First WotC decides not to renew Paizo's license to produce Dragon/Dungeon. Now, Margaret Weis announces this: http://www.dragonlance.com/features/articles/10040.aspx
This isn't overly upsetting. These folks have produced all the d20 for Dragonlance anyone could want (OK, I really do want to see all of the classic DL mods updated; doubtful since the license expires at year's end). With this fresh news, the internet buzz can be heard even in the peaceful meadows of this blog. What does it mean? Is Wizards prepping for 4th edition? Have their corporate masters gone off the deep end? Eh, who cares really. This freelancer won't make any predictions because such time and thought is better spent on writing. (Of course, once official news is given, let the bitching or celebrating begin!)
Monday, April 23, 2007
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Bless Review & Bells Aplenty
Chris Gath weighs in with his thoughts on Behind the Spells: Bless here: http://www.enworld.org/reviews.php?do=review&reviewid=3472465 As always, I thank Crothian for his continued reviewing of the series. Now, if only one of these could coax a 5-star review out of him. :)
In non-RPG news, I participated in a bell festival today in Orwigsburg, PA. Comprised of about 10 bell choirs from various churches, the event was, in my opinion, poorly attended. Poor advertising? Or maybe bells alone just isn't much of a draw. That said, there were old and young alike and all seemed to enjoy themselves. My choir played in 4 of the mass choir pieces and performed our own piece. At Donna's (our director's) behest, I migrated at appropriate times to another choir to help ring the other 4 mass choir pieces due to lack of ringers. I find bell ringing relatively easy so while I was a bit nervous at the prospect of going in nearly cold, it didn't turn out too badly.
Today's bell activities lasted from just before noon until after 9pm. This included packing up our stuff, moving it to Orwigsburg, practice, break, practice, break for dinner, and finally the performance at 7pm. Needless to say, no freelancing was accomplished today. It's time for a shower and a cup of hot tea.
In non-RPG news, I participated in a bell festival today in Orwigsburg, PA. Comprised of about 10 bell choirs from various churches, the event was, in my opinion, poorly attended. Poor advertising? Or maybe bells alone just isn't much of a draw. That said, there were old and young alike and all seemed to enjoy themselves. My choir played in 4 of the mass choir pieces and performed our own piece. At Donna's (our director's) behest, I migrated at appropriate times to another choir to help ring the other 4 mass choir pieces due to lack of ringers. I find bell ringing relatively easy so while I was a bit nervous at the prospect of going in nearly cold, it didn't turn out too badly.
Today's bell activities lasted from just before noon until after 9pm. This included packing up our stuff, moving it to Orwigsburg, practice, break, practice, break for dinner, and finally the performance at 7pm. Needless to say, no freelancing was accomplished today. It's time for a shower and a cup of hot tea.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
History of D&D
The background of everyone's favorite roleplaying game continues to surprise me the more I read about it. Here's an exhaustive recounting of D&D's history from inception to v3.5 that gamespy.com did for the game's 30th anniversary. It's in multiple parts which you'll see after clicking the link: http://pc.gamespy.com/articles/538/538848p1.html
Monday, April 16, 2007
New Game Fizzles
Well, we tried C&C and...it didn't work out as I had hoped. On the surface (i.e. before really playing it), the game had its charms for me. As one who waxes nostalgic for 1st edition (hand me those rose-colored glasses), I saw much to regain in playing C&C. Once the playing was done, however, and only the assassin PC survived, we decided that one adventure under these rules was enough. Look for my C&C ebay auctions soon. :)
To offer a bit more detail, I assumed that dropping the base d20 skills and feats would be a great idea (further streamline an already nicely streamlined set of rules). Beneath the surface lied chaos. Skills/Feats had morphed into oddly placed class abilities. The cleric couldn't Listen as well as the assassin because he didn't have that ability. Um...okay...maybe a bad case of ear wax? The stuff that seemed logical upon first look just turned out to be oddly cumbersome in play. We'll take d20, with all its quirks and faults, back now, thanks.
To offer a bit more detail, I assumed that dropping the base d20 skills and feats would be a great idea (further streamline an already nicely streamlined set of rules). Beneath the surface lied chaos. Skills/Feats had morphed into oddly placed class abilities. The cleric couldn't Listen as well as the assassin because he didn't have that ability. Um...okay...maybe a bad case of ear wax? The stuff that seemed logical upon first look just turned out to be oddly cumbersome in play. We'll take d20, with all its quirks and faults, back now, thanks.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Old Job, New Game
For a number of different reasons, I gave my notice at the drug store on Thursday. My bosses appeared saddened, which I assumed would be the case, but it had to be done. Professionally, my life is quite stagnant. I tried to leave the druggie twice before, actually. The first was when I graduated high school and was prepping for my Moravian College life. However, the bosses at the time offered a substantial pay increase (IIRC). Since I was commuting and the cash would definitely come in handy, I stayed on. Upon graduating from college, I gave my notice a second time, assuming I was going to find something in my English field. Again, the bosses rose to the challenge and offered me full time with benefits. Since the job wasn't difficult and already familiar (I had been there 5 years at that point), I stayed once again. That was 10 years ago. Now, with 15 drug years under my belt, I desperately need a change.
A few years ago I was going to give my notice again but then my sister joined the crew and I thought that might give things a breath of fresh air (not to mention a pharmacist switch right before that). Things were good for awhile but around July of last years I sank into a depression that I still haven't quite fully shaken off yet. Now, anyone who knows me knows I'm a happy fellow, given to joke and laugh ad nauseum. But whatever it was that hit me suddenly last year really knocked me for a loop. Panic attacks, stress, and then depression were on my shoulders. And the more I tried to analyze things, the worse they got.
I managed to persevere without seeing a physician (stupid, I know) and finally crawled out from under the depressive blanket around the holidays. But things were different. I just wasn't happy at my job where formally I loved it. I didn't need a ton of bricks to hit me to know it was time to change. I had always espoused the motto that if someone wasn't happy at a job (or wherever) then they should just change it. Life's too short to be miserable. Well, giving my notice this time was the most difficult I've done in recent memory. I've been treated well at the druggie but you just know when change is needed. I'll miss the place and the folks inside and I hope they don't have too much trouble filling my spot. To soften the blow, I'm giving them until the end of August before I go. Well, I also gave them longer since my sister also recently left to take care of her two young boys and we're still down a man from that.
Do I know what I'm going to do come September? Not really but I can honestly say that it feels a weight is slowly lifting from my mind. There's a lot of brain flotsam left over from my mental struggle of the last 8 or so months but I have confidence that everything will be OK.
As for the "new game," the group is finally trying out some Castles & Crusades tomorrow. I've had the core books and a few supplements for some time. We don't have our whole crew tomorrow (although we do have a prospective new member) so it seemed like a good time to try something new.
A few years ago I was going to give my notice again but then my sister joined the crew and I thought that might give things a breath of fresh air (not to mention a pharmacist switch right before that). Things were good for awhile but around July of last years I sank into a depression that I still haven't quite fully shaken off yet. Now, anyone who knows me knows I'm a happy fellow, given to joke and laugh ad nauseum. But whatever it was that hit me suddenly last year really knocked me for a loop. Panic attacks, stress, and then depression were on my shoulders. And the more I tried to analyze things, the worse they got.
I managed to persevere without seeing a physician (stupid, I know) and finally crawled out from under the depressive blanket around the holidays. But things were different. I just wasn't happy at my job where formally I loved it. I didn't need a ton of bricks to hit me to know it was time to change. I had always espoused the motto that if someone wasn't happy at a job (or wherever) then they should just change it. Life's too short to be miserable. Well, giving my notice this time was the most difficult I've done in recent memory. I've been treated well at the druggie but you just know when change is needed. I'll miss the place and the folks inside and I hope they don't have too much trouble filling my spot. To soften the blow, I'm giving them until the end of August before I go. Well, I also gave them longer since my sister also recently left to take care of her two young boys and we're still down a man from that.
Do I know what I'm going to do come September? Not really but I can honestly say that it feels a weight is slowly lifting from my mind. There's a lot of brain flotsam left over from my mental struggle of the last 8 or so months but I have confidence that everything will be OK.
As for the "new game," the group is finally trying out some Castles & Crusades tomorrow. I've had the core books and a few supplements for some time. We don't have our whole crew tomorrow (although we do have a prospective new member) so it seemed like a good time to try something new.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Recognition
I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but from time to time I'll Google myself or one of my projects just to see if there's any buzz about me or my scribblings. I don't check every gaming forum out there so Google is a handy tool for helping me keep my thumb on the net's gaming pulse. On tonight's search, I came up on the infamous therpgsite.com's forum (infamous for its no-nonsense founder). Much to my surprise, Behind the Spells, Temporality, and Dread Codex were mentioned (the last not by name but a link was provided). I consider myself a small fish in a very large pond so when I find any kind of recognition (much less favorable), it brings me no end of joy. Have a look (my name creeps into the latter pages)...
http://www.therpgsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2196
http://www.therpgsite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2196
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Easter Greetings
In recent years, our family has become anything but typical. Instead of the grand Easter ham-filled feasts of yore, this year sees us huddled happily around a bucket of KFC and side viddles. Don't get me wrong though, I'm happy with some yummy fried chicken for the holiday and I suppose we're not all that atypical of families in this day and age. Scot, Zlaty, Katy and I plan on going to see TMNT after dinner which should provide some enjoyment.
In writing news, AE: Waterskin has been accepted and should be released before too long. I'd also like to thank Mark at Skortched 'Urf for his candid email discussion pertaining to his business sales for a starter pdf company. I've said it before but Mark's company, with its friendly attitude and product audio commentaries, will go far IMHO.
I also managed to cobble together a brief outline for my Crown short story for Dark Quest. I'm tackling one of the city setting's new races--ethereans. I hope my fiction muscles haven't atrophied too much since I started freelancing.
In writing news, AE: Waterskin has been accepted and should be released before too long. I'd also like to thank Mark at Skortched 'Urf for his candid email discussion pertaining to his business sales for a starter pdf company. I've said it before but Mark's company, with its friendly attitude and product audio commentaries, will go far IMHO.
I also managed to cobble together a brief outline for my Crown short story for Dark Quest. I'm tackling one of the city setting's new races--ethereans. I hope my fiction muscles haven't atrophied too much since I started freelancing.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Technology Gone Awry
Today at work was an interesting day. Not 20 minutes after I arrived the printer decided to crap out on us with one big paper jam. After a call to our printer folks (which I think is the same as our software folks but don't quote me on that) and a step-by-step removal of printer sections, we were better able to get at the paper. Even then, removal of the jammed article was proved to be much like a poorly played game of Operation. In the meantime, customers were streaming into the place and, without label-making capability, we had to write Rx labels by hand (pretty cool I thought, if a bit time consuming). After about 5 hours, the printer was functional again...to a degree. The printer houses a compartment for Rx labels and for normal paper (for printing bills and information sheets). Printing from the latter caused a little toothpick-like lever to move which brought the printer to a halt. Labels were OK and since that is what is needed the most we were able to crawl across the finish line for the day. A new printer is on the way and hopefully will be at the store early in the morning (thank god I'm not working though).
I could segway nicely into a technology rant now but I'm not sure I feel like typing that much. Long story short, the more mechanized society gets, the more can go wrong. Sure, things will always break down at some point. But having more and more tech around just escalates that risk factor to an almost daily occurence. And what the hell did we do without our precious cell phones? People, let's use some common sense. When you're making a transaction somewhere, leave your phone call for after you leave the store. No one else wants to hear about where you are right now, what you're doing right now, or what you're about to do before you go home. You know what would be fun? Cell phones that explode if you run over 1 hour a day. Yeah, that's what I would like. No one needs to talk on the phone for over an hour a day unless it's their job. Superfluous use of cell phones is one of the many reason I think people are stupid. And, unfortunately, they're everywhere.
I could segway nicely into a technology rant now but I'm not sure I feel like typing that much. Long story short, the more mechanized society gets, the more can go wrong. Sure, things will always break down at some point. But having more and more tech around just escalates that risk factor to an almost daily occurence. And what the hell did we do without our precious cell phones? People, let's use some common sense. When you're making a transaction somewhere, leave your phone call for after you leave the store. No one else wants to hear about where you are right now, what you're doing right now, or what you're about to do before you go home. You know what would be fun? Cell phones that explode if you run over 1 hour a day. Yeah, that's what I would like. No one needs to talk on the phone for over an hour a day unless it's their job. Superfluous use of cell phones is one of the many reason I think people are stupid. And, unfortunately, they're everywhere.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Pre-Blog Interview
Since my blog seems like a good place for information storage, here's a link to an interview from about 3 years ago. It involves writing for roleplaying games. I tried to keep the answers uncomplicated so as to be more beneficial to those looking to break into the industry (or those who knew nothing about the biz whatsoever). Have a look: http://www.absolutewrite.com/specialty_writing/bret_boyd.htm
Thursday, March 29, 2007
New Links & Book Chatter
If you're a local friend, you'll be happy to note the addition of Dr. Ryan Clouser's LJ--Bummin' Around. He not too long ago married and is living in New Hampshire. I wish him well and hope he doesn't take too long to visit his family (and the rest of us!) back in Hamburg. Ryan participated in my D&D group for many years before college broke up that first fantastic group. Off and on he was able to play again in the first Protectorate campaign as the cunning, smart-ass elven rogue Elron Blackbane. Sadly, Ryan outgrew fantasy gaming before his passion for medicine took him away from the group (although I bet he'd sit in on a session if given the opportunity).
The other link is to Chuck Cuthbert's LJ "Captain's Mast" and I don't know why I haven't gotten it on here before this (chalk it up to laziness). Not only did 2000 bring a new edition to D&D but it brought the group Chuck and his wife Heather. The duo showed up at the drug store one sunny Saturday and asked if I was the Bret who played D&D. Seems my dad and Chuck knew each other and gaming came up. Thank goodness it did because I don't know if we would even have a group today without the Cuthberts. This was abour the time that Everquest ate up two of my other players. The Cuthberts filled those vacant spots admirably and 3rd edition also saw the return of Brad (Chilled Monkey Brains), who had pretty much taken 2nd edition off. ;) Gaming has been the best it's ever been over the last 7 years and the recent addition of Mike Ferguson makes the experiences even better.
Freelancing has been lagging as I'm pulling more hours at the store this week. No days off but it was voluntary as I need the money. :) With any luck, I'll be able to dive back into the regular routine come Sunday. There's still a Crown story to knock around and I must revise my submitted draft of Adventurer Essentials: Waterskin. No biggie but then there's always the Tricky Owlbear products to prep. Not to mention regular gaming!
In the midst of everything, I'm still trying to get some reading in. I finished Margaret Weis' Amber & Ashes a couple weeks ago, detailing the character Mina from Dragonlance's War of Souls trilogy. I've enjoyed MW's work (especially the Star of the Guardians trilogy) and Dragonlance so this seemed a no brainer. Unfortunately, the book was less than spectacular. Mina is not a compelling character without the Dragon Queen behind her and the plot is, well, laughable (the god of death is using love and eternal life to gather more followers--okay...) and the mandatory kender Nightshade is just no Tasslehoff. And have I mentioned that Mina knocked a death knight's head from his shoulders with a...wait for it...crowbar? I should have stopped right there but I really do hate not finishing books.
After that was a quick page turner from Robert E. Howard. I bought a Conan collection last year and finally got around to the first story (something about a phoenix...the book isn't in front of me). It was good, centering on Conan slaying those involved in a coup attempt and slaying a shadowy ape conjured to slay the coup's leader (and Conan pretty much just wanting to slay things in general). Following this tale comes Keith Baker's third installment of his Ebberon trilogy--Gates of Night. I've been quite impressed with Baker's stuff but the plot just for this book just isn't as compelling as the characters themselves. I'm about two-thirds of the way through and, don't get me wrong, I'm still really enjoying it but less so than if the characters were driving the story and not the other way around.
The other link is to Chuck Cuthbert's LJ "Captain's Mast" and I don't know why I haven't gotten it on here before this (chalk it up to laziness). Not only did 2000 bring a new edition to D&D but it brought the group Chuck and his wife Heather. The duo showed up at the drug store one sunny Saturday and asked if I was the Bret who played D&D. Seems my dad and Chuck knew each other and gaming came up. Thank goodness it did because I don't know if we would even have a group today without the Cuthberts. This was abour the time that Everquest ate up two of my other players. The Cuthberts filled those vacant spots admirably and 3rd edition also saw the return of Brad (Chilled Monkey Brains), who had pretty much taken 2nd edition off. ;) Gaming has been the best it's ever been over the last 7 years and the recent addition of Mike Ferguson makes the experiences even better.
Freelancing has been lagging as I'm pulling more hours at the store this week. No days off but it was voluntary as I need the money. :) With any luck, I'll be able to dive back into the regular routine come Sunday. There's still a Crown story to knock around and I must revise my submitted draft of Adventurer Essentials: Waterskin. No biggie but then there's always the Tricky Owlbear products to prep. Not to mention regular gaming!
In the midst of everything, I'm still trying to get some reading in. I finished Margaret Weis' Amber & Ashes a couple weeks ago, detailing the character Mina from Dragonlance's War of Souls trilogy. I've enjoyed MW's work (especially the Star of the Guardians trilogy) and Dragonlance so this seemed a no brainer. Unfortunately, the book was less than spectacular. Mina is not a compelling character without the Dragon Queen behind her and the plot is, well, laughable (the god of death is using love and eternal life to gather more followers--okay...) and the mandatory kender Nightshade is just no Tasslehoff. And have I mentioned that Mina knocked a death knight's head from his shoulders with a...wait for it...crowbar? I should have stopped right there but I really do hate not finishing books.
After that was a quick page turner from Robert E. Howard. I bought a Conan collection last year and finally got around to the first story (something about a phoenix...the book isn't in front of me). It was good, centering on Conan slaying those involved in a coup attempt and slaying a shadowy ape conjured to slay the coup's leader (and Conan pretty much just wanting to slay things in general). Following this tale comes Keith Baker's third installment of his Ebberon trilogy--Gates of Night. I've been quite impressed with Baker's stuff but the plot just for this book just isn't as compelling as the characters themselves. I'm about two-thirds of the way through and, don't get me wrong, I'm still really enjoying it but less so than if the characters were driving the story and not the other way around.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Death and Taxes
Since I'm not feeling that well today and it's time to meet with the tax man, the title seemed appropriate. :) Woke up today with some dizziness and accompanying nausea. Fortunately, a co-worker came in to take my short Sat. shift (especially since I'll be working every day next week from Monday to Sat.). The dizziness has mostly subsided now and I didn't throw up my lunch so we'll call it a victory.
On the freelance scene, I'm delving into a setting called Crown written and developed by fellow freelancer Alex Carlsson (see Wanderman's Realm in the Links). Dark Quest is ramping up the huge city-setting for release and the project is to be accompanied with a release of short stories. Yup, I'm writing one of them. Today is spent reading the writer's bible and churning some ideas in the brainpan. Tomorrow I've got to invest some time in Tricky Owlbear projects.
On the freelance scene, I'm delving into a setting called Crown written and developed by fellow freelancer Alex Carlsson (see Wanderman's Realm in the Links). Dark Quest is ramping up the huge city-setting for release and the project is to be accompanied with a release of short stories. Yup, I'm writing one of them. Today is spent reading the writer's bible and churning some ideas in the brainpan. Tomorrow I've got to invest some time in Tricky Owlbear projects.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Hoards Review
Chris Gath must have stored up some reviews during his quiet period because we have another review from him. This time it's for DQG's treasure resource Hoards: http://www.enworld.org/reviews.php?do=review&reviewid=3407388
Not much going on today except work. The snow we received late last week is receding nicely thanks to almost spring-like temps (and go figure, it's spring in about 20 minutes). Tomorrow I may be taking my grandmother to the doctor as she has not been well since the weekend. It's my day off so I offered my chauffering services.
Not much going on today except work. The snow we received late last week is receding nicely thanks to almost spring-like temps (and go figure, it's spring in about 20 minutes). Tomorrow I may be taking my grandmother to the doctor as she has not been well since the weekend. It's my day off so I offered my chauffering services.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Web Review
Chris Gath continues his Behind the Spells reviews with Web: http://www.enworld.org/reviews.php?do=review&reviewid=3405299
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Casino Trip, part ?%#^&
On Wed., Linda and I took a little trip down to Delaware Park (for me it must be the 7th time this year or so). Well, could I get any machine to cooperate? Nope! Money flew from my wallet faster than a horny guy at a prostitute convention. Linda, however, had a fantastic day; every machine she touched turned to gold and, by the end of the trip, was at $400. Although I was supposed to buy dinner for her birthday, she graciously bought for us that night (I know, I'm not off the hook yet). I may not have won but I still had fun.
So it's another snow day here in Hamburg but everything appears to be on the melt already. Thank the gods spring is not far off. Still haven't finished AE: Waterskin. Just can't seem to get enthused about it I suppose. I did start on the format for Tricky Owlbear's Behind the Monsters line and think I've outlined a fairly compelling reason for that monster's creation. Let history be my judge if my answer is better than Gary Gygax's "I named it after a plastic figure."
If you're a Dragon subscriber, you've undoubtedly received your April modron-packed issue. I'm glad these monsters are back for 3e. Ever since I saw Dave Sutherland's rendition of those geometric-shaped creatures from MMII, I've loved them. Don't ask me why my 10-year-old brain found those old illustrations so interesting but it did. Thanks to Ken Marable and the folks at Dragon for returning these little guys to us.
I'm looking forward to playing my mostly insane Traveller captain Sarz Banx tomorrow at the game barn. It's been awhile since we shared in a good space romp.
So it's another snow day here in Hamburg but everything appears to be on the melt already. Thank the gods spring is not far off. Still haven't finished AE: Waterskin. Just can't seem to get enthused about it I suppose. I did start on the format for Tricky Owlbear's Behind the Monsters line and think I've outlined a fairly compelling reason for that monster's creation. Let history be my judge if my answer is better than Gary Gygax's "I named it after a plastic figure."
If you're a Dragon subscriber, you've undoubtedly received your April modron-packed issue. I'm glad these monsters are back for 3e. Ever since I saw Dave Sutherland's rendition of those geometric-shaped creatures from MMII, I've loved them. Don't ask me why my 10-year-old brain found those old illustrations so interesting but it did. Thanks to Ken Marable and the folks at Dragon for returning these little guys to us.
I'm looking forward to playing my mostly insane Traveller captain Sarz Banx tomorrow at the game barn. It's been awhile since we shared in a good space romp.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Company Formation
As Tricky Owlbear slowly winds its way through the birthing canal, I've decided to tap the general RPG public (at least in the business forum at rpg.net and ENWorld) for comments and suggestions involving online small business formation. If you or someone you know is in the pdf biz, stop by and drop your two cents: http://forum.rpg.net/showthread.php?p=7044646#post7044646 or here: http://www.enworld.org/showthread.php?t=190861
Monday, March 12, 2007
I'm A Patron!
If you've never heard of Wolfgang Baur (well, where have you been), he's had an illustrious career in roleplaying since the TSR days. This accomplished designer is now also designing adventures for folks who donate to his Open Design project: http://customadventure.livejournal.com/
Yesterday I signed up for the $100 patron level. This gives me exlusive access to behind the scenes posts and a hand in crafting the adventure as well. There are still two adventures vying for patronage but I'm confident that the ghouls underdark mega-adventure will pull ahead. It should prove to be a great learning experience in adventure design and hopefully a lot of fun to boot!
Yesterday I signed up for the $100 patron level. This gives me exlusive access to behind the scenes posts and a hand in crafting the adventure as well. There are still two adventures vying for patronage but I'm confident that the ghouls underdark mega-adventure will pull ahead. It should prove to be a great learning experience in adventure design and hopefully a lot of fun to boot!
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Snow Day & OSRIC
A few inches of the white stuff has fallen outside and, given I just washed the car on Sunday, am not particularly inclined to go anywhere today. So, it's time to work on AE: Waterskin and think about an OSRIC adventure to send to Expeditious Retreat Press (Joe Browning heavily hinted that they were accepting submissions when I mentioned wanting to pen an adventure so I might as well get in some OSRIC practice with them).
The problem I have with OSRIC is two-fold. First, where can I get some monsters? The rules for the 1st edition-compatible system were released, which is all well and good, but where are the critters? I saw there's a book on Lulu for them but does this include the classic goblins, orcs, etc.? Second, it's been so long since I played non-d20 D&D that I don't know how the heck I ever balanced encounters. I recall eyeballing them by using a monster's HD but is that in any way relevant? Guess that's what playtesting is for.
The problem I have with OSRIC is two-fold. First, where can I get some monsters? The rules for the 1st edition-compatible system were released, which is all well and good, but where are the critters? I saw there's a book on Lulu for them but does this include the classic goblins, orcs, etc.? Second, it's been so long since I played non-d20 D&D that I don't know how the heck I ever balanced encounters. I recall eyeballing them by using a monster's HD but is that in any way relevant? Guess that's what playtesting is for.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
PC Death!
It turns out we were playtesting Mike's contribution to Goodman's mid-level The Adventure Continues DCC collection (not yet announced) today. It was a fun romp into a mysterious forest in search of a rogue water supply. I won't say more about the adventure but I will say that my dwarven Ftr1/Sor3 died a wonderful death! When my brother's PC was out on a rope about to be cut by a bad guy, I bull rushed the foe. Unfortunately, my bull rush was so good and the floor so slippery that we plunged from the edge of the melee area and to a 120-foot demise. At least I took the bad guy with me. :) Other highlights included a morality issue with our Lawful Good fighter (declining a chance to surrender = death to the foe in my CG dwarf's book) and trying out a couple spell secrets and one new spell from Behind the Spells. At the end of the day, I think we all had a good time; especially since my 4-hour character creation won't go to waste with a raise dead on the horizon for next time.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Gaming Tomorrow!
Tomorrow at this time we'll be knee deep in the first (hopefully of many) game run for us by friend and fellow freelancer Mike Ferguson. We'll be playing in the world of Aereth, the DCC campaign world from Goodman Games. I'm glad because it gives me a very good excuse to look through that box set tonight and get familiar with another great sounding environment. I'll be playing a sorcerer so I can enjoy actually using my Behind the Spells spell secrets and variants for my own pleasure. As always, it'll be much fun to play and not worry about DMing duties.
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