Ok. So this totally self-indulgent but this may very well be the only time this will ever see the light of day.
Back when we were working on the game I wanted to do a "comming soon" video for the "Sweeps Week" episodes. So there was one for Episodes 4 and 5 and then another for 11 and 12.
I never got the one for 4 and 5 started in time, but for 11 and 12 I did write the outline and even gathered up a couple people who's voices sounded like the casts enough for voice overs. I had the whole Macromedia suite at the time so I figured I'd do a video. Trouble was, never could find the scenes I wanted from external media and I discovered I also had no desire to watch Buffy anymore to even mine it for scenes. Plus life was getting REALLY busy again since we had a new baby in the house again (that was Connor).
So. Like role-playing you are just going to have to use your imagination on this one. ;)
--
Everything you know is about to end...
Tara (Voice over, Sinéad O’Connor’s “Drink Before the War” plays in the background throughout): I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood… (fade out)
Buffy (talking to her friends): This ends. We sit here and wait for these maniacs to come to our homes to end the world (Flashbacks of the Master, Angeleus, the Mayor, and Glory). They threaten me, they threaten to kill my family (Buffy holding Dawn at the end of “The Gift”) my friends (Tara/Kara getting shot, Spike getting burned in “Will We Burn in Heaven?”). No more.
I am taking this fight to their ground, I am going to stop this before it starts. I am going to get that Spear (scene of Faith wielding the Spear of Destiny to kill a pack of vampires) and I am going to Leviathan’s plane (the Cast standing in a desolate gray plane, emptiness as far as the eye can see).
Dawn: What do you plan to do?
Buffy (after a beat): I’m going to kill a God.
Scene: An army of demons led by Buffy attacks Yoln’s army. Yoln swings his Hellforged blade but it is stopped by Buffy’s spear.
Yoln: So Slayer. You brought an army to defeat me? (another swing)
Buffy: No. (a parry. Then wielding the spear with both hands she swings and knocks Yoln back.) I brought two.
The army of demons continues running while a legion of angels flies up an over them to join in the attack.
An armored angel swoops down with a flaming sword, she removes her helmet to reveal Tara’s face.
A younger Willow looks up with the black magic eyes.
Yoln’s voice over while the following scenes playout in rapid succession.
Yoln: This has all been planned. You are not heroes. You are sacrifices.
Tara standing in a cemetery waiting while vampires attack her.
Yoln lifting off his helm with two hands.
Dawn’s eye’s glowing with green fire as she holds a portal open.
Spike (carrying an injured Anya): It’s a trap!
Willow and Tara holding hands jump into a gapping maw.
Silence. Then a titanic seven headed dragon approaches the cast and roars.
Darkness, then back to Buffy’s home.
Xander: So I guess the revolution won’t be televised? (laughs to himself)
Spike laughs with him and they fall silent realizing they just “shared a moment”. They uncomfortably move apart.
Coming soon…
Episode 11: Shadows in the Rain and double sized series finale Episode 12: No Other Troy
Soon. There will be nothing left to burn.
--
Excited yet? I am!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Pygmy Tarrasque
The Pygmy Tarrasque
The Tarrasque in D&D is colossal monster that pretty much no character has any right to stand against. It is the primal force of destruction made physical. It is the Godzilla of the D&D game. It is also based on a monster of myth and legend known as the Tarasque. While they look similar and act similar, the Tarasque was once defeated.
I can recall one time while watching some TV, likely a nature show but it could have been Star Trek the Next Generation too. I was reading my Monstrous Compendium and someone had mentioned the Pygmy Tarsier. I thought that at the time a Pygmy Tarrasque would make for a great monster.
The idea here is a Tarrasque that the characters can actually and defeat. Build up the rumors in either direction; the tarrasque is an unstoppable killing machine created to kill gods OR it's just an armored dragon like beast that a group of French villagers can kill. Which is true? Don't know and neither will your players till you spring this on them.
Fluff: Let's say the regenerative powers of the Tarrasque is such that sometimes big hunks of it's flesh are torn out. Typically this would only happen if it was in a fight with a titan or demon lord. These hunks either regenerate into smaller versions of the creature or maybe this is what happens to other monsters when they consume this flesh. Or one could even say that these smaller ones are the result of the breeding of the Tarrasque with dragons. Or it along with the Great Tarrasque are the offspring of Leviathan (as in the myths) or even Tiamat. One should not discount this angle on the story. Given the Leviathan connection it sorta behooves me to stat it up for Cinematic Unisystem.
In the village of Tarascon they still celebrate the defeat of this great monster. I am happy that we have never seen such a beast in England.
- From the Journal of Tamara Swift.
Name: Tarrasque, Pygmy
Motivation: Eat
Creature Type: Monster
Attributes: Str 18, Dex 7, Con 10, Int 2, Per 6, Will 3
Ability Scores: Muscle 40, Combat 20, Brains 10
Life Points: 750
Drama Points: 2
Special Abilities: Additional Actions +2 (3 total), Armour Value 9, Attractiveness –5, Cause Fear, Increased Life Points, Regeneration (Con per Hour), Resists Magic 3 (can deflect automatically any spell PL 3 or lower)
Manoeuvres
The Tarrasque in D&D is colossal monster that pretty much no character has any right to stand against. It is the primal force of destruction made physical. It is the Godzilla of the D&D game. It is also based on a monster of myth and legend known as the Tarasque. While they look similar and act similar, the Tarasque was once defeated.
I can recall one time while watching some TV, likely a nature show but it could have been Star Trek the Next Generation too. I was reading my Monstrous Compendium and someone had mentioned the Pygmy Tarsier. I thought that at the time a Pygmy Tarrasque would make for a great monster.
The idea here is a Tarrasque that the characters can actually and defeat. Build up the rumors in either direction; the tarrasque is an unstoppable killing machine created to kill gods OR it's just an armored dragon like beast that a group of French villagers can kill. Which is true? Don't know and neither will your players till you spring this on them.
Fluff: Let's say the regenerative powers of the Tarrasque is such that sometimes big hunks of it's flesh are torn out. Typically this would only happen if it was in a fight with a titan or demon lord. These hunks either regenerate into smaller versions of the creature or maybe this is what happens to other monsters when they consume this flesh. Or one could even say that these smaller ones are the result of the breeding of the Tarrasque with dragons. Or it along with the Great Tarrasque are the offspring of Leviathan (as in the myths) or even Tiamat. One should not discount this angle on the story. Given the Leviathan connection it sorta behooves me to stat it up for Cinematic Unisystem.
In the village of Tarascon they still celebrate the defeat of this great monster. I am happy that we have never seen such a beast in England.
- From the Journal of Tamara Swift.
Name: Tarrasque, Pygmy
Motivation: Eat
Creature Type: Monster
Attributes: Str 18, Dex 7, Con 10, Int 2, Per 6, Will 3
Ability Scores: Muscle 40, Combat 20, Brains 10
Life Points: 750
Drama Points: 2
Special Abilities: Additional Actions +2 (3 total), Armour Value 9, Attractiveness –5, Cause Fear, Increased Life Points, Regeneration (Con per Hour), Resists Magic 3 (can deflect automatically any spell PL 3 or lower)
Manoeuvres
| Name | Score | Damage | Notes |
| Bite | +22 | 48 | Slash/stab |
| Claw x2 | +20 | 34 | Slash/stab |
| Tail | +18 | 34 | Bash |
| - stinger | +16 | Special | Poison |
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Gnomes for Basic D&D
I guess this one is for my brother who loves gnomes. First in a batch of various "Basic" D&D things I have been thinking about.
Gnomes for Basic era FRPGs
Gnomes have long been a staple of various fantasy role-playing games, but surprisingly there were never any core rules for gnomes in the Basic-era (1974-1991) of the Worlds First and Largest Fantasy Adventure RPG.
Gnome
Gnomes are small humanoids that live in the same general areas as do elves. While elves prefer the open spaces, Gnomes live underground in elaborate burrows and underground cave systems. They share many similarities with dwarves, which maybe something of a racial cousin, they are their own race with a long history.
The typical gnome stands 3' to 3½ ' tall, and weighs about 40-45 lbs; About the same size as a Halfling, but not as stocky. Their skin color ranges from dark tan to woody brown, their hair is fair, and their eyes can be any shade of blue (from a light ice blue, to brilliant cerulean to a deep midnight violet-blue). Gnome males prefer short, carefully trimmed beards. Gnomes generally wear leather or earth tones, though they decorate their clothes with intricate stitching or fine jewelry. Gnomes reach adulthood at about age 40, and they live about 350 years, though some can live almost 500 years.
A gnome character must have a score of 9 or higher in both Intelligence and Dexterity. Gnomes are similar to Elves in terms of play, they can act as fighters (though not as good as true fighters or Dwarves) and can cast spells as do Magic-Users, though in the form of Alchemy.
Sages disagree on the origins of the gnome as a species and their name. Some point to the word "gnomic" meaning "to know" or "the wise". Other point to "gnomus" meaning "earth" or "from the earth". Both seem to be apt.
Some occult sages and scholars suggest that gnomes are off-shoots of dwarves, halflings, or even goblins. They do have some connection to the lands of Faerie, as do the elves. Other have suggested that gnomes are in fact some sort of earth spirit or even an elemental. Gnomes themselves say they simply are and leave it at that.
Gnomes are inherently magical, many excel in areas of alchemy and other magic, and most gnomes know at least a little magic. Adventuring gnomes can cast wizard spells as indicated below. Gnomes though use their magic via Alchemy. Gnome spell books are full of arcane recipes and formulae. To "cast" a spell then the Gnome either drinks, throws or otherwise invokes the potion as needed. For example a Clarivoyance "spell" might require the Gnome the spread an oily poultice over their eyes, a Fire Ball spell could be a potion that is thrown. In any case these would not require a roll to hit any more than any other magic-user or elf.
Gnomes tend to be Neutral in alignment, but quite a few are Lawful.
Gnomes hate kobolds and will try to attack them on site.
There are Gnomes that also known as "Deep Gnomes" that have well defined infravision to 90'.
Prime Requisite: A gnome has two Prime Requisites: Intelligence and Dexterity. If either of these Ability scores is 13 or greater the character gains a 5% bonus to Experience Points earned every adventure. If both are 13 or greater, the XP bonus if 10%.
Weapons and Armor: Gnomes may use any weapon, but it needs to "sized" to fit them. Typically any weapon sized for a Halfling character. Gnomes may not use "two-handed" handed weapons such as two-handed swords, long bows, battle axes, and other larger weapons.
Gnomes may wear any type of armor, but most prefer "natural" armor such as leather or hide. Halfling armor must "taken in" in order to properly fit a Gnome.
Gnomes may use any magic item that is useable by Magic-Users and any magic weapon.
Special Abilities
A gnome has a number combat advantages, due to it's size and familiarity with various terrain.
Combat: Gnomes use a combination of melee weapons and magic in combat situations. All gnomes gain the following bonuses when in combat.
-2 bonus to Armor Class when attacked by creatures larger than man-size.
+ 1 bonus to initiative rolls.
+1 bonus to "to hit" rolls against Kobolds and Goblins.
Hiding: Gnomes are difficult to spot. In their natural habitat, dense wooded areas, low hill lands and natural (not man-made) underground formations a gnome can only be detected 15% of the time (GM rolls). In man-made dungeons this increases to 25%. The gnome must remain still and not be carrying any type of light.
Languages: In addition to the common and alignment languages Gnomes may also speak gnome, dwarf, kobold and goblin. Additionally a gnome may speak to animals 1/day as per the Spell of the same name. Animals are limited to burrowing animals (badgers, rabbits,
Vision: A gnome can see twice as well as a human in low-light conditions (starlight, moonlight, torchlight and a "light" spell, but not "Continual Light").
Spells: As mentioned, Gnomes can use Magic-User spells like an elf. These spells are usually in the form of an alchemical mixture that must either thrown, drank or applied as needed. There is no penalty for performing this action since it is considered to be part of the "casting time". The gnome can only prepare the number of alchemical agents ("spells") as per the chart below. The gnome then must prepare a new batch the next day. Gnomes use natural ingredients that are usually readily available and carry others with them. These materials are small and light and typically weigh no more than a ounce per level of spells. So a 3rd level spell would weigh about 3 ozs.
For example the Gnome may wish to cast a Light spell. This may require them to mix two reagents together that produce a glow.
Advancement
Gnomes may advance only to 9th level ("Gnome Adeptus"). This is balanced by the gnome's magical ability and their ability to also fight better than a same level magic-user. At 9th level a gnome may settle in area and attract other gnomes to form a clan, or gather their family together for a clan as it's Chieftain. All burrowing animals within the area (a radius of 5 miles) will be friendly to the gnomes of the clan and can speak to them. These animals will warn the clan of approaching intruders or strangers, carry brief messages back and forth to other clans.
Gnomes use the same attack to hit rolls as do fighters, dwarves, elves and Halflings.
Section 15 Copyright Notice
Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
System Reference Document Copyright 2003, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Bruce R. Cordell, based on original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.
Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks Copyright© 2003, Timothy S. Brannan and the Netbook of Witches Team.
Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game Copyright © 2006-2008. Chris Gonnerman.
Labyrinth LordTM. Copyright © 2007, Daniel Proctor. Author Daniel Proctor.
"Gnomes for Basic era FRPGs" Copyright ©2010, Timothy S. Brannan
Gnomes for Basic era FRPGs
Gnomes have long been a staple of various fantasy role-playing games, but surprisingly there were never any core rules for gnomes in the Basic-era (1974-1991) of the Worlds First and Largest Fantasy Adventure RPG.
Gnome
Gnomes are small humanoids that live in the same general areas as do elves. While elves prefer the open spaces, Gnomes live underground in elaborate burrows and underground cave systems. They share many similarities with dwarves, which maybe something of a racial cousin, they are their own race with a long history.
The typical gnome stands 3' to 3½ ' tall, and weighs about 40-45 lbs; About the same size as a Halfling, but not as stocky. Their skin color ranges from dark tan to woody brown, their hair is fair, and their eyes can be any shade of blue (from a light ice blue, to brilliant cerulean to a deep midnight violet-blue). Gnome males prefer short, carefully trimmed beards. Gnomes generally wear leather or earth tones, though they decorate their clothes with intricate stitching or fine jewelry. Gnomes reach adulthood at about age 40, and they live about 350 years, though some can live almost 500 years.
A gnome character must have a score of 9 or higher in both Intelligence and Dexterity. Gnomes are similar to Elves in terms of play, they can act as fighters (though not as good as true fighters or Dwarves) and can cast spells as do Magic-Users, though in the form of Alchemy.
Sages disagree on the origins of the gnome as a species and their name. Some point to the word "gnomic" meaning "to know" or "the wise". Other point to "gnomus" meaning "earth" or "from the earth". Both seem to be apt.
Some occult sages and scholars suggest that gnomes are off-shoots of dwarves, halflings, or even goblins. They do have some connection to the lands of Faerie, as do the elves. Other have suggested that gnomes are in fact some sort of earth spirit or even an elemental. Gnomes themselves say they simply are and leave it at that.
Gnomes are inherently magical, many excel in areas of alchemy and other magic, and most gnomes know at least a little magic. Adventuring gnomes can cast wizard spells as indicated below. Gnomes though use their magic via Alchemy. Gnome spell books are full of arcane recipes and formulae. To "cast" a spell then the Gnome either drinks, throws or otherwise invokes the potion as needed. For example a Clarivoyance "spell" might require the Gnome the spread an oily poultice over their eyes, a Fire Ball spell could be a potion that is thrown. In any case these would not require a roll to hit any more than any other magic-user or elf.
Gnomes tend to be Neutral in alignment, but quite a few are Lawful.
Gnomes hate kobolds and will try to attack them on site.
There are Gnomes that also known as "Deep Gnomes" that have well defined infravision to 90'.
Prime Requisite: A gnome has two Prime Requisites: Intelligence and Dexterity. If either of these Ability scores is 13 or greater the character gains a 5% bonus to Experience Points earned every adventure. If both are 13 or greater, the XP bonus if 10%.
Weapons and Armor: Gnomes may use any weapon, but it needs to "sized" to fit them. Typically any weapon sized for a Halfling character. Gnomes may not use "two-handed" handed weapons such as two-handed swords, long bows, battle axes, and other larger weapons.
Gnomes may wear any type of armor, but most prefer "natural" armor such as leather or hide. Halfling armor must "taken in" in order to properly fit a Gnome.
Gnomes may use any magic item that is useable by Magic-Users and any magic weapon.
Special Abilities
A gnome has a number combat advantages, due to it's size and familiarity with various terrain.
Combat: Gnomes use a combination of melee weapons and magic in combat situations. All gnomes gain the following bonuses when in combat.
-2 bonus to Armor Class when attacked by creatures larger than man-size.
+ 1 bonus to initiative rolls.
+1 bonus to "to hit" rolls against Kobolds and Goblins.
Hiding: Gnomes are difficult to spot. In their natural habitat, dense wooded areas, low hill lands and natural (not man-made) underground formations a gnome can only be detected 15% of the time (GM rolls). In man-made dungeons this increases to 25%. The gnome must remain still and not be carrying any type of light.
Languages: In addition to the common and alignment languages Gnomes may also speak gnome, dwarf, kobold and goblin. Additionally a gnome may speak to animals 1/day as per the Spell of the same name. Animals are limited to burrowing animals (badgers, rabbits,
Vision: A gnome can see twice as well as a human in low-light conditions (starlight, moonlight, torchlight and a "light" spell, but not "Continual Light").
Spells: As mentioned, Gnomes can use Magic-User spells like an elf. These spells are usually in the form of an alchemical mixture that must either thrown, drank or applied as needed. There is no penalty for performing this action since it is considered to be part of the "casting time". The gnome can only prepare the number of alchemical agents ("spells") as per the chart below. The gnome then must prepare a new batch the next day. Gnomes use natural ingredients that are usually readily available and carry others with them. These materials are small and light and typically weigh no more than a ounce per level of spells. So a 3rd level spell would weigh about 3 ozs.
For example the Gnome may wish to cast a Light spell. This may require them to mix two reagents together that produce a glow.
Advancement
Gnomes may advance only to 9th level ("Gnome Adeptus"). This is balanced by the gnome's magical ability and their ability to also fight better than a same level magic-user. At 9th level a gnome may settle in area and attract other gnomes to form a clan, or gather their family together for a clan as it's Chieftain. All burrowing animals within the area (a radius of 5 miles) will be friendly to the gnomes of the clan and can speak to them. These animals will warn the clan of approaching intruders or strangers, carry brief messages back and forth to other clans.
GNOME EXPERIENCE TABLE | ||||||||
| Level | Title | XP | Hit Die | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| 1 | Gnome Neophyte | 0 | 1d6 | 1 | ||||
| 2 | Gnome Apprentice | 3,000 | 2d6 | 2 | ||||
| 3 | Gnome Theoreticus | 6,000 | 3d6 | 2 | 1 | |||
| 4 | Gnome Practicus | 12,000 | 4d6 | 2 | 2 | |||
| 5 | Gnome Philosophus | 25,000 | 5d6 | 2 | 2 | 1 | ||
| 6 | Gnome Major | 50,000 | 6d6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | ||
| 7 | Gnome Magus | 110,000 | 7d6 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |
| 8 | Gnome Magister | 220,000 | 8d6 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | |
| 9 | Gnome Adeptus | 400,000 | 9d6 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
GNOME SAVING THROWS | |||
| Level | 1-3 | 4-6 | 7-9 |
| Death Ray or Poison | 12 | 10 | 8 |
| Magic Wands | 13 | 11 | 9 |
| Paralysis or Turn to Stone | 13 | 11 | 9 |
| Dragon Breath | 15 | 12 | 9 |
| Rods, Staffs and Spells | 15 | 12 | 9 |
Gnomes use the same attack to hit rolls as do fighters, dwarves, elves and Halflings.
CHARACTER HIT ROLLS (on 1d20) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Level | Target's Armor Class | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gnomes | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | -1 | -2 | -3 | -4 | -5 | -6 | -7 | -8 | -9 |
| 1-3 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
| 4-6 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 |
| 7-9 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
Section 15 Copyright Notice
Open Game License v 1.0a Copyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
System Reference Document Copyright 2003, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.; Authors Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Bruce R. Cordell, based on original material by E. Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson.
Liber Mysterium: The Netbook of Witches and Warlocks Copyright© 2003, Timothy S. Brannan and the Netbook of Witches Team.
Basic Fantasy Role-Playing Game Copyright © 2006-2008. Chris Gonnerman.
Labyrinth LordTM. Copyright © 2007, Daniel Proctor. Author Daniel Proctor.
"Gnomes for Basic era FRPGs" Copyright ©2010, Timothy S. Brannan
Monday, November 1, 2010
October Stats
Needless to say, but October was a very busy month over here at the old Other Side.
Watching horror movies, blogging about old school, new school and horror brings in some traffic.
I made 53 posts this month which resulted in 9,494 visits. Of that, 1,315 came directly to this site (with 82.21 % of those being unique), and 5,585 from referring sites.
So, to thank those referring sites, here they are. See what they are doing also!
edenstudiosdiscussionboards.yuku.com (Eden's board)
underdarkgazette.blogspot.com
unknownzine.blogspot.com
bxblackrazor.blogspot.com
dungeonsndigressions.blogspot.com
daddygrognard.blogspot.com
gothridgemanor.blogspot.com
theoreticalgm.blogspot.com
thebookofworlds.blogspot.com
sorcerersskull.blogspot.com
cyclopeatron.blogspot.com
asshatpaladins.blogspot.com
Thanks for sending so much traffic my way!
Watching horror movies, blogging about old school, new school and horror brings in some traffic.
I made 53 posts this month which resulted in 9,494 visits. Of that, 1,315 came directly to this site (with 82.21 % of those being unique), and 5,585 from referring sites.
So, to thank those referring sites, here they are. See what they are doing also!
edenstudiosdiscussionboards.yuku.com (Eden's board)
underdarkgazette.blogspot.com
unknownzine.blogspot.com
bxblackrazor.blogspot.com
dungeonsndigressions.blogspot.com
daddygrognard.blogspot.com
gothridgemanor.blogspot.com
theoreticalgm.blogspot.com
thebookofworlds.blogspot.com
sorcerersskull.blogspot.com
cyclopeatron.blogspot.com
asshatpaladins.blogspot.com
Thanks for sending so much traffic my way!
Something New!
I have recently been inspired and might have something new here in a bit.
No details yet other than I am excited and hope to have something soon.
No details yet other than I am excited and hope to have something soon.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
October Movie Reviews: Final Tally
Here we go!
31 movies with 20 new, never before seen.
Not too bad.
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