(Kickstarter) Beasts of Northymbra Anthro Minis by Oathsworn

I try to avoid covering the short Kickstarters, because by the time a casual reader might find it, the campaign might be finished weeks ago.

However, with Oathsworn's Burrows & Badgers: Beasts of Northymbra Anthro Minis, I'll take that chance.

The Oathsworn stuff is very nice and can be very pricey, but even the low level pledge of The Townsfolk averages $6 a figure with shipping from England.  For the wide variety of species and professions they other, that's a pretty good deal.

Happy Halloween 2018!

Gnome Zombies as done by Mike Lung (3/4/2013)

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #5 - The Mythologies of Wyrmnal

The Town of Dremman, Capital of Marholm, in the lands of The Wyrmnal

To His Lordship, the Viscount Wilfrick of Verbobonc,

If I had been more studious in what little religion had been provided to me, I would have something much wittier to say than I'm standing within the gullet of the Leviathan.

We started along the western shore of the land, but quickly crossed over to the eastern, where trade opportunities were aplenty.

I'm a bit disappointed, and slightly ashamed that the bulk of the stereotypes we present to the average yeoman of Wyrmnal is a farce, a myth to propagate our military reserves.  The towns were full of tradesmen and some learned men, albeit much hairier in visage and scarier in their speech than our own folk.

As Wyrmnal is a collection of clans and organized warlords, there are no such things as formal dominions like baronies, duchies, and viscounties.  Families or portions of families rule and protect the masses.  Even portions of their territories and easily given as wedding gifts or a means of apology (which the vikings rarely give, an apology is from another chief, or jarl, seems to rank with the legendary feats of their ancestors.

Herr Grassl, cleaning up in Norrvik

We ventured through a number of dominions early,  Brandholm and the village of Kyskmoen.  Henesdalir and it's port city of Helega.  While the main caravan had its sights set on Norrvik, essentially a capital where the jarls meeting bi-annual to make rulings on each other, Herr Grassl wanted me to travel with Dar Hammersmith, his second in command, Hardox, and Harbash to the town of Dremman in the Jarldom of Marholm.  There, it was rumored that deals on return supplies and other goods could be found far favorable than the nearly metropolitan Norrvik.

In Dremman, I discovered an attitude of welcomeness from its citizens that I did not get from the other towns.  Yes, the other folk were oddly civilized, but very distrustful of us outside of business transaction.  A simple handshake and a smile to complete a transaction in Helega was immediately changed to a sideways glance towards us and we turned away.  The folk of Dremman craved information from the majestic lands of Ras-Prythax, and with a free grog in each of my hands, I felt honor-bound to oblige them of stories, but nothing of a strategic or tactical nature.

The ones who had traveled their country were also very accommodating to correct my misconceptions of it.

The southernmost portion of the "The Wyrmnal" that borders on Ras-Prythax is indeed civilized.  Their citizens demand security and knowledge, and the jarls oblige to their own profit.    Further north, from Norrvik to the northernmost tip of the land appears to be a fleet of merchants that rival anything the Krugraf holds sway over.   They are more prone to violence, but are shrewd negotiators.

Further north, across the straits is the part of The Wyrmnal called Andrafjordan, "The Others" seems to be the shortest translation.  There, the legends and fables of the Wyrmnal Warriors hold true.  Wyrmnal longships full of warriors plot the eastern and western seas plundering, looting, and pillaging the neighboring countries.  Hibernia, Albion, Nevskia, and Puhjola are all subject to the terror of these berserkers.

But not Ras-Prythax, unless one's ship runs to far north.  This would explain why the merchant fleet of the Mer Botha has never fared well with trading towards Albion, yet Dremman had not one but two booksellers who regularly import written texts from one of the Five Kingdoms.  The Wyrmnal sailors take a very southernly route and avoid their brother raiders.

While I struggle to fully comprehend their pantheon of the North Gods, I've also discovered that Akana is oddly allowed to be worshiped in selected pockets of the land, completely unmolested.  A few missionaries ventured throughout The Wyrmnal and set up monasteries. For years, they battled against the very people they were trying to convert until an unsteady truce was agreed upon.  The monks could live in their enclaves unmolested if they agreed upon coming into town no more than twice a year to recruit new members to their order.  Oddly, there's always some oddball or a sixth son in the jarl's family that takes them up on the offer.

Of course, our journey was not without its problems.  We quickly secured supplies and our trade goods for the trip home, and we usually split up to explore the town for the few days we had before Herr Grassl's Norrvik expedition returned to pick us up and return home.

On the return trip from my third trip to the booksellers, I encountered Hardox, Harbash, Dar, and two caravan teamsters in a full scuffle with what Wyrmnal considers constabulary.  I tried to intervene and was quickly knocked out, by one of the town guard, no less.

I have woken up in a dirty jail cell with the other five men I've mentioned.  Apparently, Harbash killed one of the constables the night before, and I fell upon the arrest taking place mere moments before all Hades broke loose.

I've granted this one letter to be sent home, with no guarantee to arrive on time, but I implore you, My Lord. Send help, send brave rescuers, send sneaky rogues to break us out, call for the Knights of Feraso themselves to get us, if you must.  We have collectively been found guilty of murder and are scheduled to die very soon.  We only have one formal step before we are drawn and quartered: essentially a groveling session with the Jarl of Marholm.

Runholf "the Dandy"

Your faithful servant (for as long as I can remain breathing in heathen territory),

Elsderth Millbottom

DM Notes:  As promised, I'm fleshing out Wyrmnal.  I'm primarily filling in Denmark (including the infamous territories of Schelswig-Holstein) with domains of the Northern Reaches (Vestland, Ostland, and the Soderfjord Jarldoms of the Known World).  The further north you travel on the mainland, the more unruly and barbaric the folk are (save the capital, Norrvik). 

Our traveling merchants on a diversionary errand and certainly in a pickle, but Elsderth is quick to find out what type of Viking calls himself "The Dandy."

Next: #6 - Runholf the Dandy 

New Additions to Pulp FIgures Mystery and Horror Line

Last week, I mentioned some sculpts for Pulp Figures' Bob Murch.  Now they are on the website.

PMH-10 Dracula has Risen!

PMH-11 Triumph of Frankenstein

Each set is $17.00 and eligible for the usual discounts.

With the upcoming Movember Figure, my Fall-In! budget fluctuates wildly. 

(Kickstarter) Mykelings 3

Need even more mushroom dudes?  Whitehorn-Krakon Games has released their third Kickstarter of them with
Mykelings 3 Graveborn - Horror Themed Mushroom Men

The Month of My Discontent

I've come to realize as I have gotten older, that there are more opportunities to recognize the joy of life, but there are so many more pressing issues to worry and suffer through.   Each year seems rougher because our world changes, evolves, and dies a little more.  And following the old adage, "I hope next month is better than this one,"  outside of something catastrophic happening, any month should be better than October.

Starting with a work schedule that seems to exponentially get tougher as our busy season grows, with IT and clueless out of department management complicating an already complicated, yet delicate, process.  Then throw my wife's surgery on the 1st of an already difficult month, plus minor complications. Then we have hockey season, which adds some relaxation but a rigid schedule since tickets are pre-paid. Add in some car trouble, and failing to take advantage of even more overtime when I usually do, I'm about to find a ledge.

And then, to end the month, we (meaning my wife with my unwavering support) have made the decision to put my mother-in-law into hospice.   Yesterday was a really good day after a series of nightmares, but the chance for a few hours like that are going to be fleeting. 

This could progress slowly, or it might take hold quickly, we don't know, so I'll do the selfish thing and say that all my games for Fall-In! and Mepacon could be cancelled at a moment's notice.

The selfish part of me (and of my wife, to be honest) wants me to go to the conventions, take one of the kids to Fall-In! and two for part of Mepacon.  We all need that short vacation to do what we want with only a portion of the family, so we're recharged to do things with the whole family.

So, that all partly explains my lack of posting.  Not that I've been pretty close to a post a day for the entire month, but I've largely avoided wargaming and Gnomes (although the short Gnomes and Fungus article was fun).

What's going on...
Painting:  The basement is dry, but I haven't gotten any reasonable time to go down and touch up minis and prep things for Fall-In!, so those 30-45 minutes burst might be better spent on the computer working on RPGs.

5e online:  The two-hour Monday night game finally got a serious story arc (and combat) finished.  The Barbarian might be slightly broken, although I've been taking talents (?) that increase speed instead of general fighting prowess.

Lost Dispatches:  Continues the developing success of my other Actual Play.  What I thought would be simple letters covering an adventure have demanded... storytelling on the part of Elsderth.  The story I'm telling is consistent, but the details need to be better polished.  The first eleven episodes are the can, waiting for a Tuesday release.  I'm scratching the worldbuilding itch with material I didn't go over this much back in 1991!

Nevoz:  Actual play write-ups of my 90's Canadian Cthulhu/Action game will be slated for December release along with *drumroll please* Maja's first ever character provided purely for the blog.

Conventions:  With the car in the shop and the mother-in-law needing my wife, this weekend should get my through a good chunk of my to-do list.   In a similar vein, I would still like to go to Fall-In!, as shopping list hasn't been this reasonable, yet robust, in quite some time.

Other Games:  As my cross-country and track coach, Ray Herman, would always say, "We shall see what we shall see...."  Still hoping.

And there are glimmers of hope.  The 225th issue of Game Trade Magazine showed up in pdf yesterday, allowing me to put together that post closer to on time than really late. 

A Halloween Surprise from Pulp Figures?

Bob Murch over at Pulp Figures has released some greens for a special Halloween release.

The Baron and.... Karl?

Renfield?

Definitely not Count Chochula

Frank Soloman?

Definitely not Sonny and Cher... Sonny's too tall. 

An "experimental" sculpt?

No details as to if they're a regularly price set or not.

Also teased on his Facebook page are more Mexican Revolution riders...

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #4 - The Theocracy Within Willip

The Village of Herensk, Barony of Willip, Kingdom of Ras-Prythax

To His Lordship, the Viscount Wilfrick of Verbobonc,

After many days travel, I have finally exceeded the boundaries of your domain!

Thanks the fine logistics of Herr Grassl, the merchant I wrote of previously, we have safely arrived in Willip.

I expected the borderlands with dreaded Wyrmnal to have a more distinct line of demarcation, but all I can see are rolling farmland and the occasional copse of woods.

My issue of fraudulent toll collectors has been resolved by an overwhelming response by the Church of Akana, holy and righteous do they extend law and order across the Barony.  In fact, high priests ardently execute the duties of religious leaders and magistrates, priests make up the bulk of the military, with a few select paladins and properly decorated holy warriors serving as officers.

High Lord Gregory Harkorn is the highest ranking military official in Willip, reporting only to the Archbishop, and, on some days, Baron Xanthan.

Baron Xanthan Butrain does rule over the day-to-day affairs of his people, but the Church administrates all duties related to the protection of the northern border.  The caravans wares were inspected and makeshift manifest scrutinized so no weapons would leave the Ras-Prythax to aid the northern heathens.

Herr Grassl has hired an additional six armed guards for entering Wyrmnal, raising the total to thirteen, if I'm so inclined to include my unpaid and untested skills to the roster.

With a clean inspection by the priests, we departed Willip for parts north.  We encountered fewer and fewer clerical patrols, and it was not until a half-day's travel past a village called Herensk that one of the new caravan guards, a wiry fellow named Hardox, informed me that we were already well within the borders of the Wyrmnal.

If he had not said that to me, the three javelins piercing the side of his horse would have granted me the clarity of the situation.  Hardox's horse fell over, dead, pinning Hardox beneath its body.  The raiders threw another barrage of ill-aimed javelins and charged down the hill. 

I ask his Lordship not to inform Master Mork, my riding instructor, that upon the first instinct to dismount and protect the caravan (and the helpless Hardox, I feel head over heels off of my horse, Mary, and landed poorly on my shoulder.  Upon regaining my composure, I noticed most of the other guards were firing crossbows at the raiders at point-blank range before engaging in melee.

Without any such support around me, I moved in front of Mary, ducked under wild sword swing, and ran my sword across the marauder's stomach.  He was doubled over in pain when I struck him in the back with a blow so hard I could hear some sort of bone break.  I raced back over to Hardox and slew yet another attacker with a lucky strike that pierced his piece-meal armor.

Within just a few short moments, the attackers fled back from whence they came.  Hardox was rescued from beneath his horse, given a swig of some liquid that allowed him incredible recovery, and was forced to be one of the walking guards for the remainder of my stay with the caravan.

The other guards, who all believed I was a clueless traveler, are now convinced that I am some travelling sellsword.

While I am amazed with the alacrity I could take the lives of two viscious men, I am grateful that my two acts of murder are considered necessary under the defense of commerce.

I fear it will not be my last defense in these lands.

Your Servant,

Elsderth Millbottom

GM Notes:  The trip to Wyrmnal for Elsderth will take a bit longer than first expected.  This portion of the world is one that I barely explored 30 years ago, and with the transition to a new map in 2001, I have not properly documented this area since.

Fans of Greyhawk might know of Willip as a port on the Nyr Dyv.  However, in my "new" Epic of Aerth world map, Willip takes the place of a Hamburg without the benefit of the Elbe.  The VerWillip is a lazy, shallow, but navigable river that works west to a narrow port in the Duchy of Markovia.

With that fact changed, and an odd theocratic judicial system, it's only proper to have the State Church (Akana) protecting the borders against the vikings of Wyrmnal.

As I'm writing this to fill in the blanks for a campaign that finished long-long ago, with a new NPC as a narrator, it is only fitting to note that I used Meatshields to generate Hardox and the five new guards, if I need them later on.

Name	Race	HP	Weapon	Armor
Dingo	Halfling	2	Sling	None
Hardox	Human	3	Shortsword	None
Og	Human	5	Spear, Bow	Leather
Olbar	Human	3	Spear, Bow	Leather/Shield
Vexor	Human	3	Shortsword	None
Harbash	Human	6	Spear, Bow	Leather

I also made a few rolls for Elsderth. To get off the horse? A one, which I realized after the story was written was GREAT for skill rolls in 2nd Edition. Those 5e games are getting to me!

Next:  #5 - Entering Wyrmnal

Some Marvel-ous WW2 Pulp Figures from Sally 4th

Sally 4th has added some new figures from the Classic Movie Miniatures line.

(Kickstarter) Nuns with Laserguns!

Need some violence on your Sabbath?  Want a better mixture of sci-fi with your Catholicism?  Like your Sisters battling in habit-forming fashion?

Well the Nuns with Laserguns Kickstarter by Troublemaker Games might be the one for you!

It's the companies first campaign on Kickstarter, but they seem to have had some success on Indiegogo with 6mm models. 

Pricing isn't too shabby, and shippping from the UK is pretty reasonable.

(Kickstarter) Nighty Knights RPG Using Tinyd6

Wunderwerks has launched a Kickstarter for the Nighty Knights RPG 

In Nighty Knights, you play the stuffed animals, dolls, and other toys, protecting your sleeping child from the nightmares under the bed, in the closet, and elsewhere.  It uses the Tinyd6 system for system resolution.

(Kickstarter) Savage Worlds Adventure Edition

After 15 years of playtesting and months and months of playtesting, the latest edition of Savage Worlds is available on Kickstarter.

The Savage Worlds Adventure Edition will be available in pdf, hardcover and a special edition hardcover.   The stretch goals seem relatively basic, and add-ons to the base pledge levels will be available after the campaign via Backerkit.

Fifty dollar hardcover that ends the day before the car payment is due and in between two cons?   I might need to put this on my regular want list.

(IOU) Gritty

Even as a Penguins fan, I cannot deny the awesome media presence around the Philadelphia Flyers new mascot, Gritty.  With a limited backstory, and penchant for shooting ice staff in the back, I think it's appropriate to add him to the Illuminati University campus as a student, a la Risus.

Gritty McFlyerssuck
Freshthing Majoring in Interpretive Dance with a Minor in sheer horror.
Feisty Over-aggressive Muppet Wannabe (4)
Fierce Competitor Who is Not as Nimble as He Thinks (3)
Googly-Eyed Competitive Arena Food Athlete (2)
Flyers Mascot (1)*
*Equipment: Dual action hot-dog/t-shirt cannon

C'mon, I'm a Pens fan.  I can't make being a Flyers mascot awesome... unless it's by sheer luck.

My Untethered FLGS

Four years ago, I noticed a flyer on the wall of the local comic shop for a new game store in Wilkes-Barre.  

Fast forward four years, and the store has gone through one reorganization, served food at one of its store fronts,  and just moved to a FOURTH location a little over a month ago. 

Evolution Games has officially moved to the basement of 45 E Northampton St in downtown Wilkes-Barre.  The good news is they do have a front window for natural light.  The bad news?  If you see the tree in picture below, the window in on level with the roots of that tree. 

What would be premier storefront on the left is actually a future bakery.

On top of that, the main front door of the building is a security door with a keycode. While an arrangement with the new Bakery for regular access hasn't occurred yet, there is a back stairwell and hallway behind the building that reminds me of a scene from Saw.  I do not want to go out that way if I played in a Midnght pre-release tournament.

The whole reason they moved to such an odd location was (a) great rent and (b) tons of new space for minis, board games, and CCGS.   A few new display cases are now chock full of singles.  The shelves have new(er) books and a few more minis to tease me.  I did break down and place an order... for my wife, no less.

Of course, they've decided to move a mere two blocks from my office building....  five months before we move out to a new building in a business. Such is life.  

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #3 - The Toll of Travel

To His Lordship, the Viscount Wilfrick of Verbobonc,

I have received word from the honorable Torben Mikkelsen that you find my proposed correspondence pleasing to the needs of Verbobonc.  For that I am eternally grateful.

To add two additional addenda to my previous letter:  I discovered the need to get proper training from an experienced horseman to properly ride Marigold.  I hired a fine gentleman, Julius Mork, in the town of Taymouth, and I gained sufficient experience and confidence to ride further across the Viscounty.

Upon using Master Mork's techniques of quick, short, explosive, and sometimes vulgar commands of the horse, I have shortened her name to Mary.

I discovered that horseback riding is not the only skill that I find lacking after a decade of solid work as a scribe, but general conversation with fellow citizens is quite difficult.  While I'm already quite wary of newfound "friends" in the inns and the rare tavern I frequent, I'm finding the bureaucracy of the collective kingdom of Ras-Prythax to be lacking in any direct guidance from Feraso City.

The Krugraf and the subsequent line of noble grants have provided a fine road system for those on foot, on horseback, or guiding a caravan through Verbobonc.  It is of no surprise to anyone with a basic understanding of governance that operating taxes, in the form of an occasional toll, should be exacted from the travelers at certain intervals.  What I was quite taken aback by was the utter disregard for the rules or consistency in how those tolls are demanded by the agents of the crown or your noble house.

In my travels on the River Road for a few dozen leagues from Taymouth to Eastguard, I encountered no less than a dozen separate individuals claiming a proper payment of passage.  Some had the audacity to not even state their authority under your noble title or that of Krugraf Mykul!  In hindsight, I might consider, with all respect to your title and rank, that these men might have been working as toll collectors independently, without your blessing!

Upon arriving at the outpost in Eastguard, I was calmed by a return to civilization, albeit one dominated by the martial arm of Ras-Prythax power.  So long as I dealt with goverment officials, soldiers, and shopkeepers during daylight hours, I made tremendous progress.  Once the sun set, I was forced to doubt the sincerity of all their motives.

My one great purchase at Eastguard was a fine sword, with an impressive scabbard that straps to my back.  While it does cause some interference with my cloak when the sky is unsure of rain, it has done wonders during my subsequent travel to Caltaran.  Despite a much shorter trip, I still encountered three small groups or individuals who pondered asking me for a toll.  I only needed to speak confidently in two of those locations to be allowed free passage, and in the third, a quick flash of the blade and the individuals stepped back, allowing me to catch the back end of a caravan.  I escorted the caravan in as a courtesy to the merchant operating it, and in return for my kindness, the merchant covered the one silver fare to cross the Serrault River by ferry into Caltaran.

The lead wagon of Hagen Grassl's caravan reaches Caltaran.

To add a written reminder here for myself and His Lordships record, perhaps I should get some training for this sword before I'm forced to use it.

I don't think His Lordship is interested in personal reports on weather and harvest, as none are particularly negative or exemplary.  I'm pondering continuing to travel up the VerWillip River to its terminus in Willip, outside your domain.  However, after speaking with the merchant, a wily fellow named Hagen Grassl, I've been invited to follow the caravan in the wilds land of the Wyrmnal.  With the Barony of Willip between the Northmen and us, we rarely encounter any of their alleged raids and plundering, it might be wise to take a direct scholarly approach and observe these violent people under the protection of caravan guard.

Unless, of course, Hagen anticipates me becoming a caravan guard.

Hopefully still alive upon your receipt of this letter, still in your services.

-Elsderth

GM Notes: The first part of assembling a story about a campaign from thirty years ago, that I have very little recollection of, is to rebuild the world I knew back then, and add thirty years of updates, web searches, and fan-created material.  

The campaign originally started in Verbobonc, for reasons soon quite apparent  to old school gamers familiar with Greyhawk.  As the published worlds of TSR all sort of merged together over the course of the campaign, I find it better to merged the elements into my own World of Georic campaign with the updated map.  

Outside of the borders and towns for Verbobonc, everything will be wildly different and certainly non-Greyhawk.  No Furyondy, no Bandit Kingdoms, not even a City of Greyhawk (although Feraso City is loosely inspired by it... as capital of the largest Empire on the continent).  

Elsderth hasn't encountered the campaign heroes yet, so a quick side trip into the viking territories of Wyrmnal are in order to satiate an inquisitive mind.  It has been a country or countries discussed in every iteration of the campaign.  

Next: #4 - The Theocratic Barony of Willip

(Kickstarter) Gnomes at Midnight

Regardless that I believe I am required to post all gnome-related Kickstarters, Gnomes at Midnight looks like a pretty neat concept and fun game.

Gnomes come alive at midnight! Quickly forage for toadstools, bump rival gnomes away or dance in the garden in formation. Keep your gnomes unseen between the shifting moonlight by staying in the shadows or keeping still.

The Isle of Dread Lives! But the Cost of Living Has Gone Up!

Goodman Games has opened the second in their Original Adventures Reincarnated Series.  The first offered B1: In Search of Adventure and B2: Keep on the Borderlands together in a single hardcover.

This time their offering is the wilderness classic: The Isle of Dread

Not being too familiar with this licensing agreement with WotC, I checked out OAR #1 and was very nostalgic and quite unsettled.

The B1/B2 effort offered reprints of the original modules in the book (which they erroneously call "1e") while offering some new adventure material and a conversion to 5e.

I'm assuming X1 will provide the same material, some added bonuses, and a 5e conversion.

All in a harcover book.... for fifty bucks.

Isle of Dread: the module so plentiful, mail order operations offered copies of the module for negative five cents.  Yep, you add the module to your order and deduct five cents from the total due.

Considering the number of copies I've owned over the years (and still own) and the fact that I value my time prepping for a 5e game to be negligible, I'm certainly going to pass on this one.

Perhaps I'd add it to my "Money (and Sense) Is No Object" Want List whenever it gets solicited for my Apathy of the New Releases monthly post.  

Lords of the Playground

Twelve years ago today, I got married.  It was a day full of (allegedly) misogynistic sermons, hyperventilating wives-to-be, drunk DJs, and a rocking polka-fueled reception at Fred's Lobster Garden (which I recently discovered turned into a strip club sometime over the last dozen years).  Somewhere in the house is our photo album and CD of all the pictures.

My favorite photo that's not of my beloved and I, is this one....

Ives Run Recreation Center, Hammond Lake, Tioga, PA

It's took a bit of thinking, but I believe I've gamed with everyone in this picture.

Sage -  George's step-son, I still have his first D&D character "Dark Sage" somewhere in my office.
Wooly - My Battletech guru and Legions of Steel companion.  I wrote a little ditty about him here. 
Scott - Another life-long gaming buddy. His ode was just this past August.
George - The Best Man at my wedding, and I his at two out of his four.  From the Busty Mage in D&D to Talisman to Rifts to late night fine-tuning Khabal Ghoul and Kird Ape decks for Magic. 
Kenny -  Apples to Apples and some Murder Mysteries.... He's more a stoner than a gamer.
Don -  Don was one of my non-gaming friends throughout middle and high school, but he found one thing that piqued his interest: OGRE
G-3 -  George's son.  First to try to teach him D&D.  Definitely a learning experience I applied towards my girls.
and me... thinner, younger, and a little less awesome than I am now....

The End of the Campaign Podcast

Yes, the Campaign Podcast isn't going away.  Their new Skyjacks Campaign is set to drop shortly, and it should be a hoot, but for the vast majority of the podcast's subscribers, Campaign is the the crew of the Mynock loosely using Fantasy Flight's Star Wars Edge of the Empire RPG. 

And earlier this week, the last two regular episodes of that campaign were uploaded for the world to enjoy.  They weren't the best episodes, storywise (heck one was all Dear Mynocks) but they properly expressed the fun and joy that the participants felt with each recording they made. 

I honestly had avoided the entire podcast (and the WotC d20 prequel version over on One Shot) before a lull in my library made me give it a chance.  I've since gone through the catalog three times, and while I know of few tables able to the mix the experienced improv with a rules-light approach to the game, it was the deciding factor when picking up the Edge of the Empire  rulebook cheap at auction (but the dice at full price).

I'll miss Bacta, Tryst, Leenik, L'yntel, and Tamlin.  One hundred five well-editied one hour episodes (plus all the other bonus material) created a vibrant world that I would love to borrow bits from and drop my own crew of misfits and ragamuffins. 

"Make brave and heroic decisions...."

Greg Stafford (1948-2018)

The last month has not been good for gaming legends. First "Uncle Duke" Seifried passes at the end of September, and now Greg Stafford, the founder and later, beloved savior of Chaosium has passed away.

I am reposting the announcement that appeared directly from Chaosium's website.

Vale Greg Stafford (1948 - 2018)

Posted by Michael O'Brien on Chaosium.com on October 12, 2018

The shock and grief the Chaosium family felt at the news of the passing of our beloved and revered company founder, Greg Stafford, cannot be measured. Greg died yesterday in his sweat lodge at his home in Arcata, CA. Mercifully, his passing was painless and quick. He died as he lived, on a spiritual quest of enlightenment.

As one of the greatest game designers of all time; winner of too many awards to count; and a friend, mentor, guide, and inspiration to generations of gamers, “the Grand Shaman of Gaming” influenced the universe of tabletop gaming beyond measure.

Greg founded The Chaosium in 1975, and from the outset (to quote his own words) “was never content to imitate, but instead published games that were original in their style of play, content and design”. Under his leadership, the company quickly became renowned for its originality and creativity, and was responsible for introducing numerous things to the hobby that are standards today. As John Wick (7th Sea, Legend of the Five Rings) memorably said, “The older I get, the more I hear young RPG designers say ‘Never been done before!’ And then I just point at something Greg Stafford did a few decades ago.”

Greg’s work in roleplaying games, board games, and fiction have been acclaimed as some of the most engaging and innovative of all time. There will doubtless be many valedictory messages over the coming days from the countless many that Greg inspired and enthused across his many interests and passions - Glorantha, Oaxaca, King Arthur, shamanism, mythology and more.

For now, we leave you with the words of the Myth maker himself, speaking at the 2018 ENnies Awards ceremony, his last public engagement. Greg was immensely proud of the work Chaosium had done in recent years, particularly since his return as chair of the board in 2015. Ultimately, on reflection, he recognized that everyone’s success in the gaming industry was down to the enthusiasm and support of the fans. We at Chaosium recognize that countless RPG fans are fans (including us!) because of Greg Stafford and what he achieved.

Our heartfelt condolences to Greg’s wife Suzanne, and his children Noah, Alisha, Jason, and their families.

Vale Greg - the team at Chaosium

The Holy Warrior of Shenanigans

Not even two weeks into my new gaming year, and I need to put down a progress report of all the things I need done before my games at Fall-In! and Mepacon.

Fall-In! - Samoa

• Register Maja for the convention (Deadline October 26th)
• Find a hotel room for Friday night
• Buy new Zap-a-Gap
• Find my copy of Contemptible Little Armies
• Touch-Up/Repair the figures
• See if the Battle in a Box rules are plausible with this scenario.  Otherwise I'm using two boxes, one for everything but the terrain.
• Touch-Up/Repair Terrain, if needed.
• Stat-Out scenario
• Dropcloth for scenario (Jo-Ann Fabrics)
• Inventory materials for game.
• Play-test at least one time (Daughters are ok).

No new figures to paint, just a lot of touch-up and weapons to reglue.  

Mepacon -  My Little Pony RPG

• Order My Little Pony: Tails of Equestria Movie Sourcebook
• Rory Story Cubes Ocean Theme Set?
• Photocopy enough character sheets (SeaPony is possible) for 32 players.
• Review plot points
• Super Secret non-Pony Cartoon Research

Mepacon - Octonauts

• Pull out copy of Scavengers, review rules
• Format Character sheet, make pre-gens. short backgrounds.
• Outline story premise.  Stat out a few key players. 

If you come back here over the next month and find lines though the items, I actually accomplished something! Here's hoping....

Other than that, I'm cleaning the basement to prep for winter (and possibly another hurricane).  Painting will resume after the cons (and probably the busy season at work).  

After that, those infernal Pulp campaign games that I actually want to play through need to find a spot on the dining room table before the kids' basketball season steals them away... then the holidays... then the dance recital.... etc...

Gnomes and Fungus

Even though different gnomish cultures are developing around the globe, there are still a few constants among gnome-kind: the cycle of Wanderlust, the penchant for commoners to relegate to the traditional "gnome hat" when relaxing, and the reliance every culture has on the mushroom.  

Mushrooms as Food

No matter where the location, if there's a chance for moisture and the smallest amount ripe growing material, and dominant shade, mushrooms can grow, and with a little tending to, thrive.  

While not a main course in modern society, various types of mushrooms can be used as delicious and nutritious sides and garnishes.  

Most other races do not understand the delicate palette of a gnome and the wide array of fungus.  As a general rule, the larger the edible mushroom, the blander they are.  Generally these larger stools are harvested after years of tending and become the long-term stores for the village, similar to grain with other beings.  A well-harvested specimen can not only last for years in the stores to bolster other foodstuffs, but if kept in the right environment, can continue to grow and certain spores and cuttings can help expand future crops. 

Certain mushrooms are picked for their alchemical reactions and are highly sought after. While certain types of fungus can be poisonous to other creatures, the average gnome has built up generations of tolerance to any toxins.

Mushrooms as Building Materials:

Of course, one of the classic stereotypes of the gnome is that they all live in mushroom homes.  As we all know, gnomes are just as happy in a giant tree hollow or a house of modern construction.  In fact most areas don't offer the environment to grow gargantuan stools capable of being hollowed out and inhabited. 

For the average gnome, a mushroom house is a sign of attainable status.  It does last slightly longer, with less maintenance than your average thatch or branch hovel, and some can hold multiple families with some sense of privacy. 

Let us not forget that the stalks of most mushrooms make a sturdy, yet somewhat malleable construction material, to fill in holes or general damage.  They are quite sturdy so long as you avoid an area that's dry and sunny. 

The Dangers of Mushrooms

Something as spectacular to the gnomekind as fungus is not without its risks.  Wild animals, faerie-kin, and other outrageous creatures stake claim to specific types of mushrooms as a den, for subsistence, or simply a comfortable spot to lay in the mid-afternoon shade.  Certain select groves of mushrooms have remain unharvested for generations due to certain mundane or magical phenomenon.

Be it magical tampering, highly selective breeding, or an instinctive will to survive, some mushrooms have achieved a level of sentience rivaling the anthropomorphic mice and other lesser being.  

Call them Mykelings, Mushimen, or simply Mushroom Men, these beings can vary greatly based on what type of Mushroom first evolved into that form.  The are crude, violent, and have only the basest of ideas as to what civilized thought is.

A word to the non-martial of the gnomes: they are not fun guys to be around.  Be wary of them always. 

(Kickstarter) Illuminati Coins from Steve Jackson Games

Despite my love for Steve Jackson Games books, the small quantity of "accessories" they've offered put them over the top for me.  I swear upon my that I still have my Illuminati cloisonne pin from year's ago (I may or may not have been associated with catering).  

On the wings of Conspiracy Theory and the latest edition of  Illuminati, SJG has launched a quick, one-week Kickstarter for Illuminati Coins.

What was once twelve coins for $15 has grown to fifteen , thanks to stretch goals set by the Secret Masters.  In addition to multiple coin sets, add-ons include copies of Conspiracy Theory, Illuminati, print-on-demand versions of GURPS Illuminati and GURPS IOU, and finally, Pyramid Dice!

(IOU) Huge Yakman - Himalayan Bardbarian

Large anthropomorphic barbarian (4)

Axe-Wielding Rage Machine with a deft step (3)

Himalayan Thespian (2)

Furry Bovine Storyteller (1) 

Lost Dispatches of Feraso #2 - Meet Elsderth Millbottom

Elsderth Millbottom of Feldkurton
5th child and 3rd son of one of the millers of Feldkurton

Strength: 9
Intelligence: 17
Wisdom: 11
Dexterity: 13
Constitution: 12
Charisma 9
Comeliness: 16

Hit Points: 4
Skills:  Literacy (18) Botany (17)  Riding Land-Based (14)
Disadvantages: Racist (Elves), Growing Prematurely Gray.

DM Notes: If we're going to have these adventures narrated through a third party, it makes sense to have him statted up.  Second edition stats (with Comeliness).  All-in-all, Elsderth is pretty decent for a scribe, high INT, fairly nimble from dodging all those inkwells back at the Baron's place, and despite minimal people skills, he cleans up nicely, even if the premature gray makes him look older than his early to mid-20's.

You also might notice there is no mention of a character class.  He's a normal human, at least to start, and will experience the aftereffects of the world of adventuring with that disadvantage.  We may see updates for him as the letters continue.

Speaking of disadvantage, his racial enmity towards elves isn't uncommon in Verbobonc, as the myth of elves betraying the humans of the Ferasean Empire not once, but twice, does bear a strong streak of truth to it.  It will also play a role in the stories he is relaying third-hand to the Viscount.

Next: #3 - The Toll of Travel

Why Gnomes Weren't in Pitfall

Denver Airport Trolls Their Tin-Foil Hat Fans.... or Do They????

Most large public works projects are full of rumors and cost overruns, but the Denver International Airports has been chock full of scandals and conspiracy theories. 

Instead of ignoring this pop culture phenomenon, the airport has fully embraced it in their latest campaign advertising the latest round of renovations.

With my "Curse of Zevon" Cthulhu game needing very little inspiration, I was close to giddy when I discovered that the airport opened to the public on February 28, 1995.  It's ten months away from the current timeline, but who says we have to wait till then to visit?  

Market Place Set from Things from the Basement

The Want List expands again thanks to Things from the Basement.

With the plethora of cool Pulp games I've wanted to recreate, one constant flows through them, a marketplace, bazaar, or a few street vendors decorate the board.  While the Middle-Eastern bazzar patrons are pretty easy to come by (and affordable too), the market stalls in metal or resin just seem expansive. 

Now, things from the basement has released a Market Place Set that not only covers FOUR of the stalls I'm looking for, but an assortment of carts and crates, all for the price one one stall on other sites.

For $24.50, this might be the first item I've ever advance ordered to pick up at Fall-In!

Battle in a Box Cancelled

I learned the unfortunate news the the HAWKS have cancelled their Battle in a Box Contest for Fall-In!  As is with many activities at larger conventions, coordinating the event with the con staff on top of the dreaded overwhelming feeling the staff usually feels, made the event fall through.

While the format the contest (notably the time commitment) prevented me from formally participating. I'm still 80% certain I'll be attempting to use the Battle in a Box rules to run my Samoa game.  At best, it will go off as low-key game, at worst, I will lug an extra carry-on full of trees and miscellaneous terrain.

Regardless, the Very Useful Boxes are on order.  We're going to find a use for them, one way or another.

(Kickstarter) Beach Patrol RPG by Gallant Knight.

Kickstarter can sometimes be filled with a lot of sound and fury, signifying nothing. 

But sometimes, Kickstarter can help you realize the piece of your life that you were missing.

Beach Patrol by Gallant Knight

Yeah, it's THAT.  In RPG form using their Tiny d6 system. Perhaps I've listened to too many PotA and micro-RPGs, but this has a certain appeal to me that doesn't necessarily involving slo-motion running along the beach.  

Punning With the Gnomies, Yo!

(Kickstarter) Rodent Rangers RPG

Jacob S Kellogg has launched a Kickstarter for Rodent Rangers: A family-friendly RPG inspired by classic cartoons of mousey adventures!

From the Kickstarter:
Rodent Rangers is set in the modern world, with mice (and other small critters) living right under the noses of oblivious humans. While humans continue under the delusion that theirs is the only civilization, mice live happily in the walls, basements and sewers of human cities, furnishing themselves with the scavenged scraps of the humans' materials and tech.

The organization known as the Rodent Rangers is headquartered in the basement of the American Red Cross building in Washington, D.C. From there, teams of agents with a variety of skill sets are sent all over the globe on missions to help others, whether by rescuing lost or stranded civilians, bringing supplies to disaster sites, recovering stolen relics, or unraveling mysteries.

Where No Gnome Has Gone Before...

Left without comment, because I can't think of one....  

Apathy of the New Releases (Oct '18)

Another month, another month of new game releases!  Issue #224 of Game Trade Magazine should be at stores now, or you can download the pdf here.

ViscountEric's Want List
Shinobi
My Little Pony: Tales of Equestria: Judge Not By the Cover ..... $24.99

My Money-Is-No-Object Want List
Kenzer & Company
Hackmaster: Gamemaster Guide SC ............................................... $39.99

The Imaginary Store List  (The Pegleg Gnome)
Antarctic Press
Ninja High School Card Game ........................................................... PI

Asmodee
Wooly Wars ....................................................................................... $24.99

Atlas Games
Cogs and Commissars ....................................................................... $24.95

Avalanche Press 
Jutland: Battle Analysis ..................................................................... $19.99

Catalyst Game Labs
Shadowrun RPG: Street Lethal .......................................................... $49.99

Catan Studios
A Game of Thrones Catan:  Brotherhood of the Watch 5-6 Player Expansion .... $49.95

Chaosium
The Leaves of a Necronomicon ......................................................... $17.99
Miskatonic University: The Restricted Collection ............................. $24.99
Runequest RPG: Roleplaying in Glorantha Core Rulebook .............. $54.95
Runequest RPG: Roleplaying in Glorantha Deluxe Slipcase ............ $119.95
Runequest RPG: Glorantha Bestiary .................................................. $39.95
Runequest RPG: GM Screen Pack ..................................................... $29.95

Chronicle Books
Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy HC .............................................. $29.95

Days of Wonder
The River ...................................................... $39.99

Evil Hat Productions
Fate Core RPG: Tachyon Squadron HC ......................................... $25.00
Uprising: The Dystopian Universe RPG HC .................................. $39.99

Fantasy Flight Games
Arkham Horror - 3rd Edition - Core Set .......................................... $64.95
Discover: Lands Unknown ..............................................................  $59.95
Legend of the Five Rings RPG: Emerald Empire HC .....................  $49.95
Star Wars: Legion - Chewbacca Operative Expansion ....................  $12.95
Star Wars: Legion - Wookie Warriors Unit Expansion ....................  $24.95
Star Wars RPG:  Rise of the Separatists HC ....................................  $39.95
Star Wars X-Wing: 2nd Ed  - First Order Conversion Kit ...............  $29.95
Star Wars X-Wing: 2nd Ed  - Mining Guild Tie Expansion Kit.......  $19.95
Star Wars X-Wing: 2nd Ed  - First Order Maneuver Dial Upgrade..  $ 9.95
Star Wars X-Wing: 2nd Ed  - Resistance Maneuver Dial Upgrade ..  $ 9.95
Star Wars X-Wing: 2nd Ed  - Resistance Conversion Kit ................ $29.95
Star Wars X-Wing: 2nd Ed  - T-70 X-Wing Expansion Pack ..........  $19.95
Star Wars X-Wing: 2nd Ed  - Rz-2 A-Wing Expansion Pack ..........  $19.95
Star Wars X-Wing: 2nd Ed  - Tie/FO Fighter Expansion Pack ........  $19.95
Star Wars Destiny: Across the Galaxy Booster Packs

Konami Entertainment
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG: Hidden Summoners Boosters
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG: Soul Fusion Special Edition Box Display
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG: Speed Dueling Starter Deck Display
Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG: Zombie Horde Structure Deck Display

Mantic Entertainment
Kings of War: Clash of Kings 2019................................................ $24.99
Terraincrate: GMs Dungeon Starter Set ......................................... $99.99

Mattel
Apples to Apples 15th Appleversary Edition ................................. PI

Nocturnal Media
Clash of Steel ............................................................................... $14.99

Paizo Publishing
Pathfinder RPG: AP Return of the Runelords Part 5- City Outside of Time .. $24.99
Pathfinder RPG: Campaign Setting: Faiths of Golarion  ............. $22.99
Pathfinder RPG: Flip Tiles Urban Starter Set .............................. $34.99
Pathfinder RPG: Flip Mat Classics - Pirate Ship ......................... $13.99
Starfinder RPG: AP Signal of Screams 2 - Penumbra Protocol ... $22.99
Starfinder RPG: Critical Hit Deck ................................................ $10.99

Palladium Books
Rifts Antarctica ........................................................................ $22.99
Rifts Bestiary North America Vol One .................................... $26.99
Rifts Bestiary North America Vol Two .................................... $26.99
Rifts Chaos Earth: Psychic Scream .......................................... $17.99

Playroom Entertainment
Killer Bunnies Quest Pumpkin Spice Booster ......................... PI

Pokemon
Pokemon TCG 2018 World Champion Deck Display

Starling Games
Everdell .................................................................................. $60.00

Ulisses-Spiele
Character Talents and Psychic Powers Card Pack ................. $14.99
Combat Complications Deck ................................................. $19.99
40K Wrath and Glory Tokens................................................. $19.99

Wizards of the Coast
D&D: Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica .................................. $49.95
D&D: Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica Dice ......................... $24.95
D&D: Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica Map Pack ................  $24.95

Wizkids
D&D Fantasy Minis: Icons of the Realms - The Falling Star Ship ..... $249.99

D&D Black Dragon Trophy Plaque ................................................... $320.00
Marvel Heroclix Tri-Sentinel Colossal .............................................. $ 24.99
Plus lots of D&D, Pathfinder, and Deep Cuts pre-primed figures.

Z-Man Games
Pandemic 10th Anniversary Edition ................................................. $99.99