(Gamma World) Not a Test #109 - The Executive Suites

The De Facto Explorers have discovered a facility that used to manufactured energy cells in the Glow Zone wilderness across the Big River. 

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Lathar Bracken: A pure-strain human from River Bend.  He's got the muscle, the face, and a mount for most encounters.  Lathar's trusty beast of burden, No Name, travels wherever he does.   Looking for trouble in all the right places. The two-time champion of the Fair-Town Queen's Joust.  Recently married Thunnelda Haycock.

Sneaky Pete: A mutated weasel scout.  Pete's telepathy and night vision take a backseat when he whips out his electrical powers.  Apparently addicted to his newly uncovered yellow powder found at "The Pool House"

Sonny Helianthus: a nearly 10' tall sentient sunflower artifact examiner with four arms, and trusted Restorationist ties. Knowledgeable,  but not a good one with device repairs or upgrades. 

Slitheran Wurmtail (aka Squiggles): a mutated earthworm scout, in impromptu power armor, looking for trouble in all the wrong places,  and finding it often.   He  has been subject to genetic testing and developed super-human strength, a more human body, and a thick coat of shaggy white hair.  Recently gave birth to a pile of baby worms. 

Luna of the Restorationists:  Recent recruit of the Restorationists, who had uncovered artifacts across the River.  

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A solid night's rest in the office was welcome to all, despite a few odd sounds coming from the plant.  Recharged, they began going through the other offices on the main facility floor.  The doors had their own keycard system, but they already acquired the green card necessary.  

Most of the items in the offices were ruined after centuries.  Sonny did pry open some pages to a ledger, and from the notes actually ascertained the person running the facility was selling energy cells to a private army, versus their usual contract with the "real" military.  There was also a note of a stockpile of their ill-gotten gains, although Sonny couldn't figure out exactly where it was.

Some of the doors had been ripped apart, a caked-on adhesive along the floors.  Pete showed a moment of bravery, jumping over the goo and investigating a room with a long table and many chairs.  

Two massive beetles emerged out of a junk pile on the far side of the room.   

Pete did his best attempt at swashbuckling backwards, swinging a sword, while firing his flintlock and moving back towards the door.   

Low on the power cells for their Ancients weapons, everyone resorted to assault rifles, and in some cases black powder weapons. The room quickly filled with smoke.  The beetles were resilient, though and soon they reached the doorway. 

Finally,  Squiggles smashed the one with his mace.   With its partner destroyed, the other beetle quickly scurried under the table, and probably back into the junk pile of smashed furniture.   

Pete, followed by Sonny, pursued carefully, jumping back onto the table, prodding the junk pile with his sword.  

Sonny could hear the weasel go "Rat's" a whoosh of air, and a number of needle-like projectiles hit the wall at the far end of the room.  The surviving beetle had tried some missile attack and lunged at Pete. 

Pete tried valiantly to use his shocking grasp mutation to power his sword, but, as normal, he couldn't hit anything in melee.  A final shot by Squiggles dropped the creature.  For all the desperation, there was nothing of note in this ancient conference room was a giant beetle sized hole in the wall to the outside, as well as a half a carcass of a dead-Hopper.  

In the final room along the east wall, they were please to find a dusty and dirty shotgun, a drawer full of thin gold bars, and some notes about the "stash" being below the building, in a section of the mines they had not explored.  

Treasure and glory was quite tempting, but the group was exhausted and broken.   The treasure wasn't going anywhere fast, so they agreed to get back to the Hopper caves , seal up the doors, and rest for a number of days.  

The Hoppers agreed to host their new friends, at the cost of a trinket of Ancients technology for each of them.  

Next: #110 - My Sixteen Days with the Hoppers

Partner-in-Crime(s?) Confirmed for Mepacon

It's been a slow crawl getting my events together for Mepacon 50, April 17-19 outside of Allentown, PA.  I'm running four distinct events, all of which are in a perpetual state of "almost ready". 

Burning Plastic: Just need a moment to dump out the army guys onto a table and build a number of units.  Might be a good idea to scan the rules into a digital file.  Despite my desire to fit into smaller clothing, it's not 1994 anymore

TOON:  The base characters have always been in a file.  I do have a feeling of dread as I realized that I put 8 players for "Krusty the Kultist."   For that particular scenario, that means 16 PCs!  I always wanted to stat out Snake....

Talislanta:  Honestly, I just need to fill out character sheets, and maybe... just maybe, I'll throw a minor spellcaster into this one for fun.

My Little Pony - Tails of Equestria - I'm wildly happy "The File" survived the purge during my last move.  I need pencils, a big box of crayons, and triple confirmation on the variety of character sheets.

This past weekend, I drove up to Albany to see Maja play in a local volleyball tournament.  I've never vented as much about travel volleyball than basketball, but it was the normal experience.  As a plus, I did manage to corner her so I could register her for the con.  

Going through the event schedule with her, I do confirm that there are tons of events still open, but very few things either Maja or I would be excited to play (hence why I easily went with running a variety of games)

Seventy bucks later, she's signed up for both LARPs, at least one of the improv seminars, and one of the card games, with a few "liked" games on the Tabletop Events app for reference. 

The biggest news beyond that was the alleged appearance by "Dr Bob", the originator the "Cthulhu Comes to Springfield" Toon game, Coc/Delta Green Keeper extraordinaire, and the slightly infamous "Dr Wintermute" from the Masks of Nylarathotep portion of my Call of Cthulhu campaign.  Table space will be at a premium, but he would like to dust off his old Batman/Cthulhu Gotham game at the con, so this is getting more interesting with less than a month to go.  

The Mike Lung Gallery #92 - Fear of a Cheese Planet

Friend of the Blog and AWARD WINNING GM Mike Lung has returned to some interesting projects, a possible return to the Cheese Planet!  

He's dove into kitbashing and modeling sci-fi figures who could fit on my Death Planet Iota, but would have far more fun on a mousling mining colony.

He's also gone down the rabbit hole of re-basing his figures with clear bases, so they fit well in forest, plains, deserts, and even cheese planets.  

Historicon 2027?   It's a possibility!

The Compleat Strategist is Closing. Which One? All of Them?

 The saying goes, "When one door closes another door opens."

The doors opening after this are going to be pretty freaking epic.

Initial reports had The Compleat Strategist, the near mythological hobby shops mentioned in old issues of Dragon, brimming wall to wall with gaming throughout the ages, closing its last two stores in NYC (Manhattan) and Philly (King of Prussia) near the end of Apirl.

After the initial shock of the news hit the world, they produced an ominous statement, stating that no determination had been made when and the NYC location would be closing. 

 I never got the opportunity to visit the Manhattan location (my friend Wooly recently did, and the words "bloated and archaic" are words he didn't use but inferred... and I immediately felt some jealousy, because that is exactly my type of game store.

 I didn't get the chance to get down to the one in King of Prussia, until my girls started playing in basketball tournaments around the corner.  I was never disappointed, almost always come home with something knew, and the girls loved stopping in... and pushing my gaming budget for their own needs.

Pictures taken from Ron Meischker (Philly Gaming Expo)

Of course, they are closing when I have a little more money than normal, but no time.... to make it down one last time... maybe around Easter, probably not on or around the final clearance push.  

Happy First Day of Spring 2026

 

🔰(Georic Gazetteer) Principality of Phennantia

The Principality of Phennantia

Pantheon:  Xellenism, dominated by worship of Poseidon, Athena, and Hephaestus

Ruler: Prince Alexios Drakonis III

Government: Hereditary Principality with a Council of Elders

Capital: Heraklion (20,000)

Other Cities:  Cannan (15,000)

Language: Xellnic, (Common), High Elven, Minotauran

Flag/Emblem:  A golden fish leaping, on a field of blue

Coinage:  Phennant Standard

Important Personas:  Various nobles, 

Alliances: Direct trade agreement with Argivia, Danaan, Amond Coast.

Hostilities: Oliva

Open Warfare/Skirmishing: None

Intrigues: Unknown

Demi-Humans:   Elf 10%, Minoatur 8%, Dwarf 2%

Magickal Devices: The dreaded Knife of Nethersummoning is wielded in public by Prince Alexios, the Doubleaxe of Asterion, 

Thumbnail Sketch:

The Principality of Phennatia is a fiercely independent island domain, renowned for its naval power, labyrinthine cities, and a unique blend of human, elven, and minotaur cultures. This island has been called a vassal to almost every culture in the Mer Med:  Barthey, Danaan, Khemmet, and even Lybboss, and the culture is mixed, but the true roots currently return to Xellnic culture. With recent decline in Barthey influence, Phennantia shed all semblance of their relationship with Barthey two generations ago, asserting its autonomy, forging its own destiny as a hub of trade, magic, and seafaring might across the sea.   With towering white cliffs, sprawling olive groves, and legendary ruins, Phennantia is a land of both natural splendor and deep historical mystery.

The Council of Elders, composed of influential merchants, sea captains, and mages, serves as an advisory body to the prince, ensuring that power is not held too tightly by one ruler. While the monarchy is respected, Phennantia prides itself on its political pragmatism, allowing for shrewd maneuvering in the ever-changing tides within the region.

Cretans take pride in their seafaring traditions, martial prowess, and independence. Many young men and women train in naval combat and spear-fighting, while others dedicate themselves to the mystic arts, particularly magic tied to water, wind, and the stars.

Minotaurs, though once seen as mere labyrinth guardians and warriors, have become integral to Cretan society, serving as elite palace guards, shipbuilders, and even advisors to the prince. Their long oral traditions have merged with human and elven influences, creating a rich storytelling culture.  Yes, there is good chance you will encounter a singing or dramatic Minoatuar on the island. 

Phennantian festivals celebrate the sea gods, particularly Poseidon, with grand naval games, feasts, and sailing competitions. The greatest of these is the Tideborn Festival, where the prince himself leads a fleet in ceremonial voyages to the island’s sacred grottoes.

Geography & Major Cities

Heraklion (Capital) – A bustling port city, Heraklion is Phennantia's beating heart, filled with white-washed houses, winding stone streets, and towering bronze statues of Cretan heroes. Its great harbor, protected by enchanted sea walls, serves as a gateway between East and West.

Knossos – Once an ancient elven and minotaur stronghold, Knossos is now an eerie mix of crumbling temples, deep underground tunnels, and arcane ruins where scholars and adventurers seek lost knowledge. The legendary Labyrinth of Daedalus lies beneath the city, still said to be haunted by forgotten creatures.

Cannan – A city of merchants and sailors, Chania is famous for its shipwrights, pirate lords, and hidden coves where smugglers conduct secretive dealings. Many believe that the city harbors agents from every major power, making it a hub of espionage and intrigue.

Notable Locations & Attractions

The Labyrinth of Daedalus – In Knossos, a sprawling underground maze said to house ancient minotaur relics, arcane traps, and possibly even the last remnants of the original labyrinth-dwelling Minotaur King

The Ruins of Zakros – An abandoned palace, rumored to have been a stronghold of the lost elven tribes, prior to their emigration onto the Talaishian mainland. Now home to ghostly whispers and hidden vaults of knowledge.  It's labyrinth has not been conquered.

Mentions of Phennantia in the Blog: None

(Review) Alchemist's Cove Comics and Games, Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania

I have the pleasure of taking back to back trips up to Albany to see the girls for the remainder of the month, so it was fitting and expected to run down to check on my mom, grab some lunch with her and run some errands, and leave by 3pm.  After a quick trip to Hobby Lobby, detailed on Sunday's post, I decided to go back to Wilkes-Barre the roundabout way to finally see the new location for Alchemist's Cove Comics and Games 

Four years ago I stopped by and reviewed their original Schuylkill Haven location.   I enjoyed the store, it was a great in-town location, and tons of positive thoughts (and the ever-elusive 5-out-of-5 gnome rating). 

Since then, they left their Schuylkill Haven location and physically BUILT their new location on PA 61 in the great Orwigsville metropolitan area (Those of you who know the Hamburg area, it's a few miles north of Cabella's.)

New Location:  I knew they had built their own structure, across the highway from a red brick church, I follow them on social media and have seen pictures. of the inside and outside.

I still gasped and giggled a little as I saw it coming up on the left hand side.  I also had a grin of astonished glee as I realized the sizable but still packed parking lot was dedicated solely to the store. 

Rows and rows of parking dedicated to comics and games...

Let's get my two pet peeves out of the way.

Greeting:  This has been a problem, as I've expanded my store reviews.  It was NOT a problem here.  It was quick, friendly, and they had a crowd around the display cases, so I was delighted with that. 

Cleanliness: It's big, it's spacious, there are multiple bathrooms, and it's very welcoming.  It is definitely a place to bring your friends, family, and non-gamers with zero hesitation.  

CCGS:  The right hand side of the store is the register, and a long series of display cases joining all the way to the back of the store., showing a LOT of Magic and Pokemon.   Behind that were multiple shelves of various boosters, starters, decks, gift sets, etc.   From the look of their schedule they also have events for Riftbound, Gundam, and.... Overpower???  I'm assuming they have product for those games as well.  

Only drawback, looking at the old review, the Schuylkill Haven location had cards in the case priced out, and one of the delays in handling the crowd was pricing out something from the case... and the probable million variants it could be. 

Board Games: Yes, if you're inquiring about popular board games of the last 15 years, and a little bit more, they had it, with the smaller games nestled off in their own section.

RPGs:  The rock solid selection of D&D, more Call of Cthulhu then I've seen in quite a while, and a few other random items.  

Miniatures:  Classic GW assortment (with fully stock paint rack and overpriced spray paint/primer.  Much impressed!), some Mantic (Kings of War/Armada), a section for Battletech (and a whole lotta Savannah Masters!) and a dominant selection of Warlord that rivals vendors at an HMGS convention.  some game stores with a "historical" interest.   They even covered the lesser lines from Bolt Action, including Gettysburg, Black Sails, and Konflict-47.  

Throw in a boatload of the D&D/Wizkids minis in blisters and sets, and fun display of no frills fantasy figures from Wildspire minis, and a decent line of Heroscape they should cover most folks' wants.  

Amenities:  The entire second floor is dedicated to event and open gaming, complete with a command center at the top of the steps for management of tournament evens.  It is spacious, it looks comfy, and it was probably responsible for 2/3 of the vehicles in the parking.  It is an event destination for sure.

The first thing that I noticed when I walked in was the kid's area.    A section dedicated for the little ones with activities to keep kids occupied as long as they want to be occupied.    It's an interesting choice, but has probably paid for itself already.  In my short time there, I  saw it used twice, with kids running to the area and letting mom and/or dad get at least five minutes of peace to look around (... and both families purchased stuff.)  

Comics:  They are a full service comic shop, with the one entire long wall dedicated to it, including back issues, a pull service, and a hefty library of graphic novels.

Events:  With the space upstairs, there's more than enough room for CCGs pre-releases, regular tourney and Commander leagues, plus not only Heroscape and D&D Adventurer's Guild material (including 16 and under events!), but board game nights, and even a painting session in the next month.  

Staff:  It seemed well-staff, with one person overseeing the upstairs gaming area and three on the sales floor,  although they just couldn't break up/check out/ shuffle through the multiple players and some families crowding the case.  Twice I went back to wandering around the store instead of checking out because I couldn't figure out if there was a line and who was doing what.    When I did finally check out on attempt number three, they all seemed like good dudes.  

I picked up a Wildspire Fantasy minis pack of housecats, plus my first major buy of the year, the TMNT Redux GM Screen (review pending).  

I was little disappointed when a small town store moves out, but these folks have built their dream location for Central Pennsylvania,   On the Gaming with the Gnomies 5-Gnome rating system, I give them their second score of five out of five gnomes!

I was pondering giving 4.5 out of 5 gnomes, for a few minor issues, but the old location got a perfect score, and this was a huge upgrade from an already successful operation.

Alchemist's Cove is located at 1284 Centre Turnpike, Orwigsburg, PA 17961 (PA 61).    Easy access to get in, with a Pennsylvania take on a Jersey jughandle to get back onto PA 61 North to continue my way home.  

You can check them out on their website (which has pictures of the old shop) and on Facebook.