I also got a desire to dust off an older game and give it another go. It was a lot of fun back in the day and I have been itching to do some more with it.
Should be fun.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Gaming Weekend
Did a little bit of gaming this weekend. My son got to play some Mongoose Traveller with his other group. Here at home we started up a new D&D 5 game set in the Skyrim universe that my oldest is going to run. So far it's a lot of fun. We are hunting down the murderer of the Emporer and have managed to hit level 2 already.
I also got a desire to dust off an older game and give it another go. It was a lot of fun back in the day and I have been itching to do some more with it.
Should be fun.
I also got a desire to dust off an older game and give it another go. It was a lot of fun back in the day and I have been itching to do some more with it.
Should be fun.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Wizards of the Coast Print On Demand: The Results, Part 2
I received a few requests for some more pictures of the Shady Dragon Inn.
Here is the spine. It is Perfect bound. No staples.
Various shots of the text. It appears the same as the early editions. Maybe a touch fuzzier, but nothing that I consider a deal breaker. Barely noticeable in fact.
How can you tell this is a new print versus a really, really well kept original? This page. This is the same sort of page found in all DriveThru/OneBookShelf/LightningSource books.
Note how the bar code is not an ISBN one.
Hope this helps.
Here is the spine. It is Perfect bound. No staples.
Various shots of the text. It appears the same as the early editions. Maybe a touch fuzzier, but nothing that I consider a deal breaker. Barely noticeable in fact.
How can you tell this is a new print versus a really, really well kept original? This page. This is the same sort of page found in all DriveThru/OneBookShelf/LightningSource books.
Note how the bar code is not an ISBN one.
Hope this helps.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Wizards of the Coast Print On Demand: The Results
Yesterday I got a surprise in the mail from DriveThruRPG/OneBookshelf/LightningSource.
My copy of the Shady Dragon Inn came in. It looks fantastic.
I don't have an original one to compare it too, but inside it looks great.
The maps are part of the book, not detachable, but that is fine really.
They are set to 1" = 5', so D&D 3, 4 & 5 standard.
They do not print out to 1" exactly, but when you buy the pdf you get the maps as files to print on your own.
The characters inside can be converted to 5e easily enough.
Ignore the saving throws, and recalculate the base to hit as 20 - THAC0. I find that 22 or 23 -THAC0 actually works out a little bit better for 5e.
Plus $8 is better than the $30 or so it can go for on eBay.
I do kind of wish now I had grabbed something that I have an original of just to compare.
The quality is very good; what you would expect from a high quality print of a high quality PDF source. Though the source of that PDF is a scan of the original that has been seriously cleaned up.
The results are something fantastic for the table or reading, but no collector will be convinced it is an orignal. That's perfect for me really. I am a collector, but a pragmatic one and a "playing" one. I like to have these books, but their value to me is not on my shelf, but my game table.
DriveThru has promised us new Wizards of the Coast Print on Demand updates each week. So check back on every Tuesday to see what is new. In fact they have new items up today.
Bookmark this link to check back on what's new each week.
My copy of the Shady Dragon Inn came in. It looks fantastic.
I don't have an original one to compare it too, but inside it looks great.
The maps are part of the book, not detachable, but that is fine really.
They are set to 1" = 5', so D&D 3, 4 & 5 standard.
They do not print out to 1" exactly, but when you buy the pdf you get the maps as files to print on your own.
The characters inside can be converted to 5e easily enough.
Ignore the saving throws, and recalculate the base to hit as 20 - THAC0. I find that 22 or 23 -THAC0 actually works out a little bit better for 5e.
Plus $8 is better than the $30 or so it can go for on eBay.
I do kind of wish now I had grabbed something that I have an original of just to compare.
The quality is very good; what you would expect from a high quality print of a high quality PDF source. Though the source of that PDF is a scan of the original that has been seriously cleaned up.
The results are something fantastic for the table or reading, but no collector will be convinced it is an orignal. That's perfect for me really. I am a collector, but a pragmatic one and a "playing" one. I like to have these books, but their value to me is not on my shelf, but my game table.
DriveThru has promised us new Wizards of the Coast Print on Demand updates each week. So check back on every Tuesday to see what is new. In fact they have new items up today.
Bookmark this link to check back on what's new each week.
Monday, November 21, 2016
Thanksgiving Break
Taking some time off for the Thanksgiving break.
Only sporadic posting this week.
Only sporadic posting this week.
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Zatannurday: Justice League Dark Animated Movie
This is exactly the sort of thing I was waiting for in Zatannurday's long run. A new DC Animated movie of Justice League Dark.
This isn't exactly JLD, it's more Justice League Dark + Batman, but it still looks cool.
It's also rated R, which I guess is not a big surprise given the content.
Looks like it will be out in early 2017.
Friday, November 18, 2016
Kickstart Your Weekend: Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea 2E
We are coming into the last few hours of the Kickstarter for Astonishing Swordsmen & Sorcerers of Hyperborea 2E.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1806106772/astonishing-swordsmen-and-sorcerers-of-hyperborea-0
I am very, very fond of this game. There is just so much potential here that I become overwhelmed with ideas. Do I want to do do the dawn-time of humanity when the Old One have left the Earth? Do I want to do an older, colder Earth of the far future under a dying sun? Or just smoosh it into my current games? I want to do it all, to be honest!!
There is a lot love about this game really and I can't wait to try out this new addition.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1806106772/astonishing-swordsmen-and-sorcerers-of-hyperborea-0
I am very, very fond of this game. There is just so much potential here that I become overwhelmed with ideas. Do I want to do do the dawn-time of humanity when the Old One have left the Earth? Do I want to do an older, colder Earth of the far future under a dying sun? Or just smoosh it into my current games? I want to do it all, to be honest!!
There is a lot love about this game really and I can't wait to try out this new addition.
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Reviews: New Castle Falkenstein Supplements
During October I reviewed a ton of new (and old) Victorian Era games and supplements. I didn't get to everything I wanted so I going to fix that now.
Fist up are a couple of new books for the venerable Castle Falkenstein.
Full Disclosure: I received free copies of these PDFs in exchange for a review and also because the author knew I would like them. He was right.
Castle Falkenstein: Curious Creatures
Author J Gray, Artist Rick Hershey, Fat Goblin Games, 146 pages
Ok, we all know I love monster books. Like all Castle Falkenstein books, new and old, this book is gorgeous. The art is fantastic. The book is a nice mix of travel guide, creature catalog, and journal. This is a fairly common feel to all CF books and it is served well here. The first 50 or so pages cover some new rules and some various stories. The central conceit of the book has notes from the very Doctor Doolittle. I have to admit this is really awesome. I wish I had thought of it, to be honest.
The next 100 or so pages cover the Bestiary proper. This includes about three dozen monsters, as many normal creatures and a little more than 20 or so unique characters and intelligent animals. This includes Doctor Doolittle, Gregor Mendel, Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde. The surprises include Mowgli, Riki-Tikki-Tavi and Fantomah. The mere fact that Fantomah is here really increases the value of this book in my mind.
The writing is very fluid and is a pleasure to read. The CF stats are, well CF stats, you either like that game or you don't. The bonus here is that this also makes the book extremely flexible for use with any number of systems. In fact, this book is a very fine supplement to be used with any number of other game's monster books. The art, is for the most part, Public Domain, but that is something I REALLY like in my Victorian books and here it flows seamlessly in with the text.
I don't have the softcover book, but I am considering picking it up now. It is really that good looking and really that useful.
Do you all remember the old "Enchanted World" books from Time-Life books? Well, this book reminds me of reading those. It is less like a game book and more of a coffee table book of monsters.
This is a very, very fun book and I am so pleased to have it.
Castle Falkenstein: The Tarot Variation
Author J Gray, Artist Rick Hershey, Fat Goblin Games, 6 pages
Now this is a fun little book. It's not long, only six pages, but it packs a punch.
This guide allows gamemasters of Castle Falkenstein to use a standard tarot deck instead of playing cards for the game. There are additional rules to cover the Major Arcana. If you play CF then I would easily say this is a must have. If you play other games that have a playing card mechanic then is also a useful resource. I am considering using this with Victoriana. I think it would work fantastically.
Both books are so much fun. I am really pleased to have them.
Fist up are a couple of new books for the venerable Castle Falkenstein.
Full Disclosure: I received free copies of these PDFs in exchange for a review and also because the author knew I would like them. He was right.
Author J Gray, Artist Rick Hershey, Fat Goblin Games, 146 pages
Ok, we all know I love monster books. Like all Castle Falkenstein books, new and old, this book is gorgeous. The art is fantastic. The book is a nice mix of travel guide, creature catalog, and journal. This is a fairly common feel to all CF books and it is served well here. The first 50 or so pages cover some new rules and some various stories. The central conceit of the book has notes from the very Doctor Doolittle. I have to admit this is really awesome. I wish I had thought of it, to be honest.
The next 100 or so pages cover the Bestiary proper. This includes about three dozen monsters, as many normal creatures and a little more than 20 or so unique characters and intelligent animals. This includes Doctor Doolittle, Gregor Mendel, Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde. The surprises include Mowgli, Riki-Tikki-Tavi and Fantomah. The mere fact that Fantomah is here really increases the value of this book in my mind.
The writing is very fluid and is a pleasure to read. The CF stats are, well CF stats, you either like that game or you don't. The bonus here is that this also makes the book extremely flexible for use with any number of systems. In fact, this book is a very fine supplement to be used with any number of other game's monster books. The art, is for the most part, Public Domain, but that is something I REALLY like in my Victorian books and here it flows seamlessly in with the text.
I don't have the softcover book, but I am considering picking it up now. It is really that good looking and really that useful.
Do you all remember the old "Enchanted World" books from Time-Life books? Well, this book reminds me of reading those. It is less like a game book and more of a coffee table book of monsters.
This is a very, very fun book and I am so pleased to have it.
Castle Falkenstein: The Tarot Variation
Author J Gray, Artist Rick Hershey, Fat Goblin Games, 6 pages
Now this is a fun little book. It's not long, only six pages, but it packs a punch.
This guide allows gamemasters of Castle Falkenstein to use a standard tarot deck instead of playing cards for the game. There are additional rules to cover the Major Arcana. If you play CF then I would easily say this is a must have. If you play other games that have a playing card mechanic then is also a useful resource. I am considering using this with Victoriana. I think it would work fantastically.
Both books are so much fun. I am really pleased to have them.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
Wizards of the Coast Print on Demand
This isn't terribly new, WotC had been providing some PoD services for some of their new D&D 5 materials. What is new that we are seeing some classic products out now and should expect to see more each week.
I picked up a copy of The Shady Dragon Inn. It was cheap, and I never owned a copy before. It is also something I can use in pretty much any version of the game I play.
I suppose in truth I should have grabbed something like The Secret of Bone Hill or Castle Amber; something I still have a physical copy of and can compare. Actually I should get a new copy of the 3.5 Draconomicon. My son used to take that with him to pre-school to read (and read and read) and my copy is really worn out.
This is the start of a new era for Wizards. D&D can now be perpetually in-print. This will also really kill the after-market book sales now. Oh sure, collectors will still want good original copies, but there will be plenty that will want playable copies too. I might pick up I10: Ravenloft II: The House on Gryphon Hill just so I don't wear my copy out anymore.
Imagine if all of the TSR and WotC back catalog was available for print on demand like this? This could open up older versions of the game in ways never before possible. Play a game at a convention and then hand a QR code on a card or send a link so people can get their own copies.
I do have a fear that this might hurt our local game stores though.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
The Future of the Swords & Wizardry Witch
So far I am pretty pleased with the sales. The natural question now is "What's next?"
Well, I have some plans!
Swords & Wizardry is not a game I embraced at first. Sure it is fun, but I didn't see why people kept calling it an OD&D clone. It has some design elements similar to OD&D but it is still pretty far removed from my memories of actually playing OD&D. In truth, Spellcraft & Swordplay is much, much closer to OD&D than Swords & Wizardry is.
That all being said I stopped worrying about what Swords & Wizardry wasn't and focused on what it is. What it is is a surprisingly fun, easy and fast game that still feels like D&D. You can thank White Star for that really.
What does this mean for you and my work?
There will be witch books for Swords & Wizardry.
The first is for Swords & Wizardry Whitebox. I am going to focus on rebuilding the witch class from the ground up to fit S&W. There will be plenty of new material; I want this to be worth my time in doing it and your money in buying it. I also want it to be compatible with my Basic Witch class, so that they can be used together.
There will be overlap between this new book, the Witch and Eldritch Witchery. The new book will feature a new Witch Tradition, appropriately called "The White Witch Tradition" and have new spells and magic items. I have not decided whether or not this book should include monsters.
Next will be another book for +James Spahn's The Hero's Journey Fantasy Roleplaying Game. This book will be very, very similar to the Whitebox witch. I won't lie, this book will be about 90% the same as the White Box Witch. It will have its own Tradition as well, the "Hedge Witch".
Finally, I'll pull everything together from everything I have ever written and put that into a "Complete Witch" for Swords & Wizardry Complete. This will contain all the spells, magic items, powers and Traditions of all my books. In particular, I want this to be used with the +Stacy Dellorfano led 3rd printing of S&W Complete. Plus using my witch in +Elizabeth Chaipraditkul's S&W
My plan is to bundle these together so that anyone that really, really wants all these books can get them at a reasonable price. I also want to make it so that if you choose to buy only one book you have a set of complete rules and something unique the other books do not have.
I have other projects that NEED to be finished first, though, so don't expect these books in the next few weeks or even months.
I am very conscious of the fact that this feels like I am "going back to the same well" too many times. But this is something I need to write, for me. If you enjoy it too, then fantastic. I would love it if you enjoyed it too.
So let me know what you think below.
Is there something you want to see in these books?
Is there something you DON'T want to see in these books?
Monday, November 14, 2016
The Witch for Swords & Wizardry Light
Swords & Wizardry Light is then newest little OSR game on the market thanks to the great work by +Erik Tenkar. Run over to The Tavern and grab yourself a copy.
The philosophy behind the game is simple; create a game that fits on a folder that can be run at convention games or given away for free.
So to support that goal I would like to present to you The Witch for Swords & Wizardry Light.
This 2-page class is based on, and roughly compatible with, my Basic-era Witch class.
It details levels 1 to 3 for the S&W Light rules with notes on expansion to level 5.
Now one might naturally ask what this means in terms of support of S&W from the Other Side.
Yes, there will be new witch books for both S&W White Box and S&W Complete. I have a few other projects to finish first.
So have a look, if you like it it is PWYW. Money from this will go to buy new art for my next S&W products.
The philosophy behind the game is simple; create a game that fits on a folder that can be run at convention games or given away for free.
So to support that goal I would like to present to you The Witch for Swords & Wizardry Light.
This 2-page class is based on, and roughly compatible with, my Basic-era Witch class.
It details levels 1 to 3 for the S&W Light rules with notes on expansion to level 5.
Now one might naturally ask what this means in terms of support of S&W from the Other Side.
Yes, there will be new witch books for both S&W White Box and S&W Complete. I have a few other projects to finish first.
So have a look, if you like it it is PWYW. Money from this will go to buy new art for my next S&W products.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
New Movie: The Witching
Al Bruno over at Al Buno III's Internet Tomfoolery just posted this trailer for a new movie that caught my eye.
Check out his post here: http://albruno3.blogspot.com/2016/11/and-now-trailer-for-witching.html
Love that poster. Not as catching as "The Witch", but still really cool.
The movie came out last week and IMDB currently has it at 3.7 out of 10. Not a good sign really, but hey I have seen worse.
If nothing else head on over to Al's blog. He has some great stuff!
Love that poster. Not as catching as "The Witch", but still really cool.
The movie came out last week and IMDB currently has it at 3.7 out of 10. Not a good sign really, but hey I have seen worse.
If nothing else head on over to Al's blog. He has some great stuff!
Friday, November 11, 2016
Dungeons & Dragons in Toy Hall of Fame
The big news in the RPG world is of course, the introduction of Dungeons & Dragons into the National Toy Hall of Fame.
You can read what they said about D&D here:
http://www.toyhalloffame.org/toys/dungeons-dragons
Some people are commenting, and maybe rightly so, that the pictures show the wrong box. But I disagree in one respect.
Moldvay Basic, a game I have very fond memories of, was D&D for many gamers my age. Yes, we all love White Box even with all it's weird idiosyncracies, Moldvay Basic (and Expert) really opened the rules up to so many; many that did not have that wargaming background. This was the edition that was made for D&D players first. Ok...so what Holmes (which I also love) this was something new.
My wife says it was included in the Toy Hall of Fame this year in part due to Stranger Things. I agree, but D&D also has had a pretty successful couple of years. D&D 5 is doing great, the 40th anniversary was a huge success, and gamers of the 80s are now the successful adults of today. So there is that.
So congrats D&D! Well earned.
Here is another interesting thought. How many of you that started with Moldvay Basic/Cook & Marsh Expert ALSO had that Fisher Price Little People Barnyard toy as a kid? I think every kid in the 70s was issued one.
You can read what they said about D&D here:
http://www.toyhalloffame.org/toys/dungeons-dragons
Some people are commenting, and maybe rightly so, that the pictures show the wrong box. But I disagree in one respect.
Moldvay Basic, a game I have very fond memories of, was D&D for many gamers my age. Yes, we all love White Box even with all it's weird idiosyncracies, Moldvay Basic (and Expert) really opened the rules up to so many; many that did not have that wargaming background. This was the edition that was made for D&D players first. Ok...so what Holmes (which I also love) this was something new.
My wife says it was included in the Toy Hall of Fame this year in part due to Stranger Things. I agree, but D&D also has had a pretty successful couple of years. D&D 5 is doing great, the 40th anniversary was a huge success, and gamers of the 80s are now the successful adults of today. So there is that.
So congrats D&D! Well earned.
Here is another interesting thought. How many of you that started with Moldvay Basic/Cook & Marsh Expert ALSO had that Fisher Price Little People Barnyard toy as a kid? I think every kid in the 70s was issued one.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
DIY Swords & Wizardry Light Folder + Something new
(Ugh. That election. But I am not going to sully this blog with talk of our new national nightmare.)
+Erik Tenkar's Sword & Wizardry Light is out. More or less. It's a great idea and has endless utility.
I played around with the file some to get something I could print out and use. So I decided to do this.
A touch unwieldy sure, but still very useful to have. Works as a GM screen or a folder.
Now if I only had something to put inside...
Oh. Yeah. That looks good.
Have some editing and some checking to do, but stay tuned!
+Erik Tenkar's Sword & Wizardry Light is out. More or less. It's a great idea and has endless utility.
I played around with the file some to get something I could print out and use. So I decided to do this.
A touch unwieldy sure, but still very useful to have. Works as a GM screen or a folder.
Now if I only had something to put inside...
Oh. Yeah. That looks good.
Have some editing and some checking to do, but stay tuned!
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Election Day
It's Election Day in the US.
Don't sit at home and complaining about the election, the people in it or the people voting.
Get out and vote.
Seriously. You can read blogs tomorrow.
Don't sit at home and complaining about the election, the people in it or the people voting.
Get out and vote.
Seriously. You can read blogs tomorrow.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Monstrous Monday: 2nd Edition Monstrous Compendiums
So no new monster today. Been pretty busy this last week or two.
But some things I am working are a couple of auction and Craigslist scores.
For all four binders, I think I have now paid something like $25. They are not in great condition and there are a lot of duplicates.
Like so much of my D&D material, I lost my originals sometime in the 90s. I have not picked these back up till now because 2nd Editon is the edition I am least likely to play anymore.
But I really couldn't pass these up and they are still compatible with 1st ed for the most part.
So I have a lot of sorting and digging through my own material to see if I have any other pages. I think I keep all the demons and devils from the Planescape sets, and I have all (or at least most) of the Mayfair Demons ones. Not sure if I'll try to complete the collection, kinda like keeping them like this.
Who knows maybe one day I'll play some more 2e.
But some things I am working are a couple of auction and Craigslist scores.
For all four binders, I think I have now paid something like $25. They are not in great condition and there are a lot of duplicates.
Like so much of my D&D material, I lost my originals sometime in the 90s. I have not picked these back up till now because 2nd Editon is the edition I am least likely to play anymore.
But I really couldn't pass these up and they are still compatible with 1st ed for the most part.
So I have a lot of sorting and digging through my own material to see if I have any other pages. I think I keep all the demons and devils from the Planescape sets, and I have all (or at least most) of the Mayfair Demons ones. Not sure if I'll try to complete the collection, kinda like keeping them like this.
Who knows maybe one day I'll play some more 2e.
Friday, November 4, 2016
Kickstart Your Weekend: Castles & Crusades Adventurers Backpack
This week's Kickstarter of choice is Castles & Crusades Adventurers Backpack.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/676918054/castles-and-crusades-adventurers-backpack
Billed as a set of options, it feels like the C&C version of Unearthed Arcana.
There are some nice exclusives like the dice pouch (to go with your C&C themed dice) and an actual backpack.
Castles & Crusades is a favorite of mine and this looks great.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/676918054/castles-and-crusades-adventurers-backpack
Billed as a set of options, it feels like the C&C version of Unearthed Arcana.
There are some nice exclusives like the dice pouch (to go with your C&C themed dice) and an actual backpack.
Castles & Crusades is a favorite of mine and this looks great.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
We Interrupt this Blog for an Important Message...
No "real" post today.
I was up last night watching one of the most exciting World Series games I can recall. I didn't work on my posts and now I am dragging.
I am not a Cubs fan despite living in and around Chicago most of my life. My loyalties are to my St. Louis Cardinals and always will be. But damn. You can't help but really feel for the Cubbies.
Congrats Northsiders! THIS is now Next Year!
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
The Witch Thomasin
File under: "You knew this was coming so you really can't act surprised."
Black Philip: Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?
Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Witch.
The Witch is a fantastic movie, not just due to it's script and amazing attention to historical deatils but for the breakout performances of it's young cast including, and especially, Ayna Taylor-Joy as the good girl turned witch, Thomasin.
With all the reviews I was doing last month I could not but help think f her in terms of some of the games.
Some reviews claimed that The Witch does not have a "Happily Ever After" I say, of course not! Chapter 1's never do!
Thomasin is by any stretch of the imagination a starting character. The Witch is her origin story.
This makes things really easy in terms of character creation. Just follow the book.
We only see her indulging in one act of magic so we are going to need to make some assumptions based on what we have seen already.
There are three games in particular that I think are good choices for Thomasin. WITCH: Fated Souls, C.J. Carrella's WitchCraft, and my own The Witch.
Basic Information
Age: 16
Height: 5'2"
Weight 120#
Hair Blond
Eyes: Blue
I figure this is right after the end of the movie. I used the character pre-creation information in WITCH: Fated Souls to help guide me as to what Thomasin might be like. I also decided that the "Devil" made good on his promise and gave Thomasin some resources. She now lives alone on her family farm now, she has some riches but is still bound to a life of toil. She is also now part of the local witch coven. As the youngest, they will likely find a way to get her pregnant so they can sacrifice the baby to the devil. Yeah, I am going with the stereotypical witches here.
The Witch: A sourcebook for Basic Edition fantasy games
Thomasin is very much a 1st level character. She might know a cantrip and a 1st level spell, but that is about it. Since witches in my book gain a familiar at first level we can also cover Black Philip.
Thomasin
1st level Witch, Malefic Tradition
Strength: 9
Dexterity: 12
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 11
Charisma: 15
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 13
Magic wand or devices: 14
Paralysis, Polymorph or Turn to Stone: 13
Dragon Breath: 16
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 15
Hit Points: 5
Alignment: Chaotic
AC: 9 (none)
Dagger
Occult Powers
Familiar: Goat/Imp "Black Philip"
Spells
Cantrips: (4) Black Flame, Chill, Clean, Close
First: (1) Cause Fear
WITCH: Fated Souls
+Elizabeth Chaipraditkul's Witch was one of the first games I thought of when I was watching this movie. Also this movie was what I was thinking of when I working on my review for her game. It all works out really. Thomasin really fits this game well. If you are a fan of the movie, check this game out. If you are a fan of this game then watch the movie. She is a really good fit.
Character: Thomasin
Fate: Heks
Familiar: Black Philip
Intelligence: 2
Wisdom: 2
Perception: 3
Charisma: 2
Manipulation: 3
Dexterity: 2
Strength: 1
Stamina: 3
Athletics 1, Brawl 2, Craft 2, Deception 2, Dodge 2, Empathy 1, Expression 1, Intimidation 1, Perform 2, Spot 1, Stealth 1, Survival 2, Thievery 1, Wits 1
Hit Points
Hurt: 14, Injured 14, Mauled 8, Unconcious 5
Soak: 0
CD to Hit: 13
Pursuits: Property 3, Contacts 1, Funds 1
Spell Level: 1
Talents: Casting 2, Potions 1, Occult 1
Spells: Telekinesis
Cantrips, Canto I, II
Bonus: Use TK cantrip to fly
Spells: Curse
Cantrips
CJ Carrella's WitchCraft
WitchCraft is such a fantastic game I feel I can use it for anything and everything. The Witch is no exception. I did go back and forth on whether or not to make Thomasin a Gifted or Lesser Gifted; arguments can be made for either one. In the end, I went with Gifted.
I also stuck with the WitchCraft core book for her.
Thomasin
Gifted
Wicce
Concept: Forsaken
Life Points: 26
Essence: 19
Strength: 1
Dexterity: 2
Constitution: 3
Intelligence: 2
Perception: 3
Willpower: 3
Endurance: 26
Speed: 10
Qualities
Attractive 2, Gifted, Essence Channeling, Increased Essence Pool,
Drawbacks
Covetous, Cruel
Skills
Craft 1, First Aid 1, Myth & Legend 1, Occult Knoweldge 2, Riding (horse) 2, Rituals (Wicce) 1, Survival 2
Metaphysics
Affect the Psyche
- Influence Emotions
- Aura of Confidence
Communion
- One with the Land
Warding
- Create Ward
All three work very well in my mind. Obviously I needed to take some liberties and some guess work. I should try these three with a more powerful character to see how they work with that.
What do you think Thomasin?
Oh in case anyone is annyed by the "VVitch" I give you this.
Could this be about Thomasin or her coven?
Black Philip: Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?
Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Witch.
The Witch is a fantastic movie, not just due to it's script and amazing attention to historical deatils but for the breakout performances of it's young cast including, and especially, Ayna Taylor-Joy as the good girl turned witch, Thomasin.
Some reviews claimed that The Witch does not have a "Happily Ever After" I say, of course not! Chapter 1's never do!
Thomasin is by any stretch of the imagination a starting character. The Witch is her origin story.
This makes things really easy in terms of character creation. Just follow the book.
We only see her indulging in one act of magic so we are going to need to make some assumptions based on what we have seen already.
There are three games in particular that I think are good choices for Thomasin. WITCH: Fated Souls, C.J. Carrella's WitchCraft, and my own The Witch.
Basic Information
Age: 16
Height: 5'2"
Weight 120#
Hair Blond
Eyes: Blue
I figure this is right after the end of the movie. I used the character pre-creation information in WITCH: Fated Souls to help guide me as to what Thomasin might be like. I also decided that the "Devil" made good on his promise and gave Thomasin some resources. She now lives alone on her family farm now, she has some riches but is still bound to a life of toil. She is also now part of the local witch coven. As the youngest, they will likely find a way to get her pregnant so they can sacrifice the baby to the devil. Yeah, I am going with the stereotypical witches here.
The Witch: A sourcebook for Basic Edition fantasy games
Thomasin is very much a 1st level character. She might know a cantrip and a 1st level spell, but that is about it. Since witches in my book gain a familiar at first level we can also cover Black Philip.
1st level Witch, Malefic Tradition
Strength: 9
Dexterity: 12
Constitution: 12
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 11
Charisma: 15
Saves
Death Ray or Poison: 13
Magic wand or devices: 14
Paralysis, Polymorph or Turn to Stone: 13
Dragon Breath: 16
Rods, Staffs and Spells: 15
Hit Points: 5
Alignment: Chaotic
AC: 9 (none)
Dagger
Occult Powers
Familiar: Goat/Imp "Black Philip"
Spells
Cantrips: (4) Black Flame, Chill, Clean, Close
First: (1) Cause Fear
WITCH: Fated Souls
+Elizabeth Chaipraditkul's Witch was one of the first games I thought of when I was watching this movie. Also this movie was what I was thinking of when I working on my review for her game. It all works out really. Thomasin really fits this game well. If you are a fan of the movie, check this game out. If you are a fan of this game then watch the movie. She is a really good fit.
Fate: Heks
Familiar: Black Philip
Intelligence: 2
Wisdom: 2
Perception: 3
Charisma: 2
Manipulation: 3
Dexterity: 2
Strength: 1
Stamina: 3
Athletics 1, Brawl 2, Craft 2, Deception 2, Dodge 2, Empathy 1, Expression 1, Intimidation 1, Perform 2, Spot 1, Stealth 1, Survival 2, Thievery 1, Wits 1
Hit Points
Hurt: 14, Injured 14, Mauled 8, Unconcious 5
Soak: 0
CD to Hit: 13
Pursuits: Property 3, Contacts 1, Funds 1
Spell Level: 1
Spells: Telekinesis
Cantrips, Canto I, II
Bonus: Use TK cantrip to fly
Spells: Curse
Cantrips
CJ Carrella's WitchCraft
WitchCraft is such a fantastic game I feel I can use it for anything and everything. The Witch is no exception. I did go back and forth on whether or not to make Thomasin a Gifted or Lesser Gifted; arguments can be made for either one. In the end, I went with Gifted.
I also stuck with the WitchCraft core book for her.
Gifted
Wicce
Concept: Forsaken
Life Points: 26
Essence: 19
Strength: 1
Dexterity: 2
Constitution: 3
Intelligence: 2
Perception: 3
Willpower: 3
Endurance: 26
Speed: 10
Qualities
Attractive 2, Gifted, Essence Channeling, Increased Essence Pool,
Drawbacks
Covetous, Cruel
Skills
Craft 1, First Aid 1, Myth & Legend 1, Occult Knoweldge 2, Riding (horse) 2, Rituals (Wicce) 1, Survival 2
Metaphysics
Affect the Psyche
- Influence Emotions
- Aura of Confidence
Communion
- One with the Land
Warding
- Create Ward
All three work very well in my mind. Obviously I needed to take some liberties and some guess work. I should try these three with a more powerful character to see how they work with that.
What do you think Thomasin?
Oh in case anyone is annyed by the "VVitch" I give you this.
Could this be about Thomasin or her coven?
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
October Horror Movie Challenge: 2016 Wrap-up and Looking to 2017
Another October Horror Movie Challenge is done.
Final tally: 35 movies watched, 26 were first time views. Not bad, that is about my average.
While I did great in the challenge, I failed in making these "game related". I have a few things I am going to post this week that might make up for it.
The Movie of the Month was, of course, The Witch. So good I watched it twice.
The surprise hits, for me, were Eyes of Fire (1983) and Haunter (2013).
I also promised to talk about what my favorite horror movies of all time are. That is much harder since there are so many. I am going to give it more thought.
If you are curious I have set up a Pinterest Board with all the posters of the movies I have watched over the last 7 years of doing this. 228 pins total.
For next year I am thinking of doing something very different.
First, yes, I want to make as many game stats for the movies I watch as possible. I have to stay true to my first and most loyal audience.
Also, I have all the these VHS tapes that I copied in the 80s and early 90s, about 16 total. Each one is 6 or 8 hours long with anywhere from 3 to 5 movies per tape, but usually 4. Rough estimates I put it at 45 movies, give or take. What I want to do is go through all of those and review all those movies before tossing out the tape. I would also check to see if there are Blu-Ray or DVD options for the movies. Now I am totally expecting these tapes to be in complete crap condition. Some I know have not seen the light of day in 20 years. But I think it would be fun. Since they are all movies I have seen before, game stats will come quicker to me.
That is also the problem. 45 movies, all of them are ones I have seen before, So no first-time views. I hold out that there might be one or two on there I have never seen. It is possible. I used to work nights, so I'd go to the library, check out some tapes, take them home and cue them up to copy to watch while I was in college.
While this pleases my OCD and my need to declutter I am hoping that the tapes are still in good enough shape. The other issue is I have only one working VHS player in the house (i think) so I am locked to watching these in one room. I am very, very spoiled with all my on-demand streaming options.
We will see how it goes.
Final tally: 35 movies watched, 26 were first time views. Not bad, that is about my average.
While I did great in the challenge, I failed in making these "game related". I have a few things I am going to post this week that might make up for it.
The Movie of the Month was, of course, The Witch. So good I watched it twice.
The surprise hits, for me, were Eyes of Fire (1983) and Haunter (2013).
I also promised to talk about what my favorite horror movies of all time are. That is much harder since there are so many. I am going to give it more thought.
If you are curious I have set up a Pinterest Board with all the posters of the movies I have watched over the last 7 years of doing this. 228 pins total.
For next year I am thinking of doing something very different.
First, yes, I want to make as many game stats for the movies I watch as possible. I have to stay true to my first and most loyal audience.
Also, I have all the these VHS tapes that I copied in the 80s and early 90s, about 16 total. Each one is 6 or 8 hours long with anywhere from 3 to 5 movies per tape, but usually 4. Rough estimates I put it at 45 movies, give or take. What I want to do is go through all of those and review all those movies before tossing out the tape. I would also check to see if there are Blu-Ray or DVD options for the movies. Now I am totally expecting these tapes to be in complete crap condition. Some I know have not seen the light of day in 20 years. But I think it would be fun. Since they are all movies I have seen before, game stats will come quicker to me.
 |
| The bottom row are horror tapes. If this works I'll tackle the row above which is all MST3k. |
That is also the problem. 45 movies, all of them are ones I have seen before, So no first-time views. I hold out that there might be one or two on there I have never seen. It is possible. I used to work nights, so I'd go to the library, check out some tapes, take them home and cue them up to copy to watch while I was in college.
While this pleases my OCD and my need to declutter I am hoping that the tapes are still in good enough shape. The other issue is I have only one working VHS player in the house (i think) so I am locked to watching these in one room. I am very, very spoiled with all my on-demand streaming options.
We will see how it goes.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Monstrous Mondays: The Piasa Bird for 5e
Welcome back to Monstrous Mondays!
Today I want to add a monster from stories of my childhood. If you grew up in Central or Southern Illinois you heard stories of the Piasa Bird. I featured this monster in one of my earliest posts here and thought I really need to bring it back.
The following text is considered Open for use under the OGL.
According to the diary of Louis Joliet, the Piasa Bird "was as large as a calf with horns like a deer, red eyes, a beard like a tiger's, a face like a man, the body covered with green, red and black scales and a tail so long it passed around the body, over the head and between the legs."
Piasa Birds in the game are a larger and resemble a manticore or a dragon.
They do not keep treasure. They are only interested in killing for meat and sport.
Story of the Piasa Bird
The following story appeared in the Alton Telegraph (1836) by John Russel. It is claimed that this is story told to Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet by the Indian tribes of the valley.
When Marquette and Joliet came down the Mississippi river in 1673 they encountered a bluff on the east side of the river with the painting of a giant monster. When they asked the Indians what this monster was, they retold for them the story that had been handed down to them for generations. Marquette named the monster "Piasa," pronounced Pie-a-saw, which means "the Destroyer."
The Legend of the Piasa bird that was related to Marquette and Joliet went something like this. Many years ago a great bird roamed the land. Every morning the people would wake in fear to the shrill screams of the great Bird. The bird awoke hungry and would carry off dozens of boys and girls to its cave to be eaten. Chief Ouatoga [OO-wa-toe-ga] was getting old. He wanted to destroy this terrible monster before he died. He called his braves to a meeting and told them he was going to ask the Great Spirit what to do.
He went up on the highest bluff. He spoke with the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit told the Chief, "Dip your arrows deep into the poison of a copperhead snake and shoot them into the body of the Bird. They will cause its death." He returned to the camp and told his people what the Great Spirit had told him. He gathered up a small army of the strongest braves and set out to hunt the Bird. Chief Ouatoga told his braves that the plan was for someone to stand on the cliff to lure the Bird down. When the great monster swoops down they were to shoot it with their poison arrows.
The braves all begged their chief to be the one to sacrifice themselves. But the chief told them no, he would be the one, since he was older. While the braves practiced with their bows, Chief Ouatoga spoke with the Great Spirit. "Think not of my life," he said, "but the lives of the children."
The next morning the chief stood tall waiting for the great bird to come. Its screams could be heard as flew down the river looking for victims. The bird saw the old chief and swooped down on him with a terrible scream.
Just as the monster was ready to attack the braves shot their arrows and all 100 met their mark. The monster fell into the Mississippi river and died. The braves carried the broken and bruised body of their chief back to the tribe. The medicine man healed him and he awoke the next day surrounded by his grateful people. In remembrance of the act the returned to the site and painted a life-size picture of the monster. Every time an Indian went down the river after that, he fired an arrow at the bluff.
In alternate versions of the story, the youngest brave stands on the cliff instead of the Chief. When he is healed the next day he becomes the new Chief.
Section 15: "The Piasa Bird for 5e". Copyright 2016 Timothy S. Brannan.
Don't forget to include the hashtag #MonsterMonday on Twitter or #MonsterMonday on Google+ when you post your own monsters!
Today I want to add a monster from stories of my childhood. If you grew up in Central or Southern Illinois you heard stories of the Piasa Bird. I featured this monster in one of my earliest posts here and thought I really need to bring it back.
The following text is considered Open for use under the OGL.
Piasa Birds in the game are a larger and resemble a manticore or a dragon.
They do not keep treasure. They are only interested in killing for meat and sport.
Story of the Piasa Bird
The following story appeared in the Alton Telegraph (1836) by John Russel. It is claimed that this is story told to Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Joliet by the Indian tribes of the valley.
When Marquette and Joliet came down the Mississippi river in 1673 they encountered a bluff on the east side of the river with the painting of a giant monster. When they asked the Indians what this monster was, they retold for them the story that had been handed down to them for generations. Marquette named the monster "Piasa," pronounced Pie-a-saw, which means "the Destroyer."
The Legend of the Piasa bird that was related to Marquette and Joliet went something like this. Many years ago a great bird roamed the land. Every morning the people would wake in fear to the shrill screams of the great Bird. The bird awoke hungry and would carry off dozens of boys and girls to its cave to be eaten. Chief Ouatoga [OO-wa-toe-ga] was getting old. He wanted to destroy this terrible monster before he died. He called his braves to a meeting and told them he was going to ask the Great Spirit what to do.
He went up on the highest bluff. He spoke with the Great Spirit. The Great Spirit told the Chief, "Dip your arrows deep into the poison of a copperhead snake and shoot them into the body of the Bird. They will cause its death." He returned to the camp and told his people what the Great Spirit had told him. He gathered up a small army of the strongest braves and set out to hunt the Bird. Chief Ouatoga told his braves that the plan was for someone to stand on the cliff to lure the Bird down. When the great monster swoops down they were to shoot it with their poison arrows.
The braves all begged their chief to be the one to sacrifice themselves. But the chief told them no, he would be the one, since he was older. While the braves practiced with their bows, Chief Ouatoga spoke with the Great Spirit. "Think not of my life," he said, "but the lives of the children."
The next morning the chief stood tall waiting for the great bird to come. Its screams could be heard as flew down the river looking for victims. The bird saw the old chief and swooped down on him with a terrible scream.
Just as the monster was ready to attack the braves shot their arrows and all 100 met their mark. The monster fell into the Mississippi river and died. The braves carried the broken and bruised body of their chief back to the tribe. The medicine man healed him and he awoke the next day surrounded by his grateful people. In remembrance of the act the returned to the site and painted a life-size picture of the monster. Every time an Indian went down the river after that, he fired an arrow at the bluff.
In alternate versions of the story, the youngest brave stands on the cliff instead of the Chief. When he is healed the next day he becomes the new Chief.
 |
| The rare female Piasa Bird. |
Don't forget to include the hashtag #MonsterMonday on Twitter or #MonsterMonday on Google+ when you post your own monsters!
Sunday, October 30, 2016
October Horror Movie Challenge: The Witch (Audio Commentary) (2015)
This time I watched it with the director's audio commentary. I also watched the special features that went along with the movie and they were all a treat.
There are some things I noticed this second viewing, but mostly I am still pleased with this movie.
Again I am struck with this idea of burgeoning sexuality = horror. Thomasin is a threat to this family because she is no longer a child. Think I am stretching? Compare this to other characters from this challenge; Dren or on the other side of it all Nancy.
Look at Crimson Peak or I Spit On Your Grave. The women are defined more by their sexuality than any male character.
Even outside of a game this is something worth my effort to look into. I am still, an academic at heart and practice.
The consensus among people in the 2016 challenge is that this is the best horror movie of the year.
2016 Movie tally
Watched: 35
New: 26
October Horror Movie Challenge: A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
I have been wanting to rewatch this one for years. I had forgotten how good it really was. Some movies age poorly, especially ones from the early 80s. But this one is a classic in every sense of the word. Not just Robert Englund as the iconic Freddy but Heather Langenkamp as Nancy is every sense the iconic "Last Girl". Lets not forget that this is the movie that introduced us all to Johnny Depp.
I watched this with Connor and he really loved it. He didn't think it was as scary as "Crimson Peak" but he loved it all the same.
There is a lot to unpack in this movie for a game. But the trouble is it's hard to fully replicate the whole "Last Girl" feel and to get the characters to make "horror movie decisions".
Still. This one is so much fun. We are going to do more horror movies together next year.
2016 Movie tally
Watched: 34
New: 26
October Horror Movie Challenge: Splice (2009)
There are some interesting twists in this modern Frankenstein tale. Instead of body parts it's DNA. Instead of a horrible, disfigured monster we get Dren which could be considered cute at first. Also the issue of burgeoning sexuality. Side note: Why is it that female sexual awareness scares so many people? It is something so deeply ingrained that we are still seeing horror movies about it today. Hell, that sounds more like a dissertation than a blog post. Maybe I should do that for my next October Challenge; see where this takes me.
Anyway there is/was room for a sequel ala the new Fly movie, but no idea if it ever happened.
The actors in this were quite good. That sets this a notch above most horror flicks.
2016 Movie tally
Watched: 33
New: 26
October Horror Movie Challenge: Ghost Ship (2002)
So when Ghost Ship from 2002 showed up on my TV and just starting, how could I say no?
It was not a bad tale really. One we have seen time and time again in the movies. There is a wreck of a ship floating in international waters and a team of salvagers go out to claim it. One by one they experience strange things, see things and soon the dying starts.
This one had a few interesting little twists. Emily Browning has one of her first ever screen roles as a ghost. The "cable death" is by far one of the more gruesome ones.
Desmond Harrington's character is obviously Charon or something like him.
This movie, and this story, is ripe for adventure seeds. In fact one of the reasons I wanted to watch this one was to scrape it for ideas for this White Star adventure involving a lost starship in a 'haunted" area of space.
2016 Movie tally
Watched: 32
New: 25
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