Saturday, February 29, 2020
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
(Kickstarter) Pasión de las Pasiones Tabletop RPG
Of all the odd concept game Actual Plays I've listened to on my podcast rotation, Pasión de las Pasiones has to be one of the oddest, yet most enjoyable games out there.
The RPG of the telenovelas is now on Kickstarter!
Pasión de las Pasiones is an RPG of telenovelas Powered by the Apocalypse, allowing you to tell stories like Yo Soy Betty, La Fea, Marimar, and Jane the Virgin among many other telenovelas! In Pasión de las Pasiones, you take on the role of the main characters in your own telenovela. Scheme for power and property! Embrace your desire! Fight for what you deserve!
Pasión de las Pasiones uses playsets to help you set up and create your own ongoing telenovela, with plotlines and past episodes to call on at will during your game. You'll have dramatic flashbacks, surprising reveals, and intense showdowns between rivals, all supported by a strong rules framework that emphasizes the fiction of the show.
The biggest drawback of the Kickstarter campaign? Estimated delivery is February 2021, a whole year to wait!
The RPG of the telenovelas is now on Kickstarter!
 |
| The link for the free Quickstart rules are here! |
Pasión de las Pasiones uses playsets to help you set up and create your own ongoing telenovela, with plotlines and past episodes to call on at will during your game. You'll have dramatic flashbacks, surprising reveals, and intense showdowns between rivals, all supported by a strong rules framework that emphasizes the fiction of the show.
The biggest drawback of the Kickstarter campaign? Estimated delivery is February 2021, a whole year to wait!
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Lost Dispatches of Feraso #65 - Birth of a Kingdom
25th of HepDec - Outside the Dwarven Encampment at Ironfalls
The old miner in Greenfalls was right! After taking a side trail away from Ironfalls, I came upon a abandoned orc camp with the husk what must have been a dead basilisk. The treatment of the basilsk's corpse, the burn marks of eldritch magicks, the large chunks hacked out my a dwarven battle-axe, and much more precision carvings that might satiate the hunger of a flesh-eating suit of armor more than confirmed that Sabu Tablesmasher II and his pair of friends had at least gotten lost up in these mountains.
26th of HepDec - The Dwarven Encampment at Ironfalls
After failing to pick up the trail of the my trio, I finally reached Ironfalls. The dwarves were appreciative of my coin to spend, my magical curios from a previous life to trade for other enchanted items, and quite amused of my stories.
These Dwarves from the main mines in Ironkeep were their own political faction in the Duchy's dealings, but during this collapse of power, they keep their own dealings safe and aspired for no other. I'm confused by their claims that the young heir Hartwig was found by the search party in an area far opposite of the alleged jewels. The Duke's son was known to care little of those beneath his station, but he was an accomplished adventurer who knew his way through these mountains better than most men. They won't say foul play, but the Dwarves quietly nodded when I made the accusation myself.
27th of HepDec - The Dwarven Encampment at Ironfalls
My leads for the trio have run dry, so I will travel to the capital of Manhoffen and try to make sense of the situation. But before I left I finalized the trade of my curios, including the Dwarven Stone of Summoning Earth Elementals, for two key additions to my arsenal. One was a Blade of a Thousand Cuts, a dagger that can be wielded with incredible quickness. The second was an odd relic in a Dwarven collection, The Grieving Gauntlets of the Isles. An alleged artifact from the Five Kingdoms across the Starfall Channel, the gauntlets aid in wounding foes.
32th of HepDec 1045 - City of Manhoffen, Gran Duchy of Markovia
I've come upon the Manhoffen, the capital of Markovia, in the throes of pure pandemonium! Turf wars throughout the neighborhoods were still a regular sight, but the powers that be determined Duke Jakob's sister, Gretchen was the rightful heir. However, some of the minor nobles and mining companies were concerned Duchess Gretchen's husband, Edmund, and his numerous business dealings with a select few mining operations.
However, before the coronation of Gretchen to become Duchess, the collection of cavalry I had encountered in Fresklun had finally arrived in Manhoffen to regain control. Unfortunately, as soon as they arrived a messenger had arrived with orders to recall them back to Feraso City! Krugraf Arnulf had died!
From what I had learned in my years previous, Arnulf's son, the now-Krugraf Theuderic III, was wildly inept, and as many units loyal to the throne of Ras-Prythax were recalled to defend the palace, much less the entire kingdom.
With the power vacuum created by the departure, Duchess Gretchen plans her coronation for the end of the month!
35th of HepDec 1045 - City of Manhoffen, Grand Duchy of Markovia
Duchess Gretchen finally ascends to her rightful position today. Many are celebrating in the streets, but I've already witnessed Duchal forces seeking out political foes, economic competitors, and the simply weird and taking them aware to someplace away from the city. I believe it is time to leave.
1st of HexDec 1045 - Outside the City of Manhoffen, Gran Duchy of Markovia
As I left the city at noon, word came of the Duchess had invited priests and priestesses of the North Gods Wo-Dan and Freya and in an odd ceremony, was named Queen of Markovia, with her husband Edmund, the King! There were fires and smoke coming from the capital as I rode away. I dare not say it was in celebration, revolution, or both.
GM Notes: The failure of Sabu Tablesmasher & Company to rescue the Duke's son and discover Gretchen plot to secede? Well, it allowed her to succeed. And with the death of a decent Krugraf of Ras-Prythax and the installation of a incompetent one, it was time for Gretchen to seize as much power as possible. Ras-Prythax is too weak to regain their revolting dominion.
Markovia fills in for Holland and most of Belgium on my Epic of Aearth map, except that it is truly mountainous terrain. It (was) the safest way to travel from Ras-Prythax to Crosedes without dealing with the vile elves of Agenmoor.
Next: #66 - A Familiar Friend at Nobquin's Keep
The old miner in Greenfalls was right! After taking a side trail away from Ironfalls, I came upon a abandoned orc camp with the husk what must have been a dead basilisk. The treatment of the basilsk's corpse, the burn marks of eldritch magicks, the large chunks hacked out my a dwarven battle-axe, and much more precision carvings that might satiate the hunger of a flesh-eating suit of armor more than confirmed that Sabu Tablesmasher II and his pair of friends had at least gotten lost up in these mountains.
26th of HepDec - The Dwarven Encampment at Ironfalls
After failing to pick up the trail of the my trio, I finally reached Ironfalls. The dwarves were appreciative of my coin to spend, my magical curios from a previous life to trade for other enchanted items, and quite amused of my stories.
These Dwarves from the main mines in Ironkeep were their own political faction in the Duchy's dealings, but during this collapse of power, they keep their own dealings safe and aspired for no other. I'm confused by their claims that the young heir Hartwig was found by the search party in an area far opposite of the alleged jewels. The Duke's son was known to care little of those beneath his station, but he was an accomplished adventurer who knew his way through these mountains better than most men. They won't say foul play, but the Dwarves quietly nodded when I made the accusation myself.
27th of HepDec - The Dwarven Encampment at Ironfalls
My leads for the trio have run dry, so I will travel to the capital of Manhoffen and try to make sense of the situation. But before I left I finalized the trade of my curios, including the Dwarven Stone of Summoning Earth Elementals, for two key additions to my arsenal. One was a Blade of a Thousand Cuts, a dagger that can be wielded with incredible quickness. The second was an odd relic in a Dwarven collection, The Grieving Gauntlets of the Isles. An alleged artifact from the Five Kingdoms across the Starfall Channel, the gauntlets aid in wounding foes.
32th of HepDec 1045 - City of Manhoffen, Gran Duchy of Markovia
I've come upon the Manhoffen, the capital of Markovia, in the throes of pure pandemonium! Turf wars throughout the neighborhoods were still a regular sight, but the powers that be determined Duke Jakob's sister, Gretchen was the rightful heir. However, some of the minor nobles and mining companies were concerned Duchess Gretchen's husband, Edmund, and his numerous business dealings with a select few mining operations.
However, before the coronation of Gretchen to become Duchess, the collection of cavalry I had encountered in Fresklun had finally arrived in Manhoffen to regain control. Unfortunately, as soon as they arrived a messenger had arrived with orders to recall them back to Feraso City! Krugraf Arnulf had died!
From what I had learned in my years previous, Arnulf's son, the now-Krugraf Theuderic III, was wildly inept, and as many units loyal to the throne of Ras-Prythax were recalled to defend the palace, much less the entire kingdom.
With the power vacuum created by the departure, Duchess Gretchen plans her coronation for the end of the month!
35th of HepDec 1045 - City of Manhoffen, Grand Duchy of Markovia
Duchess Gretchen finally ascends to her rightful position today. Many are celebrating in the streets, but I've already witnessed Duchal forces seeking out political foes, economic competitors, and the simply weird and taking them aware to someplace away from the city. I believe it is time to leave.
1st of HexDec 1045 - Outside the City of Manhoffen, Gran Duchy of Markovia
As I left the city at noon, word came of the Duchess had invited priests and priestesses of the North Gods Wo-Dan and Freya and in an odd ceremony, was named Queen of Markovia, with her husband Edmund, the King! There were fires and smoke coming from the capital as I rode away. I dare not say it was in celebration, revolution, or both.
GM Notes: The failure of Sabu Tablesmasher & Company to rescue the Duke's son and discover Gretchen plot to secede? Well, it allowed her to succeed. And with the death of a decent Krugraf of Ras-Prythax and the installation of a incompetent one, it was time for Gretchen to seize as much power as possible. Ras-Prythax is too weak to regain their revolting dominion.
Markovia fills in for Holland and most of Belgium on my Epic of Aearth map, except that it is truly mountainous terrain. It (was) the safest way to travel from Ras-Prythax to Crosedes without dealing with the vile elves of Agenmoor.
Next: #66 - A Familiar Friend at Nobquin's Keep
(353/126)
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Mandatory Basketball Rant - Week 16
One more week for the Winter basketball, no matter what!
February 29th is the championship "Classic" weekend for all age divisions in our league, so next weekend will be the final formal rant for the blog.
Grown-Up Stuff: Somehow a league Board of Directors meeting was scheduled during my team practice. I covered a scouting reports on both teams we might play, and gave my assistant a few simple drills to run as I dashed into a meeting room in the same grade school.
As board meetings go, it was the most congenial I've had since I was formally invited back in August. A few expenses for the championship weekend, repairs to a portable scoreboard, and some clarification for the apparent scoreboard errors. Upon further explanation, the big scoreboard errors were a misinterpretation by parents, although I've seen clueless adults be more attentive and accurate with 8am scoreboards than I've seen with some of these trained, paid kid officials.
In a similar, our Referee Liason is taking a job at, of all things, Referee Magazine in Wisconsin, so he'll resigning sometime after the end of the season. He's been an active part of the league since he was a junior ref over a decade ago, and although we haven't always seen eye-to-eye, I've respected his opinions on all matters. Hopefully we have his replacement reigned in, and that will alleviate other issues we've had throughout the season.
Hazleton leagues were an after-thought as the girls prepped for win-or-go-home games in their respective local divisions. Millie did play an early Hazleton game on Friday, hitting a couple beautiful free throws and playing lights out defense.
Maja started the morning with the first of two win or go home games. The team tossed up a bunch of bricks against the Celtics, but the Celtics were even worse, so once the shots started hitting and the press affected the Celtics, they pulled away to an 18-6 win
After the first semi-final game, the Bulls were in the championship game and the big spoiler Lakers for a rematch with the Bucks. There was no underestimating the Lakers this time, with the a physical game, including a technical foul, but in the the Bucks proved victorious 18-13 and will play the Bulls next weekend.
Maja was exactly the solid player the team need, doling out a few points (including a halftime buzzer beater in the Lakers games). 9 points, a dozen rebounds, 6 assists, 10 rebounds, and a couple steals in two games with a total of 36 points shouldn't be sneezed at for a non-starter.
A quick trip to victory ice cream, and a quicker trip back home to let the dogs out, and it was back to the school for Millie's games.
Millie had better possibilities for her evening. Win the first against the much vaunted Sixers, and they were in the Championship. Lose, and they were force to play to aggressive Warriors for the other spot.
Despite the scouting report, a few plays, the girls were flat... horribly flat. First, falling behind 8-0 in the first half, they falling even worse to 18-1 at the half. They simply could hold their end of the bargin against the Sixers' center, and their twin guards.
The second half was a respectable loss, 14-7, with me resting Millie and our center for the second game.
In our game against the Warriors that we lost, I chalked it up to a lack of aggressiveness on our part, overwhelming aggressiveness on the Warriors, and a disappearance of any fouls or travels called by the refs.
With better refs, and enough calls to keep both teams honest, we held the edge for most of the game.
Fun facts:
February 29th is the championship "Classic" weekend for all age divisions in our league, so next weekend will be the final formal rant for the blog.
Grown-Up Stuff: Somehow a league Board of Directors meeting was scheduled during my team practice. I covered a scouting reports on both teams we might play, and gave my assistant a few simple drills to run as I dashed into a meeting room in the same grade school.
As board meetings go, it was the most congenial I've had since I was formally invited back in August. A few expenses for the championship weekend, repairs to a portable scoreboard, and some clarification for the apparent scoreboard errors. Upon further explanation, the big scoreboard errors were a misinterpretation by parents, although I've seen clueless adults be more attentive and accurate with 8am scoreboards than I've seen with some of these trained, paid kid officials.
In a similar, our Referee Liason is taking a job at, of all things, Referee Magazine in Wisconsin, so he'll resigning sometime after the end of the season. He's been an active part of the league since he was a junior ref over a decade ago, and although we haven't always seen eye-to-eye, I've respected his opinions on all matters. Hopefully we have his replacement reigned in, and that will alleviate other issues we've had throughout the season.
Hazleton leagues were an after-thought as the girls prepped for win-or-go-home games in their respective local divisions. Millie did play an early Hazleton game on Friday, hitting a couple beautiful free throws and playing lights out defense.
Maja started the morning with the first of two win or go home games. The team tossed up a bunch of bricks against the Celtics, but the Celtics were even worse, so once the shots started hitting and the press affected the Celtics, they pulled away to an 18-6 win
After the first semi-final game, the Bulls were in the championship game and the big spoiler Lakers for a rematch with the Bucks. There was no underestimating the Lakers this time, with the a physical game, including a technical foul, but in the the Bucks proved victorious 18-13 and will play the Bulls next weekend.
Maja was exactly the solid player the team need, doling out a few points (including a halftime buzzer beater in the Lakers games). 9 points, a dozen rebounds, 6 assists, 10 rebounds, and a couple steals in two games with a total of 36 points shouldn't be sneezed at for a non-starter.
Millie had better possibilities for her evening. Win the first against the much vaunted Sixers, and they were in the Championship. Lose, and they were force to play to aggressive Warriors for the other spot.
Despite the scouting report, a few plays, the girls were flat... horribly flat. First, falling behind 8-0 in the first half, they falling even worse to 18-1 at the half. They simply could hold their end of the bargin against the Sixers' center, and their twin guards.
The second half was a respectable loss, 14-7, with me resting Millie and our center for the second game.
In our game against the Warriors that we lost, I chalked it up to a lack of aggressiveness on our part, overwhelming aggressiveness on the Warriors, and a disappearance of any fouls or travels called by the refs.
With better refs, and enough calls to keep both teams honest, we held the edge for most of the game.
Spurs defeat the Warriors 18-12, and we advance to the championship were we will play.... the Sixers.
Regardless of what happens next weekend, I still see myself retiring as a coach. In between Millie's games, Maja's coach tried to provide some words of wisdom and possibly a play to run. I was completely appreciative, and while Millie took him up on her part of the play, the girls looked like stunned deer in the headlights when they were out of the court. It's probably not all me, but these girls will need a coach with some player and coaching experience to get them further.
Fun facts:
- Second lane violation in as many weeks in a game.
- My final player without a basket made one!
- Holy crap am I making them run on Thursday.
- Each one of my girls played two games, each played against a pair of twins, and each played the sister of a player in the other's division.
In two other bits of non-winter league news, Millie and Maja got picked for their AAU team... BOTH on the 5th grade team. Big props for Millie (there was a 4th grade team she could make), but upon seeing the ultra-compact travel schedule, it looks like my planned Birthday Celebration at Mepacon this year is going to be spent... in Delaware at the Sixers facility.
So yeah, my Mepacon is cancelled, but their schedule is so tight, the season ends before our cruise in mid-May.
In other sports-related news, I discovered the my high school cross-country team will be award a special place on the high school "Wall of Fame" for their 27-0 season my Senior year. I was not one of the seven core runners on the team (I was a mope training for the Indoor Track hurdling season.) and I feel a twinge of old age coming on, as well as the sense of pride to be part of something that great.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020
Lost Dispatches of Feraso #64 - Into the Heart of Darkness
19th of HepDec - Town of Dunzig, Gran Duchy of Markovia
My plan to refill my soul and my body with food and rest succeeded. If I come back here a revisit to the Rose and Gauntlet is in order. It was a beacon of light in a seedy port town.
Alas, before lunch was even a thought, the warm reception of the Rose and Gauntlet switched to swordfighting in the streets.
The Duke of Markovia, Jakob von Manhoffen, had recently passed away under mysterious circumstances. His son, Hartwig was the uncontested heir, but had earlier gone off to remote Dwarven country to find some fabled stash of jewels. A search party had found evidence of his demise at the hands of orcs. This search party wasn't the trio of adventurers I was seeking, but a few questions about a suit of armor that ate human flesh confirmed they had been another search party in the area.
But before I could prep for my journey, I was accosted by not one, but two bands of street thugs. Street toughs, neighborhood militias, and even lesser nobles were pledging their allegiance to the various power brokers in the Duchy. These two gangs were working for various mining companies that Duke Jakob had given free reign in parts of the country. If by the mettle of theses street grunts, the Afgrund Mines and the Grand Metallic Mining Consortium were very late in assembling power along the coasts. Despite being outnumbered twelve to one, I managed to slay five of the hoodlums before the town guard came and chased the others away. Then in a act of treachery I reserve for the lands of the elves, the town guard attempted to shake me down for coins to pay for their services. I discovered later that the town guard was under the payroll of Duke Jakob's sister, Gretchen von Manhoffen, who was vying for her late brother's throne. I've never tolerated bandits and thieves working under the aura of authority, and a quick sword strike thrust into a guardsman's heart scattered the rest.
Apparently, actively brandishing a sword nets you some tranquility into what has turned out to be a lawless town.
24th of HepDec - Village of Greenfalls, Gran Duchy of Markovia
Following up on my leads about the trio, I've reached Greenfalls, a small human village that's a trading outpost for the nearby Dwarves of Ironkeep. Most remember an obnoxious noblemen, followed by an almost obnoxious search party of a mage, a dwarf, and a creepy guy with moving armor. No one remembers the search party that found Hartwig afterwards. Peculiar.
I ran into a Dwarven foot patrol as I continue to push into the mountains. Brandishing a sword in this land makes others provide a wide berth. They would certainly be a challenge compared to those gangs in Dunzig, but the lands need the patrols to deter the orcs festering in the shadows.
This is the part of the lifestyle I couldn't quite capture as a young scribe. As an old man, it vacillates between liberating and annoying...
GM Notes:
Into the Heart of Darkness was published in White Wolf Magazine #19 as a generic fantasy adventure with the TSR serial numbers filed off.
The group botched this adventure as well, and with a time element, things fell off the wheels early. We'll see the results next week.
Next: #65 - The Birth of a Kingdom
My plan to refill my soul and my body with food and rest succeeded. If I come back here a revisit to the Rose and Gauntlet is in order. It was a beacon of light in a seedy port town.
Alas, before lunch was even a thought, the warm reception of the Rose and Gauntlet switched to swordfighting in the streets.
The Duke of Markovia, Jakob von Manhoffen, had recently passed away under mysterious circumstances. His son, Hartwig was the uncontested heir, but had earlier gone off to remote Dwarven country to find some fabled stash of jewels. A search party had found evidence of his demise at the hands of orcs. This search party wasn't the trio of adventurers I was seeking, but a few questions about a suit of armor that ate human flesh confirmed they had been another search party in the area.
But before I could prep for my journey, I was accosted by not one, but two bands of street thugs. Street toughs, neighborhood militias, and even lesser nobles were pledging their allegiance to the various power brokers in the Duchy. These two gangs were working for various mining companies that Duke Jakob had given free reign in parts of the country. If by the mettle of theses street grunts, the Afgrund Mines and the Grand Metallic Mining Consortium were very late in assembling power along the coasts. Despite being outnumbered twelve to one, I managed to slay five of the hoodlums before the town guard came and chased the others away. Then in a act of treachery I reserve for the lands of the elves, the town guard attempted to shake me down for coins to pay for their services. I discovered later that the town guard was under the payroll of Duke Jakob's sister, Gretchen von Manhoffen, who was vying for her late brother's throne. I've never tolerated bandits and thieves working under the aura of authority, and a quick sword strike thrust into a guardsman's heart scattered the rest.
Apparently, actively brandishing a sword nets you some tranquility into what has turned out to be a lawless town.
24th of HepDec - Village of Greenfalls, Gran Duchy of Markovia
Following up on my leads about the trio, I've reached Greenfalls, a small human village that's a trading outpost for the nearby Dwarves of Ironkeep. Most remember an obnoxious noblemen, followed by an almost obnoxious search party of a mage, a dwarf, and a creepy guy with moving armor. No one remembers the search party that found Hartwig afterwards. Peculiar.
I ran into a Dwarven foot patrol as I continue to push into the mountains. Brandishing a sword in this land makes others provide a wide berth. They would certainly be a challenge compared to those gangs in Dunzig, but the lands need the patrols to deter the orcs festering in the shadows.
This is the part of the lifestyle I couldn't quite capture as a young scribe. As an old man, it vacillates between liberating and annoying...
GM Notes:
Into the Heart of Darkness was published in White Wolf Magazine #19 as a generic fantasy adventure with the TSR serial numbers filed off.
The group botched this adventure as well, and with a time element, things fell off the wheels early. We'll see the results next week.
Next: #65 - The Birth of a Kingdom
Monday, February 17, 2020
Mandatory Basketball Rant - Week 15
Two more weeks until I can hang my hat as Vice-President of our community league a little bit.
No, I'm not resigning my post. The league needs volunteers more than ever and I've had a fun time kabitzing with the parents and coaches as the playoff are getting finished.
What I'm not having a fun time with? Parents and triple-booked schedules that only affect your kids... and the play.
The one elementary school we use for practices and games is having their annual play, and with it, practice times get truncated or eliminated outright. Add in the inclement weather we had and subsequent school closures, not only did the play schedule a full week later, it included a full week of practices to interfere with even more practices.
In the midst of all of this, we wrapped up the Kindergarten, Biddy-Amateur (1st Grade), and Biddy-Pro (2nd) seasons with the Hot Shots tournaments. It's a couple rounds of foul shooting, followed by medals, pizza, and a cheap t-shirt to thank them for playing. Given all the parents, the multiple coaches, the process is extra and close. Unfortunately our bracket structure was horrendous and at least one team ended the night killing themselves for an unsatisfying 4th when others only won two matches.
On Wednesday, my wife took Millie to the Wilkes-Misericordia University game, while I transported Maja to her practices.
There was a community league promotion allowing free admission to players who wore their jerseys to the game, plus they got to be out on the court for introductions. My wife and Millie showed up for the Women's game played afterwards, all the while the crowds poured out the field house. Funny, because the Men's teams were wickedly bad, while the women's teams are nationally ranked.
Millie dressed up like a cheerleader and ran the Misericordia cheering section. She even got a picture with the team after the game.
And then, the flu came to town.
Millie woke up achey, went to school and almost immediately we got the call to pick her. It's not a full blown body debilitating versio of the flu, but she's been out of commission for the weekend.
To complicate things, Millie's Thursday practice had 3 Bulls and 3 Spurs show up. Thank God it was a bye week for us! I also learned that one of our players, the one that played valiant defense in our first playoff game, was now permanently out for the season with a injury/complication to her growth. I'm not questioning, I just now we're down to 6.
Games:
Friday - Somehow Millie connived my wife to drive to Hazleton to play in her game. She played reduced minutes and nothing extraordinary for once.
Saturday- Maja's Hazleton game was early morning and highly competetive, with the winning shot falling for the other team with 4.8 seconds to go, 27-26.
In her must-win playoff game back home, they hit on all cylinders in a 36-11 rout. It was a day of great passing and working on outside shooting that sometimes fell. She did make her first official three-pointer in a game!
They move on to play the Celtics next week, and if they win, they'll participate in the Loser's Bracket semi-final for the Championship.
Millie's team earned a bye this week for her Spurs, but we did check out the two games. the hated Celtics beat our friends the Bulls with a contest last-second shot to win, 13-12, but the youth and aggressiveness of the Warriors were to much as they fell 12-8.
With the Celtics out of the playoffs, our attention turns wholly to our original bad guys, the Sixers. Pull out a win and we don't have to deal with the up-and-coming Warriors in the loser's bracket.
Sunday:
My Sky Elite: Millie was feeling better Sunday morning, so we let both girls go to the second AAU tryout for this team. The good news was that both girls did well. The bad news was that basically zapped Millie of most of her strength, and none of the Spurs players I recommended coming made the trip.
With Millie zonked out on the couch, it made more sense to skip the Clutch AAU tryout. Of the two, My Sky is cheaper, closer for the tournaments, and and I trust the organizer more.
I haven't even covered the league travel team in recent weeks, because, well, it's been bad. The Final Travel Team game was Sunday, and with it, I'm just done with it. This week was the final consolation game and the whole experience was miserable. It was a like putting a loved one in hospice, the inevitable is there, but instead of nurses, they were replaced with horrible referees. Most of the PIAA state refs we use in the community are local and enjoy the kids games. I believe the refs at Kingston Rec need the money from the games because they shouldn't be refereeing high school games. Wildly out of shape and hence out of position to call anything on the court, I think everyone assumed we would lose the game, and they slowly pulled away after halftime, but the uncalled shenanigans (on both sides) by the refs sullied the game and allowed the score to expand more than it should.
Of course, the biggest problem this upcoming week isn't the make-or-break playoff games, it's that my car is still make-or-break in my mechanic's garage. Work might be finished by next Saturday, putting some huge logistical wrinkles in my schedule.
No, I'm not resigning my post. The league needs volunteers more than ever and I've had a fun time kabitzing with the parents and coaches as the playoff are getting finished.
What I'm not having a fun time with? Parents and triple-booked schedules that only affect your kids... and the play.
The one elementary school we use for practices and games is having their annual play, and with it, practice times get truncated or eliminated outright. Add in the inclement weather we had and subsequent school closures, not only did the play schedule a full week later, it included a full week of practices to interfere with even more practices.
In the midst of all of this, we wrapped up the Kindergarten, Biddy-Amateur (1st Grade), and Biddy-Pro (2nd) seasons with the Hot Shots tournaments. It's a couple rounds of foul shooting, followed by medals, pizza, and a cheap t-shirt to thank them for playing. Given all the parents, the multiple coaches, the process is extra and close. Unfortunately our bracket structure was horrendous and at least one team ended the night killing themselves for an unsatisfying 4th when others only won two matches.
On Wednesday, my wife took Millie to the Wilkes-Misericordia University game, while I transported Maja to her practices.
There was a community league promotion allowing free admission to players who wore their jerseys to the game, plus they got to be out on the court for introductions. My wife and Millie showed up for the Women's game played afterwards, all the while the crowds poured out the field house. Funny, because the Men's teams were wickedly bad, while the women's teams are nationally ranked.
Millie dressed up like a cheerleader and ran the Misericordia cheering section. She even got a picture with the team after the game.
Millie woke up achey, went to school and almost immediately we got the call to pick her. It's not a full blown body debilitating versio of the flu, but she's been out of commission for the weekend.
To complicate things, Millie's Thursday practice had 3 Bulls and 3 Spurs show up. Thank God it was a bye week for us! I also learned that one of our players, the one that played valiant defense in our first playoff game, was now permanently out for the season with a injury/complication to her growth. I'm not questioning, I just now we're down to 6.
Games:
Friday - Somehow Millie connived my wife to drive to Hazleton to play in her game. She played reduced minutes and nothing extraordinary for once.
Saturday- Maja's Hazleton game was early morning and highly competetive, with the winning shot falling for the other team with 4.8 seconds to go, 27-26.
In her must-win playoff game back home, they hit on all cylinders in a 36-11 rout. It was a day of great passing and working on outside shooting that sometimes fell. She did make her first official three-pointer in a game!
They move on to play the Celtics next week, and if they win, they'll participate in the Loser's Bracket semi-final for the Championship.
Millie's team earned a bye this week for her Spurs, but we did check out the two games. the hated Celtics beat our friends the Bulls with a contest last-second shot to win, 13-12, but the youth and aggressiveness of the Warriors were to much as they fell 12-8.
With the Celtics out of the playoffs, our attention turns wholly to our original bad guys, the Sixers. Pull out a win and we don't have to deal with the up-and-coming Warriors in the loser's bracket.
Sunday:
My Sky Elite: Millie was feeling better Sunday morning, so we let both girls go to the second AAU tryout for this team. The good news was that both girls did well. The bad news was that basically zapped Millie of most of her strength, and none of the Spurs players I recommended coming made the trip.
With Millie zonked out on the couch, it made more sense to skip the Clutch AAU tryout. Of the two, My Sky is cheaper, closer for the tournaments, and and I trust the organizer more.
I haven't even covered the league travel team in recent weeks, because, well, it's been bad. The Final Travel Team game was Sunday, and with it, I'm just done with it. This week was the final consolation game and the whole experience was miserable. It was a like putting a loved one in hospice, the inevitable is there, but instead of nurses, they were replaced with horrible referees. Most of the PIAA state refs we use in the community are local and enjoy the kids games. I believe the refs at Kingston Rec need the money from the games because they shouldn't be refereeing high school games. Wildly out of shape and hence out of position to call anything on the court, I think everyone assumed we would lose the game, and they slowly pulled away after halftime, but the uncalled shenanigans (on both sides) by the refs sullied the game and allowed the score to expand more than it should.
Of course, the biggest problem this upcoming week isn't the make-or-break playoff games, it's that my car is still make-or-break in my mechanic's garage. Work might be finished by next Saturday, putting some huge logistical wrinkles in my schedule.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
A Breath of Life... in Taxidermy
I finally played a game online.
The last time any of us met online AND played a game was a week before Christmas. New babies, new promotions, new headaches in life keep cropping up.
But Monday night we had three of us together, and after two of us winced at the tales of the third's foray back into living with an infant, we were stuck with a half-hour.
Not enough time for my Risus - Spice Girls Espionage game, but enough time for Coffee Shop.
Podcaster James D'Amato, known for his One-Shot Podcast and Campaign, has dived into authoring RPG books, namely The The Ultimate RPG Gameplay Guide, The Ultimate RPG Character Backstory Guide, and The Ultimate Micro-RPG Book. One of the Micro-Games included (and once posted on Twitter) was Coffee Shop, where players sent the drama around a coffee shop, barbershop, delicatessen, and the play through "drama" at the shop.
Our guys couldn't do a coffee shop, or even a convenience store.
They went with a taxidermist. The results for pleasantly horrific.
I'm still looking for time for miniatures or painting, and thank god, the Mandatory Basketball Rant is only good for two more weeks and that season is OVER.
Project 350 - I've done a number of culls and moves, but if 350 drafts and scheduled posts hiding behind the scenes if my healthy standards, the blog is morbidly obese. I'm hovering close to 500 of those posts with 63 scheduled to post this year and 70 into the future.
I can't even keep draft ideas under 350, with 362 at the time of this writing. There are at least 13 more episodes of the Lost Dispatches to write up and that will get us into August and #RPGaDay2020
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Legions of Steel Kickstarter Details
Kids' activities and new responsibilities have not made my desire to be a Legions of Steel playtester any easier. I've perused the beta ruleset and followed up on the optional rules, but I haven't had any good time to break things down, set things up, and add some input into the new edition of the game.
Friday, February 14, 2020
Thursday, February 13, 2020
(Kickstarter) The New Tales of Oz by Mids Meinberg
ZineQuest continues to overwhelm Kickstarter, but with great quantity comes the chance to have one hit my demographic right in the wallet.
The New Tales of Oz takes the archetypes and tropes of the Baum books, combines them with a card-based system requiring two decks of playing cards, and creates an affordable option of visiting the land of Oz.
Five bucks for the pdf, twelve for the hardcopy.
The New Tales of Oz takes the archetypes and tropes of the Baum books, combines them with a card-based system requiring two decks of playing cards, and creates an affordable option of visiting the land of Oz.
GM Registration for Mepacon Has Already Opened!
Mepacon 38 (Spring 2020) will be April 24-26, 2020 at the Mountain Laurel Resort in beautfiul, scenic White Haven, Pennsylvania. (The Poconos for those with regional familiarity, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Area for those who need a city to find yourself.
I missed that GM Registration was already open, and the online form can be found here.
It's also going to be the site of ViscountEric's BirthdayPalooza, whatever that might entail. I guess I need to set up a poll to see what I should run (and I shall run a LOT). But seriously, I currently surrounded by a pile of Car Wars material, so I might want to go back thirty years and do some autodueling. Depending on the RSVPs I get, Gnomes, Samoans, or even a few Hackmaster Generals could see action.
It's also going to be the site of ViscountEric's BirthdayPalooza, whatever that might entail. I guess I need to set up a poll to see what I should run (and I shall run a LOT). But seriously, I currently surrounded by a pile of Car Wars material, so I might want to go back thirty years and do some autodueling. Depending on the RSVPs I get, Gnomes, Samoans, or even a few Hackmaster Generals could see action.
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
(Kickstarter) The Crew of the Hydria Mel by Blind Beggar Miniatures
In the midst of the ZineQuest invasion of Kickstarter's Gaming section, the good folk at Blind Beggar Miniatures launched their 55th campaign, and it's definitely not 'zine based.
The Crew of the Hydria Mel, is a group of sci-fi Space Bears with playful names to expand your universe!
The Crew of the Hydria Mel, is a group of sci-fi Space Bears with playful names to expand your universe!
Reaper Answers the #BroomstickChallenge
Apparently I caught the latest social media craze, the #BroomstickChallenge, midstep last night. I was entirely confused until I found the supposed statement that, per NASA, the gravitational tilt last night was changed so much you could stand a broom by its bristles just for one night.
It's complete bunk, but the good folks at Reaper had some fun on their Instagram.
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Lost Dispatches of Feraso #63 - The Gran Duchy of Markovia
18th of HepDec - Town of Dunzig, Gran Duchy of Markovia
From the foothills of Devarnish into the mountains of Markovia, the roads turned to nearly worn footpaths. I can't imagine a caravan taking this route, but over a steep incline, it finally arrives at Dunzig, the only real port town for a large dominion with a sizable coastline.
The mountains jut out of the Starfall Chanel and MerNor water at 500 feet high. Unlike the fjords of Zieland and Wyrmnal, there are just about no safe spots for a settlement. Dunzig, a glorified village, and a few remote fishing villages built into the cliff face dot the coast and barely offer a chance to escape the jagged peaks.
It's no surprise that the economy of the Gran Duchy is mining any and all ores, gems, and anything else hidden. There little decent land for proper farming, so most items need to be hauled in by caravan, making everything else quite expensive.
Of all the possessions of Ras-Prythax, Markovia seems to be the most diverse. The deceived dwarves of Devarnish appeared to have migrated next door, keeping a healthy community of gnomes alongside. Most avoid human politics, keeping to the goings-on of their clans or their mines.
The demi-humans have assisted the Markovians with an ingenious water solution. Dozens of windmills not the mountain ranges, operating pumps with draw water for the higher-altitude communities from freshwater lakes below. It is quite the feat of engineering!
Human mines have encroached on the dwarven holdings, and were pushing the Duke to enact the same taxes as Devarnish. The Duke resisted, and as much as I could ascertain this might be the reason for his sudden and accidental death.
The streets of Dunzig are buzzing with rumors and talk, but for know, I will pay for a much-needed bath to wash off the trail dirt, a hearty meal, and a drink of two, before getting much needed sleep and inquiring about the trio of adventurers I'm looking for.
Next #64 - Into the Heart of Darkness
From the foothills of Devarnish into the mountains of Markovia, the roads turned to nearly worn footpaths. I can't imagine a caravan taking this route, but over a steep incline, it finally arrives at Dunzig, the only real port town for a large dominion with a sizable coastline.
The mountains jut out of the Starfall Chanel and MerNor water at 500 feet high. Unlike the fjords of Zieland and Wyrmnal, there are just about no safe spots for a settlement. Dunzig, a glorified village, and a few remote fishing villages built into the cliff face dot the coast and barely offer a chance to escape the jagged peaks.
It's no surprise that the economy of the Gran Duchy is mining any and all ores, gems, and anything else hidden. There little decent land for proper farming, so most items need to be hauled in by caravan, making everything else quite expensive.
Of all the possessions of Ras-Prythax, Markovia seems to be the most diverse. The deceived dwarves of Devarnish appeared to have migrated next door, keeping a healthy community of gnomes alongside. Most avoid human politics, keeping to the goings-on of their clans or their mines.
The demi-humans have assisted the Markovians with an ingenious water solution. Dozens of windmills not the mountain ranges, operating pumps with draw water for the higher-altitude communities from freshwater lakes below. It is quite the feat of engineering!
Human mines have encroached on the dwarven holdings, and were pushing the Duke to enact the same taxes as Devarnish. The Duke resisted, and as much as I could ascertain this might be the reason for his sudden and accidental death.
The streets of Dunzig are buzzing with rumors and talk, but for know, I will pay for a much-needed bath to wash off the trail dirt, a hearty meal, and a drink of two, before getting much needed sleep and inquiring about the trio of adventurers I'm looking for.
Next #64 - Into the Heart of Darkness
(352/125)
Monday, February 10, 2020
Car Wars Unboxing
As much as I love the concept of Kickstarter, very rarely do I take the "all in" approach. I rarely have the time, the money, or the space to handle such grandiose pledge levels.
Except for the Pocket Box Games of the 80's that Steve Jackson Games launched.
The options and pledges escalated well, and I bit the bullet and got the $200 Car Wars level.
Here's their display on the page:
Here's what came to my door earlier this month:
Bundle #4:
Of course, I miscalculated/misread the campaign and forgot that the Car Wars pledge level included Illuminati Expansion Sets 1-3, so silly me ordered an extra of 1 and 2!
In addition to all this, I also received my two extra pocket boxes in a separate shipment from Texas. Perhaps I should have ordered more.... At least I took care of storage by pledging the Bag of Bags Kickstarter.
The cost of the Car Wars book on Steve Jackson Warehouse 23 costs around $100... and that's for PDF! Throw in all the Pocket Box games and this truly is a bargain.
Now I just need one blizzard this winter to get the time to go over everything... mwhahaha!
Except for the Pocket Box Games of the 80's that Steve Jackson Games launched.
The options and pledges escalated well, and I bit the bullet and got the $200 Car Wars level.
Here's their display on the page:
Breaking all this down, I have a beautiful feeling that I'm completely overwhelmed in Car Wars.
Bundle #1
- Car Wars
- Truck Stop
- Convoy
- Car Wars Expansion Set 1
- Car Wars Expansion Set 2
- GURPS Autoduel
- Car Wars Arena Book
- 1 Empty Pocket Box.
Bundle #2:
- Crash City
- Car Wars Expansion Set 3
- Car Wars Expansion Set 4
- Uncle Al's 2036
- The Best of ADQ V1
- GURPS - Zombietown U.S.A.
- 1 Empty Pocket Box
Bundle #3:
- Car Wars Expansion Set 6
- Car Wars Expansion Set 8
- AADA Vehicle Guide
- Uncle Al's 2038
- Autoduel Champions
- 2 Car Wars Pocket Folders
- 2 Empty Pocket Boxes
- Car Wars Expansion Set 5
- Car Wars Expansion Set 7
- BOAT WARS!!!!
- Uncle Al's 2035
- Uncle Al's 2039
- Car War Pocket Folder
- 1 Empty Pocket Box
Of course, I miscalculated/misread the campaign and forgot that the Car Wars pledge level included Illuminati Expansion Sets 1-3, so silly me ordered an extra of 1 and 2!
The cost of the Car Wars book on Steve Jackson Warehouse 23 costs around $100... and that's for PDF! Throw in all the Pocket Box games and this truly is a bargain.
Now I just need one blizzard this winter to get the time to go over everything... mwhahaha!
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Mandatory Basketball Rant - Week 14
It's down to the nitty-gritty, playoff time is here!
But first, let's talk about taking foul shots and eating pizza.
While the playoffs affect grades 3 and above, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades get their Hot Shots tournament.
With Hot Shots, all the teams in that grade get together with multiple rounds of different variants of foul shooting. It's a team event, and with revised rules to give the weakest kids a chance at making a shot and a difference for their team's chance, it gets to be an exciting event.
This year, we were able to have a coordinator/commissar/commissioner of the 1st and 2nd-grade basketball, and he's been great at handling all the issues that come up with those age children and their parents. It came to no surprise to us that he took the bull by the horns and got the 1st Grade Hot Shots tournament set up with military precision. Rules were reviewed, updated, and distributed to all coaches to review with a week to go... then cleaned up more revisions.
Tuesday that tournament took place and it was a rousing success. In a best two-out-of-three two-minute periods, most battles were sweeps, but each period was a nail-biter, decided on only one or two points.
In the end, a winner was declared, pizza was fed to all, medals and t-shirts distributed, and nary a parent had a complaint.
Friday was supposed to be the Kindergarten edition, but thanks to an early dismissal by the school district and full closure of the campuses, we were forced to reschedule them for Monday, with 2nd Grade the next day. On top of this crazy schedule for the board, the core practice time open up by K-2 seasons ending is being negated by the one elementary school's play getting affected by the early dismissal, and getting rescheduled for Wednesday. No one is amused by the situation.
The early dismissal also affected Millie's Friday game in Hazleton, but thanks to the dreaded storm petering out early, we managed to snag some hockey tickets and relax before a pressing Saturday.
Saturday started in Hazleton with Maja's team. They easily overwhelmed their opponents with their 3-1-1 zone (Three on the perimeter, one waiting to pounce on anything getting through the perimeter, and Maja, guarding three players all by her lonesome. It wasn't the greatest game offensively for her, but the boys had it well in hand from the smothering defense and with the score 18-0 in the third, we left early to make it to Maja's next game with time in hand.
For the twelve minutes Maja was gone, the score titled slightly to 23-8, so there was an impact.
Maja's second game was the opening round of the playoffs for them. Her Bucks had drawn a bye in the first round, and a win would guarantee them a week off.
But fate cast its die for the hapless Lakers. Winless during the regular season, I was alerted to their newfound purpose with a simple text message alerting me of a sizable upset against the 5/6 Girls Celtics. Maja's team was unprepared for an aggressive defense, coordinated passing, and one tall girl that had a devastating mid-range jumper.
Bucks fall 22-12 and their chance for a bye next week turns into one possibly two games next week, if they get their act together.
If you had told me at the beginning of the season that I would need to play the last six minutes of a playoff game with four players and two would be my best players, but the other two were a first-year player and the tiniest girl on our team, I might dread the result.
FINAL: Spurs 5, Celtics 4 - The girls played lights-out shutout defense and the offensive futility came to end.
But for the first time ever as a coach, I could offer to buy ice cream for the five that made it through that trial.
I'm wiped. Thank God we have a bye week to recover from that insanity.
Of course, as scheduler for the league, I'm compiling scores and adjusting brackets for next week.
But first, let's talk about taking foul shots and eating pizza.
While the playoffs affect grades 3 and above, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades get their Hot Shots tournament.
With Hot Shots, all the teams in that grade get together with multiple rounds of different variants of foul shooting. It's a team event, and with revised rules to give the weakest kids a chance at making a shot and a difference for their team's chance, it gets to be an exciting event.
This year, we were able to have a coordinator/commissar/commissioner of the 1st and 2nd-grade basketball, and he's been great at handling all the issues that come up with those age children and their parents. It came to no surprise to us that he took the bull by the horns and got the 1st Grade Hot Shots tournament set up with military precision. Rules were reviewed, updated, and distributed to all coaches to review with a week to go... then cleaned up more revisions.
Tuesday that tournament took place and it was a rousing success. In a best two-out-of-three two-minute periods, most battles were sweeps, but each period was a nail-biter, decided on only one or two points.
In the end, a winner was declared, pizza was fed to all, medals and t-shirts distributed, and nary a parent had a complaint.
Friday was supposed to be the Kindergarten edition, but thanks to an early dismissal by the school district and full closure of the campuses, we were forced to reschedule them for Monday, with 2nd Grade the next day. On top of this crazy schedule for the board, the core practice time open up by K-2 seasons ending is being negated by the one elementary school's play getting affected by the early dismissal, and getting rescheduled for Wednesday. No one is amused by the situation.
The early dismissal also affected Millie's Friday game in Hazleton, but thanks to the dreaded storm petering out early, we managed to snag some hockey tickets and relax before a pressing Saturday.
Saturday started in Hazleton with Maja's team. They easily overwhelmed their opponents with their 3-1-1 zone (Three on the perimeter, one waiting to pounce on anything getting through the perimeter, and Maja, guarding three players all by her lonesome. It wasn't the greatest game offensively for her, but the boys had it well in hand from the smothering defense and with the score 18-0 in the third, we left early to make it to Maja's next game with time in hand.
For the twelve minutes Maja was gone, the score titled slightly to 23-8, so there was an impact.
But fate cast its die for the hapless Lakers. Winless during the regular season, I was alerted to their newfound purpose with a simple text message alerting me of a sizable upset against the 5/6 Girls Celtics. Maja's team was unprepared for an aggressive defense, coordinated passing, and one tall girl that had a devastating mid-range jumper.
Bucks fall 22-12 and their chance for a bye next week turns into one possibly two games next week, if they get their act together.
Game three for the day was actually driving the girls and their friend to the local high school girls game. It was the annual Pink Out for Cancer and they were playing, ironically, Hazleton. This is the fourth or fifth time I've seen them play this season, and perhaps it was a lower level of competition, but those girls executed much better, even if shots weren't landing.
And then we come to game four. My playoff debut as a coach, and a first time for Millie, the Spurs opened our playoffs against our arch-nemesis the Celtics.
Our bigger opponent before the game was the variant strain of influenza that's filtered its way through Northeast Pennsylvania. I got word just before Thursday's practice that one player had been suffering the entire week with the flu, obviously wouldn't make practice, and was a maybe for Saturday. The following morning I got another email from a different player who was a no-show for practice, announcing that girl had just contracted the flu and was out through Monday.
That left us with five girls, and perhaps not the preferred arranged I would want. Against the Celtics.
With a final confirmation that my #2 guard was still weak at home, I repositioned the line-up, made sure the girls were hydrated, and that they remained vigilant on defense.
It was a messy slobber knocker of a first half that I think ended in a whopping 2-2 tie. Offense on both sides was getting instantly enveloped by the defense.
The second half opened with a flurry of offense to 4-4, and then, a series of unfortunate accidents occurred.
My one forward, the girl who just started playing basketball got walloped in the face with an errant shot, forcing her to come off the court to compose herself for the last three minutes of the third quarter. While she was recovering, Millie tripped during a jump ball and took a glancing blow to the head. Before I could grab an ice pack, she shook it off and turned around to go back in. Once she got in to start the fourth, she drew a crucial shooting foul.
First attempt..... miss
Second attempt... miss
But wait! A lane violation by the defense allowed for a third attempt, and after a few precarious bounces, it finally fell through.
Then absolute armageddon felt like it was pressing on my shoulders as my usual forward turned guard for this game fouled out.
And we were playing 5 on 4 basketball for the last six minutes of the game.
If you had told me at the beginning of the season that I would need to play the last six minutes of a playoff game with four players and two would be my best players, but the other two were a first-year player and the tiniest girl on our team, I might dread the result.
FINAL: Spurs 5, Celtics 4 - The girls played lights-out shutout defense and the offensive futility came to end.
But for the first time ever as a coach, I could offer to buy ice cream for the five that made it through that trial.
I'm wiped. Thank God we have a bye week to recover from that insanity.
Of course, as scheduler for the league, I'm compiling scores and adjusting brackets for next week.
Saturday, February 8, 2020
(Kickstarter) One of Us
This ZineQuest promo for Kickstarter will not end... and the concepts continue to expand outside the usual FRPG fare.
Tim Deschene has launched a campaign for One of Us: Sideshow Salvation in a Dystopian Dustbowl for use with Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC).
Even if I didn't appreciate the zine RPG format, I love that most of these creators write up a fantastic elevator pitch:
You are no hero…
You are a carnie indentured to the mysterious being known as The Madame. In exchange for wondrous powers and “a more perfect self,” The Madame calls upon you to procure ancient artifacts as you crisscross the dusty and dangerous remains of a once robust and proud land.
Cannibal hobos, shadowy cults, and uncouth hecklers will do everything in their power to prevent your caravan from carrying out its mission.
Grab your barbells and bullwhips and hop on the trail to adventure. We accept you, we accept you! One of us!
Tim Deschene has launched a campaign for One of Us: Sideshow Salvation in a Dystopian Dustbowl for use with Dungeon Crawl Classics (DCC).
You are no hero…
You are a carnie indentured to the mysterious being known as The Madame. In exchange for wondrous powers and “a more perfect self,” The Madame calls upon you to procure ancient artifacts as you crisscross the dusty and dangerous remains of a once robust and proud land.
Cannibal hobos, shadowy cults, and uncouth hecklers will do everything in their power to prevent your caravan from carrying out its mission.
Grab your barbells and bullwhips and hop on the trail to adventure. We accept you, we accept you! One of us!
Five bucks for the pdf, ten dollars for the pdf + hard copy.
(Kickstarter) 28mm Ural Truck from Miniature Building Authority
While ZineQuest dominated my backlog recent Kickstarters, it's appropriate to give a shout-out to Miniature Building Authority's latest campaign, a 28mm URAL Truck kit.
Resing casting with metal bits. $40US plus S&H for a pledge, with add-ons from their catalog available.
Resing casting with metal bits. $40US plus S&H for a pledge, with add-ons from their catalog available.
Friday, February 7, 2020
(Kickstarter) The Wait - An RPG About Waiting for the Inevitable
Not all the selections from ZineQuest on Kickstarter are fun and zany. Some get downright dark and emotional.
In The Wait you play as the friends and family of a patient who has been placed on hospice. The experience centers around gathering your thoughts in the silence, choosing what to share about the patient, and how you can best remember that person’s life. Together, you and the other players build and share the life and memories of a person you create, exploring the depths of joy or sadness, putting together the pieces of someone whose life is ending.
Dude, that's pretty freakin' intense.
Five bucks for the pdf, $13 for the pdf + hard copy + cards + glass tokens.
In The Wait you play as the friends and family of a patient who has been placed on hospice. The experience centers around gathering your thoughts in the silence, choosing what to share about the patient, and how you can best remember that person’s life. Together, you and the other players build and share the life and memories of a person you create, exploring the depths of joy or sadness, putting together the pieces of someone whose life is ending.
Five bucks for the pdf, $13 for the pdf + hard copy + cards + glass tokens.
(Kickstarter) Snomes: A Quirky RPG Zine
ZineQuest on Kickstarter has plenty of cool concepts, but I would be remiss not to mention Snomes, a zine about magical snowy-gnomes and dangerously stupid situations.
Snomes is a mini tabletop role-playing game with a focus on magic and wintery gnomes. With its D6 based system, anyone with a standard six sided die can quickly jump in. Making it a great role-playing system for new players. Snomes also uses a unique mechanic called “Reckless Reactions”. These Reactions take place whenever a player rolls a 1 on their die. This causes them to use random spells, for better or for worse, creating constant chaos and laughter in every role-playing session.
Imagine you are trying to jump across a river and you fall asleep mid-jump. Or you are talking to a shopkeeper and accidentally shoot a fire ball at them. Maybe you are trying to sneak into a castle, but instead you scream at the top of your lungs. Reckless Reactions will keep you on your toes and make for hilariously stupid situations.
Snomes is a mini tabletop role-playing game with a focus on magic and wintery gnomes. With its D6 based system, anyone with a standard six sided die can quickly jump in. Making it a great role-playing system for new players. Snomes also uses a unique mechanic called “Reckless Reactions”. These Reactions take place whenever a player rolls a 1 on their die. This causes them to use random spells, for better or for worse, creating constant chaos and laughter in every role-playing session.
Imagine you are trying to jump across a river and you fall asleep mid-jump. Or you are talking to a shopkeeper and accidentally shoot a fire ball at them. Maybe you are trying to sneak into a castle, but instead you scream at the top of your lungs. Reckless Reactions will keep you on your toes and make for hilariously stupid situations.
Five bucks for the pdf, ten for the pdf+hard copy, with higher pledge levels for other stuff.
Thursday, February 6, 2020
(Kickstarter) Rock & Roll - A Musical RPG
Still more ZineQuest on Kickstarter! Today's choice caught my eye and tugged on my hearstrings.
Rock & Roll - A Musical RPG is a zine-format d6 game about making the band of your dreams with your friends and experiencing all the highs and lows of life on-stage and off. Write music, play gigs, grow your fanbase, and see the world — no musical talent required.
After running a tongue-in-cheek Risus game having the characters be members of a Fleetwood Mac cover band, I'm willing to drop five bucks for the pdf to see how many levels this works on. Ten dollars nets you the pdf+print+stretch goals.
Rock & Roll - A Musical RPG is a zine-format d6 game about making the band of your dreams with your friends and experiencing all the highs and lows of life on-stage and off. Write music, play gigs, grow your fanbase, and see the world — no musical talent required.
After running a tongue-in-cheek Risus game having the characters be members of a Fleetwood Mac cover band, I'm willing to drop five bucks for the pdf to see how many levels this works on. Ten dollars nets you the pdf+print+stretch goals.
Wednesday, February 5, 2020
(Kickstarter) Campfire Memories
ZineQuest is in full swing on Kickstarter, and another game that caught my eye (but not my wallet... yet) is Campfire Memories.
Again, copying directly from the creator's campaign:
Campfire Memories is a GMless RPG designed for one-shot play. In the game a family goes camping, faces unpleasant experiences while in the great outdoors, and then looks back on those difficulties fondly.
Players create a family, composed of adults, children, and possibly a dog, filling them out with goals and resources they bring to the woods with them.
While camping things go wrong, as they do for everyone. Weather turns nasty, equipment fails, wild animals appear at the worst possible times. How does the family react?
After the trip is over, the family has time to reflect on their experiences. What did they learn? What connections were formed or strengthened with the other members of their family? What was valuable about even the worst events?
Campfire Memories is a light, easy game, where character death and other intense situations just aren't part of play. It aims to create a hear-warming tone that shifts from humorous mishaps during the camping phase to sincere sentimentality introspection during the reflection phase.
Campfire Memories is a GMless RPG designed for one-shot play. In the game a family goes camping, faces unpleasant experiences while in the great outdoors, and then looks back on those difficulties fondly.
Players create a family, composed of adults, children, and possibly a dog, filling them out with goals and resources they bring to the woods with them.
While camping things go wrong, as they do for everyone. Weather turns nasty, equipment fails, wild animals appear at the worst possible times. How does the family react?
After the trip is over, the family has time to reflect on their experiences. What did they learn? What connections were formed or strengthened with the other members of their family? What was valuable about even the worst events?
Campfire Memories is a light, easy game, where character death and other intense situations just aren't part of play. It aims to create a hear-warming tone that shifts from humorous mishaps during the camping phase to sincere sentimentality introspection during the reflection phase.
Five bucks for the pdf, ten for print and pdf? Might be more worthwhile than another set of dice.
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
(Kickstarter) Planet 28 - Simple Sci-Fi Skirmish Rules
While it's not the best time of the year for me, Kickstarter warms my heart with another wave of ZineQuest in their Tabletop Gaming section. I snagged up a couple different zines in the last wave, and although Girl Underground was the only one I liked, I don't mind spending a couple of dollars to support someone's project.
ZineQuest must have started during my self-imposed break from blogging over the weekend and there are tons of selections, but the first one to catch my eye and my pledge was Planet 28 a micro-ruleset for sci-fi skirmish gaming.
The pro's of the zine, from the words of the creator:
ZineQuest must have started during my self-imposed break from blogging over the weekend and there are tons of selections, but the first one to catch my eye and my pledge was Planet 28 a micro-ruleset for sci-fi skirmish gaming.
- Build a warband of unique characters using simple and fast character creation rules.
- outfit your characters with a range of weapons, abilities and gear.
- .play brutal and fast battles using simple and intuitive rules.
- .upgrade your warband with character progression rules.
- It's some random dude's game design. It might be trash, but for roughly $13US, it's a price I'm willing to pay.
Lost Dispatches of Feraso #62 - The County of Devarnish
The 29th Day of QuaDec, 1045 - The Fallen Timber Tavern
In spite of all of locals saying otherwise, the Old River Road does not stop, end, or change course in Verbobonc. It does go into the deep dark nigh impenetrable Iron Woods, and at whatever point in your journey you begin doubting your directions, it turns into The Iron Road for the remainder of your trip to Devarnish.
In midst of this fog-shrouded forest is a small compound of a few dozen permanent settlers, and the only refuge of civilization. I was amazed to first see it rise through the trees, a large wooden palisade surrounded by acres of cleared fields. The Fallen Timber Tavern has all the necessities of a village within its walls.
The owner of the tavern proper, a lithe, pale man names Syrian Theus, appears to have retired young from a career as a ranger within these woods and set up the tavern as a safe mid-point for the creatures within. Creatures, that the residents are wary to mention. I experienced nothing more than some scurrying through the underbrush in my travels, but it seemed foolish not to use the communities services and hospitality on my trip.
Unlike Rynehurst, all are welcome, and violence is strongly discouraged with collaborative violence against the offenders, and subsequent expulsion beyond the safety of the palisade.
The 31st Day of QuaDec, 1045 - Town of Jarl, Barony of Valkurl
The Iron Road continued north until it meets a peculiar border and the Town of Jarl. The town proper is just across the border from Verbobonc in the Barony of Valkurl. The main road, a ferry across the Velvderdya and a walking bridge are all possessions of the Viscounty of Verbobonc, and beyond the river lay the City of Fresklun
There has been a great congestion caused by a unit of Knights of Ras-Prythax, Crusaders of Wilip, and Tilverton Lancers attempting to cross the ferry into Fresklun. I was able to dismount my horse and walk him across the walking bridge for a silver apiece, but the cavalry units had other ideas.
However, given the unknown territory, I found it smarter to accompany the cavalry units for an extra dose of protection. The various officers humored my request
The 34th Day of QuaDec, 1045 - Fresklun, County of Devarnish
The 10th Day of HepDec, 1045 - Village of Wharfshave
After a long a dangerous journey, I am back in some tiny semblance of society in the tiny port of Wharfshave. Fishing vessels, rowboats, and the smallest of merchant yachts might make in into the shallow waters.
The trio I'm searching for have been here and they left their mark, thanks to another missing girl and clues that may have reference of the dreaded "Living Armor." They fled upon discovery and were last seen heading into Markovia.
NEXT: #63 - The Gran Duchy of Markovia
In spite of all of locals saying otherwise, the Old River Road does not stop, end, or change course in Verbobonc. It does go into the deep dark nigh impenetrable Iron Woods, and at whatever point in your journey you begin doubting your directions, it turns into The Iron Road for the remainder of your trip to Devarnish.
In midst of this fog-shrouded forest is a small compound of a few dozen permanent settlers, and the only refuge of civilization. I was amazed to first see it rise through the trees, a large wooden palisade surrounded by acres of cleared fields. The Fallen Timber Tavern has all the necessities of a village within its walls.
The owner of the tavern proper, a lithe, pale man names Syrian Theus, appears to have retired young from a career as a ranger within these woods and set up the tavern as a safe mid-point for the creatures within. Creatures, that the residents are wary to mention. I experienced nothing more than some scurrying through the underbrush in my travels, but it seemed foolish not to use the communities services and hospitality on my trip.
Unlike Rynehurst, all are welcome, and violence is strongly discouraged with collaborative violence against the offenders, and subsequent expulsion beyond the safety of the palisade.
The 31st Day of QuaDec, 1045 - Town of Jarl, Barony of Valkurl
The Iron Road continued north until it meets a peculiar border and the Town of Jarl. The town proper is just across the border from Verbobonc in the Barony of Valkurl. The main road, a ferry across the Velvderdya and a walking bridge are all possessions of the Viscounty of Verbobonc, and beyond the river lay the City of Fresklun
There has been a great congestion caused by a unit of Knights of Ras-Prythax, Crusaders of Wilip, and Tilverton Lancers attempting to cross the ferry into Fresklun. I was able to dismount my horse and walk him across the walking bridge for a silver apiece, but the cavalry units had other ideas.
However, given the unknown territory, I found it smarter to accompany the cavalry units for an extra dose of protection. The various officers humored my request
The 34th Day of QuaDec, 1045 - Fresklun, County of Devarnish
For a unit riding horses, these cavalry units move with speed or purpose, but we have reached the Fresklun, the capital city of County of Devarnish.
Devarnish was once one of the Imperial holdings held by the Church of Akana, producing revenue directly for the God of Law and Order. But at some point the dwarves who mined the foothills leading to Markovia disappeared with the fortunes. The mines didn't run dry, it was the greed of the Church and the Krugraf of Ras-Prythax who imposed taxes on the ore that left the mine. The few dwarves still in the county tell of an amusing work-a-round to circumvent these taxes (and subsequently caused the "exodus" of dwarves.
Ras-Prythax could lay claim on, and tax willingly, all products that came out of the land. Technically, all crops, fruits, furs of animals, and unprocessed ore could be taxed. Taxing common food would cause a rebellion, but ore and luxuries were regular targets.
Instead of paying the taxes, the dwarves closed up the entrances to the mines and proceeded to dig tunnels to connect to their underground network. There, they sold the ore, away from the prying Imperial auditors, refined the ore and used it in for their own finished products. By the letter of the law, the finished goods were not products of the land, and thus were never taxed the higher rate. This caused a number of human communities to collapse economically, without a refining industry to support these disappearing mines.
The Count, one Westin Mori, is a young man trying to reverse the foolish actions of his father, but he catching resistance every step of the way.
One man who Westin has not endeared himself to has been Bishop Marquin of Akana. A man in his late 40's, he served as the Bishop under Westin and his father. The late Count gave the bishop considerably more free reign in matters of law and divinity.
I've also heard rumors of Carathmus and his friends, traveling north to the small port town of Wharfshave.
After a long a dangerous journey, I am back in some tiny semblance of society in the tiny port of Wharfshave. Fishing vessels, rowboats, and the smallest of merchant yachts might make in into the shallow waters.
The trio I'm searching for have been here and they left their mark, thanks to another missing girl and clues that may have reference of the dreaded "Living Armor." They fled upon discovery and were last seen heading into Markovia.
NEXT: #63 - The Gran Duchy of Markovia
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Mandatory Basketball Rant - Week 13
It's a bit of a down week for Maja and Millie's basketball seasons. Maja's travel team has an off week for its Sunday night games due to the Super Bowl, and February is proving to be worse than January was.
First off, the grown-up league worries. Playoffs start on the 8th, and I've spent waaay too much time getting schedules on websites and brackets designed and filled out. And if your not the 5th/6th grade boys, middle school, or high school divisions, your schedules were perfect! (At least the website was correct....)
Secondly, two big events happened that screwed around with our schedules, for better or for worse. My wife had her gall bladder out on Monday, which makes after school events an obvious nightmare, and to complicate things, I had a tire blowout on the highway escalate to a lot of hidden and difficult wear and tear on my car. For the time being, it's out of commission, so I'm the lone driver of events.
Practice on Thursday was another schedule change, moving back to 7pm for a practice/scrimmage with the Sixers and the "Bullspurs." We continue to try and setup plays to run. Only Millie has any experience running plays and my brilliant plan to execute a center screen has earned the nickname "Pass-Pass" required players that weren't available at practice. And many of the others were not thrilled.
Friday was a hectic day, with Millie's game in Hazleton (horrible officiating and a lack of good passes may not have doomed the team, but only allows you to score 8 points as a team. We then skipped Maja's team practice to watch the Penguins play the Phantoms at the arena, followed by a post-game concert by a Dave Matthews tribute band, Proud Monkey.
That would be enough to make all of us pass out, but overnight, my wife began experiencing tremendous pain, and a pre-dawn trip to the ER was in order.
Good news, it was nothing life-threatening or even too-serious, but with my sister and brother-in-law coming to visit from Philly, a lot of running around, grabbing kids, taking my wife home and getting to Maja second scheduled game of the day (She needed to miss the first for our sanity).
Maja's game was a rematch against the dreaded Warriors who handed them their only loss for the season. Maja played cool and controlled, amounting to 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and maybe double-digit steals in their 18-6 revenge win. The team played well, but I realized that the Warriors had a few good players finally show who we hadn't played against, but most importantly, their star player was sidelined with an ankle injury. Don't know how that will work out in the playoffs, but the Warriors drew a first-round bye, so I assume everyone will be back in full force.
Millie's game was supposed to be an exercise in keeping to the fundamentals, and, if we got a lead, work on a few techniques, such as "Pass-Pass." They couldn't get started with jumper cables out there. Bad positioning, poor hustle, and when things did go right, balls just didn't bounce our way. We had a three or four minute run where things started to work, but we could never get out of our own way.... 12- 7 loss to a team we nearly shutout a month ago.
The worst part? Certain girls were more worried about losing than facing the defense they were facing. That will be addressed in a swift and very cardiovascular kind of way this Thursday.
So beyond wife issues, car issues, scheduling issues, and a team that's become lackadaisical? Life is juuuust peachy! But thanks to the Super Bowl, we'll grab a lesson with their trainer, grab some wings from Nina's and maybe watch the Super Bowl, maybe play a game, maybe clean out the office since I'll be working from home a bit during this car-pocalypse.
But playoffs are here, and we need to prep for the Celtics... again.
First off, the grown-up league worries. Playoffs start on the 8th, and I've spent waaay too much time getting schedules on websites and brackets designed and filled out. And if your not the 5th/6th grade boys, middle school, or high school divisions, your schedules were perfect! (At least the website was correct....)
Practice on Thursday was another schedule change, moving back to 7pm for a practice/scrimmage with the Sixers and the "Bullspurs." We continue to try and setup plays to run. Only Millie has any experience running plays and my brilliant plan to execute a center screen has earned the nickname "Pass-Pass" required players that weren't available at practice. And many of the others were not thrilled.
Friday was a hectic day, with Millie's game in Hazleton (horrible officiating and a lack of good passes may not have doomed the team, but only allows you to score 8 points as a team. We then skipped Maja's team practice to watch the Penguins play the Phantoms at the arena, followed by a post-game concert by a Dave Matthews tribute band, Proud Monkey.
That would be enough to make all of us pass out, but overnight, my wife began experiencing tremendous pain, and a pre-dawn trip to the ER was in order.
Good news, it was nothing life-threatening or even too-serious, but with my sister and brother-in-law coming to visit from Philly, a lot of running around, grabbing kids, taking my wife home and getting to Maja second scheduled game of the day (She needed to miss the first for our sanity).
Maja's game was a rematch against the dreaded Warriors who handed them their only loss for the season. Maja played cool and controlled, amounting to 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and maybe double-digit steals in their 18-6 revenge win. The team played well, but I realized that the Warriors had a few good players finally show who we hadn't played against, but most importantly, their star player was sidelined with an ankle injury. Don't know how that will work out in the playoffs, but the Warriors drew a first-round bye, so I assume everyone will be back in full force.
Millie's game was supposed to be an exercise in keeping to the fundamentals, and, if we got a lead, work on a few techniques, such as "Pass-Pass." They couldn't get started with jumper cables out there. Bad positioning, poor hustle, and when things did go right, balls just didn't bounce our way. We had a three or four minute run where things started to work, but we could never get out of our own way.... 12- 7 loss to a team we nearly shutout a month ago.
The worst part? Certain girls were more worried about losing than facing the defense they were facing. That will be addressed in a swift and very cardiovascular kind of way this Thursday.
So beyond wife issues, car issues, scheduling issues, and a team that's become lackadaisical? Life is juuuust peachy! But thanks to the Super Bowl, we'll grab a lesson with their trainer, grab some wings from Nina's and maybe watch the Super Bowl, maybe play a game, maybe clean out the office since I'll be working from home a bit during this car-pocalypse.
But playoffs are here, and we need to prep for the Celtics... again.
Saturday, February 1, 2020
SUPERB OWL DREADBALL SALE from Mantic
The Super Bowl is a national holiday in the states, but I'm still surprised gaming companies don't take advantage of the large swath of gamers who are indifferent to the event and create a sales promotion.
Kudos to Mantic for running their sale in the name of their SUPERB OWL god to run parallel with the big game.
First is the Super Mega Cup Bundle for Dreadball for only $99.99.
Kudos to Mantic for running their sale in the name of their SUPERB OWL god to run parallel with the big game.
First is the Super Mega Cup Bundle for Dreadball for only $99.99.
| While your picking that up, all other Dreadball items are 50%. Not bad to celebrate a fantastic avian. |
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