And Then There Was One

BtS: Lightning Bolt was handed in last night. It turned out to be a neat little piece explaining why there are no sorcerers in previous editions of D&D. That's the beauty of these pdfs. I never know where they're going to go until I really get into them. In detailing who the creators are, I've found myself almost inadvertently tying in all kinds of easter eggs for readers who have some familiarity with previous editions. Fun! That just leaves Dispel Magic which is already in development.

And thanks to everyone who bought my second issue of the series--Fireball. I see it has climbed to a "Silver Pick" and I think that's a fine accomplishment for one of these pdfs. Several of the early ones are comfortably in the Copper status and that makes me feel good too.

Last, but not least, if you're like me and are into '80s nostalgia, you'll want to head on over to www.80sTees.com. Use the coupon code "Fallin4Tees" and you'll receive 20% off your order. Some sweet memories to be had there!

Celticfest & A Birthday

Yikes! How did a whole week go by without a post?! No matter. On with the post...

The second last week of September is a good one because it is the time of Celticfest in Bethlehem, PA. I should go and spend some time soaking up the bands and food but I usually just go for the vendors. This year is no exception. Linda could no accompany me this year so my sister Katy and I drove out and had a great time. She got a cool Wiccan pendant for her birthday (which isn't until Dec 4 but buying something from the 'fest for her is becoming a tradition). I grabbed a historical replica in ceramic of a curled dragon seen in old English church choir stalls (at least according to the blurb on the piece's back). Also bought a T-shirt and a new pin. All of these purchases are also becoming a tradition.

Today was spent celebrating my youngest nephew's birthday at my sister's. Mikael turned 3 yesterday and he is so cute. Very well spoken and intelligent for his age. At the moment, I'm mulling over the history to BtS: Lightning Bolt, having already come up with the spell secrets and related research concepts. On a related note, people seem to be picking up older issues of the series as time between current releases has lagged a bit (my apologies). Wonder why that is...not that I'm complaining.

Work Weekend

Although nothing is set in stone, I plan on making this a work weekend. There's still that 20,000 word fiction piece for Reality Deviants as well as putting together some adventure proposals for GG (due Monday) and working on BtS: Lightning Bolt. I feel like reading more Dragons of the Dwarven Depths and, indeed, that may come to pass, but the temptation to relax must be fought lest I do nothing. Not sure how I got out of the creative cycle but with luck it'll come back again with little prompting. Time now for a hike to kick-start those juices. Have a great weekend!

True Seeing

A quick turnaround from Phil sees the availability of the new issue of Behind the Spells. Grab your copy here: http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=7665

Not much else to report. I'm slowly cobbling together a plot or two for the DCC mid-level compilation book. Tonight, I'm hoping to have more inspiration after my reflexology session.

I'm Back!

While away, I did manage to finish BtS: True Seeing and scribble some notes for Lightning Bolt. Now I need to put together some adventure ideas for the mid-level follow up to DCC: The Adventure Begins. My group may have some playtesting ahead in the near future. :)

Made a point to stop by Best Buy today to pick up Lucas' latest cash generator--the Star Wars trilogy on dvd with the added "bonus" of the original theatrical versions. Bonus, yeah right. I don't know why they even bothered to put on the special edition version since the Bonus is what most fans are buying it for (correct me if I'm wrong). Much to my surprise, Best Buy had all three together in a cool collector's tin! It was about $10 more but I'm a sucker for collectibles and at least the 3 dvds won't be loose on the shelf.

Speaking of buying things, did you get over to Goodman Games yet and pick up DCC #12.5 with 1st edition rules? This was a limited GenCon '06 release and they're only printing enough to match the pre-orders. Hurry! You've only got until Friday to get your order in: http://www.goodman-games.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=6644#6644

Pseudo-Vacation

I'll be in and out of the house for the next few days and may not get much blogging done (not like I do anyway). As I have before (probably in June), I'll be house/pet-sitting about 10 minutes away, this time until Wednesday. While there, I hope to finish BtS: True Seeing and do most of the creative legwork for the final two issues as well.

Labor Day

Here in my little corner of the world, blue skies and 70 degree weather grace us. My brother and his wife were successfully moved yesterday and now the homestead can return to normal. They've got alot to unpack but their apartment is a great improvement over the "shoebox" of the old one. Today I'm hoping to make some headway on BtS: True Seeing, go for a much needed hike, mow the grass, and finish up Dragons of Autumn Twilight before jumping into the new Dragonlance book I mentioned a few entries ago (Dwarven Depths).

Whatever you're doing today, make it fun.

The Longest Day

Yesterday began the first day of Medicare Part D supplmental coverage for those persons using the PACE program (it's the lottery funded insurance for senior citizens in PA). For the patients, it's a good thing because now they have two insurances working for them (the supplement is billed by our computer first and then PACE processes--hopefully--whatever amount is left and ends with some kind of copay). Unfortunately, the process is not so good for us pharmacies. Not only do people not have their insurance cards yet, some don't have a clue when asked about it!!!

To sum up, it was a very loooong day on Friday when you combine this headache with normal beginning of the month traffic in the store. Insurances were called to find out what coverage PACE people were supposed to have. Even when the customer definitely said they had no other insurance, we would input the card numbers given over the phone and then, when the card worked, informed them, "Yes, you do have another card."

The real unfortuante part of all of this is that these poor old people shouldn't have to deal with this crap. Even younger minds like ours have a rough time deciphering insurance sometimes. I just heard today how a 90-year-old wept because, although she had her new card, her friend up the street did not. Ridiculous.

Guards & Wards

At long last, Behind the Spells: Guards & Wards is available. If RPGNow can get itself functioning properly (been wonky since yesterday), you can get your copy here: http://www.rpgnow.com/product_info.php?products_id=7613

I've decided to do true seeing as my last random BtS. As you may recall, lightning bolt and dispel magic will be rounding out the series after that. Hope you all have a great upcoming weekend. If I don't post, I'm busy moving my brother's and his wife's belongings back to Philadelphia (moved here a few weeks ago until new lease could begin). With the help of some of my gaming companions, the move on Sunday should hopefully be painless.