As I'm a fan of all things gnome, I did get an e-mail update from Alternative Armies about Garden Wars from Grinning Skull Miniatures now in stock on their website.
Yeah, yeah, yeah... It sure took us long enough, but we have a full slate of Gnome Wars games for Historicon!
And yes, there will be plenty of opportunities to play the (now year-old) Hawaiians!
The De Facto Explorers have discovered a facility that used to manufactured energy cells in the Glow Zone wilderness across the Big River. After resting awhile with their Hopper allies, a massive explosion has just occurred in the petrified forest above the Hopper warren.
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Lathar Bracken: A pure-strain human from River Bend. He's got the muscle, the face, and a mount for most encounters. Lathar's trusty beast of burden, No Name, travels wherever he does. Looking for trouble in all the right places. The two-time champion of the Fair-Town Queen's Joust. Recently married Thunnelda Haycock.
Sneaky Pete: A mutated weasel scout. Pete's telepathy and night vision take a backseat when he whips out his electrical powers. Apparently addicted to his newly uncovered yellow powder found at "The Pool House"
Sonny Helianthus: a nearly 10' tall sentient sunflower artifact examiner with four arms, and trusted Restorationist ties. Knowledgeable, but not a good one with device repairs or upgrades. Sonny may have just detonated an atomic device in the petrified woods.
Slitheran Wurmtail (aka Squiggles): a mutated earthworm scout, in impromptu power armor, looking for trouble in all the wrong places, and finding it often. He has been subject to genetic testing and developed super-human strength, a more human body, and a thick coat of shaggy white hair. Recently gave birth to a pile of baby worms.
Luna of the Restorationists: Recent recruit of the Restorationists, who had uncovered artifacts across the River. An attaché, an intern, another set of snooping eyes against the Explorer's methods.
================================================================
The air outside was full of an abrasive smoke. Within a large swath, the petrified trees appeared to have vanished. A puffy cloud of the obvious explosion seemed to climb higher above them.
Next: #112 - How Squiggles Got His Bongo
When I was up last weekend to see the girls, I brought their Easter baskets and thought long and hard on how to run an Easter game of any size. The only table in the entire home is a small round one, so I figured to use the chick erasers and have the Germans attempt form square to hold off the attacking Chicka Zulus.
In my attempt to hit multiple stores in Albany before I drove home to Pennsylvania, I need to make one logistical adjustment to plan: Zombie Planet Comics and Games closed at 5pm, and it was already 4:15pm where I was at.
Greeting: My latest pet peeve, and thus the box on my internal checklist. The staff was handling customers when I walked in, and I don't expect some muscle memory response when the door opens. I was greeted by an employee after the customers were taken care of, as they walked past me in the role-playing section. ✅
Cleanliness: The ground floor is chock full of product, floor to ceiling with full shelves and somewhat tight spaces for a man of sizable girth. That being said, everything was organized and dust-free.
CCGs: Magic, Lorcana, Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh! Star Wars Unlimited, and Riftbound and one of the healthiest and concentrated spots for supplies.
Board Games: A great assortment of board and card games taking up more of the back of the store.
RPGs: This is hit hard, because it appeared to be the largest and most diverse selection of RPGs I've seen in a long while. Although I was pressed for time, I forced myself to peruse the titles and realize that this might be the first time I've seen a number of these games in their physical form. The biggest thing that made me grin? Multiple copies of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Transdimensional Adventures Redux Edition Hardcovers, from the recently fulfilled Kickstarter. I had finally seen the GM screen at another store and snagged that up quickly, and I almost plopped down a credit card on the spot here.
Miniatures: A massive display of Games Workshop on the right wall, but the true treasure were in the back left of the store. D&D minis, of course, but a beyond healthy display of figures and boxed sets: Star Wars Legion, Team Yankee, Heroscape, Battletech, even a number of the Song of Fire and Ice boxed sets. Heck, I thought I was having a fever dream when I found Wargames Atlantic boxed sets, plus a small selection of discount minis!
Comics: I'll leave this spot empty, because I never got to go upstairs where the comics are!
Other: GW/Warhammer/Citadel and Army Painter paints and accessories. Solid dice selection. The one thing here that made me smile? Zap-a-Gap!
Events: No gaming on site, although it seems like they coordinate all tournaments, pre-releases, and the sort with Fortress of Gaming, which is more of an open-space games cafe, less than five minutes away. Every event seems to have a great turnout.
The De Facto Explorers have discovered a facility that used to manufactured energy cells in the Glow Zone wilderness across the Big River. They've decided to rest and co-exist with their Hopper allies for the next two weeks and prepare for the a major foray into an alleged treasure lair.
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Lathar Bracken: A pure-strain human from River Bend. He's got the muscle, the face, and a mount for most encounters. Lathar's trusty beast of burden, No Name, travels wherever he does. Looking for trouble in all the right places. The two-time champion of the Fair-Town Queen's Joust. Recently married Thunnelda Haycock.
Sneaky Pete: A mutated weasel scout. Pete's telepathy and night vision take a backseat when he whips out his electrical powers. Apparently addicted to his newly uncovered yellow powder found at "The Pool House"
Sonny Helianthus: a nearly 10' tall sentient sunflower artifact examiner with four arms, and trusted Restorationist ties. Knowledgeable, but not a good one with device repairs or upgrades.
Slitheran Wurmtail (aka Squiggles): a mutated earthworm scout, in impromptu power armor, looking for trouble in all the wrong places, and finding it often. He has been subject to genetic testing and developed super-human strength, a more human body, and a thick coat of shaggy white hair. Recently gave birth to a pile of baby worms.
Luna of the Restorationists: Recent recruit of the Restorationists, who had uncovered artifacts across the River.
================================================================
From the Journal of Sonny Helianthus
"Day 1" - The rest of them claim they need to hibernate for many days before venturing down to where some treasure is supposed to be. I'm not going to argue with them, it would be nice to find some clean soil and direct sunlight to sturdy my constitution.
I spent the evening meticulously cleaning the slug thrower we found in the fancy room. It took all night, but there's nary a spot of dirt on it.
"Day 2" - I've returned the shotgun to Squiggles, and begun researching the "Black Pistol." I believe this weapon has been passed through all the members of the party. It's a peculiar pistol with functionality I'm completely unfamiliar with. So far I've managed to disassemble it. Putting it back together might be more difficult.
While I'm enjoying planting myself, the others have begun going outside. No-Name, Lathar's overtly faithful staggon needs a steadier diet than Hopper root plants, the petrified forest is almost non-existent, so they travel aways, nears the caravan grounds, and the beast seems more agreeable.
"Day 3" - Squiggles has made some new friends out of the Hoppers. He came to another carrot stew dinner proudly proclaiming himself the newest member of the Hopper drum circle, called Thumper Rex. The Hoppers are amazed at his ability play three drums simultaneously. The worm has not explained to them his mutant Telekinetic Hand power.
"Day 4" - No progress on the Black Gun. I've taken some time with Squiggles and Pete further exploring the stone forest... with three Hopper guards, per my request. Some of these junk piles are deeper than first glance. I might begin digging through them during my late afternoons.
The Hoppers report noises coming from the the other side of the door. We need to be prepared for the troglodytes setting up a whole host of traps once we return to the mines.
"Day 5" - I've decided to venture out on my own... and one Hopper guard. The digging seems therapeutic compared to my failures analyzing the Black Pistol... or Squiggles and his new friends' excessive drumming.
"Day 6" - I have made a breakthrough with the "parts" of the Black Pistol, while the energy cell that powers it looks similar to the ones used by blast and light weapons- different type of energy cell to power it. What is Hydrogen? It doesn't really matter if I don't know or can't obtain more of these, as the device still seems impossible to put it back together.
"Day 7" - Eureka! My digging in the stone forest had already netted me some parts that might work on the Black Pistol, maybe even the Children's Alchemical Laser. I've return to the burrow with some junk to the Hopper elders, even though they've no idea what they are.
The biggest discovery in the woods, that I could not hide, was the discovery of three foot long shiny metal cylinder, unblemished from the other junk that had been heaped upon it. I can only confirm that its display and buttons worked. I could set-up a timer with a countdown, nothing ever less than five minutes.
"Day 8" - No progress on the cylinder. The Hoppers did report loud noises outside. Reports of howling have varied to much to make it a legitimate threat.
Pete still patrols with the other Explorers, but he spend most of the time sitting in the cart, covering his face with the yellow powder of his addiction.
"Day 9" - Outside of Lathar's walk of No-Name, the human can be seen with a female Hopper named Lola. Not sure how this compares with other human mating practices.
"Day 10" - Pete has been out of commission for two days now, and I ascertain that he might have been the one holding me back. The Black Pistol is reassembled. I believe it's a weapon of sound, with two shots remaining.
Squiggles and Lathar finally travelled south and actually found the building the the facility is located in. We did find another door for access.
"Day 11" - My experiments with the cannister has grown a large following watching... from a distance. I'm even able to program words into the system for the machine to sound out! Removing the shiny casting, I found labels with the three triangles... although my trusty GlowCard comes up negative.
I have spotted Lathar with male Hopper named Jack. I'm even more confused as to his objective, although he's better than the weasel.
"Day 12" - I've realized the Black Pistol isn't a weapon of sound, but rather something even more devastating.
"Day 13" - We'll venture back into the facility tomorrow. I'm hiding the cylinder for future research.
"Day 14" - Healed up as best we could, we ventured back in. Concerned that the troglodytes probably had set up new traps, we decided to use the third door we everyone discovered earlier in the week. I was amused by a large painting... that transformed into a window looking down into the facility from a different perspective, but the rest wanted to proceed. We were all hit with a strange green burning mist coming out of the walls. Of course, everyone decided to call it a day.... More time with the cylinder!
Day 15 - No entry
Day 16 - No entry
Day 16 since the Explorers had needed to rest, Lathar was combing his steed, No Name, after a much needed ride and grazing away from the Hoppers and the Ancients compound that was taking over their lives. Even with the odd Hopper companionship, he missed his pregnant wife back home.
An entire swath of the petrified forest, 50 meters in every direction, was laid flat. Everything was gone, save the crater and the remnants of the mushroom cloud.
Next: #111 - We're Not Great
In my latest trip to Albany, I had some time to kill, so I figured it would be good to take a drive down to Clifton Park for the Warhammer store.
I showed up at 3:01, the scheduled and posted half-hour lunch. I do find it amusing that a major company that focuses on in-store play or tournaments, takes the time to make their employees take a lunch
I haven't been to a GW in a long time, and I found them over-efficient and lacking. The newest version seems even more spartan.
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| A picture of the store from the window... |
Let's be honest, Games Workshop has spent decades trying to cultivate the perfect GW (sorry.. Warhammer) store in the States. I'm sure there's overlap from the other nearby gaming shop, I'm sure there is when you calculate special events and exclusives. But Warhammer stores are designed for Warhammer moms: middle and upper class parents who want to walk in a safe and normal space to purchase the odd toy soldiers their kids clamored for. And if the true boutique look is what gets them in the door the second time, for the second boxed set, the it win.
The Warhammer - Clifton Park location is in the Village Plaza at 19 Clifton Country Rd, Ste 13, Clifton Park, NY
My second stop in upstate New York was the Clifton Park location for Flipside Gaming. Located a few miles away from the shopping monstrosity off of the highway, it's situated in a clean, remodeled and repave shopping center, with such notable neighbors as a smoke shop, a liquor store, and a puppy daycare, the requirements of a new America.
I've seen perfect game stores in a strip mall setting, and FlipSide does an excellent job replicating it.
Greeting: My instant barometer, no one greeted me or acknowledged me in the store. The counter and register are near the center left wall, around a short wall, so it was very possible for them to notice I was there... which leads to other concerns as an ex-store manager that I won't mention in detail here.
Cleanliness: Everything was immaculate, and with the open gaming area integrated into the sales space, that's pretty impressive.
CCGS: Magic, Pokemon, Gundam, One Piece, Flesh and Blood, Star Wars Unlimited, Lorcana, and Riftbound. A few cases filled with singles, and a shelves behind the counter for packs and other products.
Board Games: A few aisles of board games, covering a wide variety of popular and niche games.
RPGs: D&D, Pathfinder, WoD, Free League, and good variety of second and third tier companies. I appreciate the love for stocking games like Kids on Bikes and Magical Kitties Save the Day
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| And the dice selection ain't too shabby either... |
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| Plus a half a gnome! |
I had heard rumors of store up in Saratoga, but any proof that store existing was well hidden (Google certainly claims its existence, Flipside's own website labels it as "Coming Soon!". I did discover after the fact that a second location is found in East Greenbush.
In my trip to Upstate New York to watch Maja's volleyball team actually win games, she had one request with some free time last weekend: visit Excellent Adventures in downtown Ballston Spa.
It was a pretty easy request to fulfill, Ballston Spa has plenty of on-street, non-metered parking, so a half-block walk and I was at the door.
But first a story....
Around 25 years ago, I would often get out of my job at the newspaper around noon, and by friend Brian and I would grab lunch, then do a tour of the game stores in the Lehigh Valley. Dreamscape, Cap's Comics, the Allentown Encounter were the usual spot. although we did take some road trips out to as far as Pastimes in Palmyra (and a Pennsylvania Dutch dinner on the way home).
One of the local places we only stopped by once or twice a year was a shop nearing the western side of Allentown. Decent location, lots of inventory... but between the gruff owner behind the counter and the ash tray on the counter, it was off putting.
Thankfully it's a different world, because I walked into Excellent Adventures, and got the same vibe, but without the smell.
With a downtown storefront and the interior filled with comics and collectibles, it is the perfect "hole-in-wall" store, and I sincerely mean that in a good way.
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| Pulled directly off the store's Facebook page. |
I mostly went back around to mine the older $2 paperback shelf to mine for ideas for Monday nights.
That being said, on the Gaming with the Gnomes Five-Gnome review system, I give Excellent Adventures two and a half gnomes out of five.
And I actively admit my biases. Despite working in comics retail for nearly a decade, I've stopped collecting a long time ago and rarely read. I'm more geared towards quality game stores than comic shops (You'll see that blatantly with future Albany reviews).
Despite a cluttered and filled store front, I saw a few families during my stay. Right there gives it my vote.
And my daughter Maja, who actually lives up there, visits it regularly, so that means more than this old man.
It's simple: If you live there, you go there. It's an essential piece of Ballston Spa
If I have time, I'll always stop in there first, then venture out to other shops.
Excellent Adventures is located at 110 Milton Ave (Rt# 50) in Ballston Spa, NY.
Two weekends ago, I made the trek down to Alchemist's Cove in Orwigsville, Pennsylvania. It's a great shop, and I was met face to face with the actual GM screen for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Other Strangeness Redux.
GM screens tend not be as useful as they were when they were chock full of 1st Edition AD&D charts. Most are flimsy and overpriced... or elaborate ones that's that are frighteningly expensive. Despite owning a few high quality ones, I often revert to a handy 1st Edition Gamma World GM screen I picked up for 99 cents at Kay-Bee Toys.
I've got to admit, I'm impressed by this one.
First off, it's a sturdy four-panel screen, with iconic Turtle art showing towards the players.
But the GM side is what made me smile the most. Each panel has a clear pocket attached to the screen on two sides, to easily insert whatever charts, notes, maps, etc, a gamemaster needs to reference.
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| Picture taken from Atomic Empire's website. Order it there! |
Palladium does provides four, heavy-stock inserts that might be helpful during a game, including Attributes, Alignments, Skill Checks, Combat, Movement, and Experience. I'm not sure at first glance what would be necessary for a TMNT RPG, but I see me using this screen for other in-person games.
Gotta admit, Palladium did this one well... so I'll give the TMNTAOS Redux GM Screen five out of five gnomes.
The De Facto Explorers have discovered a facility that used to manufactured energy cells in the Glow Zone wilderness across the Big River.
===============================================================
Lathar Bracken: A pure-strain human from River Bend. He's got the muscle, the face, and a mount for most encounters. Lathar's trusty beast of burden, No Name, travels wherever he does. Looking for trouble in all the right places. The two-time champion of the Fair-Town Queen's Joust. Recently married Thunnelda Haycock.
Sneaky Pete: A mutated weasel scout. Pete's telepathy and night vision take a backseat when he whips out his electrical powers. Apparently addicted to his newly uncovered yellow powder found at "The Pool House"
Sonny Helianthus: a nearly 10' tall sentient sunflower artifact examiner with four arms, and trusted Restorationist ties. Knowledgeable, but not a good one with device repairs or upgrades.
Slitheran Wurmtail (aka Squiggles): a mutated earthworm scout, in impromptu power armor, looking for trouble in all the wrong places, and finding it often. He has been subject to genetic testing and developed super-human strength, a more human body, and a thick coat of shaggy white hair. Recently gave birth to a pile of baby worms.
Luna of the Restorationists: Recent recruit of the Restorationists, who had uncovered artifacts across the River.
================================================================
A solid night's rest in the office was welcome to all, despite a few odd sounds coming from the plant. Recharged, they began going through the other offices on the main facility floor. The doors had their own keycard system, but they already acquired the green card necessary.
Most of the items in the offices were ruined after centuries. Sonny did pry open some pages to a ledger, and from the notes actually ascertained the person running the facility was selling energy cells to a private army, versus their usual contract with the "real" military. There was also a note of a stockpile of their ill-gotten gains, although Sonny couldn't figure out exactly where it was.
Some of the doors had been ripped apart, a caked-on adhesive along the floors. Pete showed a moment of bravery, jumping over the goo and investigating a room with a long table and many chairs.
Two massive beetles emerged out of a junk pile on the far side of the room.
It's been a slow crawl getting my events together for Mepacon 50, April 17-19 outside of Allentown, PA. I'm running four distinct events, all of which are in a perpetual state of "almost ready".
Burning Plastic: Just need a moment to dump out the army guys onto a table and build a number of units. Might be a good idea to scan the rules into a digital file. Despite my desire to fit into smaller clothing, it's not 1994 anymore
TOON: The base characters have always been in a file. I do have a feeling of dread as I realized that I put 8 players for "Krusty the Kultist." For that particular scenario, that means 16 PCs! I always wanted to stat out Snake....
Friend of the Blog and AWARD WINNING GM Mike Lung has returned to some interesting projects, a possible return to the Cheese Planet!
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| Historicon 2027? It's a possibility! |
The saying goes, "When one door closes another door opens."
The doors opening after this are going to be pretty freaking epic.
Initial reports had The Compleat Strategist, the near mythological hobby shops mentioned in old issues of Dragon, brimming wall to wall with gaming throughout the ages, closing its last two stores in NYC (Manhattan) and Philly (King of Prussia) near the end of Apirl.
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| Pictures taken from Ron Meischker (Philly Gaming Expo) |
The Principality of Phennatia is a fiercely independent island domain, renowned for its naval power, labyrinthine cities, and a unique blend of human, elven, and minotaur cultures. This island has been called a vassal to almost every culture in the Mer Med: Barthey, Danaan, Khemmet, and even Lybboss, and the culture is mixed, but the true roots currently return to Xellnic culture. With recent decline in Barthey influence, Phennantia shed all semblance of their relationship with Barthey two generations ago, asserting its autonomy, forging its own destiny as a hub of trade, magic, and seafaring might across the sea. With towering white cliffs, sprawling olive groves, and legendary ruins, Phennantia is a land of both natural splendor and deep historical mystery.
The Council of Elders, composed of influential merchants, sea captains, and mages, serves as an advisory body to the prince, ensuring that power is not held too tightly by one ruler. While the monarchy is respected, Phennantia prides itself on its political pragmatism, allowing for shrewd maneuvering in the ever-changing tides within the region.
Cretans take pride in their seafaring traditions, martial prowess, and independence. Many young men and women train in naval combat and spear-fighting, while others dedicate themselves to the mystic arts, particularly magic tied to water, wind, and the stars.
Minotaurs, though once seen as mere labyrinth guardians and warriors, have become integral to Cretan society, serving as elite palace guards, shipbuilders, and even advisors to the prince. Their long oral traditions have merged with human and elven influences, creating a rich storytelling culture. Yes, there is good chance you will encounter a singing or dramatic Minoatuar on the island.
Phennantian festivals celebrate the sea gods, particularly Poseidon, with grand naval games, feasts, and sailing competitions. The greatest of these is the Tideborn Festival, where the prince himself leads a fleet in ceremonial voyages to the island’s sacred grottoes.
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