition. The core of the system is simple too. The complexity comes in when you add a bunch of the optional stuff. So basically I would have to salt to taste. Not a big deal.

IG-88

2007-10-22T08:49:00.000-04:00

In my last Star Frontiers game summary I mentioned that the robot the characters found looked like IG-88. Well in case you dont know and if you dont you should be flogged with a cat o nine tails, before you run home and pop in the DVD player the "Empire Strikes Back". The scene with all the body hunters on the bridge of the star destroyer you will see it there. He is a Star Wars droid. A droid that has achieved sentience, and become a bounty hunter. The characters robot is not sentient. Although he is a former security robot. Carrying a laser rifle that looks like the big one IG-88 carries.

Up and back

2007-10-21T18:28:00.000-04:00

Well as you remember from last time the characters are headed to the shuttle port. Today player wise it is Omar, Loran, and Octavian. Geshs play had an emergency and couldn't attend. Well as the characters walked into the shuttle port. They are greeted by Octavian. Who had come down from the ship to contact the characters. As the whole planet seems to be having radio signals jammed. Well they all get on the soonest shuttle to the space station. Finally they head off to the space station. As they start gaining altitude. Theres an explosion. The ship starts going down. Oxygen masks deploy and people start freaking out. They impact the planet and everything goes black. The characters wake up to find that they have survived the crash. They cant find Gesh any where though. Everyone else seems to have died in the crash. The characters lose several item apiece in the crash. Loran loses his cricket bat, and a frag grenade. Octavian loses his semi auto pistol and a doze grenade. Omar loses his electric sword, auto rifle, and his needler pistol. Well they scavenge the wreckage. Only finding the refreshment cart cart of any use. grabbing all the beverages and peanuts from it. They survey their area. Deciding to head for some hilly ravines. As they enter the ravines they see some people moving around in the distance. Dressed in brown robes. Omar sneaks ahead to try to get the drop on these people. While Loran and Octavian cover him. Unfortunately they all get surprised by small groups of the these people in brown robes. They appear to be lizard like humanoids armed with crude metal swords. They grunt at them of point for them to walk. So the characters play along. They walk down the ravine. Finding at the end a small village built into the canyon walls. (Kind of like the Hopi Indians.) They are approached by what appears to be the chief of the tribe. He is dressed the sam as the others save for the feather headdress. He also carries a nagata like spear weapon. A tall staff with one of the crude sword blades attached to the end. He motions for the characters to follow him. Grunting in some language unknown to them. He leads them into a cave. This cave has torches lit on the wall every ten feet or so. After a short ways into the cave the right hand side wall, Changes from stone to metal. Loran identifies it as the hull of a space ship. They travel a little further down the tunnel. Coming to a set of cave drawings on the stone wall. The chief grunts and points at the wall. The characters look it over. Loran correctly identifies it as being a set of stories and legends. It shows a adulthood ritual. Where a boy heads to a location kills a large bear looking creature. Which he then drags to what looks like a sacred place. Where he is given his sword. Therefore becoming a man. Below this shows a legend of strangers going through the same ritual. Then being taken to a secret place for a reward. The chief then beckons them to follow him. He heads farther down the tunnel. Passing another tunnel. Finally coming to an exit. It opens up into a canyon. The chief points down the canyon grunting in his language. They figure this is the start of the ritual of adult hood. So they proceed down the canyon. The chief standing in the entrance to the cave watching them walk away. They walk for maybe an hour or so. The area its self seems to be getting hotter and hotter. They come across a stream. It is dirty and smells of sulfur. They see a couple big salamanders catch a fish from the stream. Then run off as they approach. They jump the stream. Loran and Octavian fall in. Getting mildly burned. They travel further down the canyon. It splits left and right. They go left. The canyon becomes more rocky. When suddenly they attacked by salamanders. Two on the right and two on the left. Loran and Omar dispatch both groups quickly with sprays of automatic fire. The characters travel further a canyon joins their canyon. They suspect the other direction they could have gone rejoining the canyon. They travel finding a large open section of the canyon with a sulphury stream passing through it. It front of them a bear like creature with red scales is fishing. It turns and charges the characters. They battle the creature. It attacks the characters with its metal claws. (which seem natural not cybernetic.) They finally bring it down. They proceed to drag the carcase to the sacred place. They have to jump another stream. Omar and Loran jump across. Octavian falls in again. Splashing Omar burning him too. They reach sheer cliff with hand holds cut into the wall. Before they can drag the creatures body up though. They have to fight another bear creature. They kill it off. Then fumble their way through hauling the carcase up the wall. Once at the top they are greeted by lizard people. Dressed in aprons and robes made out of the bear creatures hide. They take the carcase and give each of the player on of the crude swords of the tribe. The players travel back to the cave that they came from. On the way back they take the opposite fork as they did last time. They are attacked by salamanders again. Three groups of two, and single creature. They have more trouble than expected. One of the creatures bites and latches on to Omar crotch. Doing damage every turn till Loran killed it. Omar still had to pry it off him. Finally they reach the cave. They are greeted by the chief. Who grunts and motions to follow him. He takes them down the side passage they passed before. Which ends at an airlock door. The chief grunts and points at the door. Loran jimmies the door open. As it opens they are hit by stale air. The cargo area seems not to have been opened in a long time. They find a couple of parabatteries, a hover fork truck, and box upon box of bottles of liquor. Then they find the holy grail in their opinion. They find a security robot. It has a dead power pack. It looks like IG-88. Complete with large laser rifle. They load twelve cases of liquor, the robot and the parabatteries and the hover fork. Driving out to the village, the tunnel being just big enough. By this time it is becoming night. They can see the smoke rising from their crash site in the distance. They also see lights. They head back to the crash site. Where they are picked up by rescue crews. The rescue team takes them back to Mahg Mar City. The characters go and find a liquor store. To which they sell the liquor to. For 6000 credits. Not a bad profit. They then go see Ralphy. They patch things up with him. Giving him the hover fork, for destroying his car lot. They then ask him where they can find One Eyed Hank. He tells them he frequents a club called the Pompadour. They rent a car from Ralphy and travel there to find Hank. He is dressed in a white rhinestone covered jumpsuit. Of course speaking like Elvis. He programed the robot and put in the battery. He only wanted 500 credits. but the characters were so happy with him they gave him a 1000 credits. They then took the robot (Which is now named Awesomo 3000) to the bar that Allister haunts. Loran and Awesomo go in. While Octavian guards the front door, and Omar guards the back door. Loran and awesomo chase Allister out the bar. Who is then cornered by Omar. Who smacks him with his bat. He then tells them he will give back the tool kit. He acts like hes going to get it out of a car trunk. Then suddenly he pulls an electro stunner out. Awesomo fires his laser rifle almost killing Allister. He then admits he doesn't have the tool kit. That it not even his car. The characters stuff him in the trunk of their car. Returning to Ralphys. Ralphy as usual greets the characters. They open the trunk and ask him if hell get rid of him. Ralphy looks down at him. Hey this guy owes me money. He hollers out wheres my money bitch?! Punching him twice. He tells the characters he'll take care of this guy. The characters then left for the hotel.

Sorry.....

2007-10-19T16:57:00.001-04:00

Sorry about not posting last weeks summary. Or any thing else for that matter. Works been, whats the words i'm looking for. Oh, yeah a rolling cluster @#%$. So bear with me. I'll post last weeeks summary with this weeks summary. Maybe get some more stuff posted too.

Weapons of mass destruction

2007-10-15T20:36:00.000-04:00

So once again. It was only three characters. Omar, Loran, and Gesh. Well they picked up their new cargo. At the space station in Kir-Kut. Instead of two cargo pods. It was two shuttles. They were to go back to Mahg Mar. Once there they were to fly them down to the planet to a renadvous site. They would guard the shuttles till they were picked up by the Streel Corp. Well they travelled to Mahg Mar uneventfully. They then got in the shuttles and took them planet side. Fortunately for them the shuttles were programed to do this automatically. So they didn't need to know how to pilot them. Anyways they reach the surface. Once there they don't find anyone waiting for them. Well the get curious about whats in the shuttles as they have never been informed. They unskillful pick the lock mechanism. They find that in the back of the shuttle a Hover Tank. Suddenly they see the sand moving. A sandshark pops out of the sand and attacks Omar. Well the group quickly dispatches the beast. It then that they hear vehicles approaching.

Well a ground car pulls up. Out steps five Merc Co soldiers including the woman with the whip. That seems to be the one in charge of the mining camp. She is short with the paying them the amount owed. Telling them that the car is no there responsibility. As it was rented from Ralphy Mays rental and used car emporium. The characters quickly jump in to the car and take off. They see the shuttles fly off. Presumably back to the mining camp. They go back to Mahg Mar city. They return the car to Ralphy. Who was glad to see them as always. They go to the bar across the street from Ralphys lot. Hoping to find some work before they leave the planet. As they sit in the bar. They see a group of the Mao suited gangsters enter. On of which is a fat man. Clutching a hairless cat. He appears to be the leader. they sit down. Then one of the flunkies approaches the characters. He tells them the boss wants to talk to them. So they go over and talk to the boss. He offers them a job. All they have to do is pick up some crates and deliver them to a location in the desert. 2000 credits up front, 2000 credits on delivery. The characters agree to the deal. The boss gives them an address on Green street to pick the crates up at, and coordinates in the desert they are to be delivered to. They go back across the street to Ralphys. They rent from him an Explorer. Which is a big 4WD van built for rugged terrain. They go to the address to pick up the crates. Its two buildings down from the warehouse that blew up. They are greeted by guys in green leathers. They quickly load the four crates up sending them on their way. The characters drive away. Curiosity getting the better of them. They open the crates to find robot brains. Figuring this might be a good way for them to get a robot. Like they have been wanting. The decide to get someone to reprogram a couple of the brains to come back to them. Once they are installed in the robot. So they go to Ralphy, to find a robot technician. Well Ralphy knows a couple guys and provides info on them. He asks the characters for on of the robots. Which they agree to. He tells them they should see Allister or one eyed Hank. Well they decide to see Allister. So they go to the bar he frequents. As they enter the bartender pulls a big ass rifle. Telling the characters that they don't serve their kind. Referring to Gesh the dralasite, and Omar the Yarizian. Omar, and Gesh grudgingly leave the bar. While Loran works out an agreement with Allister. Well they take Allister out to the explorer. He reprograms the brains for the characters. Telling them they are military robot brains at that. Which the characters are excited about. He goes back top the bar and the characters are on their way. The travel far out into the desert. When suddenly they are surrounded by hover bikes, and a car pulls up. They are all clad in green leathers and are the people taking delivery on the brains. They off load the crates. On of the guys pays the characters and smacks the front of the explorer telling them they are all set. The hover bikes and car take off. As do the characters. They get about half way back to Mahg Mar City. When the front of the explorer explodes. Well the character spend time jury rigging the explorer to get them back to the city. By this time it has become night. As they are travelling. They are passed by a high speed tracked vehicle. They do not get a good look at it because of the dust cloud it kicks up. They finally enter the city. As they do it looks like it has been attacked. Bullet holes and craters mar the building and road. They decide to get back to ralphys to get their robots when they come in. As they drive to Ralphys. They notice that the path of destruction follows the exact same path. As they approach Ralphys they see blown up cop cars and massive destruction. They get out of the explorer and approach Ralphys lot. They see two mini tanks. Which fire at and knock down police air cars that approach. Ralphy peeks his head out of one of the windows in his office. He tells them. "Get those god damned things out of here!". The characters tell him that one of them is his. He tells them again to get them out of there. So the characters have the robots follow them in the explorer and stash them behind the warehouse. That they had picked up the crates, that they delivered to the mining camp. They told the robots not to attack unless attacked. They then figured that they better get those robot brains out of the robots. As the brains could link them to the robots. So they go and hire Allister again. He tells them that he needs some special tool kit. So the characters buy it for him. They return to the warehouse. To find the robots and police fighting. They watch the police finally obliterate the robots. As this is going on. Allister runs off with the tool kit they bought him. This makes the characters angry. But theres not much they could do. They figure they better get off the planet. So they head for the shuttle port.

Pirates!

2007-10-07T18:40:00.001-04:00

Well this week. One of my players had family from out of town visiting. The other is on vacation. That left me with only two players. But we played anyways. So it was just Omar the Yarzian merc, and Loran the disgruntled former UFP man. As you recall from the last adventure. They returned to the hotel after the warehouse explosion. Well the next day they got a call from Octavious to return to the ship. The ship had been overhauled faster than expected. Plus they had already acquired a new cargo. So Gesh, Omar, and Loran return to the "Chubby Virgin". (Which for those that are just joining us is their small cargo/container ship) Once aboard they found out that their cargo was people. As Streel is evacuating what they are referring to as non-essential personnel from Mahg Mar. Life support isn't an issue as the passengers are in cryo-sleep. So they are carried in the exterior cargo pods. They have to deliver these people to Kir-Kut in the Solar Minor system.
Well the first half of the journey went off without a hitch.
That's when the pirates attacked.
Billy the pilot babbled something over the intercom. Omar, Loran went to see what was the matter. Sensors showed a ship coming up on them fast. It looked to big a frigate in size. Loran hailed them. They told them that Yellow Beard demands they stop and be boarded. Or they will attack. Well Omar doesn't take to this very well. Billy swings the ship around and Omar fires the laser battery. He actually hits them. Well the pirates fire back damaging the laser battery. and disabling one of the engines. The pirate ship then moves in and latches on to the "Chubby Virgin". Well the crew readies themselves for boarding setting up under cover where they think the pirates will board from. Well their plan works as they cut down four of the five pirates that board them. Omar and Loran decide to take the fight to the pirates. They used the extended gang way between the ships to board the pirates ship. Once they get to the pirates ship they are engaged in combat with two pirates guarding the hatchway. They quickly dispatch them. They follow the blood trail that the man they wounded on their ship left. It leads them to a large room. Inside of which is four pirates and their leader Yellow Beard.

As soon as Omar sees all the men he throws his Doze Grenade. This puts three of the four pirates asleep. Yellow Beard cackles at them "Is that all ye, got? Get'em Trashcan." With that from a door behind him a robot drives out. It has a cylinder shaped body with triangular shaped track assemblies on both sides of it. On its right it had a gyro jet rifle for an arm, and a manipulator arm on its left. Yellow beard chuckles loudly and exits the room to a door on the right. The fight then begins, Omar and Loran quickly dispatch the robot. This makes the pirate mad as he cries out "Trashcan Nooo....". The pirate gets hit and runs off. The characters now go through the door on the side going after Yellow Beard. The room they enter is some sort of observation deck. Its a circular room with a wall of translucent plasti-steel open to space. Standing before them is Yellow Beard. So defeated Trashcan eh? Well you wont find me so easy. Yellow beard and the characters exchange fire. Yellow beard using his Electrostunner. Set on electrocute. They defeat Yellow Beard, but not before almost dieing themselves. They feel the ship start to move. Fearing being trapped on the pirate ship they quickly return to their ship. Right before the pirate ship pulls away. Leaving in defeat. They safely reach the space station at Kir-Kut. their they pay to have the ship fixed. Which pretty much cut the journeys profits in half. Omar and Loran visit a pawn shop on the space station. Bilbos Lost and Found. Run by an Ifshnit named Bilbo. (Ifshnit are basically space dwarves) They pawn off some of the stuff, they recovered from the pirates bodies. They return to the ship to find out good news. They have secured another cargo. They are to carry two shuttles (instead of cargo pods) full of equipment. Desperately needed on the planet Mahg Mar.
That's where we ended.

Next time return to Mahg Mar.

Mean Streets

2007-10-06T18:33:00.000-04:00

Mean Streets takes the best (and bleakest) aspects of film noir, presenting them in a concept with which to role-play cynical private eyes, unscrupulous gangsters, and dangerous femme fatales as portrayed in film noir from the '40s and better part of the '50s.

This is the opening tag line from Deep7. For their game Mean Streets. They get right on the money. This thing just oozes noir film. Covering the the whole genre very well. It uses Deep7's XPG system. Which is simple and rules light. Which suits me, and the genre very well. Its very much worth a look. Even if you don't like the system. It is a treasure trove of info, for the era.

The reason I bring any of this up. Is that Ive been thinking about the genre. Ive had Mean Streets for a while. But I have not gotten a chance to run it. Well a couple days ago some folks were speaking about Fly From Evil. A game S. John Ross is working on. Which I guess has been a long time coming. He has stated he doesnt want to rush it by setting a deadline. He wants it right, and well playtested. Well his game is very much like Mean Streets. I very much want to check it out when he completes it. Anyways thats what got me thinking about Mean Streets. I would like to run a game of it tonight. But I think I will have trouble pulling my roomate away from the computer. As hes recently become addicted to Blitzkreig.

Anyways I found a review by of all people S. John Ross of Mean Streets. Check it out.

Kanes Game

2007-10-06T09:02:00.000-04:00

We played Kanes game thursday. Wow it was a lot different than I thought it would be. It is mix of Aliens and Resident Evil. Was totally not expecting that. I was expecting a wild space opera. But received a gritty space survival horror. Don't get me wrong it is very cool. I don't think Kane thinks, I think that. But I do. As I was a little catty towards the end of the session. Honestly I haven't gotten much sleep the last week. That's why. Not that, that is a good excuse. But it is what it is. Kanes taken and changed his Star Frontiers universe from mine. As his has ships with artificial gravity. He down loaded a couple different ship plans from I believe RPGnow. They're meant for D20 future. But that's just a name. They have worked fantastically for our purposes. These things are incredibly detailed and the battle ship is frikkin huge! He downloaded them and had them printed a Kinkos. For a small fee. He did that with the Star Frontiers books to. Had them printed and bound. Its totally worth it. I'm going to do that my self. But it will be a week or two. As my cash flow has been seriously impaired by bills recently.
(Just as a side note. I kind of flipped him out. I posted that picture of the M-41 pulse rifle. By chance earlier this week. Kane was totally like how did you know?)

Tearing

2007-10-05T23:45:00.000-04:00

Tearing

The way you look at meIs tearing me apart
And the way I make you feelIs tearing you apart
And the things we're doing to each other
Is tearing us apart
Look at you and me, tearing each other apart
I don't mean to do it
You don't mean to do it
So we better stop it now
Because we're tearing each other apart
It's hard to be aloneBut it's harder to be with you
I'm a lying liar with my pants on fire
Tearing myself apart
Slamming down the phone right in your face
Tearing you apartSo close, too close, not close enough
Tearing each other apart
When I see youI want to tell you
But then I lose the words
And it tears me apart
Better walk away
Before we crawl awayI've got a hole inside
And I keep it deep inside
And I'm going to go inside
And it's there I'm going to hide
Because I've got to get away
To see if I'm ok
Sometimes things don't work out
It tears you apart, it tears me apart
Sometimes happens all the time
And I'm feeling torn apart

That a song called tearing from the Rollins Band. As I type this half asleep, and a little altered from beer. It really speaks to me more than the usual. Than thats the jam thought, that typically goes on when I hear Rollins. I dont really want to go into it. But I wanted to share a song that is well speakng to me and badass at the same time.

Lock and load we're go'n in!

2007-10-03T10:20:00.000-04:00

Well Kane is running his Star Frontiers game this thursday. He got the jones to run a game. After playing in mine. Which is cool with me. I get to run one and then play in one. Plus now I get to break his game now! I kid. But it will definitely be fun. Hopefully I work a character tonight for it. I'm intrigued as to what he has in store for us.

(Just as side note: I really dig the M41-A Pulse Rifle from aliens. If you look closely you will see that the gun is built using a real gun. A Thompson sub machine gun to be exact. Being that a "tommy" is chambered for .45ACP. Which is a fairly large cartridge. Firing blanks of that caliber is why it has the large muzzle flash you see in the movies.)

Planet Side

2007-09-30T18:02:00.000-04:00

Well we ran the third session today. There were only three players again. But that's OK. So once again it was Omar the Yarizian Merc, Gesh the Dralasite Medic, and Loran the former military man. They are approached by a man in the bar they are hanging out in.

This man here. He has a simple proposition. He would like to hire the characters to deliver six crates no questions asked. To a mining camp out in the wild lands. He offers them 3000 credits up front and 3000 after delivery. They bargain with him and he pays them 4000 credits up front and 2000 after delivery. He gives them directions to a warehouse on the outskirts on the city. Tells them to talk to Roy. Well they go across the street to Crazy Ralphy Mays Rental Center. Who as you can guess is quite a character. Hes a large dralasite that wears an oversize foam cowboy hat. They negotiate with him. He shows them a hover truck and some other vehicles out back. While talking with him they see his guard pigs which are huge hogs with big tusks. Finally they rent a ground car, a PGC Escort sedan to be specific. They finally proceed to the ware house. Its a large tan stucco building. Out front is a human in a blanket poncho and large hat leaning against teh wall. They approach him and he turns out to be Roy. Roy unlocks the door to the building, shows them the crates and returns to the front of the building. Seemingly going back to sleep. They enter the building. Which seems to be filled with years worth of boxes and junk. In one corner are six green crates. They proceed to load the crates into the car. Half way through the process. Another car pulls up. Three men dressed in grey suits (similar to the type wore by Mao Zedong). They tell the characters to give them the crates. The players are less then responsive, as you can guess. Well the gangsters pull guns. So the characters respond in kind. A shoot out ensues. Two of the gangsters are hit by a needler pistol. Knocking them out. The last is killed by gunfire. They search the gangsters and find some ammo. Then take their watches and a big gold ring. They lock the two knocked out gangsters in the trunk of the gangsters car. Telling Roy that he might want to get rid of the car. They finish loading up the car and head out to the wild lands. Following the coordinates they are about half way. When they see a vehicle approaching them. They stop the car and get behind it using it as cover. A hover bike zooms up on them. With a rider dressed in green helmet and leathers. Spraying the car with bullets from an auto pistol. They return fire. Injuring the rider. Causing him to lose control. The hover bike noses down. Tumbling, sending the rider rag dolling across the hard pack desert. They search him recovering several ammo magazines for an auto pistol. They get back in the car and continue to the mining camp. Once they reach the camp it is not like any other mining camp they have seen. It is surrounded by a chain link fence topped with razor wire. Behind that they also have the beginnings on a burm. Being constructed, using the dirt dug up from the mine. On the main gate there is two guard towers. Equipped with machine guns. They are told to halt by security. Which look to be mercenaries dressed in brown Merc Co uniforms. They are armed with gyro jet rifles. they are checked out then let in. They are directed to the main building. They are greeted by a head guy. He inspects the crates. Revealing that the contents were a sonic devastator and a heavy laser. He tells them that he will contact Rolento. To let him know that they successfully received the crates. So the characters can go back to him to get paid. As the characters are going back to the car. They see something headed toward the camp. The head guy tells them its nothing to worry about. As they have been raided a couple times. That they are ready for them. Suddenly the fence explodes. It appears they didn't expect that. Four hover bikes rush in. Piloted by men in green leathers and helmets. Each one has a rocket launcher mounted to the bottom. One of them heads right at the characters blowing up their rental car. They engage the biker. They hit him but he moves out of range behind some buildings. Another approaches which they kill. The hover bike slamming into the burm exploding. Explosions happen around the camp. The characters acquire a hover truck. They then play chicken with on of the hover bikes. They miss him with the truck. But get a shot off on him as he passes. Sending him careening into a building. The Merc Co, guys seem to have things under control at this point. The characters examine the bike and body. The guy in green leathers has Galactic Task Force Incorporated markings on them. GTFI is the enemy of Streel and Merc Co. GTFI works for the Pan-Galactic Corporation.

They are approached by this woman. Who appears to be the head of the camp. She is very rude and short with the characters. She gives the characters the truck to replace their car. Then pretty much tells them to get the hell out. So they do. They return to Magh Mar city. They head to the warehouse that they picked up the crates. They wanted to pick up the gangsters car. So they could give Ralphy May a car back. But the car is not where they left it. They ask Roy about it. He tells them that he put it around back. They go out back to find the rear end up on blocks with some kids stealing the wheels. This angers Omar a great deal. He pulls his pistol. The kids run. Omar fires a burst killing one. The other immediately gives up. They make him put the wheels back on. They ask him what he is going to do with the wheels. He tells them that they were going to sell them to Wild Bills Pawn Emporium. After the kid puts the wheels back on. Omar gives him the ring he stole off the gangster. He tells the kid he owns him. That he owes him. And will ask him to do something, someday. Then tells him to get his friends body out of there.they check on the gangsters. They are still in the trunk. They then question them. Asking what they were going to do. They said that their boss was hired to get the crates by a man in green leathers. Our boss sent us to get them. Then take them to a warehouse on Green street. They close the trunk and drive the car, and hover truck to Crazy Ralphy Mays. They give him the gangsters car in lew of the one he rented them. As its blown up. Ralphys a little hesitant at first. But then agrees. As hes checking out the car. He finds the gangsters in the trunk. He says and I quote "Hey fellas you forgot your luggage." Or if you want I can get rid of it for you. For a nominal fee of course. So they pay Ralphy to get rid of the gangsters. They also sell him the hover truck. They ask Ralphy if he knows a good pawn shop. He tells them he sure does. His brother Wild Bill of Wild Bills Pawn Emporium. They then go across the street to the bar where Rolento is waiting for them. Rolento greets them. Gives them some line about easy money. This sets Omar off. He punches Rolento. Who responds by hitting him with his stun stick. Knocking him out. He pays the characters the remaining amount of money. Telling them to get the hell out. They do so. They then hail a cab. Being picked up by a Rastafarian Yarizian. He drives them to the pawn shop. They arrived at the pawn shop. they are greeted by Wild Bill the Dralasite. He buys the watches from them. For 30 credits each. They then haggle with him over some magnigoggles. They tell him hes asking to much money and leave in a huff. They then decide to check out the warehouse on green street. So they hail another cab. Which is driven by a human with a bronx accent. He takes them to green street. Its now getting to be dusk. So they wait till night to approach the warehouse. The warehouse is built out of corrugated steel. It looks as old as the city. Theres an overhead door and an entry way door. Both have a mercury lamp above each. Omar takes his needler and shoots out the lamps. A guy in green leathers stick his head out the entry door to see whats happening. Omar tries to shoot him. But misses. So he quickly ducks back in. They go up to the front of the building. Omar picks the lock. They open the door and gesh tries to throw a grenade inside. But it ricochet and lands at there feet. So they dive around the corner of the building. It explodes. Omar looks around the corner and sees the overhead door opening. So he tries to throw a grenade, and misses like Gesh. So it explodes out front. Then several hover bikes fly bout of the hole now in the front door. they throw a tangler grenade at them but it misses the mark. (everyone seems to have problem with grenades today) They have no vehicle so are unable to pursue. So they check out the ware house. Its full of crates with ammunition, weapon parts, a hover bike, and drums of something. Well they start to check out the place and discover a bomb. Well they high tail it out of there. An explosion destroys the warehouse in a fiery blast. The characters decide to cut there losses and hail a cab. Returning to their hotel.

Beerfest, the game

2007-09-28T09:54:00.001-04:00

I've often though it would be fun to play a one shot or a short series of adventures of The Big Lebowski. Not nessisarily the actual characters fromthe movie. (Although perhaps as NPC's) But as their own people gettingin crazy adventures, and bowling. Well with my interest in Oktoberfest. I came to a startling conclusion. I should run a Beerfest game. What ever the system. Have a drinking skill. Quarter bounce skill. Ping Pong skill. Bluff people. Taunting, and what not. It could be fun as hell.
But that leaves questions. What system? Would quarter bounce and ping pong be dealt with as skills? Or as a modified version of combat?
Hmmm... Definitely some things to ponder.

Now for something completely different

2007-09-27T21:00:00.000-04:00

Well I'm going to interrupt my normal RPG posting to talk about something else. Yes I know my post as of late has been a little sparse. I got a lot on my plate what can I tell you. Anyways I want to talk about one of my more recent mild obsessions. Oktoberfest. I have to go. Since I cant afford to fly to Munich, in Germany. To go the the real Oktoberfest. I'm going to have to settle for something local. Hell I'm drinking a Warsteiner Premium Verum right now. For those not in the know. Its a tasty German beer. I like beer. I like the accordion. I'll wager dollars to doughnuts. That you cant swing a dead cat with out hitting a polka band, or accordion player during Oktoberfest. Women in, cleavage baring traditional Bavarian garb. And did I mention the beer? Great big huge mugs of tasty German beers. This is all awesome. I must enjoy this first hand.

Items cards 3

2007-09-27T15:48:00.000-04:00

Well I'm hopefully going to start making more item cards for the D&D game I play in. Bungee let me barrow his Encyclopedia of Magica. Which is a second edition product I do believe. But its full of good stuff. I cant wait to read through it. I'm sure it will give me all kinds of stuff for cards.

Rules to GM by

2007-09-25T12:53:00.000-04:00

I thinking yesterday after reading some stuff. What are some of the rules to GM by. Not like rules of the game or system. But rules that a GM can apply to his gaming.
A couple I thought of,

-Players always do what you dont expect. Be ready.

-Players will sell you there characters mom for enough credits to buy a warbot.

What rules do you have? Or have come to find true.

Big Lebowski

2007-09-24T09:21:00.000-04:00

Well those of you that know me. Know my love for all things Big Lebowski. Its one of my favorite movies. I happen to come across these T-shirts. So I thought I would share.

The Chase

2007-09-23T19:14:00.001-04:00

Well as you may remember from last time. Deputy Agent Tom of Star Law has deputised the group. In order to go after the freighter "The Star of Dramune". Well before they could do that Loran voiced so concerns of not dropping off the cargo and getting paid. Tom assured him he would get paid. Regardless if cargo came into damage. Loran didn't believe/trust him. Had him forge a deal before they would go after the ship. While loran was being played in character. As he doesn't trust the military, or Star Law. So he demanded to get paid in advance for their cargo. Which honestly wasn't what I had in mind for the scenario. But since I was going to make sure they got paid for their cargo regardless. It wasn't a big deal. Then Kane (who plays Loran) wanted to know what was their incentive to chase after the ship. Because chasing down the evil that had invaded and f'up the galaxy twice, evidently isn't enough incentive. So Deputy Agent Tom told them they would get their ships engines overhauled for free. Again this was not a big since I was going to give the characters this as a reward anyways. It just pushed up its appearance in the story. This was enough to get the boys on board. Before they left Tom gave them two automatic rifles, and a gyro-jet rifle. Along with a frag grenade each.
Well they climbed aboard the "Chubby Virgin" and quickly caught up to the "Star of Dramune". As the "Star" is equipped with ion engines, and the "virgin" is equipped with atomic engines. They stayed to the rear of the "Star" and docked with it entering in the aft engineering section. Octavian stayed on the "Virgin" as his player didnt show up so his character stayed on the ship with Billy the pilot. They immediately encountered two robots. Humanoid in form with an auto rifle built into their right arms. Well they battle and destroy these combat robots. They then disable the ships engines. Then while exploring the deck they find a workshop it looks like the robots were assembled in. They proceed up the main access to the forward engineering deck. They fight another robot there. They climb to the next deck. Which is the aft crew quarters. They don't find any more robots just dead bodies of the crew. The bodies look like they have been there a couple weeks. That look like they were murdered. The next deck they find another pair of robots. They dispatch these quickly. The find more bodies of the crew. They move on to the avionics deck. In the computer center they encounter not robots. But a human Sathar agent, and, a Sathar! They shoot it out with them and kill them both. (Just as a note I wish they would have just wounded the sathar and tried to take him prisoner. So they could watch him shoot itself in the head. As opposed to being captured.) So they secured the ship and headed back to the station "Arcas". When they arrived they found it a startling change. It was full of personnel. Things where being made right. As the ship was being over hauled they were flown by shuttle to the planet Mahg Mar. Before they could leave though. They had to give the rifles back. As rifles and heavy weapons are not aloud on planet. With the promise of a free return trip. They were flown to the only city on the planet. Mahg Mar city. The eastern portion of the city consisting of the University of Mahg Mar. The planet itself is a rough place. Hot and dry. Mostly barren dirt or sand. With Rock outcroppings. The only vegetation being spots of prairie grass and small scrubby trees. As soon as they hide the surface they start looking for places to spend there hard earned credits. They find an Army/Navy surplus store. Where they buy skein suits and ammo. From there they proceeded to the nearest bar. It was mostly deserted. They were approached by a man who recognized them as the men who helped to free the space station. He came to them with a proposition. We ended there to continue next week.

Have you ever....

2007-09-21T13:50:00.000-04:00

Have you ever thought up an NPC. Only to realise their not going to fit in the game you've cooked up? I have an awesome idea for a Dralasite/Rastafarian/Bronx NY style cab driver. But the city they will be visiting may not be big enought to justify a taxi. Maybe I can work him in. I just think a dralasite with a rasta style striped wool hat. A fat cigar in his mouth. Saying things like "Ya man, everytings I're." I think that would be fun. I can see him being a reacuring dude. I figure I'll stat him up. He may prove useful. I'll post him when I get a chance.

Tag I'm it

2007-09-21T08:08:00.000-04:00

Well the Chatty DM has tagged me to leave a social meme. So what the heck.

Last four jobs (Not including current)
Fry Cook
Lawn Care
Car Porter/Detailer
(No fourth)

Movies
Bladerunner
Maltse Falcon
Heat
Ronin

Places Ive Lived
Lansing (Well close enough anyways)

Favorite TV programs
Survivor man
Dexter
Myth Busters
Simpsons

Places I've vactioned
Washington D.C.
Northern Virginia
Sandusky, Ohio (Cedar Point Amusement Park)

Favorite Foods
Chinese Food
Cornbeef and Cabbage
Pot Roast w/ potatoes
Big Johns Steak and Onion Sandwich

Favorite Drinks
Coffee
Coca-Cola
Beer (Prefferably, Boddingtons Pub Ale)
Single Malt Scotch (Prefferably Glennlivet Archive 21 year old, but seeing how thats a little pricey its usually the 12 year old for me)

Where would I rather be
Roleplaying
At home asleep
At home on the computer
At the gun range

Loran Morgaine

2007-09-18T19:13:00.000-04:00

Kane sent me his background story for his character Loran Morgaine. I thought, I would share it here on the blog. (I plan on posting everyone elses as I get them. Like I did with the GI Joe game.)

Loran Morgaine Baston, grew up in the large city of Port Loren, on Gran Quivera. He spent most of his child life in poverty, his mother had died during child birth and left Loran's Father to care for him. Loran's Father, Lothar Baston was a landsman at one of the city's large shipping ports. While Lothar was never the kind of man who wanted to be a father, he tried his best to make sure Loran knew right from wrong and tried to provide a future for his son. Many hours at the docks Lothar worked to ensure his son might be able to go farther then he had. It was the many long hours that may have help to contribute to the accident that took Lothar Baston's life when Loran was 14. The men who came to the school that day told Loran that his father was dead, and he was to come with them. In the hovercar Loran over heard the men talking about how after the rogue engine lifter was switched off, there wasn't enough to tell it was even a man once...
After all the court hearings on the accident and the later moves from foster home to foster home, Loran was eventualy made a ward of the state and placed in a UPF training academy for youth's. He spent the next 4 years of his life learning to forget the problems that life had dealt him, and focus on the world around him. The military life was a good fit for Loran, he excelled at all his studies, being small weapons and martial arts training, to technical and biosocial sciences. After he graduated from the youth academy at the age of 18. He was suddenly faced with a decision, to continue with the military life that he loved so much, or go off into the private sector where he had a small fortune saved in a trust fund in his name. Lothar Baston couldn't give his son all he wanted, but in death and life, he left his only boy with a sizeable fortune in the money that he had put away while he worked, and with the trust fund set up in his sons name upon his death from the insurance company that quickly wanted to cover the malfunctioned cargo lifter accident that had killed Loran's father.
Some may have taken this new found money and started a life in the frontier paving their own way, but Loran Baston knew he was not for the civilian life, and cared little for the blood money of his poor blue collar father. He bought a one way shuttle pass to Prenglar, Morgaine's World, where the UPF has one of its finest academy's. His past youth training academy scores where well high enough to allow him to enter the UPF military academy and after 4 more years of training and testing, Lothar Baston was assigned to a outpost unit on the outer frontier planet of Laco.
For 12 years Loran served the Federation with pride and honor, being on a outpost planet like Laco, there was many chances for one to see action, there was ever the shipping pirates, local bandits and even encounters with mysterious hostile ships that would seemingly come out of no where and for no purpose other then to destroy the outpost. This was the normal life of a lieutant of the UPF, some action, some down time, and Loran loved it, and never thought it would end, but saddly Loran and happyness seldom last long.
At the age of 34 Lt. Baston was a decorated pilot and military profesional, but seldom did he pursue his accolades to their fullest, where some men may have taken every promotion and new assignment, Loran did not, he was happy being a outer rim fighter pilot and that was good enough for him. This made his younger superiors abit stand-offish to the "old man" and caused rifts in the chain of command in the outposts small UPF force. On a routine solo patrol of the outer quadrant of Laco, Loran found himself under attack from 3 unknown and much stronger ships. They came from seemingly no where and before Loran could do anything his cockpit was blasted open and he found himself floating in space strapped to his ejection seat. To make matters worse, his helm had been damaged during the attack and had not shut the blast sheild down in time to protect his face from the imploding cockpit. The blasting hot plasti-steel cut into his face and caused a life long scare on his left sife of his face. The attackers where gone as fast has they had appeared, thinking their prey was now just a floating hunk of blasted metal. Loran floated in space, bleeding in his suit for a full day before a passing patrol ship picked up his ejection seat's emergency beacon.
Two weeks later Lt Loran M. Baston was released from the hospital on Morgaine's World, and found himself honorably discharged from the service. It seems the Laco commanding officers took Loran's accident as a sign to cut back on fighter pilots and offer early retirements to officers who where of age and or served in hostile encouters. Loran tried and tried to appeal the discharge, but there was no hope, the military he had loved so much had turned its back on him and now he was faced with the cold hard reality of civilian life.
Five years have pasted, five long years of civilian life... Loran first tried his hand at mercenary work on the outer rim, but found he disliked their unorganized manor and love of money. He later worked as a cheif of security for a star cruise line, but got bored with that after a few years. Loran now is 40 and is but a shell of the once proud man he was, his life, almost to have seemed to have gone full circle now, disgruntled at the UPF and finding solace in the bottle of a bottle, he feels the end of his rope coming. Tomorrow he is to report to a vrusk owned company for a quick job off planet to deliver some goods to some other far off planet. The employment office says its good quick money, but Loran cares little for the money, the ship will take him to some place new, that he has been to many times before, the next bottle and maybe closer to a final answer his life is missing....

In to Space

2007-09-16T17:29:00.000-04:00

Well we started the Star Frontiers game today. I thought it went well. The scenario I put together was/is pretty big. But hey got through more than I expected. It kept our attention. As it was kind of like o'crap its 5 o'clock. Well we'll wrap it up here for today. It was a good place to stop anyways.
First off lets talk about the players characters.
Ryan is playing Omar an aggressive Yarsian mercenary. Armed with an auto-pistol.
Scott is playing Loran a Human, disgruntled former UPF military man. Also armed with an auto-pistol.
Robert is playing Octvian a Vrusk businessman. Assigned to the ship. Armed with a pair of swords.
Pat is playing Gesh a Dralasite medic. Armed with a gyro-jet pistol.
The fellas are supposed to flesh things out better in a back story. When I get it I will post it here.
Together with Billy (NPC) their pilot they are the crew of the "Chubby Virgin". A small container freighter. Which means the ship carries its cargo in containers/pods outside of the hull. Much like a container ship in reality. They have a corporate contractual lease. What this means is that. The characters are leasing the ship from a company. The company takes a larger portion of the profits. Because part of the money is going toward purchasing the ship. Sort of a rent to own deal. It also give the characters the backing of the company to purchase cargo. o that they can deliver it to wherever they can get the most for it. The company they are in contract with is a small Vrusk shipping company named Prospect Shipping. Prospect has offices a couple different systems.
The characters are delivering food stuffs, and toiletry's. To the planet Mahg Mar in the Waller Nexus system. They are delivering to the space station. The planet itself has a small educational/research center. The station orbiting the planet is mainly a distribution center between transports, and the planet. The station is named the "Arcas". It a small station. But it has a little of everything. Including restaurant's, shopping, health club, and a small hotel. It is a cylinder which ships can dock at. Near the top there is the ring. This spins giving gravity. This is where the shopping and stuff is located. The command center being at the top of the cylinder.
As they approach the station they receive an automated docking message. Which the pilot remarks as being a little strange. They also see a lone ship leaving the station. It is a lone Indiaman class freighter. Named "The Star of Dramune". So they dock and enter the station.
Everything seems fine, except that it seems deserted. Till they get half way up the cylinder on the freight elevator. The notice something strange on the air lock door. They stop and investigate. Its blood on the door and floating in the air. As the cylinder is zero g. they try to use the intercom to contact security. But all they get are goofy automated messages.
They continue up the elevator. With the goal to go to the cargo wholesale office in the shopping area. Get their money and get out. So they get to the elevator room and head to the shopping center. As they are riding the elevator down they notice some strange slime on the floor. When the doors open they see a slime trail to the right. The players decide not to follow this and head to the left toward the cargo office. Its very strange there are no sounds of activity. As the shopping center is usually far busier than this. As they head to the cargo office. They notice in the first shop. which is a clothing retailer, someone moving around in the back. Behind a counter. They go to see who, or what it is. When from behind the counter comes out a reptilian humanoid. That seems to have cybernetic attachments on its head and back. The creature has an auto pistol. Which it raises as soon as it see the characters. They shoot it out with the slavebot. They fairly quickly take it down. They take the extra magazines of ammo off its corpse.
As they move closer to the office. They see no one. The restaurant across from the shopping area has table pushed over and is generally in a state of disarray. They finally get to the office. Finding it empty. With no way to get paid. They decide to go to the control room. But not before they raid the sporting goods store next door to the office. They find some ammo for the auto pistols. Along with a couple semi-auto target/sport pistols. They also liberate a baseball bat, a cricket bat, and a golf club.
They get to the elevator and see the slime trail again. they decide to follow it. They get up to the restaurant. Which has a glass wall separating it from the hallway. they see a large slug like creature. About 2-3 feet high. And about 4-5 feet long. It appears to have cybernetic attachment mounted in what appears to be its head. The characters open fire on in through the glass. It returns fire with a flamethrower. Striking Octavian hurting him pretty bad. The characters one by one charge the slug. Stabbing it with a sword (Octavian), and bludgeoning it to death with the bats and the club.
They decide to high tail it to the control center. So they take the elevator back to the elevator hub. To get to the control center they must pass through the shuttle lounge. Which is where to arrange and wait for a shuttle to take you down planet side. As they com in to the lounge. They find them selves in a cross fire from two of the slavebots with auto pistols. They battle taking a fair amount of damage. Gunning one down and charging the other beating it to death. They regroup and Gesh the groups medic heals them up a bit.
They then bypass the lock on the door and enter the command center. There they find a cyboslug, and a strange pedestal bolted to the floor. With a clear top with electronics and bio organic stuff inside. They engage the slug in combat. Stabbing it to death. (the slug had the worst rolls ever and missed every time it attacked.)
As they turned their attentions to destroying the pedestal. It mocked them and started a countdown. Well Omar defused the bomb. It talked some more trash and they felt the station start to shift. The box had started to move the station to crash it into the planet. The killed off the pedestal and regained control of the station. Putting it back to orbit. After they destroyed the pedestal and regain control. Multiple system started to come back up. They saw that a shuttle was heading up to them from the planet. They hailed it. Deputy Agent Tom of Star Law responded.
They greeted him at the docking bay. Deputy Agent Tom looked like R. Lee Ermey. (The drill Sergeant from Full Metal Jacket). He seemed angry wanting to know "What the hell is going on hell!" and held them at gun point till he saw the evidence of the slavebot corpses. He wasn't alone though. With him were a dralasite named Sancho and a human named Petey. Both armed with rifle style weapons. Tom the group went back up to the command center. Tom in his expert opinion figured this looked like the work of Sathar agents. They checked the station records. The Star of Dramune was the only ship to have been at the station in the last two days. Figuring they must be the source of the slavebots and such. Determining that Deputy Agent Tom deputises the group. Commandeering their ship to chase after the The Star of Dramune. That's where we left off. Next week "The Chase".

Aces & Eights

2007-09-14T23:37:00.001-04:00

I just picked this game up. I had only heard a little bit about it. Then some folks started talking about it on theRPGsite. It really appealed to me. Then the level of support that it seems to have. Jolly and Mark from Kenzer & Co both have posted on theRPGsite. Answering questions and talking about it. Not to shill, but serving a wanted purpose. I have never seen this kind of support and enthusiasm from a company. I had to check this out for my self. Well I didn't buy a book as much as I bought a Tome. This is the most amazingly complete game I have ever seen. It is fantastic. Basic rules along with more advanced rules that can be mixed and matched any way you like. You can totally customize things for your self rules wise. And did I mention complete. Holy god friends. This thing is the greatest (Bar none) western game or supplement I have laid hands on. The info and the sheer amount of it, is astonishing. If it were not for the fact I'm starting a Star Frontiers game sunday. We would be doing a western game. Do your self a favor go to Kenzer and companies site. Dont just take my word for it. Check this thing out.

Steve dont eat it!

2007-09-11T15:44:00.000-04:00

You have to check this out!
Steve Dont Eat It

Star Frontiers, Ships Name

2007-09-11T13:12:00.000-04:00

Well I'm giving the characters a ship to start off with. Figured it should have a name. So I thought I would put it up for a vote. So here are the nominees:

Ming's Comet
The Scotsdale
Lutefisk
Bad Mother Fucker
The Carp
The Breaker
The Star of Dramune
Zeypher
Dragon Lady

Well there they are vote for your favorite. Leave a comment telling me which one you like. Dont see an obvious choice? Or have a better one? Tell me in a comment.
Thanks for your vote in advance! :-)

(Cross posted at theRPGsite)