I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Thanks everybody for checking my blog out and I hope to put more stuff out in the future. Now here's the greatest Gangnam Style Parody ever conceived: Lo Pan Style!
If you're gonna party tonight, be safe!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Christmas Eve With Full Moon Entertainment 2012
Based off an original concept by Jack "The King" Kirby!
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| Jack Kirby's original concept art as "Mindmaster" |
And it's sequel
A corny concept but Phil Fondacaro makes a great Dracula
One of the later movies. How can you hate Murdercycle?
A sequel to the original Demonic Toys and the movie Hideous!
I'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Keep up the great blogs and products you all do. Even if I don't comment a lot, on what you write, I still appreciate all my friends and followers. And since it's Christmas Eve I love to give you a Christmas Carol so here's the Berlin Symphony Orchestra - Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (Red Baron Remix). You all enjoy yourselves!
Monday, December 17, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Chistmas Mayhem
Welcome to another B-Movie Monday! With Christmas Eve only a week away, lets take a look at several trailers that have Christmas as a main theme in the mayhem.
Black Christmas is considered by many to be one of the precursors of the slasher genre. Featuring Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, and the Mighty John Saxon!
I remember all the hell that was raised when this movie came out.
Surprisingly funny, Santa Slays tells the real origin of Santa. Featuring ex-wrestler Bill Goldberg and Robert Culp in his pajamas.
This Finnish import is worth checking out. There are some surprisingly creepy scenes in this one.
Everyone seems to forget that Gremlins is set during Christmas...
Hope you're all getting your stuff done for the Holidays!
Black Christmas is considered by many to be one of the precursors of the slasher genre. Featuring Olivia Hussey, Keir Dullea, and the Mighty John Saxon!
I remember all the hell that was raised when this movie came out.
Surprisingly funny, Santa Slays tells the real origin of Santa. Featuring ex-wrestler Bill Goldberg and Robert Culp in his pajamas.
This Finnish import is worth checking out. There are some surprisingly creepy scenes in this one.
Everyone seems to forget that Gremlins is set during Christmas...
Hope you're all getting your stuff done for the Holidays!
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
I Got The Blood & Treasure Complete Game Softcover
In the end it boiled down to two good reviews for Blood & Treasure (B&T) by Tenkar and Brutorz Bill and a Black Friday/Cyber Monday 30% off coupon for Lulu. That's why I bought a copy of the Blood & Treasure Complete Game Softcover from Lulu.
I've bought other games from B&T author John Stater, namely Mystery Men and Tales of the Space Princess. I enjoyed their blend of retro-clone fun and a willingness to adapt modern influences as well. The above reviews pointed out the blend of D&D editions that is the framework of B&T, and I realized that this what I was looking for. A bridge between editions that I can make monsters and magic that can easily be converted for other editions. Plus, I like how flexible the character classes are with plentiful examples of variant classes that expand the roleplaying possibilities.
Even without the coupon, B&T is a great value for the money. The 380 page tome is chock full of fantasy role playing goodness. The print is very small, but I work with small print so this isn't much of a problem for me. But you have pages and pages of spells, monsters, races, magic items and even monster templates from across the d20 SRD. Too use an old cliche, this may be the only book you'll need to run some great fantasy adventures.
It just hit me-I could use Blood & Treasure for a Fantasy Space game ala Spelljammer. I could use the naval rules in the book, say their for space travel, make up some weird space ships. There are plenty of monsters to use as aliens and encounters. I can use the planar rules for planets. I can call it Galaxseas...
Or I could just grab a few friends and pillage a dungeon. Sounds like fun.
Check out the Blood & Treasure page at John Stater's Land of Nod blog.
Check out Tenkar's B&T reviews here.
Check out Brutorz Bill's B&T review here.
Monday, December 10, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Movie Posters!
Yeah, it's been three weeks since my last post and I've got little excuse but a spell of sickness and the dawning of the holidays. In the meantime I picked up the Primeval RPG harcover by Cubicle 7 and John Stater's Blood & Treasure Complete Game softcover from Lulu when they had a 30% coupon. More about B&T down the road. But It's Monday, and that means it's time for B-Movie Monday here at the Amazing RPG Fun Pad.
And just cause I thought I'd bust out some cool movie poster art. Cause I can. ;)
And just cause I thought I'd bust out some cool movie poster art. Cause I can. ;)
Monday, November 19, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Some Of My Favorite Turkeys
The hack reviewers the Medved Brothers define a Golden Turkey Award as (quoted from Wikipedia):
B-Movie Monday is not about this narrow look at movies. We celebrate everything that is weird and cheesy in such films. With Thanksgiving rolling around I want to celebrate some of the movies other people think are, well, turkeys...
Zombi 3 (directed by Lucio Fulci and an uncredited Bruno Mattei) has ben described as a mess, the worst Italian zombie movie of the 80s, and other things. This movie (along with Umberto Lenzi's Nightmare City) has become one of my guilty favorite Italian zombie movies. Admittedly it makes no sense and you can tell that there were a lot of cooks in the kitchen. But when it's all said and done, there is a crazy energy in Zombi 3 that I have to respect. Watch the trailer and see.
What else can be said about Plan 9 From Outer Space? Worst movie of all time? Hardly. As talentless as Ed Wood Jr may have been, the man had miles of heart and enthusiasm. From Criswell to Bela Lugosi and Tor Johnson, Plan 9 is bad but it's a fun kind of bad. And to quote Mike Nelson: "What kind of monster names their kid Dudley Manlove?"
According to the Golden Turkey Awards the Worst Vegetable Movie was Attack of the Mushroom People (aka Matango). Snarkiness aside, Matango is a bleak movie about people shipwrecked on a strange island. There are mushrooms involved. Search this one out.It's a strange little gem.
Finally. here is a trailer for a movie that has been mention on the Amazing Fun Pad several times. It's hard to find now, as it has never been released on US or UK DVD that I know of. But every once in a while I'll switch on the VHS to watch this under appreciated gem. Bask in the glory that is Yor The Hunter From The Future. He's the Man!
News Flash! I just saw that Amazon has Yor streaming for $3 or on DVD-R for under $20! Glee!
The book awards the fictional "Golden Turkey Awards" to films judged by the authors as poor in quality, and to directors and actors judged to have created a chronically inept body of work. The book features many low-budget obscurities and exploitation films such as Rat Pfink a Boo Boo, Attack of the 50 Foot Woman, and the apparently lost Him. Other categories include expensive, big studio failures like The Swarm and popular films such as Jesus Christ Superstar.
B-Movie Monday is not about this narrow look at movies. We celebrate everything that is weird and cheesy in such films. With Thanksgiving rolling around I want to celebrate some of the movies other people think are, well, turkeys...
Zombi 3 (directed by Lucio Fulci and an uncredited Bruno Mattei) has ben described as a mess, the worst Italian zombie movie of the 80s, and other things. This movie (along with Umberto Lenzi's Nightmare City) has become one of my guilty favorite Italian zombie movies. Admittedly it makes no sense and you can tell that there were a lot of cooks in the kitchen. But when it's all said and done, there is a crazy energy in Zombi 3 that I have to respect. Watch the trailer and see.
What else can be said about Plan 9 From Outer Space? Worst movie of all time? Hardly. As talentless as Ed Wood Jr may have been, the man had miles of heart and enthusiasm. From Criswell to Bela Lugosi and Tor Johnson, Plan 9 is bad but it's a fun kind of bad. And to quote Mike Nelson: "What kind of monster names their kid Dudley Manlove?"
According to the Golden Turkey Awards the Worst Vegetable Movie was Attack of the Mushroom People (aka Matango). Snarkiness aside, Matango is a bleak movie about people shipwrecked on a strange island. There are mushrooms involved. Search this one out.It's a strange little gem.
Finally. here is a trailer for a movie that has been mention on the Amazing Fun Pad several times. It's hard to find now, as it has never been released on US or UK DVD that I know of. But every once in a while I'll switch on the VHS to watch this under appreciated gem. Bask in the glory that is Yor The Hunter From The Future. He's the Man!
News Flash! I just saw that Amazon has Yor streaming for $3 or on DVD-R for under $20! Glee!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Visions of Vanth 7: More Gods of Vanth
Here are four more gods and goddesses from the Mighty Land of Vanth. But first a word of warning...
From the Wanderings of Werdna H'Tedirem
Many are the gods and goddesses of Vanth. In my journey across the lands, I have seen and witnessed many beings who claimed divinity. Here are some of the lesser known entities I have encountered. One note: NEVER mock any being that can wish horrible horrible things to you from vast distances. You have been warned.
From the Wanderings of Werdna H'Tedirem
Many are the gods and goddesses of Vanth. In my journey across the lands, I have seen and witnessed many beings who claimed divinity. Here are some of the lesser known entities I have encountered. One note: NEVER mock any being that can wish horrible horrible things to you from vast distances. You have been warned.
Eclai Fortune
The Prince of Vultures, Ringmaster of the Last Great Caravan, Death God of the Funfair Nomads.
Eclai Fortune flies eternally over the Funfair Nomads, descending to Vanth when death approaches one of his own. The worshipers of Eclai are the sad clowns and fortune tellers of the Funfair Nomads. The dead of the Nomads are left in roadside shrines guarded from the living and the dead by well fed Giant Vultures and the morbid Raven Knights. For a Death God, Eclai is considered quite friendly and fair, and often offers his subjects advice and games to prolong their lives. His realm is the Great Road, a heavenly road where the Funfair Nomads roam, every stop full of money, food, and entertainment.
The Golden Maria
Oracle of the Steel Warlords, The Empress on the Throne.
Legend says that the Golden Maria was the first Robodroid to tread Vanth, ages before the Vulkins even discovered the Medieval Sector. The Steel Warlords found her bound to her throne deep within the Hidden Caves and moved her into the capitol city where they ensconced her in the Hall of Ancestors. Most of the days she sleeps while autoscribes dictate her murmurings and augur their meanings. When she wakens, a kirilian halo emanates from her as Maria speaks to the Warlords in a voice mechanical yet rich with wistful emotion.
Bentwit the Clown
The Betrayer at the Gate, The Instigator of the Marks, The Slayer of the Rubes
If the Funfair Nomads have a god of evil and greed, Bentwit the Clown is it. Formerly the right hand clown of the Grand Ringmaster, Bentwit grew jealous of the other peoples of Vanth and began to cheat and kill them heedless of the Law of Luck. The Grand Ringmaster cast Bentwit from the Great Exodus but he exists off the road, tempting Funfair Nomads to pillage and slaughter instead of trade and fun. Bentwit rules the hell called Choryżart, a wasted expanse where evil Funfair Nomads are entombed in pillars of salt, never to roam the Afterlife like their kin.
The Shadow Man
Perdisdioj of the Unwanted Truth, The Cloak of Midnight
One of the more unusual claimants to divinity are the Perdisdioj, personifications of the Concepts of Forgotten Terra, beings of amazing powers and strange flaws. How the Perdisdioj got to Vanth is a mystery to scholars, but their powers are a force to be reckoned with. Some denizens of Vanth have met the Perdisdioj, and have bargained for their favor. Forever in the shadows in a strange suit and coat, a Perdisdioj known as the Shadow Man speaks knowledge to the lies of power of corruption. However such knowledge is used or the consequences reaped (good or ill) is of no consequence to him. Those who get too close are lost in the smoke and mist that clings to him.
Monday, November 12, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Shaolin and Wu Tang (1981)
In honor of the Rza's (of the Wu-Tang Clan) new martial arts movie The Man with the Iron Fists I give you Shaolin and Wu Tang (1981). This movie was directed by martial arts legend Gordon Liu (Pai Mei in Kill Bill 2. Enjoy.
Monday, November 5, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Slasher Flicks!
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| This isn't gonna end well: The Night Owl from Stage Fright |
Dario Argento's lost giallo.
A masterful deconstruction of slasher cliches: Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.
Saw this one on Chiller network. Not a bad one.
Another Italian classic and worth seeking out: Michele Soavi's Stage Fright (aka Deliria and Stage Fright: Aquarius). Death is beautiful in this one.
Two slashers go to war: The OK Freddy vs. Jason
And as a bonus, my favorite slasher movie credit music ever, "The Ballad of Harry Warden" from My Bloody Valentine (1981)
Monday, October 29, 2012
Monstrous Monday: The Taunter for GURPS Technomancer and WaRP System
Well it's finally here: Monstrous Monday! I would have posted this sooner today but I got a little bit busy today. For my monster I present The Taunter, a demon for GURPS Technomancer (3rd Edition rules) as it was originally presented in All of the Above, the GURPS APA issue 39, December 1999. Also included are stats using the Wanton Role-Playing System from Atlas Games. Enjoy.
The Taunter
The demonic beings known as Taunters are not known to the general public at large. They walk behind the scenes, tormenting loners and people on the edge of society. The victim of a Taunter is plagued with paranoid and increasingly nightmarish dreams until the victims kill themselves or are institutionalized. After this, the being leaves to go torment the next victim in line. A Taunter will never kill a victim on their own. It is believed that several suicides and murder-suicides were caused by a Taunter.
A Taunter takes a particular delight in driving a person mad. They will use all of their abilities to make the victim appear foolish, driving away friends and family until the victim is alone by themselves. Then the visions and a barrage of madness spells begin. If a person somehow overcomes the influence of a Taunter, the Taunter will leave the person alone, and he will be "marked" as someone the rest of this demonic race will not touch. They also seem to have a deep dread of the truly insane; maybe this is because the perceptions of the insane can truly identify them.
Taunters in their natural form are thin chalk white beings around 6 feet tall. The skin of a Taunter is wrinkled with a slightly oily sheen. The hairless face has no features but milky white eyes, two slits where a nose would be, and a wide mouth that takes over half of the face. They are always smiling. When they use alter body, the human form is usually of average appearance, with the exception of the milky white eyes and insane grin.
The Taunter rarely speaks to its victim, but when it does it is with a rich voice. In the one recorded instance of a discussion with a Taunter, it was asked it's purpose. It responded "We exist. That is all."
Taunters (223 points)
Attributes: IQ+3 (30), HT+2 (20).
Advantages: Demon (see GURPS Technomancer p 62) (34), Fast Regeneration (50), Extra Fatigue +5 (15), Invisibility (Switchable +10%, 44), Invisibility to Machines (Switchable +10%, 22), Terror (Eye contact only -20%, 24)
Disadvantages: Dependency: Fear, common, daily (-15), Dread (The truly insane) (-10), Frightens Animals (-5), Pacifism (Cannot attack anyone who overcame a Taunter) (-5), Sadism (-15), Vow (Will not personally kill their victim) (-15).
Innate Spells (includes +1 for Magery): Alter Body at IQ+5 (Nuisance Effect: Eyes always remain milky white -5%,11), Madness at IQ+5 (12), Nightmare at IQ+5 (12)
Wanton Role-Playing System Stats
Attack: 4 dice (nightmarish visions)
Defense: 4 dice (demonic constitution)
Hit Points: 28
Tormentor Demon (4 dice) The Taunter is a demon who feeds on the fear and terror of their victims. A Taunter can induce fear and madness in their victim. Patient beings, they can spend years driving an innocent man to acts of murder and mayhem. Even causing slight mishaps for others makes the demons day. They also share some of the resilience of their infernal cousins. (Smiles at the misery of others)
Shifting Form (3 dice) Form is fluid to the Taunter, and is used to torment it's current prey. A Taunter can shift into the forms of people they have met or images they have seen. They can also cloak themselves from everyone else other than the person they are tormenting, thus increasing the isolation of their victims. Any form the Taunter takes is marked by the milky white eyes of their real forms. (Milky white eyes)
Demonic Bans (Flaw) While powerful, the Taunter is bound by certain "rules" that can curb their power. Taunters will not kill their victims directly, for a dead victim provides no fear. A person who overcomes the attentions of a Taunter will be never again be tormented by another one. The truly insane will drive a Taunter away, and certain madmen have been rumored to banish them all together. (Cringes when the crazy bag lady goes by)
The Taunter
The demonic beings known as Taunters are not known to the general public at large. They walk behind the scenes, tormenting loners and people on the edge of society. The victim of a Taunter is plagued with paranoid and increasingly nightmarish dreams until the victims kill themselves or are institutionalized. After this, the being leaves to go torment the next victim in line. A Taunter will never kill a victim on their own. It is believed that several suicides and murder-suicides were caused by a Taunter.
A Taunter takes a particular delight in driving a person mad. They will use all of their abilities to make the victim appear foolish, driving away friends and family until the victim is alone by themselves. Then the visions and a barrage of madness spells begin. If a person somehow overcomes the influence of a Taunter, the Taunter will leave the person alone, and he will be "marked" as someone the rest of this demonic race will not touch. They also seem to have a deep dread of the truly insane; maybe this is because the perceptions of the insane can truly identify them.
Taunters in their natural form are thin chalk white beings around 6 feet tall. The skin of a Taunter is wrinkled with a slightly oily sheen. The hairless face has no features but milky white eyes, two slits where a nose would be, and a wide mouth that takes over half of the face. They are always smiling. When they use alter body, the human form is usually of average appearance, with the exception of the milky white eyes and insane grin.
The Taunter rarely speaks to its victim, but when it does it is with a rich voice. In the one recorded instance of a discussion with a Taunter, it was asked it's purpose. It responded "We exist. That is all."
Taunters (223 points)
Attributes: IQ+3 (30), HT+2 (20).
Advantages: Demon (see GURPS Technomancer p 62) (34), Fast Regeneration (50), Extra Fatigue +5 (15), Invisibility (Switchable +10%, 44), Invisibility to Machines (Switchable +10%, 22), Terror (Eye contact only -20%, 24)
Disadvantages: Dependency: Fear, common, daily (-15), Dread (The truly insane) (-10), Frightens Animals (-5), Pacifism (Cannot attack anyone who overcame a Taunter) (-5), Sadism (-15), Vow (Will not personally kill their victim) (-15).
Innate Spells (includes +1 for Magery): Alter Body at IQ+5 (Nuisance Effect: Eyes always remain milky white -5%,11), Madness at IQ+5 (12), Nightmare at IQ+5 (12)
Wanton Role-Playing System Stats
Attack: 4 dice (nightmarish visions)
Defense: 4 dice (demonic constitution)
Hit Points: 28
Tormentor Demon (4 dice) The Taunter is a demon who feeds on the fear and terror of their victims. A Taunter can induce fear and madness in their victim. Patient beings, they can spend years driving an innocent man to acts of murder and mayhem. Even causing slight mishaps for others makes the demons day. They also share some of the resilience of their infernal cousins. (Smiles at the misery of others)
Shifting Form (3 dice) Form is fluid to the Taunter, and is used to torment it's current prey. A Taunter can shift into the forms of people they have met or images they have seen. They can also cloak themselves from everyone else other than the person they are tormenting, thus increasing the isolation of their victims. Any form the Taunter takes is marked by the milky white eyes of their real forms. (Milky white eyes)
Demonic Bans (Flaw) While powerful, the Taunter is bound by certain "rules" that can curb their power. Taunters will not kill their victims directly, for a dead victim provides no fear. A person who overcomes the attentions of a Taunter will be never again be tormented by another one. The truly insane will drive a Taunter away, and certain madmen have been rumored to banish them all together. (Cringes when the crazy bag lady goes by)
Monday, October 22, 2012
Monster Monday: Scarecrow Ninjas for Risus
This is a re-post from July. I thought it would be perfect for Monster Monday. Enjoy...
Scarecrow Ninjas
The Occult World has had animated scarecrows and their ilk for centuries. Once mocked for being a poor wizards's golem and mere protector of crops, recent events both random and meditated have raised their standings. In the past two decades their have been enough spontaneous eruptions of scarecrows that a phrase has been coined for a group of two or more: a murder of scarecrows.
Only recently has there been an effort to catalog the variety of these scarecrows. One of the more unusual scarecrows that have been witnessed is what has been called the Scarecrow Ninja. Inhabited by the spirits of ninja summoned by a powerful necromancer, these scarecrows are a blend of jerky stumbling and terrifying grace. The pliable bodies filled with straw can bend and flex in ways a mortal body cannot. The only way to stop them is to burn them to ash, or for a mortal ninja to defeat them with the Ancient Arts of the Ninja.
Scarecrow Ninja (Stats for Risus the Anything RPG)
Cliches:
Animated Scarecrow Ninja [4]
Inhumanly Flexible Destroyer of Crows...and People (3)
Hook: Weaknesses to Fire and Ninja Combat: When fighting a fellow ninja, a scarecrow ninja loses the Inhumanly Flexible Destroyer of Crows...and People cliche, and the double pump on the Animated Scarecrow Ninja cliche. It can still pump the Animated Scarecrow Ninja as per the normal Risus rules.
*The Scarecrow Ninjas were inspired by the Fighting Fantasy gamebook cover above that I saw on the fuckyeahbritisholdschoolgaming tumblr page. You have to check this tumblr out--its full of old school British gaming goodness!
Check out the magic and all the fun:
Scarecrow Ninjas
The Occult World has had animated scarecrows and their ilk for centuries. Once mocked for being a poor wizards's golem and mere protector of crops, recent events both random and meditated have raised their standings. In the past two decades their have been enough spontaneous eruptions of scarecrows that a phrase has been coined for a group of two or more: a murder of scarecrows.
Only recently has there been an effort to catalog the variety of these scarecrows. One of the more unusual scarecrows that have been witnessed is what has been called the Scarecrow Ninja. Inhabited by the spirits of ninja summoned by a powerful necromancer, these scarecrows are a blend of jerky stumbling and terrifying grace. The pliable bodies filled with straw can bend and flex in ways a mortal body cannot. The only way to stop them is to burn them to ash, or for a mortal ninja to defeat them with the Ancient Arts of the Ninja.
Scarecrow Ninja (Stats for Risus the Anything RPG)
Cliches:
Animated Scarecrow Ninja [4]
Inhumanly Flexible Destroyer of Crows...and People (3)
Hook: Weaknesses to Fire and Ninja Combat: When fighting a fellow ninja, a scarecrow ninja loses the Inhumanly Flexible Destroyer of Crows...and People cliche, and the double pump on the Animated Scarecrow Ninja cliche. It can still pump the Animated Scarecrow Ninja as per the normal Risus rules.
*The Scarecrow Ninjas were inspired by the Fighting Fantasy gamebook cover above that I saw on the fuckyeahbritisholdschoolgaming tumblr page. You have to check this tumblr out--its full of old school British gaming goodness!
Check out the magic and all the fun:
Monday, October 15, 2012
Monster Monday: Tomb Harvesters for WaRP
Here's my first entry for Monstrous Monday using the Wanton Role-Playing System for a monster inspired by some horror movies. I have some stats for the tomb harvesters in Space Princess, but I can't find them right now. But anyway enjoy...
Tomb Harvesters
You think that when you die, you go to Heaven? You come to us! The Tall Man, Phantasm II
Tomb harvesters appear as 7 foot tall male or female humanoids dressed in the funerary attire of whatever place they are currently inhabiting. Their skin tone range from a sickly white to ashen gray or washed out colors. The tomb harvesters slowly infiltrate the less advanced planets for the purpose of harvesting the dead of any humanoid species. First the dead are harvested from the cemeteries of small communities, and the bodies are sent to unknown dimensions via strange and unpredictable gates. As the harvester and their servitors become more entrenched the body theft become more brazen and the living are soon targeted. Living victims are transformed to various minion forms or drained of life force to fuel a variety of strange machinery. Unopposed by anyone a tomb harvester can wipe out a small planet in a few years, the entire world becoming an empty husk. Even if prevented from their task, the harvesters can cut a swath of death and destruction throughout an area.
Although they appear to by humanoid, tomb harvesters are theorized to be some kind of engineered being or revivified undead. They are superhumanly strong and very hard to kill, often shrugging off small arms and laser fire. Many harvesters have revealed the equivalent of psychic abilities such as telepathy, telekinesis, and illusion projection that are used to injure, kill, and confuse their victims . While all foes are seen as a danger, tomb harvesters will especially target opponents who demonstrate psychic abilities activated or latent. Psychics and espers have been known to sense tomb harvesters long before others, and untrained psychics seem to be either desired or feared by them.
The presence of a tomb harvester slowly starts to corrupt the reality around the areas were they lair. In some ways the harvesters are an extension of the gates that they use to transport their harvest. As their influence grows, the harvester can move in the shadows to confuse and capture their opponents. Time and space seem to bend around them, and many people who thought they have escaped for the tomb harvester have found that road winds back into the clutches of the fiend they were trying to escape.
Most Tomb Harvesters have abilities beyond the stats below. Each is in response to their environment and their personal interests.
Attack Dice: 4 dice (unnatural strength)
Defense Dice: 4 dice (Technomantic Body)
Hit Points: 35 (unnatural)
Engineered Technomantic Construct/ 5 dice
The tomb harvester appears as a creepy human but is actually a technomantic construct designed to withstand pressures and environment that would kill most humanoids. Their build makes them superhumanly strong and resilient, and able to regenerate most forms of damage. Hand to hand combat with a tomb harvester is not recommended. (Blood doesn't 'look right')
Funerary Rites/ 3 dice
Wherever the tomb harvester is, it immerses itself in the funerary rites of the culture they have chosen to infiltrate. In most cultures the harvester becomes a priest, a mortician, or an executioner. In more barbaric cultures the harvester acts more like a ghoul on the outskirts of society feeding on the refuse of the dead. Whichever the result, the reverence, respect, and sometime fear that those who work with the dead are given allows the harvester to work in the shadows. (Wears funerary attire)
Warper of Reality/ 3 dice
The very nature of the tomb harvester warps the reality where their gates lie. The harvester is not omnipotent, but it can sense beings that invade it's complex easily. The harvester can cloak its nature from most people, appearing as a tall, albeit creepy humanoid As their influence grows the harvester can torment its victims with a variety of psychic abilities. A tomb harvester can follow a victim through the shadows silently, always appearing when they least expect them. (Appears where you know there wasn't a door)
Servitor/ Flaw
While very powerful, the tomb harvester is ultimately a servitor to the alien powers that created it. They have a tendency to follow their instinct to harvest the dead, and little else can get in the way of that goal. This can be used to overwhelm the harvester with unusual tactics it does not expect. (Listens to something that isn't there)
Warper of Reality/ Flaw
The tomb harvester's warping of reality can be noticed, especially by those with psychic or mystic ability. Things begin to change as the harvester works, and those who have dealt with tomb harvesters can trace the signs, and possibly stop them before it happens again to another town. In addition, latent mystics and psychic abilities seem to affect the warped reality of the tomb harvesters. The latents begin to dream of the harvester and the gates, and they are noticed back in kind. These people are either destroyed or used as templates for new tomb harvesters. (Flashes of the harvester's true form)
Inspired by the Phantasm movies and City of the Living Dead by Lucio Fulci.
Tomb Harvesters
You think that when you die, you go to Heaven? You come to us! The Tall Man, Phantasm II
Tomb harvesters appear as 7 foot tall male or female humanoids dressed in the funerary attire of whatever place they are currently inhabiting. Their skin tone range from a sickly white to ashen gray or washed out colors. The tomb harvesters slowly infiltrate the less advanced planets for the purpose of harvesting the dead of any humanoid species. First the dead are harvested from the cemeteries of small communities, and the bodies are sent to unknown dimensions via strange and unpredictable gates. As the harvester and their servitors become more entrenched the body theft become more brazen and the living are soon targeted. Living victims are transformed to various minion forms or drained of life force to fuel a variety of strange machinery. Unopposed by anyone a tomb harvester can wipe out a small planet in a few years, the entire world becoming an empty husk. Even if prevented from their task, the harvesters can cut a swath of death and destruction throughout an area.
Although they appear to by humanoid, tomb harvesters are theorized to be some kind of engineered being or revivified undead. They are superhumanly strong and very hard to kill, often shrugging off small arms and laser fire. Many harvesters have revealed the equivalent of psychic abilities such as telepathy, telekinesis, and illusion projection that are used to injure, kill, and confuse their victims . While all foes are seen as a danger, tomb harvesters will especially target opponents who demonstrate psychic abilities activated or latent. Psychics and espers have been known to sense tomb harvesters long before others, and untrained psychics seem to be either desired or feared by them.
The presence of a tomb harvester slowly starts to corrupt the reality around the areas were they lair. In some ways the harvesters are an extension of the gates that they use to transport their harvest. As their influence grows, the harvester can move in the shadows to confuse and capture their opponents. Time and space seem to bend around them, and many people who thought they have escaped for the tomb harvester have found that road winds back into the clutches of the fiend they were trying to escape.
Most Tomb Harvesters have abilities beyond the stats below. Each is in response to their environment and their personal interests.
Attack Dice: 4 dice (unnatural strength)
Defense Dice: 4 dice (Technomantic Body)
Hit Points: 35 (unnatural)
Engineered Technomantic Construct/ 5 dice
The tomb harvester appears as a creepy human but is actually a technomantic construct designed to withstand pressures and environment that would kill most humanoids. Their build makes them superhumanly strong and resilient, and able to regenerate most forms of damage. Hand to hand combat with a tomb harvester is not recommended. (Blood doesn't 'look right')
Funerary Rites/ 3 dice
Wherever the tomb harvester is, it immerses itself in the funerary rites of the culture they have chosen to infiltrate. In most cultures the harvester becomes a priest, a mortician, or an executioner. In more barbaric cultures the harvester acts more like a ghoul on the outskirts of society feeding on the refuse of the dead. Whichever the result, the reverence, respect, and sometime fear that those who work with the dead are given allows the harvester to work in the shadows. (Wears funerary attire)
Warper of Reality/ 3 dice
The very nature of the tomb harvester warps the reality where their gates lie. The harvester is not omnipotent, but it can sense beings that invade it's complex easily. The harvester can cloak its nature from most people, appearing as a tall, albeit creepy humanoid As their influence grows the harvester can torment its victims with a variety of psychic abilities. A tomb harvester can follow a victim through the shadows silently, always appearing when they least expect them. (Appears where you know there wasn't a door)
Servitor/ Flaw
While very powerful, the tomb harvester is ultimately a servitor to the alien powers that created it. They have a tendency to follow their instinct to harvest the dead, and little else can get in the way of that goal. This can be used to overwhelm the harvester with unusual tactics it does not expect. (Listens to something that isn't there)
Warper of Reality/ Flaw
The tomb harvester's warping of reality can be noticed, especially by those with psychic or mystic ability. Things begin to change as the harvester works, and those who have dealt with tomb harvesters can trace the signs, and possibly stop them before it happens again to another town. In addition, latent mystics and psychic abilities seem to affect the warped reality of the tomb harvesters. The latents begin to dream of the harvester and the gates, and they are noticed back in kind. These people are either destroyed or used as templates for new tomb harvesters. (Flashes of the harvester's true form)
Inspired by the Phantasm movies and City of the Living Dead by Lucio Fulci.
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| BOYYYYYY! |
B-Movie Monday: Horror VHS Cover Art
Here is a video complilation of some of the best horror VHS box art that came out since the 80s. I wish that half of the videos out today had as good the art. Sure sometimes the movie had no relation to the cover, but you roll your dice, you take your chances...
And for an amazing collection of VHS covers of all genres, check out the fine folks at VHS Wasteland.
Monday, October 1, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Gargoyles (1972)
One of my favorite horror movies when I was a youngster, I first saw Gargoyles when they played in on the Milwaukee version of Shock Theater in the early 80's. Easily one of the best horror TV movies outside of The Night Stalker, Gargoyles is an interesting take on the Gargoyle myth. This movie features the Mighty Bernie Casey as the Gargoyle and the first onscreen work of legendary special effects artist Stan Winston.
And like many b-movies of the era you may find the ending open for sequels. Like maybe, I don't know, perhaps a RPG campaign...
And like many b-movies of the era you may find the ending open for sequels. Like maybe, I don't know, perhaps a RPG campaign...
Friday, September 28, 2012
Now This Is A Movie I want To See
My friend Joe told me about this movie. They say Tai Chi Zero is the beginning of a trilogy. I don't know but this martial arts/steampunk blend looks very cool. With games such as Steampunk Musha, Iron Dynasty, and Far West, this movie will be some inspiration.
I don't know if this movie will ever be availiable here but this Turkish found footage horror movie looks spectacular enough to make me want to see the rest of it.
I don't know if this movie will ever be availiable here but this Turkish found footage horror movie looks spectacular enough to make me want to see the rest of it.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Is the OSR Dead And Other Ruminations
Here's something I haven't done in a while. Just some random thoughts about various things in gaming and beyond...
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| Shhhhh! Me and Mr Holmes are thinking! |
Is The OSR Dead?
A current meme that's going around is the question "Is The OSR dead?" I'll have to say that the question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.
Will we see a reduction of the amount of new retro-clone rules? For the various editions of D&D/AD&D, yes. The ones that survive will be the ones that are the most creative with their rule design. You will see retro-clones and revivals for other games continue, and more "what-if" style rules ala Mutant Future (Basic D&D powered Gamma World) and Rotworld (Pacesetter system used for survival horror).
When it comes to dungeons, campaigns, and worlds? The sky is still the limit. Even if WotC releases every book in their library, someone will want to make their 'cowboys vs terminators helped by psykers and fae" setting for Basic D&D. A set of retro-clone rules makes it possible to share your idea with the world (or those 10 folks who want to cannibalise your games for parts).
Even if the OSR fades away, the ramifications of what they accomplished will go down for years. Sword & Sorcery has returned in force to fantasy roleplaying. PDFs, kickstarters, and print on demand has allowed people to create their own RPGs and supplements to sell in ways not possible even 10 years ago. In the end the OSR took up the do it yourself mantle and went beyond the d20 System revolution to awaken something much greater.
Finally, a thought about WotC releasing the entire D&D/AD&D library. You do realise for every person that buys the old D&D stuff from WotC because it's "official", there may be another that says "I can use this for my Labyrinth Lord/Mutant Future mash-up" when they pick up X2 Castle Amber?
Ad Infinitum Adventures Acquires Icons Superpowered Roleplaying From Adamant Entertainment
Several days ago I saw this press release about the future of the Icons Superpowered Roleplaying game here.
I think this is a great development. I like Adamant Entertainment. I think Thrilling Tales in both the d20 Modern and Savage Worlds incarnations are among the best in pulp roleplaying. Mars is a great mash-up of all your favorite martian science fantasy concepts. But I'm glad Gareth-Michael Skarka went this route. Icons is a great superhero game, and it deserves a solid focus to let it expand and grow. Kudos to GMS and Steve Kenson on making this deal.
The New Superhero RPG Golden Age
While I'm on superhero roleplaying games, are we not living in a golden age of superhero roleplaying? We have Mutants & Masterminds (M&M), Icons, DC Adventures, Marvel Heroic Roleplaying, BASH Ultimate, Supers!, and two companies putting out products for Villains & Vigilantes, just for a start.
Yes, I said Villains & Vigilantes. Two companies. It's True.
Plus with various OGLs and Creative Commons there are a metric ton of great material that can be adapted for your favotite superhero RPG. Most of it is M&M 3e/2e or Icons, but from Golden Age wackiness to dark Dark Knight-Wannabe grittiness there is plenty of Superhero goodness to go around.
I Wish I Had More Money For Kickstarters
To all my internet friends and people who've I bought games from: If I haven't donated money to your Kickstarter, it not because I don't like your idea. I think you idea is kind of sweet actually. I just can't afford to spend my paychecks on everything I want to support. Nothing personal.
Emmanuelle Vaugier is Still Flippin' Hot
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| Yep. Flipping Hot. |
Emmanuelle Vaugier is still flipping hot. I know it's not gaming, but I just had to get that off my chest.
Monday, September 3, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Sword Fight Between The Dimensions From Waxwork II: Lost In Time
One of my favorite B-movies of the 90s was Waxwork II: Lost In Time, Anthony Hickox's 1992 sequel to his amazingly fun movie Waxwork (1988). The main concepts was that the main characters Mark (Zach Galligan) and Sarah (Monika Schnarre) are trapped in another dimension called Cartagra, with gates between various movie tribute realities. Wikipedia describes Cartagra as:
.
... another dimension consisting of stories that have become realities (including homages to Frankenstein, The Haunting, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dr. Jekyll, Alien, Godzilla, Jack the Ripper, Nosferatu, and Dawn of the Dead). According to exposition later given by Sir Wilfred in the form of a raven, these worlds comprise "God's video game," where God and the devil battle over the fate of the world, each victory being reflected in events occurring in the real world. When Mark or Sarah appear in each reality they take on the persona of characters in those stories, sometimes having their personalities and memories taken over by those characters until they regain their senses.Not only is this a great campaign idea for an adventurous horror campaign, but it has one of my favorite scenes of 90s B-Movie fun: a six minute sword fight between Mark and the evil Lord Scarabis (the late Alexander Godunov) through multiple movie dimensions. The dialogue is in Italian, but the visuals need no translation
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Monday, August 20, 2012
B-Movie Monday: H. P. L. Hullabaloo!
Today is the 122nd birthday of the Old Gent of Providence himself, H.P. Lovecraft. I thought it would be fitting to present some of of B-Movie visions of his work. No doubt Lovecraft would be horrified by these movies, but they are an exploitation --I mean celebration of his cosmic vision.
Eclipsed by Reanimator, From Beyond was a sick squishy adaptation of the short story. Some of the scenes in this movie still make me wince.
The Shunned House is a film by Italian director Ivan Zuccon. The narrative of the film includes elements from "The Music of Erich Zann", "Dreams in the Witch House" and the title story. Admittedly a bloody mess, but there are some effective visions of time folding in on itself.
Beyond the Dunwich Horror is best described as a blend of Lovecraft and Italian Horror. This modern day adaptation by Richard Griffiths is low budgeted but fun. Eyes take a beating in this one.
The H. P Lovecraft Collection is a series dedicated to adaptions of Lovecraft's stories. There are some real gems in these collections and some interesting interpretations of the master's work.
Eclipsed by Reanimator, From Beyond was a sick squishy adaptation of the short story. Some of the scenes in this movie still make me wince.
The Shunned House is a film by Italian director Ivan Zuccon. The narrative of the film includes elements from "The Music of Erich Zann", "Dreams in the Witch House" and the title story. Admittedly a bloody mess, but there are some effective visions of time folding in on itself.
Beyond the Dunwich Horror is best described as a blend of Lovecraft and Italian Horror. This modern day adaptation by Richard Griffiths is low budgeted but fun. Eyes take a beating in this one.
The H. P Lovecraft Collection is a series dedicated to adaptions of Lovecraft's stories. There are some real gems in these collections and some interesting interpretations of the master's work.
Monday, August 13, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Messiah of Evil (1973)
Welcome to B-Movie Monday! Presenting today Messiah of Evil (aka Dead People), an underrated classic from 1973. A very weird and dreamlike picture, there are some striking scenes in this one. Great inspiration for a twist on the average "rise of the zombies" scenarios.
Monday, July 23, 2012
B-Movie Monday: The Green Slime (1968)
I've been sloppy on the B-Movie Mondays. No More!
Here's the USA/Italy/Japan classic from 1968: The Green Slime (Japanese title Gamma 3: Operation Outer Space!) Google Video has the entire movie online for viewing. I love the monster design, and Luciana Paluzzi is gorgeous.
Here's the USA/Italy/Japan classic from 1968: The Green Slime (Japanese title Gamma 3: Operation Outer Space!) Google Video has the entire movie online for viewing. I love the monster design, and Luciana Paluzzi is gorgeous.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Visions of Vanth 6: Some Gods of Vanth
From the Wanderings of Werdna H'Tedirem
Many are the gods and goddesses of Vanth. In my journey across the lands, I have seen and witnessed many beings who claimed divinity. Here are some of the lesser known entities I have encountered. One note: NEVER mock any being that can wish horrible horrible things to you from vast distances. You have been warned.
St. Gordon of Policia: The Sun That Never Sleeps. Every breath you take, every move you make, every cake you bake, he'll be watching you.
The Brigadier: The Destroyer of the Destroyer. Protector of soliders and pioneers. Manifested at the Battle of Bloodhaven and defeated a division of Viraxian troops with a Claymore and a Service Revolver--by himself.
Reargh!Thrark: God of the Blue Nanthals, a tribe of blue cavemen that live in the Bleak Mountains. Urges his followers with storms, fire and unstoppable rampages of destruction.
Saulkormmotu the Dessicated : Demon Prince of Sandstorms. In Ape Sultan mythology he was the Demon Prince who drained the Jungle Paradise of all life-giving water and shred the trees.
T'Lotiel: Vulkin Patroness of Gothness, Depression, and the Undead. Despite the Vulkin devotion to Logic, the Empire was never really able to eradicate all of their old beliefs. Called upon by those who are having a bad day or turning into vampires.
Many are the gods and goddesses of Vanth. In my journey across the lands, I have seen and witnessed many beings who claimed divinity. Here are some of the lesser known entities I have encountered. One note: NEVER mock any being that can wish horrible horrible things to you from vast distances. You have been warned.
St. Gordon of Policia: The Sun That Never Sleeps. Every breath you take, every move you make, every cake you bake, he'll be watching you.
The Brigadier: The Destroyer of the Destroyer. Protector of soliders and pioneers. Manifested at the Battle of Bloodhaven and defeated a division of Viraxian troops with a Claymore and a Service Revolver--by himself.
Reargh!Thrark: God of the Blue Nanthals, a tribe of blue cavemen that live in the Bleak Mountains. Urges his followers with storms, fire and unstoppable rampages of destruction.
Saulkormmotu the Dessicated : Demon Prince of Sandstorms. In Ape Sultan mythology he was the Demon Prince who drained the Jungle Paradise of all life-giving water and shred the trees.
T'Lotiel: Vulkin Patroness of Gothness, Depression, and the Undead. Despite the Vulkin devotion to Logic, the Empire was never really able to eradicate all of their old beliefs. Called upon by those who are having a bad day or turning into vampires.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Demonitron: The 6th Dimension
The Demonitron: The 6th Dimension trailer is for a movie that doesn't exist.
I really wish this movie existed.
Demonitron is a well done tribute to the Italian Horror Movies of the 70s and 80s. I can see a lot of Fulci, Argento, Bava, and even some D'Amato in the mix. It's over 4 minutes but that's totally in the Euro horror trailer style: bloody, barely comprehensible, and probably revealing way too much of the movie's best scenes. Enjoy.
Check on more fun from the makers of Demonitron: The 6th Dimension at www.rkss.tv. They have more fun grindhouse style videos and trailers there.
I really wish this movie existed.
Demonitron is a well done tribute to the Italian Horror Movies of the 70s and 80s. I can see a lot of Fulci, Argento, Bava, and even some D'Amato in the mix. It's over 4 minutes but that's totally in the Euro horror trailer style: bloody, barely comprehensible, and probably revealing way too much of the movie's best scenes. Enjoy.
Check on more fun from the makers of Demonitron: The 6th Dimension at www.rkss.tv. They have more fun grindhouse style videos and trailers there.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
The Oddness: Scarecrow Ninjas
Scarecrow Ninjas
The Occult World has had animated scarecrows and their ilk for centuries. Once mocked for being a poor wizards's golem and mere protector of crops, recent events both random and meditated have raised their standings. In the past two decades their have been enough spontaneous eruptions of scarecrows that a phrase has been coined for a group of two or more: a murder of scarecrows.
Only recently has there been an effort to catalog the variety of these scarecrows. One of the more unusual scarecrows that have been witnessed is what has been called the Scarecrow Ninja. Inhabited by the spirits of ninja summoned by a powerful necromancer, these scarecrows are a blend of jerky stumbling and terrifying grace. The pliable bodies filled with straw can bend and flex in ways a mortal body cannot. The only way to stop them is to burn them to ash, or for a mortal ninja to defeat them with the Ancient Arts of the Ninja.
Scarecrow Ninja (Stats for Risus the Anything RPG)
Cliches:
Animated Scarecrow Ninja [4]
Inhumanly Flexible Destroyer of Crows...and People (3)
Hook: Weaknesses to Fire and Ninja Combat: When fighting a fellow ninja, a scarecrow ninja loses the Inhumanly Flexible Destroyer of Crows...and People cliche, and the double pump on the Animated Scarecrow Ninja cliche. It can still pump the Animated Scarecrow Ninja as per the normal Risus rules.
*The Scarecrow Ninjas were inspired by the Fighting Fantasy gamebook cover above that I saw on the fuckyeahbritisholdschoolgaming tumblr page. You have to check this tumblr out--its full of old school British gaming goodness!
The Oddness is a new recurring feature on the Amazing Fun Pad.
The Oddness is pictures and words that describe something, usually of a science fantasy or urban fantasy bent but not always. Sometime there will be RPG or miniature game stats, sometimes not. I want to do this for two reasons:
The Occult World has had animated scarecrows and their ilk for centuries. Once mocked for being a poor wizards's golem and mere protector of crops, recent events both random and meditated have raised their standings. In the past two decades their have been enough spontaneous eruptions of scarecrows that a phrase has been coined for a group of two or more: a murder of scarecrows.
Only recently has there been an effort to catalog the variety of these scarecrows. One of the more unusual scarecrows that have been witnessed is what has been called the Scarecrow Ninja. Inhabited by the spirits of ninja summoned by a powerful necromancer, these scarecrows are a blend of jerky stumbling and terrifying grace. The pliable bodies filled with straw can bend and flex in ways a mortal body cannot. The only way to stop them is to burn them to ash, or for a mortal ninja to defeat them with the Ancient Arts of the Ninja.
Scarecrow Ninja (Stats for Risus the Anything RPG)
Cliches:
Animated Scarecrow Ninja [4]
Inhumanly Flexible Destroyer of Crows...and People (3)
Hook: Weaknesses to Fire and Ninja Combat: When fighting a fellow ninja, a scarecrow ninja loses the Inhumanly Flexible Destroyer of Crows...and People cliche, and the double pump on the Animated Scarecrow Ninja cliche. It can still pump the Animated Scarecrow Ninja as per the normal Risus rules.
*The Scarecrow Ninjas were inspired by the Fighting Fantasy gamebook cover above that I saw on the fuckyeahbritisholdschoolgaming tumblr page. You have to check this tumblr out--its full of old school British gaming goodness!
About The Oddness:
The Oddness is a new recurring feature on the Amazing Fun Pad.
The Oddness is pictures and words that describe something, usually of a science fantasy or urban fantasy bent but not always. Sometime there will be RPG or miniature game stats, sometimes not. I want to do this for two reasons:
- The Oddness is a way to present monsters, npcs, and other ideas on a one to one basis as they popp in my head.
- The Oddness is also a way to get myself to produce more content for the blog. Enjoy.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Inspiration: DeviantART Fun
I'm running around a few ideas round my head as the summer rolls on. Maybe some of these cartoon and crossover ideas from Deviantart can be blended into a strange campaign idea:
Masters of the Universe 300 by ~Killersha on deviantART
80s Spread by ~Eleyre on deviantART
Disney VS Capcom by *Tyrranux on deviantART
TMNT Vs. Aliens by ~BrianJMurphy on deviantART
Masters of the Universe 300 by ~Killersha on deviantART
80s Spread by ~Eleyre on deviantART
Disney VS Capcom by *Tyrranux on deviantART
TMNT Vs. Aliens by ~BrianJMurphy on deviantART
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
I'm Back and the Pokémon Apokélypse Fan Film Trailer
Hey I'm back!
To my dozens of friends I thank you for your patience and hope I will deliver more blog fun after this little sabbatical I took. In May I was helping an old friend of mine move his brother out of his apartment (the brother had health problems). So after working 7-8 hour at work I would go and help my friend for 2-3 hours. I was exhausted. When someone brags to you that they kept everything from the several businesses they owned, sometimes they ain't lying.
So I found this little trailer while watching for fan film trailers on YouTube:
Beyond the initial chuckle at the premise of Pokémon Apokélypse, one could make this into an unusual but interesting RPG campaign. Imagine your PCs' surprise when the underground fighting ring that the players are investigating isn't human or robot, but colorful elementally powered pet monsters battling for supremacy.
With some tweaks you could use Monsters and Other Childish Things by Arc Dream Publishing for this type of campaign. If you want to do some searching check out anime RPG classic Big Eyes, Small Mouth and add the Cute & Fuzzy Seizure Monsters sourcebook.
Or just have the fact that there are underground rings of fighting pet monsters just be part of the background. Just because you can.
To my dozens of friends I thank you for your patience and hope I will deliver more blog fun after this little sabbatical I took. In May I was helping an old friend of mine move his brother out of his apartment (the brother had health problems). So after working 7-8 hour at work I would go and help my friend for 2-3 hours. I was exhausted. When someone brags to you that they kept everything from the several businesses they owned, sometimes they ain't lying.
So I found this little trailer while watching for fan film trailers on YouTube:
Beyond the initial chuckle at the premise of Pokémon Apokélypse, one could make this into an unusual but interesting RPG campaign. Imagine your PCs' surprise when the underground fighting ring that the players are investigating isn't human or robot, but colorful elementally powered pet monsters battling for supremacy.
With some tweaks you could use Monsters and Other Childish Things by Arc Dream Publishing for this type of campaign. If you want to do some searching check out anime RPG classic Big Eyes, Small Mouth and add the Cute & Fuzzy Seizure Monsters sourcebook.
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| I LOVE the original cover. It is so the truth. |
Or just have the fact that there are underground rings of fighting pet monsters just be part of the background. Just because you can.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Intermission!
I've been kinda busy as of late, having little time to post. I'll have more RPG stuff after Memorial Day, so keep on glancing my way!
Monday, May 14, 2012
B-Movie Monday: I Come In Peace (1990)
Here is another guily pleasure of mine: I Come In Peace aka Dark Angel (1990) featuring Dolph Lundgren, Brian Benben, and a giant alien with flying razor disks!
Monday, May 7, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Captain America II: Death Too Soon (1979)
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| Big McLargehuge...I mean Reb Brown as Captain America |
I digress.
Here, fresh from YouTube, is Captain America II: Death Too Soon, in it's entirety. Featuring Reb Brown, Christopher Lee, and the lovely Connie Selleca.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
[Mystery Men] Random City Snapshot: Kung Fu Girls With Guns
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| Popular depiction of "The Kung Fu Girls With Guns" |
These ladies are inspired by the Kung Fu School Girls With Guns and the Kung Fu Schoolgirls 28mm miniatures by Eureka Miniatures.
Sometimes the law is not enough in Random City. When justice is denied and the innocent suffer, the agents of Madame Bai Kuang Hui go into action. Each of the Madame's students were disadvantaged and forgotten, of all races, colors, and creeds. She gave them a home and a purpose. Long ago for stopping an ancient Chinese immortal, Madame Hui was cursed to never bear a child to bear her name. So she took it upon herself to make a better life for these girls, who she saw as mirrors of her own youthful energy.
Madame Hui's paramour, the legendary marksman Harry Courage, respected Madame Hui's choice and the martial arts that the girls were being taught. But Courage taught the girls to also respect the power of the gun, of cold steel and hot lead. Thus was every adopted daughter of Madame Hui and Harry Courage taught not only the mystic martial arts, but the arts of fine marksmanship as well.
Parts of Random City rest a little easier at night. Dubbed by the sensationalistic press as "The Kung Fu Girls With Guns" the daughters of Madame Hui protect the innocent and the oppressed with Chi and Colt. The efforts of these orphans who combine East and West into a deadly force of justice. And thus a diabolical curse resulted in a force of good that has saved countless lives.
Typical Kung Fu Girl With Guns (25,000 XP)
Adventurer Level 9 (12,800 XP)
STR 3| DEX 6 | CON 5 | INT 3 | WIL 6 | CHA 6
HP 36 | DC 11 | ATK +7 melee, +7 ranged | SPD 2
Powers: Catfall (1,000 XP), Iron Grip (1,000 XP), Super Charisma +3 (3,000 XP), Super Constitution +2 (2,000 XP), Super Dexterity +3 (3,000 XP), Weapon Master (Choice) (1,000 XP).
Gear: Handgun (600 XP), Hand Weapon (600 XP)
Each of the girls are different as Madame Hui encourages each Kung Fu Girl to develop her own knowledge and strengths. Use more XPs to individualise each Kung Fu Girl. Some of the girls have a complement of guns and other weapons. Others can focus their chi to become invisible or shoot out elemental bolts. These are not the only possibilities. One of the girls had an arm and both legs replaced with cybernetics. Another girl was transformed into a vampire.
Just another night in Random City.
Monday, April 9, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Peter Cushing's Doctor Who
Here are the trailers for the two Amicus Productions Doctor Who films with Peter Cushing. These films are interesting to me in how they take the Doctor vs the Daleks conflict and takes it out of the TV show canon.
Peter Cushing's Dr. Who has it's own Wikipedia page, including some theories on where the movie Dr. Who fits in the television Doctor Who canon.
Peter Cushing's Dr. Who has it's own Wikipedia page, including some theories on where the movie Dr. Who fits in the television Doctor Who canon.
Monday, April 2, 2012
B-Movie Monday: Serial Trailers
Here are a few trailers from classic cliffhanger serials from the Golden Age of Film.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Friday, March 23, 2012
[Space Princess] Magistrate Nizraks Mercy, Unbound Psychic Entity Hunter
Here's another Space Princess character for you. I used the Psychic class from the Space Princess rules for this one, but I changed the details of his gear to reflect a more "witchfinder" feel for the character. Why Is He Going To The Space Fortress? is a little something to explain why this character is going up against the Dark Lord to find the Space Princess.
Magistrate Nizraks Mercy
Unbound Psychic Entity Hunter
While Nizraks can come off as humorless and cruel, he takes no particular joy in his actions. He is a simple, honest man who has given up a more normal life to protect his people from enemies they cannot see until it is too late.
Magistrate Nizraks Mercy
Human Psychic (Master)
STR 5 | DEX 5 | MEN 6 | KNO 4|
HD 7 | SKILL 12 | LUCK 0
HP 39 | DEF 15 | FIGHT 12 | SHOOT 12
Powers: Astral Projection (DC 20), Ego Whip (DC 10), ESP (DC 10), Mind Thrust (DC 15), Psychometry (DC 10)
Skills: Activate Psychic Power (18), Fast Talk (18), Leap & Swing (17), Swim (17)
Gear: Magistrate's Uniform, Power Hammer (1d10), Inferno Ray Gun (3d6, 10 charges, DC 25)
Why Is He Going To The Space Fortress?
- The Dark Lord has an artifact that will banish the Unbound Psychic Entities
- The Dark Lord has kidnapped a former student of his.
- He gave another PC his word of honor to aid in a great endeavour.
Monday, March 19, 2012
B-Movie Monday: The Magic Voyage of Sinbad
I'll let my pal Wikipedia explain The Magic Voyage of Sinbad (orignally Sadko, a Russian fantasy film from 1953) :
For this Monday I give you this amazing fantastasy movie hybrid. I hope you enjoy.
The film was released in the United States in 1962 in an English-dubbed and modified form by Roger Corman's Filmgroup under the title The Magic Voyage of Sinbad (the original version of the film does have a slight connection to Sindbad the Sailor since Rimsky-Korsakov's symphonic suite Scheherazade incorporates elements of Sindbad stories). The Magic Voyage of Sinbad retains the basic plot structure of Sadko but includes several significant changes: the total running time is reduced from approximately 85 to 79 minutes (most of the deleted footage consists of scenes in which songs are performed), voice-over narration is added, the protagonist "Sadko" is renamed "Sinbad," and characters and places are renamed to disguise the film's Russian origin and transform the film into a story about Sindbad the Sailor (perhaps most significantly, the city of Novgorod is renamed "Copasand"). Also, the English dubbing in this version arguably gives the film a slightly "campier" tone than the original version, in which the dialogue has a more polished and "literate" tone. Notably, the "Script Adaptor" for this version of the film was a young Francis Ford Coppola.
This version of the film was featured in Season 5, Episode #505 of Mystery Science Theater 3000 in 1992. Despite mocking this modified version of the film in this episode, Kevin Murphy, voice of Tom Servo, has professed a love for the "breathtaking" visual style of this and other films by Aleksandr Ptushko in multiple interviews.[1][2] Paul Chaplin, another writer of the show, has also expressed admiration.
For this Monday I give you this amazing fantastasy movie hybrid. I hope you enjoy.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
[Risus] Baron Andre von Darke, Sorcerous Possessor Spirit
Baron Andre von Darke
Sorcerous Possessor Spirit
The possessing entity who assumed the mantle of Andre von Darke was once a good man seduced by power and survival. A minor baron dying of a strange disease, he began to dabble in strange and arcane magics ultimately learning how to take over another’s body. Before Von Darke could take over the Kingdom of Slivonia by possessing the king he was bound into the Cube of Shadows, a spirit prison. When the Cube was split in the 1990s, Baron von Darke escaped the Cube with the other prisoners, and remains free to this day.
When not in a body, Baron von Darke appears as a handsome man in nobleman’s clothes. the Baron cannot influence the physical world directly, but he can still talk to people. His brown hair and beard are short and neatly trimmed. He usually has a friendly smile which turns quickly to rage when he is thwarted. When the Baron is possessing someone, their eyes glow red when angry or using magical ability.
Cliches:
Hooks:
Trapped in Spirit Form: Baron von Darke cannot physically affect the real world unless possessing someone and he has a susceptibility to exorcisms and banishments.
Sorcerous Possessor Spirit
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| A rare picture of Baron Andre von Darke |
When not in a body, Baron von Darke appears as a handsome man in nobleman’s clothes. the Baron cannot influence the physical world directly, but he can still talk to people. His brown hair and beard are short and neatly trimmed. He usually has a friendly smile which turns quickly to rage when he is thwarted. When the Baron is possessing someone, their eyes glow red when angry or using magical ability.
Cliches:
- Corrupted Possessor Spirit From A Bygone Era [5d10]
- Manipulative Sorcerer With Remaining Shreds of Honor [4d8]
- Arrogant Brooding Nobleman (4)
- University Taught Fencer (3)
Hooks:
Trapped in Spirit Form: Baron von Darke cannot physically affect the real world unless possessing someone and he has a susceptibility to exorcisms and banishments.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
I'm Backing The Risus Kickstarter!
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| "The tower of power, too sweet to be sour, ohhhh yeahh!" [7] |
I've never backed a Kickstarter for anything, RPG related or otherwise. But when I heard from the Risus Monkey that diabolical Risus Guru S. John Ross was doing one for a Free Adventure Project, I was intrigued. Long story short, I decided to throw in some funds to back this project to spread the love of Risus, my favorite free rpg ever. As of today the Kickstarter is funded over 300% of the $500 original goal. That's some Risus love!
If you're a Risus fan you've probably seen the information about the RISUS Free Adventure Project 2012. If not check out the information page here!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
B-Movie Monday: DeviantART Deviants!
The Beyond by *BryanBaugh on deviantART
Dario Argento by ~adamgeyer on deviantART
Universal Monsters Original by ~anelektrix on deviantART
Vorhees vs Krueger by ~acook on deviantART
Land of Harryhausen by ~Monsterbatory1 on deviantART
battle beyond the stars toons by *nightwing1975 on deviantART
And this one isn't from a b-movie but it is too fricking awesome to pass up:
Cereal Monsters by ~jasonedmiston on deviantART
Have a good Monday!
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