Here is one of favorite clips from The Muppet Show: Kenny Rogers singing The Gambler.
Enjoy.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Two Encounter Critical Ideas
Bouncing around the old noggin, two Encounter Critical ideas in glorious Weird-O-Vision!
Los Caballeros de la Máscara (The Knights of the Mask)
Some great rules for Wrestlers in EC can be found in the Files section of the EC Yahoo Group and this great post on Malevolent and Benign.
The Floating Pyramid of Nephron-Ra
The skies of Vanth are littered with floating structures of different shapes and sizes. Whether powered by magic, science, or an unholy amalgamation of the two, these structures are the source of wild tales. Treasure, technology, and terror can all be found in these places. The more superstitious denizens of Vanth ascribe mystical qualities to those born underneath them. The more magically and scientifically advanced fly up to the structures explore them. Legendary structures above the lands of Vanth include the Floating Island of Roark, the Obelisk of Dolm Yav, Leng Phan’s Pagoda, and the Floating Fist of Be A’tal. But among the oldest and most famous is the Floating Pyramid of Nephron-Ra.
The Floating Pyramid of Nephron-Ra is the last of the famed Xandarian Battle Pyramids left in the Vulkin Empire. Built by the mysterious Xandarian Battle Wizards, the Battle Pyramids were designed as technomantic battleships for the mercenary magic users. According to myth, the Battle Wizard Nephron-Ra was betrayed a legendary king of Vanth. The king’s forces sacked the Battle Pyramid but the control sarcophagus was lost deep within the Pyramid. Nephron-Ra vanished after casting a powerful spell to scour the Pyramid clear of all the invaders.
Legends have sprung up upon the Floating Pyramid of Nephron-Ra. Stories of the current inhabitants include mummified fill-in-the blanks, a clutch of revived Xandarian Space Marines, avatars of the ancient Egyptian gods, or some other mad creation of the mind. Several parties of adventures have explored the Floating Pyramid over the decades, but the survivors are few. The tales they tell are varied. Some scholars believe that only one survivor has the true story. Others believe that the powerful magic of Nephron-Ra still alters the Floating Pyramid to the present day.
Asteroid 1618, the classic EC module rediscovered by Jeff Rients, has a pyramid map that is simple great for using for the Floating Pyramid of Nephron-Ra. You can download it here.
Have a good one!
Los Caballeros de la Máscara (The Knights of the Mask)
Los Caballeros de la Máscara are a wandering order of luchador knights who wander the land of Vanth battling the evil and corrupt. Eschewing weapons and armor, these brave men, women and things defend all the races across the land according to the tenets of the mythical Luchador Kings of Terra. Even the diabolical Darth Viraxis allows members of the Caballeros to fight monsters in his lands.
The Caballeros use strength, agility, and legendary wrestling ability to battle monsters and mad scientists. Each luchador knight has a unique mask that is chosen through deeds and visions. Their skills of wrestling are honed to a fine edge, and the oldest members of the Caballeros de la Máscara are said to have almost mystical powers. Legend tells that one of the founders or the order, La Máscara de Oro (The Golden Mask) battled Darth Viraxis to a standstill after a three day conflict.
There are legends of Fallen Caballeros who have betrayed the ways of the Luchador Knights, but most of these are believed to be stories used to scare children. If they are true, these Fallen Caballeros may become a great danger to all the lands of Vanth. Darker still are the archenemies of the Caballeros and the purpose of their creation: the Lich Templars of Ossorio. These blood drinking fiends are entombed in the North Mountains, but their dark influence is felt throughout the lands of Vanth.
The Caballeros use strength, agility, and legendary wrestling ability to battle monsters and mad scientists. Each luchador knight has a unique mask that is chosen through deeds and visions. Their skills of wrestling are honed to a fine edge, and the oldest members of the Caballeros de la Máscara are said to have almost mystical powers. Legend tells that one of the founders or the order, La Máscara de Oro (The Golden Mask) battled Darth Viraxis to a standstill after a three day conflict.
There are legends of Fallen Caballeros who have betrayed the ways of the Luchador Knights, but most of these are believed to be stories used to scare children. If they are true, these Fallen Caballeros may become a great danger to all the lands of Vanth. Darker still are the archenemies of the Caballeros and the purpose of their creation: the Lich Templars of Ossorio. These blood drinking fiends are entombed in the North Mountains, but their dark influence is felt throughout the lands of Vanth.
Some great rules for Wrestlers in EC can be found in the Files section of the EC Yahoo Group and this great post on Malevolent and Benign.
The Floating Pyramid of Nephron-Ra
The skies of Vanth are littered with floating structures of different shapes and sizes. Whether powered by magic, science, or an unholy amalgamation of the two, these structures are the source of wild tales. Treasure, technology, and terror can all be found in these places. The more superstitious denizens of Vanth ascribe mystical qualities to those born underneath them. The more magically and scientifically advanced fly up to the structures explore them. Legendary structures above the lands of Vanth include the Floating Island of Roark, the Obelisk of Dolm Yav, Leng Phan’s Pagoda, and the Floating Fist of Be A’tal. But among the oldest and most famous is the Floating Pyramid of Nephron-Ra.
The Floating Pyramid of Nephron-Ra is the last of the famed Xandarian Battle Pyramids left in the Vulkin Empire. Built by the mysterious Xandarian Battle Wizards, the Battle Pyramids were designed as technomantic battleships for the mercenary magic users. According to myth, the Battle Wizard Nephron-Ra was betrayed a legendary king of Vanth. The king’s forces sacked the Battle Pyramid but the control sarcophagus was lost deep within the Pyramid. Nephron-Ra vanished after casting a powerful spell to scour the Pyramid clear of all the invaders.
Legends have sprung up upon the Floating Pyramid of Nephron-Ra. Stories of the current inhabitants include mummified fill-in-the blanks, a clutch of revived Xandarian Space Marines, avatars of the ancient Egyptian gods, or some other mad creation of the mind. Several parties of adventures have explored the Floating Pyramid over the decades, but the survivors are few. The tales they tell are varied. Some scholars believe that only one survivor has the true story. Others believe that the powerful magic of Nephron-Ra still alters the Floating Pyramid to the present day.
Asteroid 1618, the classic EC module rediscovered by Jeff Rients, has a pyramid map that is simple great for using for the Floating Pyramid of Nephron-Ra. You can download it here.
Have a good one!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
[CAH S2] Captain Vix Rezlor
I’ve been busy the past month, so I haven’t had a lot of time for the blog. But now I’m back for more rocking and rolling!
One of my earlier entries was a new character for Cartoon Action Hour Season 2. Here is the enemy of that character, Captain Vix Rezlor.
Captain Vix Rezlor
“Jailer of the Blackskull Empire”
Quick Bio: Vix Rezlor was one of the most decorated members of the Shadestar Guard. The youngest person ever to hold the rank of Captain, he built the Guard under his command into a force to be reckoned with. Vix was well considered by Queen Noblara herself, and was in love with her. His only flaw was a prejudice against non-humanoids. It was slight at first, but soon it grew in intensity.
This began to color Vix’s interactions with both the Shadestar Guard and the people he protected. Seeds of resentment grew when his efforts to “streamline and improve” the Guard were blocked by concerned parties. Vix’s frustration grew to a boiling point. The final straw was the placing of Traloc, a Xoanon guardsman, as Noblara’s personal detective. In his mind Shadestar and Noblara betrayed him, giving something that belonged to him to someone that was beneath him.
When the Blackskull Empire invaded Shadestar, Vix offered his services to Nekrottus. The knowledge that he provided was a great factor in the fall of Shadestar. As a reward, Nekrottus has made Vix Rezlor the main Jailer of the Blackskull Empire. The only blot on his record is the fall of the Castle Suspended, his greatest jail. This is just one more reason for Vix to finish Traloc off once and for all.
Appearance: Vix Rezlor is a handsome dark haired man with an air of confidence about him. He usually dresses all in black with his silver Chain Gun at his side. The Chain Gun looks like an average laser, but it shoots out force chains which can be used to bind or trip Captain Rezlor’s opponents.
Factoids: “Dislikes non-humanoids” ”One of the Betrayers of Shadestar” ”Efficient commander of men” ”Clever designer of jails” ”Loyal to Nekrottus”
Subplots: Archenemy (Traloc), Mental Hang-Up (Prejudiced against Non-Humanoids)
Traits: Jailer 4, Loyalty 3, Tactical Genius 4, Handsome 3, Agile 3, Sword 4 [Enhancer +2, Accessory], Chain Gun 6 [Enhancer +3, Snare, Advantage (Can only be used by Captain Rezlor), Accessory], Former Shadestar Guard Captain 3, By the Book 1x, Competitive 1x
Threshold 10, Battle Rating 6
Note: Captain Rezlor’s prejudice comes into play in the 80s cartoon style. He is polite to everyone he meets accepts non-humanoids (anything that looks too different from humans). To them he has a condescending and short manner. His prejudice also leads Captain Rezlor to underestimate non-humanoids, which can lead to his defeat. Nekrottus knows of his prejudice and usually has him work with henchmen like Shadow Queen, Gatlyna, and Eye-Catcher.
Bonus #1: Rezlor’s Prison Guards
The prison guards of the Blackskull Empire are trained to keep their charges in Nekrottus’ jails. They have a tendency to work better with Nekrottus’ minions than the ordinary guards.
Battle Rating: 1
Goon Modifiers: Ensnare, Natural Born Followers
Bonus #2: A New Vehicle!
Kaptur Karavan
Description: This massive treaded battlewagon was designed to transport dangerous prisoners throughout the Blackskull Empire. The massive claws on the side can grab unwary Guardians and place them in a holding zone. The zone has a field that freezes the prisoner!
Traits: Massive Hull 7, Prisoner Area 5, All Terrain Treads 5, Stun Blasts 8 [Enhancer +4], Side Claws 6 [Enhancer +3, Snare, Area, Situational Setback-2 (When the Karavan takes two Setback Tokens)], Slow 1x, Hard to Repair 2x, Freeze Field 6 [Enhancer +3, Snare, Disadvantage (Only Works on Prisoners in Prison Area), Fickle]
Subplots: none
One of my earlier entries was a new character for Cartoon Action Hour Season 2. Here is the enemy of that character, Captain Vix Rezlor.
Captain Vix Rezlor
“Jailer of the Blackskull Empire”
Quick Bio: Vix Rezlor was one of the most decorated members of the Shadestar Guard. The youngest person ever to hold the rank of Captain, he built the Guard under his command into a force to be reckoned with. Vix was well considered by Queen Noblara herself, and was in love with her. His only flaw was a prejudice against non-humanoids. It was slight at first, but soon it grew in intensity.
This began to color Vix’s interactions with both the Shadestar Guard and the people he protected. Seeds of resentment grew when his efforts to “streamline and improve” the Guard were blocked by concerned parties. Vix’s frustration grew to a boiling point. The final straw was the placing of Traloc, a Xoanon guardsman, as Noblara’s personal detective. In his mind Shadestar and Noblara betrayed him, giving something that belonged to him to someone that was beneath him.
When the Blackskull Empire invaded Shadestar, Vix offered his services to Nekrottus. The knowledge that he provided was a great factor in the fall of Shadestar. As a reward, Nekrottus has made Vix Rezlor the main Jailer of the Blackskull Empire. The only blot on his record is the fall of the Castle Suspended, his greatest jail. This is just one more reason for Vix to finish Traloc off once and for all.
Appearance: Vix Rezlor is a handsome dark haired man with an air of confidence about him. He usually dresses all in black with his silver Chain Gun at his side. The Chain Gun looks like an average laser, but it shoots out force chains which can be used to bind or trip Captain Rezlor’s opponents.
Factoids: “Dislikes non-humanoids” ”One of the Betrayers of Shadestar” ”Efficient commander of men” ”Clever designer of jails” ”Loyal to Nekrottus”
Subplots: Archenemy (Traloc), Mental Hang-Up (Prejudiced against Non-Humanoids)
Traits: Jailer 4, Loyalty 3, Tactical Genius 4, Handsome 3, Agile 3, Sword 4 [Enhancer +2, Accessory], Chain Gun 6 [Enhancer +3, Snare, Advantage (Can only be used by Captain Rezlor), Accessory], Former Shadestar Guard Captain 3, By the Book 1x, Competitive 1x
Threshold 10, Battle Rating 6
Note: Captain Rezlor’s prejudice comes into play in the 80s cartoon style. He is polite to everyone he meets accepts non-humanoids (anything that looks too different from humans). To them he has a condescending and short manner. His prejudice also leads Captain Rezlor to underestimate non-humanoids, which can lead to his defeat. Nekrottus knows of his prejudice and usually has him work with henchmen like Shadow Queen, Gatlyna, and Eye-Catcher.
Bonus #1: Rezlor’s Prison Guards
The prison guards of the Blackskull Empire are trained to keep their charges in Nekrottus’ jails. They have a tendency to work better with Nekrottus’ minions than the ordinary guards.
Battle Rating: 1
Goon Modifiers: Ensnare, Natural Born Followers
Bonus #2: A New Vehicle!
Kaptur Karavan
Description: This massive treaded battlewagon was designed to transport dangerous prisoners throughout the Blackskull Empire. The massive claws on the side can grab unwary Guardians and place them in a holding zone. The zone has a field that freezes the prisoner!
Traits: Massive Hull 7, Prisoner Area 5, All Terrain Treads 5, Stun Blasts 8 [Enhancer +4], Side Claws 6 [Enhancer +3, Snare, Area, Situational Setback-2 (When the Karavan takes two Setback Tokens)], Slow 1x, Hard to Repair 2x, Freeze Field 6 [Enhancer +3, Snare, Disadvantage (Only Works on Prisoners in Prison Area), Fickle]
Subplots: none
Friday, January 2, 2009
I've Been Nominated!
One of my many vices is a love for fan fiction. I even write some on Twisting the Hellmouth, a Buffy/Angel fan fiction crossover site. You can read them here. (The link for the main site is on my sidebar). For the second time in two years, one of my stories has been nominated for a Crossing Over Award in the Best CSI Crossover category!
The nominated story is "Your Home Security Bites" and it's a Buffy the Vampire Slayer/CSI Miami crossover. It started out as a small 100 word story and ballooned to an almost 5000 word epic! It got real nice reviews too. I'll be letting you folks know how that goes.
You know, it's fun tooting your own horn sometimes!
The nominated story is "Your Home Security Bites" and it's a Buffy the Vampire Slayer/CSI Miami crossover. It started out as a small 100 word story and ballooned to an almost 5000 word epic! It got real nice reviews too. I'll be letting you folks know how that goes.
You know, it's fun tooting your own horn sometimes!
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