Just a reminder.
I don't recall ever seeing anywhere that D&D 5e would be compatible with AD&D only that you could play the same style as you did with AD&D 1.
I can just see a lot of people throwing fits about this. To my knowledge we are still looking at ascending armor classes (easily converted if you passed 3rd grade math) and 3e style saves or 4e style defenses.
I am sure we will all know more in the next few days, but the things I have been hearing lately are in my mind good (and good for my group of players) but certainly not going to make everyone happy.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
White Dwarf Wednesday Issue 3
Welcome back to White Dwarf Wednesday.
Issue 3 takes us into Oct/Nov 1977.
The editorial opens up with a bit on whether or not the British SF/F game market was large enough to support a magazine like this. They decide that it is and begin looking for opinions on how they should cover items, namely D&D.
The Editorial ends, amusingly enough, with a "May the Force Be With You". It was 1977 after all.
Digging in we have an article on how to play D&D and Empire of the Petal throne as Solo games. Not a bad read really, I might try it out sometime to see if it works.
More on Fred Hemmings Competitive D&D. The interesting thing about this article that it really shows the roots of D&D in war-gaming and tournament play. It is not something I would try on my own, and I am not sure it would work so well with modern games. But a cool read all the same.
The News section talks about the smash new movie "Star Wars" and how Gen Con had attendance over 2,000 every day, out selling Origins. There is a new movie in the works with Marlon Brando named "Superman".
We delve deeper into the Monstermark system. By this point in my original readings I was loosing interest in it. It was such a convoluted system, but I appreciated it determination to keep on going. Though no new monsters in this issue.
In Open Box we get an overview of a number of D&D aids from Judges Guild including D&D Reference Sheets, a Judge's Screen and Dave Arneson's First Campaign book. They also cover what I believe is the first product to support the "City State of the Invisible Overlord", a place that was near legend when I would be playing a mere 2-3 years later.
Reviews of Citadel from FGU, Fourth Dimesion from J.A. Ball and Co. and The Battle of Five Armies (yeah that one) from TSR. The new reveiws list good points as well as bad ones and the overall score. I can't recall if this was something they kept, so I'll wait till I re-read issue 4.
The next installment of Lewis Pulsipher's "D&D Campaigns" is next. The main issue here is realism of the game and how PCs, NPCs and monsters should behave. There is also a bit about how rules should be handled. Interesting to read in a near-Pre DMG day.
Some details on painting minis comes up after that. A write up on the Assassin character class (with halflings still being referred to as Hobbits). A couple of magic rooms as "Treasure".
The letters section opens with a letter from Paul Jaquays, Editor of the Dungeoneer about the Monstermark system and a gripe about Competitive D&D. More letters follow on the Monstermark system.
The back cover is a cool looking faerie woman.
An interesting, but not landmark, issue. The layout seems a bit cleaner and they certainly know what they are doing now.
Issue 3 takes us into Oct/Nov 1977.
The editorial opens up with a bit on whether or not the British SF/F game market was large enough to support a magazine like this. They decide that it is and begin looking for opinions on how they should cover items, namely D&D.
The Editorial ends, amusingly enough, with a "May the Force Be With You". It was 1977 after all.
Digging in we have an article on how to play D&D and Empire of the Petal throne as Solo games. Not a bad read really, I might try it out sometime to see if it works.
More on Fred Hemmings Competitive D&D. The interesting thing about this article that it really shows the roots of D&D in war-gaming and tournament play. It is not something I would try on my own, and I am not sure it would work so well with modern games. But a cool read all the same.
The News section talks about the smash new movie "Star Wars" and how Gen Con had attendance over 2,000 every day, out selling Origins. There is a new movie in the works with Marlon Brando named "Superman".
We delve deeper into the Monstermark system. By this point in my original readings I was loosing interest in it. It was such a convoluted system, but I appreciated it determination to keep on going. Though no new monsters in this issue.
In Open Box we get an overview of a number of D&D aids from Judges Guild including D&D Reference Sheets, a Judge's Screen and Dave Arneson's First Campaign book. They also cover what I believe is the first product to support the "City State of the Invisible Overlord", a place that was near legend when I would be playing a mere 2-3 years later.
Reviews of Citadel from FGU, Fourth Dimesion from J.A. Ball and Co. and The Battle of Five Armies (yeah that one) from TSR. The new reveiws list good points as well as bad ones and the overall score. I can't recall if this was something they kept, so I'll wait till I re-read issue 4.
The next installment of Lewis Pulsipher's "D&D Campaigns" is next. The main issue here is realism of the game and how PCs, NPCs and monsters should behave. There is also a bit about how rules should be handled. Interesting to read in a near-Pre DMG day.
Some details on painting minis comes up after that. A write up on the Assassin character class (with halflings still being referred to as Hobbits). A couple of magic rooms as "Treasure".
The letters section opens with a letter from Paul Jaquays, Editor of the Dungeoneer about the Monstermark system and a gripe about Competitive D&D. More letters follow on the Monstermark system.
The back cover is a cool looking faerie woman.
An interesting, but not landmark, issue. The layout seems a bit cleaner and they certainly know what they are doing now.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Here There Be Dragons...Year of the Dragon
"I love it when a plan comes together." - Hannibal Smith
Liam and I (well, mostly Liam) have been working really hard on "Here There Be Dragons..."
Early this year we sat down and went through every monster book I own and what Liam liked the best was the classic Monster Manual from 1st Ed AD&D. Can't blame him, that book is what got me hooked.
We decided after gaming one day that HTBD should be stated out for OSRIC to capture that same feel.
Well here is the part where I take my own advice.
April 17, 2012 WotC will as you all know by now re-release the classic hardcover AD&D books.
April 23 is St. George's Day, the patron saint of England and of Dragon Slayers (ok that last bit I made up).
So given that this is the Year of the Dragon, I think it makes sense for Liam and I to double down and get this thing done.
I know I have other projects in the works and they are moving along.
There is a ton to do on it. We have a few score new dragons lined up, some art. Maybe some spells.
It is not going to be a big book. No cover art as of yet. No publisher either.
But this is pure old-school DIY. My son loves dragons and wants to see more of them in his game.
I hope we can make the deadline and get you "Here There Be Dragons..." in time for the 1st Edition releases.
Liam and I (well, mostly Liam) have been working really hard on "Here There Be Dragons..."
Early this year we sat down and went through every monster book I own and what Liam liked the best was the classic Monster Manual from 1st Ed AD&D. Can't blame him, that book is what got me hooked.
We decided after gaming one day that HTBD should be stated out for OSRIC to capture that same feel.
Well here is the part where I take my own advice.
April 17, 2012 WotC will as you all know by now re-release the classic hardcover AD&D books.
April 23 is St. George's Day, the patron saint of England and of Dragon Slayers (ok that last bit I made up).
So given that this is the Year of the Dragon, I think it makes sense for Liam and I to double down and get this thing done.
I know I have other projects in the works and they are moving along.
There is a ton to do on it. We have a few score new dragons lined up, some art. Maybe some spells.
It is not going to be a big book. No cover art as of yet. No publisher either.
But this is pure old-school DIY. My son loves dragons and wants to see more of them in his game.
I hope we can make the deadline and get you "Here There Be Dragons..." in time for the 1st Edition releases.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Quintessential D&D for D&D.Next
Remember my idea back from the late Summer, the one I was calling Quintessential D&D where there are five linked adventures that used all the rules of all D&D?
Here are the links to bring you all back up to speed.
http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/08/quintessential-d-half-baked-ideas.html
http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/08/half-baked-adventure-idea.html
http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/08/so-building-off-of-my-half-baked.html
With me? Ok good.
It dawns on me that with what I am hearing about D&D5/D&D.Next that this is the perfect segue into the new rules.
So the characters play through the worlds, they collect the Three Great Books of Gax, fight the dragon guardians and reset the universe. Reset it to what though? Easy, reset it to 5th edition.
With the new change in the rules I am not 100% sure I am going to finish up my 4e game. Or if I do, it will be largely altered to fit into the kinda game I want to run (I still want Drama Points in D&D.)
Stepping away from this for a bit it occurs to me that this would also make a great play-test platform for D&D5.
In the mean time here is an interesting retrospective bit on "Could WotC Support ALL D&D". What a difference seven months can make.
Here are the links to bring you all back up to speed.
http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/08/quintessential-d-half-baked-ideas.html
http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/08/half-baked-adventure-idea.html
http://timbrannan.blogspot.com/2011/08/so-building-off-of-my-half-baked.html
With me? Ok good.
It dawns on me that with what I am hearing about D&D5/D&D.Next that this is the perfect segue into the new rules.
So the characters play through the worlds, they collect the Three Great Books of Gax, fight the dragon guardians and reset the universe. Reset it to what though? Easy, reset it to 5th edition.
With the new change in the rules I am not 100% sure I am going to finish up my 4e game. Or if I do, it will be largely altered to fit into the kinda game I want to run (I still want Drama Points in D&D.)
Stepping away from this for a bit it occurs to me that this would also make a great play-test platform for D&D5.
In the mean time here is an interesting retrospective bit on "Could WotC Support ALL D&D". What a difference seven months can make.
Year of the Dragon
Today is the start of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dragon. And what a year it is turning out to be so far.
"May you live in interesting times." goes the old saying (which may or may not actually be Chinese in origin).
We are certainly living in interesting times now. Never has there been such unprecedented access to games of any generation. So of course I have indulged, maybe even over-indulged.
There has been an interesting side effect to this. The editions war have hit home. In February we are ging to playing: D&D4, Pathfinder, Basic D&D, and we want to try out some 1st Ed AD&D as well. This is not even taking into consideration our semi-regular D&D 3.x game. And everyone here has an opinon on what works and what doesn't.
I have talked to some of the new D&D5 playtesters and so far 5e/D&D.Next does not appear to be what most people think it is going to be. Well, I say "most" people, I guess I really should be saying "loud" people.
I do have renewed hope for the next version of D&D.
I fear no matter what both the 4e and the OSR crowds are not going to like it; each thinking this new game looks too little like their own and too much like the other.
While there are plenty of doom-and-gloomers out there, I want D&D to succeed. I would love to see a new Golden Age in fact. We have everything we need really, we just need to get the world to see D&D (and by extension all RPGS) as a good low cost alternative to MMORPGS/Computer games that the whole family can enjoy. (see this bit here)
Get the families.
That is where the money and future is.
"May you live in interesting times." goes the old saying (which may or may not actually be Chinese in origin).
We are certainly living in interesting times now. Never has there been such unprecedented access to games of any generation. So of course I have indulged, maybe even over-indulged.
There has been an interesting side effect to this. The editions war have hit home. In February we are ging to playing: D&D4, Pathfinder, Basic D&D, and we want to try out some 1st Ed AD&D as well. This is not even taking into consideration our semi-regular D&D 3.x game. And everyone here has an opinon on what works and what doesn't.
I have talked to some of the new D&D5 playtesters and so far 5e/D&D.Next does not appear to be what most people think it is going to be. Well, I say "most" people, I guess I really should be saying "loud" people.
I do have renewed hope for the next version of D&D.
I fear no matter what both the 4e and the OSR crowds are not going to like it; each thinking this new game looks too little like their own and too much like the other.
While there are plenty of doom-and-gloomers out there, I want D&D to succeed. I would love to see a new Golden Age in fact. We have everything we need really, we just need to get the world to see D&D (and by extension all RPGS) as a good low cost alternative to MMORPGS/Computer games that the whole family can enjoy. (see this bit here)
Get the families.
That is where the money and future is.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Adventure crowd sourcing
Afternoon all.
I am looking for good 1st level adventure for about 5 characters that can be run in a little more than an hour.
I have some ideas, but want to know what my options are.
Any version of D&D is fine since I want to try it out on a few different versions.
I am looking for good 1st level adventure for about 5 characters that can be run in a little more than an hour.
I have some ideas, but want to know what my options are.
Any version of D&D is fine since I want to try it out on a few different versions.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Zatannurday: More Scarlet Witch
First up, one that was posted midweek and pointed out to me by Martin R. Thomas. http://braveandboldlost.blogspot.com/2012/01/zatanna-and-scarlet-witch.html
A color version of one of last weeks.
And some Deviant Art pics
SCARLET WITCH - ZATANNA by *J-Estacado on deviantART
Magical Time by *petercotton on deviantART
Zatanna Vs. Scarlet Witch by ~DarthTerry on deviantART
Fishnets and Hexes by ~mrfuzzynutz on deviantART
And Hermoine showing how it is done.
hermione scarlet witch and zatanna csbg by ~stejam13 on deviantART
Friday, January 20, 2012
If I were an OSR publisher...
Then I would be looking at my upcoming catalog and seeing what I have that is remotely AD&D like and get it out in time for the reprints.
Think of the ads you could use. You never have to claim compatibility except where the OGL is concerned.
"Love the new reprints of the Classic game? Well you will also love..."
I have had the chance to talk to some younger generation gamers and many (but not all) are of the mind to get these, just to see what they are all about.
This could be one of the biggest PR opportunities to come in a very long time.
Think of the ads you could use. You never have to claim compatibility except where the OGL is concerned.
"Love the new reprints of the Classic game? Well you will also love..."
I have had the chance to talk to some younger generation gamers and many (but not all) are of the mind to get these, just to see what they are all about.
This could be one of the biggest PR opportunities to come in a very long time.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
GM Questionnaire
| Notice: I am not taking down this post because I feel it is more important to leave it up, but also update everyone on what is happeing now as February 11, 2019. Please see this newer post first. http://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/2019/02/i-am-going-to-talk-about-zak-today-and.html |
Zak posted this GM questionnaire. Here are my answers.
1. If you had to pick a single invention in a game you were most proud of what would it be?
Depends I guess. The magic system in Ghosts of Albion is my pride. The revised horror/fear and insanity system for True 20 that might never see the light of day (NDAs) was also really nice.
2. When was the last time you GMed?
Last weekend, Sunday Jan 15. D&D 3.x
3. When was the last time you played?
Wow. Been maybe 6 months. Pathfinder.
4. Give us a one-sentence pitch for an adventure you haven't run but would like to.
Ghosts of Albion: Visit to Castle Dracula
5. What do you do while you wait for players to do things?
If it is truly "free time" I prep for the next adventure/encounter.
6. What, if anything, do you eat while you play?
Maybe chips, trying to cut back on snacks at the game table.
7. Do you find GMing physically exhausting?
No. Sometimes mentally, but I GM little kids.
8. What was the last interesting (to you, anyway) thing you remember a PC you were running doing?
My son figured out a way to immobilize a bunch of monsters and keep them from attacking the party without killing them. He played a great Lawful Good Paladin.
9. Do your players take your serious setting and make it unserious? Vice versa? Neither?
Sometimes. I allow jokes to lighten the mood as needed.
10. What do you do with goblins?
Goblins are one of my my most useful races.
11. What was the last non-RPG thing you saw that you converted into game material (background, setting, trap, etc.)?
Hammer Glamour. I have the best NPCs.
12. What's the funniest table moment you can remember right now?
It happened to me. We were playtesting some new auto-combat software and the black dragon kept attacking my assassin. The trouble was the software didn't recognize the fact that my assassin was already dead and at -40 hp. It knew how to deal with 0 to -10, but beyond that, not so much. The dragon kept attacking my poor dead character over and over.
13. What was the last game book you looked at--aside from things you referenced in a game--why were you looking at it?
4e Book of Vile Darkness. I looked at for a game, but opted not to use it. I guess purely non-research was the Dresden Files game.
14. Who's your idea of the perfect RPG illustrator?
Wow. No idea to be honest. I am kind of art blind really. I can name dozens of designers and scores of authors, but maybe 2-3 artists. Sorry.
15. Does your game ever make your players genuinely afraid?
Yes. I can scare anybody and never resort to any blood and gore.
16. What was the best time you ever had running an adventure you didn't write? (If ever)
Running the Gygax classics with my boys.
17. What would be the ideal physical set up to run a game in?
In my game room. It is very-nearly perfect, I just need a fridge for sodas.
18. If you had to think of the two most disparate games or game products that you like what would they be?
D&D4 and Spellcraft & Swordplay. I enjoy them both and their common points make them seem even more different.
19. If you had to think of the most disparate influences overall on your game, what would they be?
Led Zeppelin albums, Hammer movies, Shakespeare, "Man and his Symbols" by C.J. Jung, comics and Clark Ashton Smith.
20. As a GM, what kind of player do you want at your table?
Enthusiastic. I can deal will all sorts of play-styles, but i want people to really want to be there.
21. What's a real life experience you've translated into game terms?
The entire campaign of The Dragon and the Phoenix was inspired by real-life events. The birth of my children revitalized my desire to play older games.
22. Is there an RPG product that you wish existed but doesn't?
Hmmm. Not really, everytime I think there is something that needs to be written I find it online somewhere.
23. Is there anyone you know who you talk about RPGs with who doesn't play? How do those conversations go?
My wife tends to humor me. People at work think I mean computer games. People I went high school and college with I think scratch their heads.
Addendum: Why doesn't my wife play? She has tried on many occasions in the nearly 2 decades we have been married. It's just not her thing. She goes to Gen Con with us every year and she has fun, but RPGs just don't click with her, much like card games don't click with me.
WotC to do Old School
Woke up this morning from a crappy night's sleep to find this.
"Wizards of the Coast to produce First Edition Premium AD&D books"
http://www.wizards.com/ContentResources/Wizards/Sales/Solicitations/2012_04_17_dd_1stED_Solicitation_en_US.pdf
So not only is WotC re-releasing the the original Gygax trinity of books for sale, they are doing to raise money for the Gygax memorial fund. There will be new covers on these books and they will be limited editions.
I might have to pick up two sets (one for me, one for my kids).
Of course despite all of this I am sure people will complain about what percent will actually be going to the Gygax fund. Or about the price of the books.
The PHB product page is here, http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Product.aspx?x=dnd/products/dndacc/02410000
So basically WotC out-OSRed the OSR.
Better reserve your copies now.
"Wizards of the Coast to produce First Edition Premium AD&D books"
http://www.wizards.com/ContentResources/Wizards/Sales/Solicitations/2012_04_17_dd_1stED_Solicitation_en_US.pdf
So not only is WotC re-releasing the the original Gygax trinity of books for sale, they are doing to raise money for the Gygax memorial fund. There will be new covers on these books and they will be limited editions.
I might have to pick up two sets (one for me, one for my kids).
Of course despite all of this I am sure people will complain about what percent will actually be going to the Gygax fund. Or about the price of the books.
The PHB product page is here, http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Product.aspx?x=dnd/products/dndacc/02410000
So basically WotC out-OSRed the OSR.
Better reserve your copies now.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
And I am back
Little black out is over.
Of course I shouldn't have to mention what SOPA and PIPA could have potentially done to the OSR. So I'll leave it at that.
White Dwarf Wednesday is back next week.
Of course I shouldn't have to mention what SOPA and PIPA could have potentially done to the OSR. So I'll leave it at that.
White Dwarf Wednesday is back next week.
Going Black
Instead of turning off my blog today in protest of SOPA I am instead posting this message and not doing my normal posting today.
Until then read this for more details.
http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/English_Wikipedia_anti-SOPA_blackout
See you Thursday.
Until then read this for more details.
http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/English_Wikipedia_anti-SOPA_blackout
See you Thursday.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Dragonslayers and the Books of Vile Darkness
The Dragonslayers are currently wandering around the Greater Caverns of Iggwilv's lair (The Lost Caverns of Tsojcanth).
They have been sent to recover the rumored "Golden Treasure of Iggwilv" which of course is Drelzna. I am of course keeping all the treasure (Demonomicon, the 6 books, Prison and Lanthorn) but I am also throwing in a copy of the Book of Vile Drakness.
I have been using the 3.0 version to expand the monster choices in the dungeon, figuring Iggwilv would have bound some demonic creatures to her lair. Plus, the original S4 introduced a lot of new demons to the 1st Ed Game and the BoVD added more to the 3rd ed game.
So I picked up the 4th Ed Book of Vile Darkness over the weekend to help buff up what would be in the game world version.
I have to admit, the 4e one does not compare to either the 3.0 version OR the 4e Demonomicon.
The 4e version is fine, don't get me wrong, but it lacks the gravitas the 3.0 version had.
It's not that the 3.0 is more graphic (graphic is not the same thing as useful or good) but it suffers from the basic fact that all the ideas that should be in have already appeared somewhere else.
I'll use the props that came with the 4e version, and I'll expand the 3.0 version to include the 4e (And really converting between the two systems is not that hard). I'll use the monsters in the lower levels, espcially if I plan to add on the Thaizdun bits.
Plus the Dragonslayers need the book because it has a ritual to summon Tiamat. They are all god characters, and the ritual requires the sacrifice of a "Rainbow Dragon" which at the moment they think is a Chaotic good faerie dragon. Have not decided about that one yet. They are just kids afterall.
Did I get my money's worth for the 4e book? Yeah, I feel that I did. There are some very neat ideas and some cool things for a 4e game. Not as much as I would have hoped for though.
Of course if I use the book in 3e, should I turn around and have it reappear in 4e or 5e? No idea yet. Let me get done with 3e first.
Oh. And my oldest son wants to go back to Mentzer Basic. It figures really, I have tried to push Moldvay/Cook Basic D&D on him for so long that naturally he would only be interested in the one box I never really pull out.
They have been sent to recover the rumored "Golden Treasure of Iggwilv" which of course is Drelzna. I am of course keeping all the treasure (Demonomicon, the 6 books, Prison and Lanthorn) but I am also throwing in a copy of the Book of Vile Drakness.
I have been using the 3.0 version to expand the monster choices in the dungeon, figuring Iggwilv would have bound some demonic creatures to her lair. Plus, the original S4 introduced a lot of new demons to the 1st Ed Game and the BoVD added more to the 3rd ed game.
So I picked up the 4th Ed Book of Vile Darkness over the weekend to help buff up what would be in the game world version.
I have to admit, the 4e one does not compare to either the 3.0 version OR the 4e Demonomicon.
The 4e version is fine, don't get me wrong, but it lacks the gravitas the 3.0 version had.
I'll use the props that came with the 4e version, and I'll expand the 3.0 version to include the 4e (And really converting between the two systems is not that hard). I'll use the monsters in the lower levels, espcially if I plan to add on the Thaizdun bits.
Plus the Dragonslayers need the book because it has a ritual to summon Tiamat. They are all god characters, and the ritual requires the sacrifice of a "Rainbow Dragon" which at the moment they think is a Chaotic good faerie dragon. Have not decided about that one yet. They are just kids afterall.
Did I get my money's worth for the 4e book? Yeah, I feel that I did. There are some very neat ideas and some cool things for a 4e game. Not as much as I would have hoped for though.
Of course if I use the book in 3e, should I turn around and have it reappear in 4e or 5e? No idea yet. Let me get done with 3e first.
Oh. And my oldest son wants to go back to Mentzer Basic. It figures really, I have tried to push Moldvay/Cook Basic D&D on him for so long that naturally he would only be interested in the one box I never really pull out.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Modular D&D? Tell me more Mr. Cook.
Monte Cook has posted a little bit about the latest incarnation of D&D on WotC's site.
http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ll/20120116
It seems, so far, that they are going to take a modular approach to the game system. As a game designer and former computer programmer I find this a very interesting take and I am looking forward to more.
Extrapolating on this I can see the following set up:
D&D5 Basic - A basic box with all the rules you need to play. Basic classes, races and magic.
D&D5 Expert/Advanced - an addition to these rules that take the game into all sorts of directions. Added races, classes, prestige classes and the like. Think of all the cool things from D&D Expert and the AD&D 1st ed DMG.
D&D5 Tactics - a miniature focused set of rules for players/DMs that want more definition in their combats. Sure it makes the combats take longer, but that is the trade off.
Then splats similar to the current Heroes of the Feywild or Heroes of Shadow that expand certain "campaign free" areas of the world.
While reading the "lists of demands" in the 5e boards left feeling nothing but despair for the next edition, the official word from the actual designers is leaving me with more optimism.
http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ll/20120116
It seems, so far, that they are going to take a modular approach to the game system. As a game designer and former computer programmer I find this a very interesting take and I am looking forward to more.
Extrapolating on this I can see the following set up:
D&D5 Basic - A basic box with all the rules you need to play. Basic classes, races and magic.
D&D5 Expert/Advanced - an addition to these rules that take the game into all sorts of directions. Added races, classes, prestige classes and the like. Think of all the cool things from D&D Expert and the AD&D 1st ed DMG.
D&D5 Tactics - a miniature focused set of rules for players/DMs that want more definition in their combats. Sure it makes the combats take longer, but that is the trade off.
Then splats similar to the current Heroes of the Feywild or Heroes of Shadow that expand certain "campaign free" areas of the world.
While reading the "lists of demands" in the 5e boards left feeling nothing but despair for the next edition, the official word from the actual designers is leaving me with more optimism.
What I Don't Want
I do not want 5e to be like an older edition or a retro-clone.
I own and have played every edition of D&D ever published. I have (nearly) every retro- and near- clone there is.
5e can support older editions, it can even emulate some of the features of older games, but it should be be it's own game.
I own and have played every edition of D&D ever published. I have (nearly) every retro- and near- clone there is.
5e can support older editions, it can even emulate some of the features of older games, but it should be be it's own game.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Janurary PDF items from DriveThruRPG
Here are the Janurary PDF items from DriveThruRPG.
Leverage Roleplaying Game [Margaret Weis Productions] cool example of Cortex+ in action
The Complete Book of Denizens (d20/OGL) [Inner Circle] more new monsters for your d20 games
Kashindan Main Rules [Lupus Games]
Random Encounters Remastered [Purple Duck Games] for Pathfinder, but it looks like it would work for any D&D-like game.
Legacy: Basic Edition [Battlefield Press] Play an immortal. New version of the Legacy game from the 90s.
Mistborn Adventure Game Digital Edition [Crafty Games] based on the novels. From Crafty Games.
To get 20% off the items above just use the code: HotJanuary2012
Enjoy!
Leverage Roleplaying Game [Margaret Weis Productions] cool example of Cortex+ in action
The Complete Book of Denizens (d20/OGL) [Inner Circle] more new monsters for your d20 games
Kashindan Main Rules [Lupus Games]
Random Encounters Remastered [Purple Duck Games] for Pathfinder, but it looks like it would work for any D&D-like game.
Legacy: Basic Edition [Battlefield Press] Play an immortal. New version of the Legacy game from the 90s.
Mistborn Adventure Game Digital Edition [Crafty Games] based on the novels. From Crafty Games.
To get 20% off the items above just use the code: HotJanuary2012
Enjoy!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
One thing I don't Get
Reading the 5e boards.
How can someone say "I am an Old Timer" and "I started with 2nd Ed" in the same breath?
How can someone say "I am an Old Timer" and "I started with 2nd Ed" in the same breath?
Ghosts of Albion: Print on Demand
Tim Knight over at "I'd Rather Be Killing Monsters" featured Ghosts of Albion on his Fleamarket Friday post.
BTW glad to see you back up Tim!
He pointed out something I have not seen yet.
Ghosts of Albion is also available as a Print on Demand book.
I will pick up a copy and see how it looks.
I'll keep you all posted.
BTW glad to see you back up Tim!
He pointed out something I have not seen yet.
Ghosts of Albion is also available as a Print on Demand book.
I will pick up a copy and see how it looks.
I'll keep you all posted.
Zatannurday: Special Guests White Witch and Scarlet Witch
Though this cosplayer might make me change my mind.
In the Marvel-DC Amalgam Comics Zee and Scarlet Witch are merged into one character Wanda Zatara, The White Witch. She sounds like an interesting character, but I have not read the issues she has been in. I guess her father was a combination of John Zatara (DC) and Doctor Druid (Marvel).
Since this is an RPG blog, here is a link to her stats for the Marvel SAGA system, http://www.chopshoptoys.com/Games/WhiteWitchsht.jpg
Trouble is, in truth, the things that irritate me about Scarlet Witch will also happen to Zatanna; ie making her too powerful, then not powerful enough, never know what to do with her powers. I feel that the latest round of authors, starting with Paul Dini, have made Zee better. Scarlet Witch is just dead in the Ultimate Universe as far as I know.
Any way here are some pics of Zee and Scarlet Witch teaming up.
Edited to add:
Scarlet Witch / Zatanna team up over at the Brave and the Bold/Super Team Family.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
April A to Z Challenge
Blogging A to Z
The official A to Z blogging challenge site has reposted my blog post about this year's challenge.
You can see that here, http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/
Again, let me restate that if we want to get our messages out there we need to move beyond the collection of blogs we all read now. I spend a lot of time on writer's blogs (who love the A to Z) and horror blogs. Most have never heard of us or what we do. That's fine, but it is a reminder that while we are loud in the echo chamber of our own blogs, outside of us we are barely a whisper. And by "we" I mean RPG hobbyists in general, not just old-school, new-school or no-school.
So what I am going to do?
I have considered going back to one of my first loves, Vampires, and doing vampires A to Z as a rough draft for a monster book on vamps. I figured the change would be nice and it is popular enough to keep the conversation going. Don't know yet really.
Let me extend the challenge again to my fellow RPG bloggers to try this out.
The official A to Z blogging challenge site has reposted my blog post about this year's challenge.
You can see that here, http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/
Again, let me restate that if we want to get our messages out there we need to move beyond the collection of blogs we all read now. I spend a lot of time on writer's blogs (who love the A to Z) and horror blogs. Most have never heard of us or what we do. That's fine, but it is a reminder that while we are loud in the echo chamber of our own blogs, outside of us we are barely a whisper. And by "we" I mean RPG hobbyists in general, not just old-school, new-school or no-school.
So what I am going to do?
I have considered going back to one of my first loves, Vampires, and doing vampires A to Z as a rough draft for a monster book on vamps. I figured the change would be nice and it is popular enough to keep the conversation going. Don't know yet really.
Let me extend the challenge again to my fellow RPG bloggers to try this out.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Vampire the Masquerade 20th - Print
The game that redefined games in the 90s and beyond is back in a new print version.
Vampire the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=94815&affiliate_id=10748
This is for the Print-on-demand product, and it is not cheap.
Granted it is also not a small book. Nor is it just any book.
Very, very, very few games have had the impact on the public awareness as much as V:tM. D&D being one, and maybe (just maybe) Call of Cthulhu. But really it is just D&D and V:tM.
I think one of the reason the OSR has not latched on to VtM is that there seems to be a pretty clear divide between D&D players and WoD players. Too bad really. Both games are a lot of fun.
Vampire the Masquerade 20th Anniversary Edition
http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=94815&affiliate_id=10748
This is for the Print-on-demand product, and it is not cheap.
Granted it is also not a small book. Nor is it just any book.
Very, very, very few games have had the impact on the public awareness as much as V:tM. D&D being one, and maybe (just maybe) Call of Cthulhu. But really it is just D&D and V:tM.
I think one of the reason the OSR has not latched on to VtM is that there seems to be a pretty clear divide between D&D players and WoD players. Too bad really. Both games are a lot of fun.
White Dwarf Wednesday Issue 2
Welcome back to White Dwarf Wednesday. Today I will talk about Issue #2 from Aug/Sep 1977.
This is an interesting issue if for one reason alone (though there are more), the editorial. Ian Livingstone talks about the superior attitude being taken by the old guard war gamers against this "New" hobby of RPGs, though called throughout the editorial as SF/F gamers.
It is interesting reading this piece where D&D is the new kid on the block and defending itself against, well, the Grognards.
It is also interesting since none of the arguments have changed in 35 years. Substitute the names of the games and you have the same post you will see on any blog or message board.
Following that we have more details on Competitive D&D. A review on Asgard Miniatures by Ian Livingstone. Lewis Pulsipher gives us a three page review/article on The Green Planet Trilogy game by Richard Jordison. He doesn't particularly like the games and invites the author to write White Dwarf to clarify some rules.
An interesting tid bit is an article by Hartley Patterson called "Before the Flood" where he describes a game called "Midgard" that according to him, had many resemblances to D&D. He contends that there was no way that Gygax and Co. could have seen these rule beforehand. The original manuscript had been written in 1972 by Will Haven and then rewritten by himself. I have never heard of it.
The regular Open Box feature gives us reviews of new games such as "OGRE", a new craze called a "micro-game", TSR's "Lankhmar", and a game called "War of the Star Slavers". OGRE got an 8 total, Lankhmar got a 6 and Star Slavers a 3 due to the poor rules and counters. There is also a review for a D&D enspired or rip-off game called Tunnels & Trolls (eek!), but no numerical rank is given.
We continue with the Monstermark system with a look at dragons, other fire breathing monsters and other "nasties". From what I can tell nearly every monster from OD&D is listed here.
The Treasure Box feature gives us new crunch. We get a new magic item, a needle that can be anything it needs to be, and a new class the Scientist. The Scientist is just plain weird. It is actually two classes, the Scientist (with level titles like Ph.D. and Polymath) and the Anti-Scientist (with level titles like Luddite, Jehovah's Witness and Football Supporter). I can't tell if they are trying to be funny with it or not.
Finally we get to some crunch we can actually use, five new monsters: the frog-like Spinescale, a constructed bottle creature, The Ning, a Giant Caterpillars, the Blood Hawk, and the Dune Stalker which survived nearly unchanged save updated to AD&D from the OD&D here in the Fiend Folio. None of the new monsters have a Monstermark score themselves just yet.
The issue ends with part two of "How to Improve D&D" and a letters section with people already writing in and telling them how do things different. Gamers have never changed.
It is interesting reading this piece where D&D is the new kid on the block and defending itself against, well, the Grognards.
It is also interesting since none of the arguments have changed in 35 years. Substitute the names of the games and you have the same post you will see on any blog or message board.
Following that we have more details on Competitive D&D. A review on Asgard Miniatures by Ian Livingstone. Lewis Pulsipher gives us a three page review/article on The Green Planet Trilogy game by Richard Jordison. He doesn't particularly like the games and invites the author to write White Dwarf to clarify some rules.
An interesting tid bit is an article by Hartley Patterson called "Before the Flood" where he describes a game called "Midgard" that according to him, had many resemblances to D&D. He contends that there was no way that Gygax and Co. could have seen these rule beforehand. The original manuscript had been written in 1972 by Will Haven and then rewritten by himself. I have never heard of it.
The regular Open Box feature gives us reviews of new games such as "OGRE", a new craze called a "micro-game", TSR's "Lankhmar", and a game called "War of the Star Slavers". OGRE got an 8 total, Lankhmar got a 6 and Star Slavers a 3 due to the poor rules and counters. There is also a review for a D&D enspired or rip-off game called Tunnels & Trolls (eek!), but no numerical rank is given.
We continue with the Monstermark system with a look at dragons, other fire breathing monsters and other "nasties". From what I can tell nearly every monster from OD&D is listed here.
The Treasure Box feature gives us new crunch. We get a new magic item, a needle that can be anything it needs to be, and a new class the Scientist. The Scientist is just plain weird. It is actually two classes, the Scientist (with level titles like Ph.D. and Polymath) and the Anti-Scientist (with level titles like Luddite, Jehovah's Witness and Football Supporter). I can't tell if they are trying to be funny with it or not.
Finally we get to some crunch we can actually use, five new monsters: the frog-like Spinescale, a constructed bottle creature, The Ning, a Giant Caterpillars, the Blood Hawk, and the Dune Stalker which survived nearly unchanged save updated to AD&D from the OD&D here in the Fiend Folio. None of the new monsters have a Monstermark score themselves just yet.
The issue ends with part two of "How to Improve D&D" and a letters section with people already writing in and telling them how do things different. Gamers have never changed.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Kids Games: Biting off more than I can chew
I just got an email a bit ago saying that the Kid's Games I am running at my kids' elementary school were the most popular choices and I am at capacity.
Now I have to craft an adventure for all these kids.
This also begs the obvious questions.
1. Do I keep doing this 4e thing with 5e on the horizon?
2. If I do, am I obligated to mention 5e? If it were a game at a con I think I might be.
3. Should I just do all Pathfinder?
Here is the plan as it is right now:
Session 1 (two weeks): Play 4e
Session 2 (two weeks): Play the same adventure in Pathfinder
Its a good plan. It means more work for me, but that is fine.
I guess once I see the sign up tonight I'll know more.
Now I have to craft an adventure for all these kids.
This also begs the obvious questions.
1. Do I keep doing this 4e thing with 5e on the horizon?
2. If I do, am I obligated to mention 5e? If it were a game at a con I think I might be.
3. Should I just do all Pathfinder?
Here is the plan as it is right now:
Session 1 (two weeks): Play 4e
Session 2 (two weeks): Play the same adventure in Pathfinder
Its a good plan. It means more work for me, but that is fine.
I guess once I see the sign up tonight I'll know more.
New Year, New Game
The recent announcement of 5th Edition D&D is now out, but the game itself will take a bit longer.
DrivethruRPG is though running a sale on 20 games for 2012 for $12 a game.
Depending on which book you get that can be an absolute steal.
Here is the list, along with my thoughts.
Arcanis: the Roleplaying Game
Artesia: Adventures in the Known World - awesome looking game. Very, very cool
Ashen Stars
Blue Rose - The Roleplaying Game of Romantic Fantasy - big fan of this one. Gave us True20.
Buffy RPG Revised Corebook - I think you all know my thoughts on this one.
Burning Empires
Chthonian Stars Core Setting - Cthulhu is SPAAAACE! Well, not exactly (well. yes.) For Traveller.
Conspiracy X 2.0 - fantastic game of modern conspiracy.
Dark Ages: Vampire - loved the DA line of Vampire. Great stuff. POD versions too!
Fantasy Craft Second Printing - would have liked to try this one more.
Icons - great, fun game.
Legend of the Five Rings 4th Edition
Legends of Anglerre - new one to me, but looks cool.
Macabre Tales rulebook
Mouse Guard Roleplaying Game
Mutant City Blues
Mutants & Masterminds Hero's Handbook - 3rd edition of the World's Most Popular Super-hero game. And tons of fun.
Outbreak: Undead
Requiem for Rome
Spycraft 2.0 Rulebook - Second Printing
Swashbucklers of the 7 Skies
The Laundry RPG - more Cthulhu inspired goodness.
The Savage World of Solomon Kane - at 12 bucks this is more than a steal.
Traveller Main Rulebook - update of the classic SciFi RPG.
Werewolf The Wild West - never quite got this game, but werewolves in the Wild West? Yeah lets do it!
Wild Talents 2nd Edition - a steal at 12 bucks.
Witch Hunter: the Invisible World - I have had my issues with this game, but it is damn attractive and still fun.
There are 1000s of games out there. Use this new year to try out a new game!
DrivethruRPG is though running a sale on 20 games for 2012 for $12 a game.
Depending on which book you get that can be an absolute steal.
Here is the list, along with my thoughts.
Arcanis: the Roleplaying Game
Artesia: Adventures in the Known World - awesome looking game. Very, very cool
Ashen Stars
Blue Rose - The Roleplaying Game of Romantic Fantasy - big fan of this one. Gave us True20.
Buffy RPG Revised Corebook - I think you all know my thoughts on this one.
Burning Empires
Chthonian Stars Core Setting - Cthulhu is SPAAAACE! Well, not exactly (well. yes.) For Traveller.
Conspiracy X 2.0 - fantastic game of modern conspiracy.
Dark Ages: Vampire - loved the DA line of Vampire. Great stuff. POD versions too!
Fantasy Craft Second Printing - would have liked to try this one more.
Icons - great, fun game.
Legend of the Five Rings 4th Edition
Legends of Anglerre - new one to me, but looks cool.
Macabre Tales rulebook
Mouse Guard Roleplaying Game
Mutant City Blues
Mutants & Masterminds Hero's Handbook - 3rd edition of the World's Most Popular Super-hero game. And tons of fun.
Outbreak: Undead
Requiem for Rome
Spycraft 2.0 Rulebook - Second Printing
Swashbucklers of the 7 Skies
The Laundry RPG - more Cthulhu inspired goodness.
The Savage World of Solomon Kane - at 12 bucks this is more than a steal.
Traveller Main Rulebook - update of the classic SciFi RPG.
Werewolf The Wild West - never quite got this game, but werewolves in the Wild West? Yeah lets do it!
Wild Talents 2nd Edition - a steal at 12 bucks.
Witch Hunter: the Invisible World - I have had my issues with this game, but it is damn attractive and still fun.
There are 1000s of games out there. Use this new year to try out a new game!
Monday, January 9, 2012
So...what would we like to talk about?
Well. It seems that there is something out there.
http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ll/20120109#78014
http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2012/01/quelle-surprise.html
http://greyhawkgrognard.blogspot.com/2012/01/here-comes-5th-edition.html
http://spellcard.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-happening.html
http://www.heropress.net/2012/01/cat-is-out-of-bag.html
http://batintheattic.blogspot.com/2012/01/wizards-remakes-d.html
http://dnd-realm.blogspot.com/2012/01/5th-edition-d-announced.html
http://backtothekeep.blogspot.com/2012/01/everything-new-is-old-again.html
http://greywulf.net/2012/01/resolutions-are-for-breaking-right-5e-broke-me/
http://blackmoormystara.blogspot.com/2012/01/d-5e-announced.html
http://addgrognard.blogspot.com/2012/01/lets-tell-them-what-we-reeaaaly.html
http://likebeingreadtofromdictionaries.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-time-to-start-writing-your-4e.html
http://slamdancr.com/wp/2012/01/we-are-the-end-of-days-and-the-rebirth/
http://jrients.blogspot.com/2012/01/open-letter-to-wotc.html
http://www.robertjschwalb.com/2012/01/dungeons-dragons-next/
http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2012/01/wotc-big-non-event-d-5e-is-coming.html
http://www.rpgblog2.com/2012/01/is-5e-d-relevant.html
http://swordsandwizardry.blogspot.com/2012/01/5e-initial-thoughts.html
http://moldyvale.blogspot.com/2012/01/you-knew-it-would-come-to-pass.html
http://blog.retroroleplaying.com/2012/01/d-5th-edition-announced.html
http://lawfulindifferent.blogspot.com/2012/01/so-5th-edition-huh.html
http://gothridgemanor.blogspot.com/2012/01/5e-d-in-word-of-tom.html
http://akraticwizardry.blogspot.com/2012/01/dungeons-and-dragons-fifth-edition-is.html
http://lasgunpacker.blogspot.com/2012/01/type-v.html
http://mythopoeicrambling.blogspot.com/2012/01/big-whoopin-surprise-5e.html
Lots of opinions. Lots of guessing.
I signed up for the playtest of course.
http://www.wizards.com/DnD/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ll/20120109#78014
http://grognardia.blogspot.com/2012/01/quelle-surprise.html
http://greyhawkgrognard.blogspot.com/2012/01/here-comes-5th-edition.html
http://spellcard.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-happening.html
http://www.heropress.net/2012/01/cat-is-out-of-bag.html
http://batintheattic.blogspot.com/2012/01/wizards-remakes-d.html
http://dnd-realm.blogspot.com/2012/01/5th-edition-d-announced.html
http://backtothekeep.blogspot.com/2012/01/everything-new-is-old-again.html
http://greywulf.net/2012/01/resolutions-are-for-breaking-right-5e-broke-me/
http://blackmoormystara.blogspot.com/2012/01/d-5e-announced.html
http://addgrognard.blogspot.com/2012/01/lets-tell-them-what-we-reeaaaly.html
http://likebeingreadtofromdictionaries.blogspot.com/2012/01/its-time-to-start-writing-your-4e.html
http://slamdancr.com/wp/2012/01/we-are-the-end-of-days-and-the-rebirth/
http://jrients.blogspot.com/2012/01/open-letter-to-wotc.html
http://www.robertjschwalb.com/2012/01/dungeons-dragons-next/
http://www.tenkarstavern.com/2012/01/wotc-big-non-event-d-5e-is-coming.html
http://www.rpgblog2.com/2012/01/is-5e-d-relevant.html
http://swordsandwizardry.blogspot.com/2012/01/5e-initial-thoughts.html
http://moldyvale.blogspot.com/2012/01/you-knew-it-would-come-to-pass.html
http://blog.retroroleplaying.com/2012/01/d-5th-edition-announced.html
http://lawfulindifferent.blogspot.com/2012/01/so-5th-edition-huh.html
http://gothridgemanor.blogspot.com/2012/01/5e-d-in-word-of-tom.html
http://akraticwizardry.blogspot.com/2012/01/dungeons-and-dragons-fifth-edition-is.html
http://lasgunpacker.blogspot.com/2012/01/type-v.html
http://mythopoeicrambling.blogspot.com/2012/01/big-whoopin-surprise-5e.html
Lots of opinions. Lots of guessing.
I signed up for the playtest of course.
Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition
The worst kept secret in the RPG biz is now out.
Players Roll the Dice for Dungeons & Dragons Remake
I'll have some thoughts on this in a bit. But I am interested in how they are going to get the player input.
Here is the press release from WotC.
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ll/20120109
Players Roll the Dice for Dungeons & Dragons Remake
I'll have some thoughts on this in a bit. But I am interested in how they are going to get the player input.
Here is the press release from WotC.
http://www.wizards.com/dnd/Article.aspx?x=dnd/4ll/20120109
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Here There Be Dragons...update
Working with my son right now on his dragon book. He has a lot of cool ideas and I like how the book is shaping up.
After going around a couple times on the system we wanted to use, we decided today that the book will be stated up for 1st Edition Advanced rules.
We felt there are a ton of books out there for 3e. We were not really interested in doing it for 4e though either. Basic was my original choice since it can be translated well. We even very, very briefly considered Savage Worlds (his new favorite).
I need to read over the OSRIC license IF I want to indicate compatibility with OSRIC (no idea if I want too or not yet). Of course there is the Labyrinth Lord "Advanced Edition Companion" and that is also a good candidate. They both represent the same era of play and are largely compatible with each other.
I think this is a good way to go to be honest. His ideas are very much n the mindset of the earliest days of the hobby; when everything was permitted and no one said you couldn't have a blue dragon that had ice cold fire as a breath weapon. HTBD will be a new point of view on these creatures, something I think we could all use after nearly 40 years.
Not sure on the deadline or when it will be out. But the author is working on it when it is his turn to use the homework computer.
After going around a couple times on the system we wanted to use, we decided today that the book will be stated up for 1st Edition Advanced rules.
We felt there are a ton of books out there for 3e. We were not really interested in doing it for 4e though either. Basic was my original choice since it can be translated well. We even very, very briefly considered Savage Worlds (his new favorite).
I need to read over the OSRIC license IF I want to indicate compatibility with OSRIC (no idea if I want too or not yet). Of course there is the Labyrinth Lord "Advanced Edition Companion" and that is also a good candidate. They both represent the same era of play and are largely compatible with each other.
I think this is a good way to go to be honest. His ideas are very much n the mindset of the earliest days of the hobby; when everything was permitted and no one said you couldn't have a blue dragon that had ice cold fire as a breath weapon. HTBD will be a new point of view on these creatures, something I think we could all use after nearly 40 years.
Not sure on the deadline or when it will be out. But the author is working on it when it is his turn to use the homework computer.
Zatannurday: Cedric Poulat
His Deviant Art page is here, http://j-estacado.deviantart.com/
And his Zatanna gallery is here, http://j-estacado.deviantart.com/gallery/11873463 here are some of my favorites.
Z by *J-Estacado on deviantART
Z A T A N N A - markers by *J-Estacado on deviantART
Zatanna 2 by *J-Estacado on deviantART
Zatanna- A R T N O U V E A U by *J-Estacado on deviantART
Z A T A N N A - burlesque by *J-Estacado on deviantART
So, go to his page and check out all his cool art.
Friday, January 6, 2012
La Befana The Christmas Witch
 |
| La Befana at Disney World |
This year I remembered, but had set the date wrong. Oh well.
You can read more about her here, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Befana
The most common tale is she directed the Three Wise Men to the new baby Jesus, but declined to go with them till her housework was done.
Like St. Nick/Santa, she gives out gifts to Children on Epiphany Eve. Befana, like many other Christianized myths has her origin in an older story of the Goddess Strenua. So she is seen a protector figure in myth.
Given that she is such a complex character it would be difficult to do her justice in a write-up.
But I can talk about her broom.
Her Broom seems to be perfect as a powerful witch artifact that you can drop into your games.
The following is released as Open per the OGL.
La Befana’s Broom
La Befana was a great and powerful witch. Legend says that she once helped three great and powerful Magic-Users find their way when they were lost, search for a young king. They had asked La Befana to go with them, but she declined telling them she had cleaning to do. In reality she did not want to go because she had lost her own baby and seeing this new one would have made her sad.
The Magic-Users on their return brought La Befana a gift, a magical broom that would clean her home for her if she uttered the proper word. It would also render her invisible and allow her to enter the home of anyone unnoticed as long as her intentions were good and pure. La Befana used this magic to go into people’s homes on the eve of the Magic-Users' return to her each year to clean the homes of the good people in her village and leave a small present, usually a bit of candy for the good children or a bit coal for the bad ones.
She has let the broom go now so it may continue to do good in the world where she can’t go.
In the hands of a Good witch this broom will manifest the following powers:
- Act as a Broom of Flying
- Act as a Broom of Protection, Threshold
- When held it will render the witch Invisible
- When used to knock on a door the door will open as if a Knock spell was cast on it. Inhabitants will not be able to hear the knock.
Neutral witches can also use these powers, but only if their intent is pure and good. If they attempt to do anything that is considered harmful or against those pure intentions then the Broom treats them as if they were Evil.
Evil witches cannot use the Broom at all. Once they touch it it becomes a Broom of Animated Attack. The broom will attack for 1 round (it gets the initiative due to surprise) then it disappears.
Typically the Broom will remain with any given witch only for one year then it will disappear to find another worthy witch.
Blogging A to Z?
Last year I proudly participated in the Blogging A to Z challenge in April.
I felt it was not only a good way to stretch my creative abilities but work on my writing and do a bit a cross blog-genre promotion. My hits went up, and stayed up, drastically during and after April and I got my greatest surge of followers.
Well they are doing it again this year.
I felt it was not only a good way to stretch my creative abilities but work on my writing and do a bit a cross blog-genre promotion. My hits went up, and stayed up, drastically during and after April and I got my greatest surge of followers.
Well they are doing it again this year.
Though I am not sure I am going to do it this year yet or not.
Last year it worked out on many levels for me. I recall thinking about the posts I had queued up and how they would fit the challenge. When "Z" fell on a Saturday it clinched it for me.
Part of the purpose of the blogfest is to post every day. I do that now anyway.
Keep in mind I am NOT saying participation is a bad idea, far from it in fact.
I actually suggest that we get MORE OSR/RPG bloggers participating to get our message out there.
The one thing we all talk about is getting more people involved in our hobby, we can't do that if the only people we talk to are already in our hobby.
Plus if you are selling a product you should participate just to more attention to you and your book.
If I do it this year then I need to do a theme or something, make it more challenging than last year.
Are you going to participate? Why or why not?
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Skylanders Hex for Pathfinder
To celebrate here she is in her Pathfinder Witch version.
You can read the background and see my 4e stats of her here.
I don't have my books with me, so I took some artistic license with how she is presented here. So instead of the floating skull familiar I gave her a bat. I am just going to say it is a skull with wings.
Female Drow Witch 5
CN Medium Humanoid (Elf)
Init -1; Senses Darkvision (120 feet), Low-Light Vision; Perception +7
DEFENSE
AC 9, touch 9, flat-footed 9 (-1 Dex)
hp 23 (5d6)
Fort +1, Ref +0, Will +5
Immune sleep; Resist Elven Immunities; SR 11
Weakness Light Blindness
OFFENSE
Spd 30 ft.
Melee Unarmed Strike +2 (1d3/20/x2)
Special Attacks Blight (DC 16), Misfortune (DC 16)
Spell-Like Abilities Dancing Lights (1/day), Darkness (1/day), Faerie Fire (1/day)
Witch Spells Known (CL 5, 2 melee touch, 1 ranged touch):
3 (2/day) Bestow Curse (DC 17), Pain Strike (DC 17)
2 (3/day) Scare (DC 16), Death Knell (DC 16), Glide (DC 16)
1 (4/day) Chill Touch (DC 15), Cause Fear (DC 15), Mage Armor (DC 15), Ray of Enfeeblement (DC 15)
0 (at will) Touch of Fatigue (DC 14), Dancing Lights, Daze (DC 14), Bleed (DC 14)
STATISTICS
Str 10, Dex 9, Con 10, Int 19, Wis 13, Cha 12
Base Atk +2; CMB +2; CMD 11
Feats Alertness, Arcane Talent: Daze (3/day), Ectoplasmic Spell
Traits Focused Mind, Scholar of the Great Beyond: Knowledge (History)
Skills Bluff +2, Diplomacy +2, Fly +3, Heal +6, Intimidate +9, Knowledge (Arcana) +12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +9, Knowledge (History) +11, Perception +7, Sense Motive +4, Spellcraft +12, Stealth +1, Survival +2
Languages Abyssal, Common, Draconic, Drow Sign Language, Elven, Undercommon
SQ +3 to Fly checks, Deliver Touch Spells Through Familiar (Su), Empathic Link with Familiar (Su), Poison Use (Ex), Share Spells with Familiar, Speak With Familiar (Ex), Ward +2 (Su)
Other Gear Staff of Necromancy
SPECIAL ABILITIES
+3 to Fly checks You gain the Alertness feat while your familiar is within arm's reach.
Arcane Talent: Daze (3/day) You gain a chosen spell as a spell-like ability, 3/day.
Blight (DC 16) (Su) Curse animals, plants, or land
Dancing Lights (1/day) (Sp) Cast Dancing Lights once per day.
Darkness (1/day) (Sp) Cast Darkness once per day.
Darkvision (120 feet) You can see in the dark (black and white vision only).
Deliver Touch Spells Through Familiar (Su) Your familiar can deliver touch spells for you.
Drow Immunities - Sleep You are immune to Sleep effects.
Ectoplasmic Spell You can cast a spell that has full effect against incorporeal or ethereal creatures.
Elven Immunities +2 save bonus vs Enchantments.
Empathic Link with Familiar (Su) You have an empathic link with your Arcane Familiar.
Faerie Fire (1/day) (Sp) Cast Faerie Fire once per day.
Focused Mind +2 to Concentration checks
Light Blindness (Ex) Blinded for 1r in bright light, dazzled as long as they remain in it.
Low-Light Vision See twice as far as a human in low light, distinguishing color and detail.
Misfortune (1 round(s)) (DC 16) (Su) Target must take the lower of 2d20 for rolls.
Poison Use (Ex) You do not risk poisoning yourself accidentally while poisoning a weapon.
Share Spells with Familiar The wizard may cast a spell with a target of "You" on his familiar (as a touch spell) instead of on himself. A wizard may cast spells on his familiar even if the spells do not normally affect creatures of the familiar's type (magical beast).
Speak With Familiar (Ex) You can communicate verbally with your familiar.
Spell Resistance (11) You have Spell Resistance.
Ward +2 (Su) Target receives +2 AC and save bonus until they are hit or fail a saving throw.
Hero Lab® and the Hero Lab logo are Registered Trademarks of LWD Technology, Inc. Free download at http://www.wolflair.com Pathfinder® and associated marks and logos are trademarks of Paizo Publishing, LLC®, and are used under license.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
White Dwarf Wednesday Issue 1
Today we are going to look into Issue 1 published in June of 1977.
But first lets talk about what White Dwarf meant to me and why it later captured my attention in the OSR days.
Back in the early days of my gaming I was well aware of Dragon Magazine. My first issue was Dragon #80 and it was awesome to see that this new game I enjoyed so much was enjoyed by others. Imagine my surprise and delight when I discovered that there was not just one, but TWO magazines dedicated to this hobby.
Back in the 80s I was in love with all thing British. My favorite shows were "Doctor Who", "Monty Python" and "Benny Hill". My favorite bands were "The Who", "Led Zeppelin" and "The Police". To my teenaged mind there was nothing better than something from the UK. White Dwarf did not prove that wrong to me.
The writing style was different than what I saw in Dragon. It was grittier, it was more dangerous. I reminded me a lot of Heavy Metal magazine to be honest. Plus the ads in White Dwarf were not "edited" or dare I say, "censored" as they were in Dragon. And really who could forget those early Gamma World ads?
My first issue of White Dwarf was issue 44. I picked up some here and there over the years, and about 4-5 years ago I was able to buy issues 1 through 89. I worked on getting all the way 100, but only have a few between 89 and 96.
I used White Dwarf in the Great D&D Article Purge on Wikipedia a few years back. Since WD was a 3rd party publication it could support many of the D&D articles that needed extra references. In the process I got to read through all of them many times over and it was a great blast from the past. I am now in my 3rd wave of White Dwarf affection thanks to the OSR. You can't get much more Old School than this.
So without further ado, lets jump right on in.
White Dwarf #1
June/July 1977
The magazine contains the sub-title of "The Science Fiction and Fantasy Games Magazine", certainly that was true enough. Counting covers we have a mere 24 pages worth of content.
The editorial from Ian Livingstone discussed the emergence of just 2 short years of a new kind of wargaming brought over by two Americans, Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson. He mentions how there are now over 50 games in the Sci-Fi/Fantasy genre and over 10 companies providing these games and how White Dwarf hopes to cater to them.
We have a two and a half page review/pre-view of the newest Sci-Fi game, Metamorphisis Alpha.
We are treated to a few ads about a local game store and the British Fantasy Society.
Next up is something very unique and very interesting for a number of reasons. It is Don Turnbull's Monstermark System. The Monstermark system was used by White Dwarf to assign a "level of malignity" to every monster. An early attempt at what would be the Challenge Rating. The Monstermark is based on the number of rounds it would take to defeat a monster and the aggressiveness of a monster.
The explanation is full of wonderful equations; enough to make your high school math teacher happy and there are tables with examples. What else could be more old school really? I am bit suprised no one has tried to revive this and republish it for the OSR (or something like it). What struck me as interesting too was that this was based on something the author had published previously in Owl & Weasel. How often did you see something like that? The Monstermark system would be used in White Dwarf for many issues to rate the various monsters they created including some of the future Fiend Folio ones.
The Open Box feature column reviewed games. Games were ranked 1-10 on Complexity, Skill, Atmosphere, Originality, Presentation and an Overall score. This issue SPI's Sorcerer (overall score 7) and Avaon Hill's Starship Troopers (Overall, 9).
A piece on competitive D&D. Part 1 of Lewis Pulsipher's D&D Campaign breakdown. IS D&D a war game or something else? An article on the wargame "The Warlord" by Steve Jackson (the English one)
Near the end we are introduced to a section called "Treasure Chest", which is basically a way for readers to send their contributions to the D&D rules. We have a magic item, the Helm of Vision, and a bit talking about how D&D combat and magic is all wrong and a proposed fix (and it's only Issue #1!). We have a new class (The Pervert) and some information about Poison.
We end up with some classified ads, and a "caption this" style cartoon.
All in a good start. It does not compete with Dragon from the same time yet, but it will get there soon.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
New Year, New Look
I am going to be working on the look of the Other Side here for a bit. New Year and all.
If you are reading this in a reader, can you please stop by and let me know what you think.
This gives me readability feedback AND helps me check to make sure I put the Google Analytics codes in right.
Thanks!
If you are reading this in a reader, can you please stop by and let me know what you think.
This gives me readability feedback AND helps me check to make sure I put the Google Analytics codes in right.
Thanks!
Magical Near Talents in Ghosts of Albion
The child looked at me in obvious fear and trepidation. I tried to win the young lad over with my most winninest smile. "Its ok dear. I am not going to hurt you." I said, but he shook his head.
"Beggin' your pardons Mum, its not you I'm worried about, but that ghost lady behind you."
Not everyone in the Ghosts of Albion game is a ghost, powerful Protector or vampire. In fact the vast, vast majority of people in the world are not only ignorant of the supernatural, but so far removed from it that it has no impact on their lives whatsoever. Generally speaking this line is easily demarcated with the possession of either the Magic quality (in humans) or the Innate Magic quality (in supernaturals). If you have one or the other then the world of the supernatural is open to you and you to it.
There are some that have no magical talent to speak of, yet the world of the supernatural is open to them, in a limited state. They see ghosts, hear strange creaking where others hear nothing and sometimes even are able to cast a spell.
These folk are known as Near Talents and they are have a zero (0) level of Magic.
Magic 0
3 points or Special
Prerequisite: Must be human
Characters with 0 levels of Magic have a small bit of magical talent. They can cast a spell (typically they know only one) of PL 1 (and no higher). They cannot quick cast any spells and will always cast their spell at the end of their round.
Characters with Magic 0 are treated as if they have Lesser Sensing, but they typically need a Perception + Notice roll in order to see any magic or magical creature. The Director can make exceptions to this, typically making it easier to see some things like a familiar ghost.
Characters can "upgrade" to a full level of Magic with the Director's approval only. Directors are encouraged to find an "in story" reason for this manifestation of the character's full potential and either grant them Magic 1 or allow them to buy it for 1 or 2 points (never more than 2).
Spellcasting is treated the same, except the Magic modifier is 0. Characters with Magic 0 have no magical defenses, they need to be Magic 1 at least for that.
Uses of Near Talents
Near Talents can be used to provide a nice middle ground. Ordinary humans with one toe in the supernatural world. The obvious choices are NPC and Guest Stars, but Cast Members can also benefit from this quality. In particular Magic 0 also acts like a low level magic sensitivity that can be given to otherwise normal humans so they can be part of the adventuring world. If this is the case then the director is encouraged to give these Cast Members Magic 0 for free, but not give them a spell to use. If they later find one that can be up to the Director.
"Beggin' your pardons Mum, its not you I'm worried about, but that ghost lady behind you."
-From The Journal of Tamara Swift
Not everyone in the Ghosts of Albion game is a ghost, powerful Protector or vampire. In fact the vast, vast majority of people in the world are not only ignorant of the supernatural, but so far removed from it that it has no impact on their lives whatsoever. Generally speaking this line is easily demarcated with the possession of either the Magic quality (in humans) or the Innate Magic quality (in supernaturals). If you have one or the other then the world of the supernatural is open to you and you to it.
There are some that have no magical talent to speak of, yet the world of the supernatural is open to them, in a limited state. They see ghosts, hear strange creaking where others hear nothing and sometimes even are able to cast a spell.
These folk are known as Near Talents and they are have a zero (0) level of Magic.
Magic 0
3 points or Special
Prerequisite: Must be human
Characters with 0 levels of Magic have a small bit of magical talent. They can cast a spell (typically they know only one) of PL 1 (and no higher). They cannot quick cast any spells and will always cast their spell at the end of their round.
Characters with Magic 0 are treated as if they have Lesser Sensing, but they typically need a Perception + Notice roll in order to see any magic or magical creature. The Director can make exceptions to this, typically making it easier to see some things like a familiar ghost.
Characters can "upgrade" to a full level of Magic with the Director's approval only. Directors are encouraged to find an "in story" reason for this manifestation of the character's full potential and either grant them Magic 1 or allow them to buy it for 1 or 2 points (never more than 2).
Spellcasting is treated the same, except the Magic modifier is 0. Characters with Magic 0 have no magical defenses, they need to be Magic 1 at least for that.
Uses of Near Talents
Near Talents can be used to provide a nice middle ground. Ordinary humans with one toe in the supernatural world. The obvious choices are NPC and Guest Stars, but Cast Members can also benefit from this quality. In particular Magic 0 also acts like a low level magic sensitivity that can be given to otherwise normal humans so they can be part of the adventuring world. If this is the case then the director is encouraged to give these Cast Members Magic 0 for free, but not give them a spell to use. If they later find one that can be up to the Director.
Monday, January 2, 2012
My new game Sky..(mumble)...
So I got a new game over Christmas. It is very popular and has may RPG elements in it and you get to fight monsters and explore an expanding world and I am already 3rd level and addicted to it. It is called Skylanders.
Were you expecting a different "Sky" named game?
Well Skylanders is cool all the same. We have been playing it on the Wii and there are all these little figures you can collect and use in the game in addition to magic items, new lands and all sorts of things.
My boys have had the game for a while, but since they know I love witches they got me the figure Hex for Christmas. She is Drow Dark Sorceress whose "element" is "undead". The game play is fast and really fun. Simple enough for the young kids to figure it out, yet enough detail to keep me entertained. In fact I was killed at one point because I was paying too much attention to the details of the game.
Here is my character, Hex, done up as a 3rd level D&D4 Witch.
I decided she is a Drow. Not the best choice for a witch, but it works well for the story. She has lower than average Dexterity to reflect her lower than average Agility. She has a floating skull familiar (like in the pictures) and I figured she was cultist. Her Charisma is lower than one would expect for a Drow due to all the evil undead stuff about her.
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Hex (witch), level 3
Drow, Wizard (Witch)
Moon Coven Option: Dark Moon Coven
Dark Apprenticeship (+2 to Bluff)
Theme: Cultist
STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 10
CON 10
DEX 9
INT 18
WIS 13
CHA 12
AC: 16 Fort: 12 Ref: 16 Will: 16
HP: 28 Surges: 6 Surge Value: 7
TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +12, Dungeoneering +8, Insight +8, Intimidate +11, Religion +10
UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +1, Athletics +1, Bluff +4, Diplomacy +2, Endurance +1, Heal +3, History +5, Nature +3, Perception +3, Stealth +3, Streetwise +2, Thievery +1
POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Cultist Attack: Master's Eye
Drow Racial Power: Cloud of Darkness
Wizard Utility: Augury
Wizard Utility: Ghost Sound
Wizard Utility: Spook
Wizard Utility: Mage Hand
Wizard Attack 1: Dread Presence
Wizard Attack 1: Phantasmal Assault
Wizard Attack 1: Witch Bolt
Wizard Attack 1: Ray of Fatigue
Wizard Utility 2: Shield
Wizard Attack 3: Grim Shadow
FEATS
Arcane Familiar (Floating Skull)
Level 1: Shield of Shadows
Level 2: Disciple of Death
ITEMS
Battle Staff +1 x1
Delver's Cloth Armor (Basic Clothing) +1 x1
Cloak of Resistance +1 x1
Cloth Armor (Basic Clothing)
Adventurer's Kit
Staff Implement x1
====== End ======
Pretty good fit I think. I might have her show up as an NPC sometime. My boys would get a kick out of that.
Oh. And we got Skyrim too. Just what I need, more distractions.
Were you expecting a different "Sky" named game?
Well Skylanders is cool all the same. We have been playing it on the Wii and there are all these little figures you can collect and use in the game in addition to magic items, new lands and all sorts of things.
My boys have had the game for a while, but since they know I love witches they got me the figure Hex for Christmas. She is Drow Dark Sorceress whose "element" is "undead". The game play is fast and really fun. Simple enough for the young kids to figure it out, yet enough detail to keep me entertained. In fact I was killed at one point because I was paying too much attention to the details of the game.
Here is my character, Hex, done up as a 3rd level D&D4 Witch.
I decided she is a Drow. Not the best choice for a witch, but it works well for the story. She has lower than average Dexterity to reflect her lower than average Agility. She has a floating skull familiar (like in the pictures) and I figured she was cultist. Her Charisma is lower than one would expect for a Drow due to all the evil undead stuff about her.
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Drow, Wizard (Witch)
Moon Coven Option: Dark Moon Coven
Dark Apprenticeship (+2 to Bluff)
Theme: Cultist
STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 10
CON 10
DEX 9
INT 18
WIS 13
CHA 12
AC: 16 Fort: 12 Ref: 16 Will: 16
HP: 28 Surges: 6 Surge Value: 7
TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +12, Dungeoneering +8, Insight +8, Intimidate +11, Religion +10
UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +1, Athletics +1, Bluff +4, Diplomacy +2, Endurance +1, Heal +3, History +5, Nature +3, Perception +3, Stealth +3, Streetwise +2, Thievery +1
POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Cultist Attack: Master's Eye
Drow Racial Power: Cloud of Darkness
Wizard Utility: Augury
Wizard Utility: Ghost Sound
Wizard Utility: Spook
Wizard Utility: Mage Hand
Wizard Attack 1: Dread Presence
Wizard Attack 1: Phantasmal Assault
Wizard Attack 1: Witch Bolt
Wizard Attack 1: Ray of Fatigue
Wizard Utility 2: Shield
Wizard Attack 3: Grim Shadow
FEATS
Arcane Familiar (Floating Skull)
Level 1: Shield of Shadows
Level 2: Disciple of Death
ITEMS
Battle Staff +1 x1
Delver's Cloth Armor (Basic Clothing) +1 x1
Cloak of Resistance +1 x1
Cloth Armor (Basic Clothing)
Adventurer's Kit
Staff Implement x1
====== End ======
Pretty good fit I think. I might have her show up as an NPC sometime. My boys would get a kick out of that.
Oh. And we got Skyrim too. Just what I need, more distractions.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2011 by the Numbers
In my corner of the world it is now 2012. Which means it is 2012 where you are too. But before I move on to 2012 and the all things new, here is a run down of the numbers here at the Other Side.
511 total posts in 2011.
According to Google Analytics here are some visitor stats.
92,225 people visited this site
127,168 Visits
92,225 Unique Visitors
191,473 Pageviews
1.51 Pages/Visit
00:01:07 Avg. Time on Site
71.16% Bounce Rate
71.65% % New Visits
The top 5 countries were
USA 67,909 visits
UK 9,104 visits
Canada 7,760 visits
Australia 3,538 visits
Germany 3,506
Not counting my root page, my most visited pages in 2011 were:
Xena and Gabrielle 31,114 views
Elzabeth Bathory 10,756 views
Zatnnurday, Adam Hughes 2,845 views
Hex Girls, 2,839 views
T is for Trogdor, 2,797 views
Willow & Tara, Macho Women with Guns, 2,198 views
More races of Mystoerth Goblins, 2,135 views
New Hex Girls, 1,827 views
Willow and Tara Page, 1,642 views
Demons Run, when chased by Madame Vastra and Jenny, 1,571 views
Top 10 search words to get to my site:
Xena
Trogdor
Dracula
Hex Girls
Elizabeth Bathory
Zatanna Young Justice
Adam Hughes
Goblins
Witch Hunter Robin
Wikipwdia (note the typo. That stupid typo gave me 317 extra hits last year)
Top 10 Sources of page hits (not counting search engines)
RPGBloggers
The Underdark Gazette (may it rest in peace. forget that, just update the link)
Risus Monkey
Hero Press/I'd Rather Be Killing Monsters
RPG.Net Forums
The Hex Girls coven
Our Valued Customers (make one pot joke and the hits go through the roof)
Eternal Keep
Grognardia
Destination Unknown
My most visited period was between July 24 and October 31 where I was averaging 200 unique visitors a day. Lately, I have dropped to about 100. Don't know why yet.
My most commented pages were:
All Fun and Games, 31 comments
More OSRIC Player's Guide woes, 28 comments
But, shouldn't we aspire to be the Hero?, 27 comments
There goes my last shred of OSR-ness, 18 comments
Worst Movies Ever, 17 comments
Should WotC support ALL D&D?, 17 comments
Question for my Readers, 16 comments
Skills in D&D, 15 comments
Product Changes at WotC: no more Minis, 14 comments
My collection is now complete, 12 comments
What did 2011 give us?
Well, we saw more OSR products than ever and finally something more than just another retro-clone.
Back in Gen Con 2010 people kept telling me about the death of 4e in 2011, it never happened, but it also didn't sell enough compared to Pathfinder.
Ghosts of Albion saw print! I also got paid for my first official D&D writing gig. Though I didn't get "The Witch" out when I wanted.
My Zatannurday posts were a huge success in my mind (and according to the stats) so I am hoping for more this year.
My number of followers nearly doubled, most of them were from outside of the RPG and OSR circles, so that is nice.
I joined a bunch of blogfests which was fun and got me a bunch of hits and new followers and exposed the Other Side to a much wider audience. I would suggest that other OSR blogs do the same, we tend to get into a rut to be honest.
Now. On to 2012!!
511 total posts in 2011.
According to Google Analytics here are some visitor stats.
92,225 people visited this site
127,168 Visits
92,225 Unique Visitors
191,473 Pageviews
1.51 Pages/Visit
00:01:07 Avg. Time on Site
71.16% Bounce Rate
71.65% % New Visits
The top 5 countries were
USA 67,909 visits
UK 9,104 visits
Canada 7,760 visits
Australia 3,538 visits
Germany 3,506
Not counting my root page, my most visited pages in 2011 were:
Xena and Gabrielle 31,114 views
Elzabeth Bathory 10,756 views
Zatnnurday, Adam Hughes 2,845 views
Hex Girls, 2,839 views
T is for Trogdor, 2,797 views
Willow & Tara, Macho Women with Guns, 2,198 views
More races of Mystoerth Goblins, 2,135 views
New Hex Girls, 1,827 views
Willow and Tara Page, 1,642 views
Demons Run, when chased by Madame Vastra and Jenny, 1,571 views
Top 10 search words to get to my site:
Xena
Trogdor
Dracula
Hex Girls
Elizabeth Bathory
Zatanna Young Justice
Adam Hughes
Goblins
Witch Hunter Robin
Wikipwdia (note the typo. That stupid typo gave me 317 extra hits last year)
Top 10 Sources of page hits (not counting search engines)
RPGBloggers
The Underdark Gazette (may it rest in peace. forget that, just update the link)
Risus Monkey
Hero Press/I'd Rather Be Killing Monsters
RPG.Net Forums
The Hex Girls coven
Our Valued Customers (make one pot joke and the hits go through the roof)
Eternal Keep
Grognardia
Destination Unknown
My most visited period was between July 24 and October 31 where I was averaging 200 unique visitors a day. Lately, I have dropped to about 100. Don't know why yet.
My most commented pages were:
All Fun and Games, 31 comments
More OSRIC Player's Guide woes, 28 comments
But, shouldn't we aspire to be the Hero?, 27 comments
There goes my last shred of OSR-ness, 18 comments
Worst Movies Ever, 17 comments
Should WotC support ALL D&D?, 17 comments
Question for my Readers, 16 comments
Skills in D&D, 15 comments
Product Changes at WotC: no more Minis, 14 comments
My collection is now complete, 12 comments
What did 2011 give us?
Well, we saw more OSR products than ever and finally something more than just another retro-clone.
Back in Gen Con 2010 people kept telling me about the death of 4e in 2011, it never happened, but it also didn't sell enough compared to Pathfinder.
Ghosts of Albion saw print! I also got paid for my first official D&D writing gig. Though I didn't get "The Witch" out when I wanted.
My Zatannurday posts were a huge success in my mind (and according to the stats) so I am hoping for more this year.
My number of followers nearly doubled, most of them were from outside of the RPG and OSR circles, so that is nice.
I joined a bunch of blogfests which was fun and got me a bunch of hits and new followers and exposed the Other Side to a much wider audience. I would suggest that other OSR blogs do the same, we tend to get into a rut to be honest.
Now. On to 2012!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)