... and scared that's it's for sale.
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Friday, October 23, 2020
(Painting) Legions of Steel G1 Nightmare Security Patrol Horde
In celebration of the Legions of Steel: Operation Anvil Kickstarter launching next Monday, the increased workload at home and the office, and the escalation of the kitten chaos, forcing me to salvage my painting bench, I figured knocking out the Nightmares I got from the previous LOS Kickstarter was a good idea for this week.
These figures are without a command figure, usually an Assault Fiend of varying level. They still have a link to the Machine network, but would be given rudimentary commands, such as patrolling a perimeter, or guarding a particular room in a low-risk area. The command figure would have a stronger transmitter to send signals further and faster, so a group of these Nightmares would have the slowest signal and the slowest priority sending communications.
There are some more Nightmares in the queue, from a recent eBay purchase of painted figures. Those, as well as some of the G1A and G1B variants will be painted using examples out of the old Planetstorm tabletop rules.
Basketball Diaries and other Sundry Items: I had my furnace explode Saturday night. Relief valve and the tank were both bad, creating a small flood in the basement and a sauna-like environment. Luckily I got things shut off and began cleaning up most of it before I went to bed. As of this writing, the basement is dry, and nothing gaming wise was affected by the sauna.
Kitten Chaos: That being said, these kittens are no longer kittens, they are small cats with terrifying thunder and grievous lightning. The mini-flood and moisture issue has given me a great reason to pull shelves away from the walls, wipe everything down, and most importantly sweep underneath everything.
The cleaning rabbit hole I've gone down has allowed me to reorganize the painting queues for projects, taking up less space, and focusing on my three painting goals each month: At least one unit of something, at least one individual figure, and at least one Gnomish Space Marine project (although I'm allowing Gnome Wars).
Project 350: 523 (352/171) down from 526 (355/171). Only behind on this week's actual play. I hope to get the Halloween game done this weekend, and that would fill material through the remainder of October. November will be a crazy month at work, and I've already set up my projects to reflect that. There's only nine pre-scheduled posts this year, and barring some good post-election gaming memes, I only see myself getting 4 or 5 draft projects finished. Barring anything unusual, Project 350's constant goal of 350 drafts and pre-scheduled posts COMBINED might be around 500(!), the lowest it has been since before the Pandemic.
Sure, I might have a hoarding issue with having my Christmas Day and Easter posts ready to go a decade early, but I also have over a year's worth of Tuesday RPG Actual Play in the bank.
Next: Really, the mythical Nauvoo Legion is getting paint. Zombie Survivors and perhaps some rogue Space Dwarfs are on the docket.
Thursday, October 22, 2020
Ill-Tempered Gnomes.... in Cans!
Living in Pennsylvania, I get access to a lot of great beers. Any state that has access to Yuengling Black and Tan, with the seasonal release of Mad Elf just a few more miles away is a place I can reside.
If I love Mad Elf, perhaps I can grab a winter place in Oregon for access to Ill-Tempered Gnome Winter Ale, from Oakshire Brewing.
Quoting directly from newschoolbeer.com :
Ill Tempered Gnome American Brown Ale has been an Oakshire winter-staple since 2008, and this year will be found in 16oz. 4-packs across the Pacific Northwest and Colorado. A popular winter warmer treat, Ill Tempered Gnome is welcome respite from the less malty hop bombs that have come to dominate the year. Previously only in 22oz. bottles, this year’s new 16oz. cans feature a fresh and festive label design with Gnorm, the ill-tempered gnome, glaring at you, and daring you to drink this malty and roasty ale.Deep amber brown in color with a bouquet of pine and caramel, this Ill-Tempered Gnome finishes at 6.8% ABV and is sure to warm the soul. Gnorm encourages you to escape your grumpy side with this comforting American Brown Ale that reveals layers upon layers of toasty malts and resinous hop flavors. Ill-Tempered Gnome will be available on draft and in package starting this Thursday, October 22nd at Oakshire’s Eugene Public House and Portland Beer Hall.
Alas, I think a road trip to at least Colorado for the closest place to find this beer is not in the cards for this year. Orders with the company are pick-up only at their Eugene Public House and Portland Beer Hall.
Generic Halloween Store is Too Generic
I know what the packaging says, but give it a good look and tell me that's not a mask for Ted Koppel.
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
(Indiegogo) Candy Heart d6 Dice Set by Steve Jackson Games
Sometimes people forget that Kickstarter is not the be-all, end-all of crowdsourcing sites.
Sometimes, Indiegogo's arrangements are far more advantageous for the creators, take for instance, Steve Jackson Games' Candy Heart d6 Dice Set.
Cool concept, 19mm dice in candy heart colors with a classic candy heart phrase where the one should be: "Love," "Hugs," and "XOXO."
And possibly ready for Valentine's Day.
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
Lost Dispatches of Feraso #98 - Deception and Prophecy
Dear Reader,
The Lost Dispatches of Feraso, the telling of all the tales of my AD&D table during the 90's, is effectively over. All the stories have been told, retold, revised, or even re-envisioned as best I could.
There are a few more tales from Elsderth himself however, as casual onlooker, scheming powerbroker, or simply the Witch of the Nightwood Forest. I advise you to read Ballad of the Pigeon God, or at least episode #1-15 of it, before delving into this final story.
...
1st of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
The wedding to Lord Athelstane and Lady Iris is just over a week away, and I for one, am sick of it already. Expense spent by everyone, and the great effort expended by the whole village looks to be a waste of time! It's not as if they are all invited!
....
8th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
A last second change! The wedding has been moved from Athelstane's Manor House to the Village Green! All are invited, although only the dignitaries and local officials will have seats!
...
14th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
The various dignitaries and other pompous VIPs have made a mess of the village. They've overwhelmed the Blue Wizard, and they've set up tents up and and down the Manor Road to spend the next few days in. At best it looks like a disorganized joust, at worst it's a misguided circus.
I, for one, shall don the visage of the Witch and view from the shack. Far easier and far safer.
....
15th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
...
Just a thought, but there was no mention of Archbishop Adolphus coming to Eding to conduct the ceremony, either by the villagers or the guests, who should have passed the massive caravan coming from Hydincall. And yet, like magic, it arrived just before dusk, to add even more misery to these events.
...
16th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
Today was the worst day in the history of Eding.
The marriage between Lord Athelstane and Lady Iris appeared to be ready for a traditional and milquetoast production, but one attendee violently objected to the proceedings.
It was that Sir William of Arinka, the same fellow who had been hired to clean up the alleged mess that Kane, Echelon the Pigeon-Lover, and Velandro had left. He showed no mercy to the militia and hired guards as he made his way to the stage.
Soon after, Kane's crew showed up... and quite alive. They at least had the common decency to scream "Stop the Wedding" as they engaged the Archbishop's guards.
William leapt onto the stage, and with a single stroke, slew Lady Iris! But then, her body began to contort and transform into some hairy arachnid form? Imposter! Other attendees, including the Archbishop and all his entourage, seemed to willingly transform, and the entire Village Green descended into a melee.
Until the green-skinned man cast a single spell.
I don't know where Kane's company found "Kannex," but he is, by far, the most powerful mage I have ever witnessed. Even Thendara Wandsregal could not generate a fireball so big it enveloped the entire Village Green, the trading post, and even the Blue Wizard Inn! Dozens perished in the explosion, but for every two innocent deaths, there was a dead arachnid man near them, and survivors were further transitioning into that spider form.
I did manage to slay a few fleeing spider-folk, which I will investigate further.
Within an hour, hundreds were dead, including Lord Athelstane, whose body remained quite human after death. I discarded my witch outfit and hobbled down the hill as Old Elsderth, waiting to hear more...
This William character wasn't just a knight, He was Prince William the Scarlet, Paladin of Akana, Knight of the Spiral Hawk, and Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Aragain! On his journeys, he had encountered these spider-beings trying to usurp power in Aragain, Crosedes, and elsewhere, and he had credible evidence to believe one of the two getting married was an imposter.
The only weakness they seemed to have was that the people they were dopplegangers were, needed to be kept alive. Kane's group realized they knew of such a place to hide the originals, and after two days of rest and magical healing, were off again.
20th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
I penned a letter to Elswyth, informing her of the deception and asking for guidance. How did I miss this great deception? Am I too old for these duties? Is there time for someone to replace me?
22nd of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
Elswyth responded to my letter!
Do not despair, my dear Elsderth. The ancient prophecy of the people of Alasku, before the Ancien, is well into motion. Ancient weapons of antiquity will be needed to fight the scourge that is coming. The Druids Grove interprets this legend one of two ways:
We guardians of the world shall only maintain the balance, regardless of its outcome.
We guardians need to let a new tide of good assume our roles to overpower evil.
If I follow the second guidelines, if there are those who wish to protect your village, let them. Your service has been noted, and at your age, you would help little during armageddon. As your mentor and dear friend, I implore you to consider retirement, and to specifically flee Eding.
Your service for the balance Guya demands is over. The time for heroes is here. You may leave your post and return home.
I appreciate your correspondence, your wit, and your wisdom. You have a place here in Draloite if your home no longer welcomes you back.
-Elswyth, Druidess of Draloite.
30th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
Our heroes have succeeded!
Far up in the mountains was a secret lair of these "Spider-People" and within the lair were dozens of individuals who had been kidnapped and replaced.
Lady Iris lives! Apparently she was kidnapped during last year's lizardmen attack. That does explain the sudden courtship with Athelstane.
Iris' dad is alive? Named Heirylat, he had been long gone before my arrival to Eding, but an awkward reunion it has been.
And after an equally longer absence the popular halfling mayor A Warren Corkbarrel was rescued! No word on where his doppleganger ended up, as he never appeared in the halfling villages after 1052.
31st of HepDec - Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
The heroes have accompanied Iris to Hydincall to make a full report to King Nevin. Prince William is in charge and is actively helping with the building of the town and the healing of the injured. He's not the guardian we want, but we need him to protect us....
I do believe the heroes brought another person back from the logging village of Lansluck, a very brown-skinned man, bald, and most noticeably missing his body from below the waist. I've ascertained that his name is Mohammed, and being from the East as well, might be the teacher to Kane. While the rest are gone, I shall quietly inquire with him if Kane and his friends can be the trusted guardians the prophecy demands, and if I can finally rest.
Next: #99 - A Conversation with Mohammed
The Lost Dispatches of Feraso, the telling of all the tales of my AD&D table during the 90's, is effectively over. All the stories have been told, retold, revised, or even re-envisioned as best I could.
There are a few more tales from Elsderth himself however, as casual onlooker, scheming powerbroker, or simply the Witch of the Nightwood Forest. I advise you to read Ballad of the Pigeon God, or at least episode #1-15 of it, before delving into this final story.
...
1st of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
The wedding to Lord Athelstane and Lady Iris is just over a week away, and I for one, am sick of it already. Expense spent by everyone, and the great effort expended by the whole village looks to be a waste of time! It's not as if they are all invited!
....
8th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
A last second change! The wedding has been moved from Athelstane's Manor House to the Village Green! All are invited, although only the dignitaries and local officials will have seats!
...
14th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
The various dignitaries and other pompous VIPs have made a mess of the village. They've overwhelmed the Blue Wizard, and they've set up tents up and and down the Manor Road to spend the next few days in. At best it looks like a disorganized joust, at worst it's a misguided circus.
I, for one, shall don the visage of the Witch and view from the shack. Far easier and far safer.
....
15th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
...
Just a thought, but there was no mention of Archbishop Adolphus coming to Eding to conduct the ceremony, either by the villagers or the guests, who should have passed the massive caravan coming from Hydincall. And yet, like magic, it arrived just before dusk, to add even more misery to these events.
...
16th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
Today was the worst day in the history of Eding.
The marriage between Lord Athelstane and Lady Iris appeared to be ready for a traditional and milquetoast production, but one attendee violently objected to the proceedings.
It was that Sir William of Arinka, the same fellow who had been hired to clean up the alleged mess that Kane, Echelon the Pigeon-Lover, and Velandro had left. He showed no mercy to the militia and hired guards as he made his way to the stage.
Soon after, Kane's crew showed up... and quite alive. They at least had the common decency to scream "Stop the Wedding" as they engaged the Archbishop's guards.
William leapt onto the stage, and with a single stroke, slew Lady Iris! But then, her body began to contort and transform into some hairy arachnid form? Imposter! Other attendees, including the Archbishop and all his entourage, seemed to willingly transform, and the entire Village Green descended into a melee.
Until the green-skinned man cast a single spell.
I don't know where Kane's company found "Kannex," but he is, by far, the most powerful mage I have ever witnessed. Even Thendara Wandsregal could not generate a fireball so big it enveloped the entire Village Green, the trading post, and even the Blue Wizard Inn! Dozens perished in the explosion, but for every two innocent deaths, there was a dead arachnid man near them, and survivors were further transitioning into that spider form.
I did manage to slay a few fleeing spider-folk, which I will investigate further.
Within an hour, hundreds were dead, including Lord Athelstane, whose body remained quite human after death. I discarded my witch outfit and hobbled down the hill as Old Elsderth, waiting to hear more...
This William character wasn't just a knight, He was Prince William the Scarlet, Paladin of Akana, Knight of the Spiral Hawk, and Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Aragain! On his journeys, he had encountered these spider-beings trying to usurp power in Aragain, Crosedes, and elsewhere, and he had credible evidence to believe one of the two getting married was an imposter.
The only weakness they seemed to have was that the people they were dopplegangers were, needed to be kept alive. Kane's group realized they knew of such a place to hide the originals, and after two days of rest and magical healing, were off again.
20th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
I penned a letter to Elswyth, informing her of the deception and asking for guidance. How did I miss this great deception? Am I too old for these duties? Is there time for someone to replace me?
22nd of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
Elswyth responded to my letter!
Do not despair, my dear Elsderth. The ancient prophecy of the people of Alasku, before the Ancien, is well into motion. Ancient weapons of antiquity will be needed to fight the scourge that is coming. The Druids Grove interprets this legend one of two ways:
We guardians of the world shall only maintain the balance, regardless of its outcome.
We guardians need to let a new tide of good assume our roles to overpower evil.
If I follow the second guidelines, if there are those who wish to protect your village, let them. Your service has been noted, and at your age, you would help little during armageddon. As your mentor and dear friend, I implore you to consider retirement, and to specifically flee Eding.
Your service for the balance Guya demands is over. The time for heroes is here. You may leave your post and return home.
I appreciate your correspondence, your wit, and your wisdom. You have a place here in Draloite if your home no longer welcomes you back.
-Elswyth, Druidess of Draloite.
30th of HepDec, 1070 Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
Our heroes have succeeded!
Far up in the mountains was a secret lair of these "Spider-People" and within the lair were dozens of individuals who had been kidnapped and replaced.
Lady Iris lives! Apparently she was kidnapped during last year's lizardmen attack. That does explain the sudden courtship with Athelstane.
Iris' dad is alive? Named Heirylat, he had been long gone before my arrival to Eding, but an awkward reunion it has been.
And after an equally longer absence the popular halfling mayor A Warren Corkbarrel was rescued! No word on where his doppleganger ended up, as he never appeared in the halfling villages after 1052.
31st of HepDec - Village of Eding, Kingdom of Crosedes
The heroes have accompanied Iris to Hydincall to make a full report to King Nevin. Prince William is in charge and is actively helping with the building of the town and the healing of the injured. He's not the guardian we want, but we need him to protect us....
I do believe the heroes brought another person back from the logging village of Lansluck, a very brown-skinned man, bald, and most noticeably missing his body from below the waist. I've ascertained that his name is Mohammed, and being from the East as well, might be the teacher to Kane. While the rest are gone, I shall quietly inquire with him if Kane and his friends can be the trusted guardians the prophecy demands, and if I can finally rest.
Next: #99 - A Conversation with Mohammed
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