Winneconne, Wisconsin: Nothing to do with gaming or movies, just my secong home town.
Brian Blessed does snooker commentary: It starts out quiet, then...
Super Crusaders: A free rpg that has the feel of classic Villains & Vigilantes.
The Cosmology Compendium: A fine selection of comic book timelines. Not updated since '06 but still worth the look.
Needs by ArjaiH: A BtVS/NCIS/Ghost Rider/Dracula crossover on Twisting the Hellmouth. Fan fiction crossovers may not be your game, but read this one. On a parallel 1954, Buffy, Xander, and Willow must team up with redeemed monsters to fight more monsters. I'm not doing this justice. I would so roleplay in this world.
And my Wu-Tang name today is Drunken Ninja. Just saying.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Fourth World Mythos or Jack Kirby in Deities & Demigods
I’m in the middle of getting a “new” computer (my aunt’s Windows XP) and assorted family business. Because of this, I haven’t been doing any extensive posting or writing this past week. But I had this brainstorm, sparked from a comment by max from malevolent & benign here.
Imagine if, somehow, someway, TSR was able to get the rights from DC Comics to use some properties created by Jack Kirby in one of their books. The book is Deities and Demigods. The characters are the New Gods of New Genesis and Apokolips. Welcome to the Fourth World Mythos.
The introduction would give the origins of New Genesis and Apokolips, and the struggle between them. The Plane of these New Gods would be classified as an Alternate Prime Material Plane, like the Aztec Gods in the Central American Mythos. Like the Norse Mythos, members of the Fourth World Mythos adventure sometimes with their worshipers. And, one can suppose that Earth is not the only planet (plane) they can visit.
Imagine if, somehow, someway, TSR was able to get the rights from DC Comics to use some properties created by Jack Kirby in one of their books. The book is Deities and Demigods. The characters are the New Gods of New Genesis and Apokolips. Welcome to the Fourth World Mythos.
The introduction would give the origins of New Genesis and Apokolips, and the struggle between them. The Plane of these New Gods would be classified as an Alternate Prime Material Plane, like the Aztec Gods in the Central American Mythos. Like the Norse Mythos, members of the Fourth World Mythos adventure sometimes with their worshipers. And, one can suppose that Earth is not the only planet (plane) they can visit.
There are plenty of gods, heroes and monsters to choose from in the Fourth World Saga that could be adapted towards an AD&D setting to interesting effect. Kirby often worked with mythological archetypes in his comic book work, and these is evident throughout. (This is also used to excellent effect in The Eternals for Marvel Comics). Also, many of the science type gadgets wielded in the Fourth World Saga can easily be “bent” to a fantasy style setting.
An AD&D campaign using elements of Kirby’s Fourth World would be kind of awesome. Your 15th level fighter could battle Parademons in the service of Glorious Godfrey, god of treachery and persuasion, who is trying to take over the countryside. I’m thinking Mother Boxes as artifacts and prizes to quest for, and monks who live outside of time meditating on the writings of Metron. I see clerics who tap into the Source to cast their spells and assassins who use the dark knowledge of Kanto the Assassin and Desaad to slay their victims. High-level anti-paladins of Darkseid search the Outer Planes for the Anti-Life Equation, as the Hounds of Orion stalk the servants of their god’s father.
Can your party of 20th level characters venture into the dark Orphanage of Granny Goodness to rescue their mentor, Mister Miracle, God of Escapes and his Consort, Barda the Protector? Wouldn’t it be neat to try?
Sources for the Fourth World Saga by Jack “The King” Kirby:
Jack Kirby's Fourth World on Wikipedia
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Random City: Three Characters for Risus
I loves me some Risus, written by the diabolical S. John Ross. I believe that it is one of the best free RPGs of all time. Risus is a deceptively simple 6 pages of solid RPG power that can run anything imaginable. I also like to use Risus as roleplaying shorthand to describe characters. You can find more about Risus and download a copy of the rules on this handy dandy Risus home page here.
The characters below are from one of those projects I never really got off the ground. It was to be a collection of characters for Modern Dark Science Fantasy type settings using Risus as the game crunch. Think Disney's Gargoyles, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Army of Darkness, etc. I didn’t have a definitive setting in mind, so in the initial notes I used the name Random City as a setting reference. The name stuck in my mind, so I’m using it here.
Detective Jack Chaykin, Random City Police Department
Description: While many of Random City’s police force try to avoid the strangeness of the city, Detective Jack Chaykin relishes it. His unfasability has made him the Random City Police Department’s unofficial liaison with the Supernormal community. It is a role Jack has come to love. Yet he is troubled by recent events that may make him chose between his friends and the force.
Clichés: Unfazable Police Detective (4), Cheerful Weirdness Magnet (3), A Friend to All (3), Gourmet Cook (2)
Hook: Torn Between Duty and Friends. Jack takes a penalty in situations where he must chose between friends and duty.
Sofia Eastman, Robot Huntress
The characters below are from one of those projects I never really got off the ground. It was to be a collection of characters for Modern Dark Science Fantasy type settings using Risus as the game crunch. Think Disney's Gargoyles, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Army of Darkness, etc. I didn’t have a definitive setting in mind, so in the initial notes I used the name Random City as a setting reference. The name stuck in my mind, so I’m using it here.
Detective Jack Chaykin, Random City Police Department
Description: While many of Random City’s police force try to avoid the strangeness of the city, Detective Jack Chaykin relishes it. His unfasability has made him the Random City Police Department’s unofficial liaison with the Supernormal community. It is a role Jack has come to love. Yet he is troubled by recent events that may make him chose between his friends and the force.
Clichés: Unfazable Police Detective (4), Cheerful Weirdness Magnet (3), A Friend to All (3), Gourmet Cook (2)
Hook: Torn Between Duty and Friends. Jack takes a penalty in situations where he must chose between friends and duty.
Sofia Eastman, Robot Huntress
Description: A refugee from an alternate earth controlled by a benevolent robotic empire. Sofia Eastman is a hunter of rogue robots who threaten both humans and robot. In her world she was charged to eliminate mechanoids who had gone “crazy”. An Interdimensional Crisis that ravaged the multiverse 2 years before brought Sofia to this world. In Random City, Sofia has found a niche as a police consultant dealing with rogue robots and psychotic AIs.
Clichés: Obsessively Focused Robot Huntress (4), Urban Survivalist From Another Earth (3), Borderline Psychotic Driver (2), Police Consultant Because She Has Nothing Better to Do (2)
Hook: No Social Skills Whatever: Sofia takes a penalty in most social situations due to her lifetime dedication to being a robot hunter.
Dr. Daniel Straub, Genetic Scientist
Clichés: Obsessively Focused Robot Huntress (4), Urban Survivalist From Another Earth (3), Borderline Psychotic Driver (2), Police Consultant Because She Has Nothing Better to Do (2)
Hook: No Social Skills Whatever: Sofia takes a penalty in most social situations due to her lifetime dedication to being a robot hunter.
Dr. Daniel Straub, Genetic Scientist
Description: The upswing in the appearance of Supernormals of all stripes had led many scientists to try to crack the secrets of their powers and abilities. Dr. Daniel Straub, a former government employee, has set up shop in Random City to study such powers. His intentions are to discover and codify the sources of these abilities, and explore the strange one he has developed. Dr. Straub has found himself drawn into the conflicts in Random City; he is no longer merely an observer anymore.
Clichés: Ex-Government Genetic Scientist (4), Surprisingly Efficient Street Brawler (3). Collector of Strange Fortean Facts (3), Remote Viewing Novice (2)
Hooks: His Past. Dr. Straub’s past has a habit of bursting back into his life at the most inopportune times.
Clichés: Ex-Government Genetic Scientist (4), Surprisingly Efficient Street Brawler (3). Collector of Strange Fortean Facts (3), Remote Viewing Novice (2)
Hooks: His Past. Dr. Straub’s past has a habit of bursting back into his life at the most inopportune times.
I got the pictures above through Google Images. They are Neal McDonough, Lisa Ann Russell, and Andrew Divoff, respectively. I'm also thinking of doing stats for these character in other rules. Maybe, maybe not. Hope you enjoy.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My Gary Gygax Story
This blog entry is a response to a suggested one-day Blog Memorial in remembrance of Gary Gygax, who died a year ago today. Unclebear had the idea. Now here is my humble response.
How Gary Gygax Signed My Gen Con Program
The first time I met Gary Gygax was Gen Con/Origins 88 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Mecca Convention Center was only 6-7 miles away from my house so I went on Saturday. My father gave me $20 ($5 to get in on a visitors pass, $15 for spending money) to set me lose. I was walking around the convention hall and saw Gary at a booth. There was no one else around. He may have been resting after a demo or seminar or eating lunch, I don’t know. All I knew was that one of the Fathers of Gaming was sitting there, and I had to meet him.
I walked over and introduced myself. He smiled and offered his hand to me. I shook it, then preceded to ramble on for three to four minutes about my love of roleplaying and D&D. Gary just nodded and listened, probably hearing me say things that he had heard for a thousand times before. I saw some people coming towards him, so I said thank you to Gary for letting a 15-year-old fanboy talk to him. He said your welcome and shook my hand again.
Suddenly, I had the urge to get his signature. But I realized that I had not bought anything at Gen Con that was authored, designed, or inspired by Gary Gygax. Then inspiration struck. I turned around to Gary, with my Gen Con/Origins 1988 program book in my hand.
“Can you sign my program, Mr. Gygax?” I asked. “You’re one of the reasons that all these games are here.”
Gary looked at me funny for a moment, and then he smiled and chuckled. On the first page of the program book he signed Gary Gygax. He handed the program book back to me.
I thanked Gary again, and he thanked me in return. Placing the program in my official Gen Con bag, I began to wander around the Exhibit Hall once again.
So in the vast Mike David Jr. archives is my collection of every Gen Con program from 1988 to 2008. The one with the cover long since fallen off has the signature of Gary Gygax written on the first page. I keep that one on the top of the pile.
And that’s my Gary Gygax story. Rest in peace, Gary.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A New B-Movie RPG
Cynthia Celeste Miller and the fine folks at Spectrum Games (makers of Cartoon Action Hour Season 2) are putting together a RPG that celebrates the slasher genre of horror film. They call it Slasher Flick and have a page about it on on thier homesite here.
Although the slasher film is not my favorite type of B-Movie, I'm sure my twisted mind can come up with something using these rules.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Lich Templars of Ossorio and More...
More thoughts and Encounter Critical inspiration for everyone. No stats but just some inspiration helper for the Journey Master.
The Lich Templars of Ossorio
The Lich Templars of Ossorio
In another post I mentioned the legendary Los Caballeros de la Máscara. These legendary luchador knights have many enemies but none are so great as the infamous Lich Templars of Ossorio.
Tales to frighten children. Dark Legends that even frighten the Vampire Counts of the City of Bloodhaven. Remnants of the legendary Camelon Empire. They are all these, and more.
The origin of the Lich Templars is shrouded in mystery and myth. According to legend, the Templars were once the Golden Templars of Ossorio, pledged in service to the Camelon Empire. They were acclaimed as great warriors and technosorcerors, but their service began to wane. Enemies and jealous rivals accused the Templars of bloody deeds and the worshipping of dark powers. Unfortunately for the Camelon Empire, the tales told were all true.
The Golden Templars began to rampage through the star systems near Ossorio. They fielded great Cathedral Warships and began to preach a testament of conquest and blood. At first their gains were great, but a decade later a majority of the Golden Templars were driven back to Ossorio. In one last, desperate gambit, the Grandmaster of the Golden Templars attempted to harness the power of the Grail of Galahad, buried within Ossorio’s moon.
Tales to frighten children. Dark Legends that even frighten the Vampire Counts of the City of Bloodhaven. Remnants of the legendary Camelon Empire. They are all these, and more.
The origin of the Lich Templars is shrouded in mystery and myth. According to legend, the Templars were once the Golden Templars of Ossorio, pledged in service to the Camelon Empire. They were acclaimed as great warriors and technosorcerors, but their service began to wane. Enemies and jealous rivals accused the Templars of bloody deeds and the worshipping of dark powers. Unfortunately for the Camelon Empire, the tales told were all true.
The Golden Templars began to rampage through the star systems near Ossorio. They fielded great Cathedral Warships and began to preach a testament of conquest and blood. At first their gains were great, but a decade later a majority of the Golden Templars were driven back to Ossorio. In one last, desperate gambit, the Grandmaster of the Golden Templars attempted to harness the power of the Grail of Galahad, buried within Ossorio’s moon.
(Above: A Camelon Cathedral Starship)
Legend states that when the Grandmaster gazed upon the Grail of Galahad, the holy might of the Grail reacted to the corruption of the Templars. For daring to gaze upon the holy relic, the eyes of the Grandmaster and all who were pledged to the order were burned out. The moon and the planet Ossorio were shunted into another dimension. The Grail of Galahad was found floating in the remnants of the Ossorio system.
So the Golden Templars slipped into legend until a century ago. Rumors began of ancient Camelon Cathedral ships plying the space ways once again. Reports from the outlying colonies of varying stellar empires cane back of silent desiccated knights destroying temples and drinking blood. Then the truth was revealed: Ossorio had returned with its unholy masters. The Templars who return had entered lichdom.
The Lich Templars spread again from Ossorio, but more secretively. There are rarely more than 13 Templars on a planet at one time. In the dark of space their Cathedral ships go forth to awaken the Templars buried on other worlds.
In combat they are fierce and relentless opponents. Although lichdom has slowed them, they are resilient and hard to destroy, The Curse of the Grail blinded them, but their other senses have been enhanced by centuries of training and dark magic. Their only constant need is a thirst for blood that they can control, but sometimes burns them into madness.
The Lich Templars have caused destruction and chaos, but their relentless evil has also created powers of good. The Crusade against Camelon forced the Empire to put aside some internal prejudices that extended the life of Camelon. The heroes of many worlds including Vanth have gained honor battling the Lich Templars.
Their greatest enemies were forged when the revived Templars razed the planet. The only survivors, 5 men and 2 women, swore revenge. These 7 warriors sought the Luchador Kings of Terra to train them for vengeance. They became Los Caballeros de la Máscara, battlers of creatures across the universe.
Lich Templars prefer to work through patsies and lieutenants for most things. To get blood and souls, though, they are definitely hands on.
So the Golden Templars slipped into legend until a century ago. Rumors began of ancient Camelon Cathedral ships plying the space ways once again. Reports from the outlying colonies of varying stellar empires cane back of silent desiccated knights destroying temples and drinking blood. Then the truth was revealed: Ossorio had returned with its unholy masters. The Templars who return had entered lichdom.
The Lich Templars spread again from Ossorio, but more secretively. There are rarely more than 13 Templars on a planet at one time. In the dark of space their Cathedral ships go forth to awaken the Templars buried on other worlds.
In combat they are fierce and relentless opponents. Although lichdom has slowed them, they are resilient and hard to destroy, The Curse of the Grail blinded them, but their other senses have been enhanced by centuries of training and dark magic. Their only constant need is a thirst for blood that they can control, but sometimes burns them into madness.
The Lich Templars have caused destruction and chaos, but their relentless evil has also created powers of good. The Crusade against Camelon forced the Empire to put aside some internal prejudices that extended the life of Camelon. The heroes of many worlds including Vanth have gained honor battling the Lich Templars.
Their greatest enemies were forged when the revived Templars razed the planet. The only survivors, 5 men and 2 women, swore revenge. These 7 warriors sought the Luchador Kings of Terra to train them for vengeance. They became Los Caballeros de la Máscara, battlers of creatures across the universe.
Lich Templars prefer to work through patsies and lieutenants for most things. To get blood and souls, though, they are definitely hands on.
Brief Thoughts on Superheroes in Encounter Critical
(An excerpt from the Gamers & Gargoyles fanzine #30, from the Gamealot APA #45, 1985)
(An excerpt from the Gamers & Gargoyles fanzine #30, from the Gamealot APA #45, 1985)
Re: Superheroes campaign ideas: One of the ideas I want to try is the Vanthian Brigade. This stems from the old Encounter Critical RPG by Battlefield Press. I have all of the books for this game. Battlefield Press was based in Racine, Wisconsin and Racine is only 30 minutes ways from my house. I also have some of the local fan material, all of it good.
Encounter Critical has a great science fantasy/everything and the kitchen sink vibe. The original rulebook comes with 12 races (including some that seem very familiar) and basic mutation rules. The world of Vanth is described in the main rules, various newsletters, and some fan works. The setting is vast—possible origins include mutation, psionics, magic, weird half races, technosorcery, and stranger sources. I could probably whip up some super mutant rules or steal some V&V superpowers. I’m still working on the rules portion of the campaign. Hell, I may use another system entirely, like Marvel Superheroes or something simpler.
The Vanthian Brigade is a JLA/Avengers style superhero team that fights evil across the four corners of Vanth and beyond. Each nation and group has a member in the Brigade. They do not discriminate by race, mutation or belief. Most major nations of the planet allow the Brigade to battle evil on the lands. Even the diabolical Darth Viraxis has sent word for the Brigade to aid his people. Of course, the Godzilla mutant that was summoned was his fault, but his lands needed the protection.
The group has its headquarters in a massive flying castle that circuits that lands of Vanth. The castle is rumored to be the creation of a lost Vulkin/Elfin empire that created one last masterpiece before that Empire fell in a war with Rogue Transchangors. Whatever it’s origin, the Castle Brigade wanders of the skies of Vanth serving as a beacon of hope to the lands below.
The Vanthian Brigade is not the only super team on Vanth. God City has a contingent of the Power Cohort (a galactic order of superheroes), several vigilantes, and super cyborgs. Outside of the city proper is the Cockrum Institute for Phasic Research, a specialty school dealing with strange cases. It is also home to the amazing team of Mutants known of the Phasic Force.
Other countries have their own superhero and villains. Truly, the land of Vanth with superpowers added is truly a strange realm to behold. I may have to start working on this.
Everything else in your zine, RAEBNC.
Encounter Critical has a great science fantasy/everything and the kitchen sink vibe. The original rulebook comes with 12 races (including some that seem very familiar) and basic mutation rules. The world of Vanth is described in the main rules, various newsletters, and some fan works. The setting is vast—possible origins include mutation, psionics, magic, weird half races, technosorcery, and stranger sources. I could probably whip up some super mutant rules or steal some V&V superpowers. I’m still working on the rules portion of the campaign. Hell, I may use another system entirely, like Marvel Superheroes or something simpler.
The Vanthian Brigade is a JLA/Avengers style superhero team that fights evil across the four corners of Vanth and beyond. Each nation and group has a member in the Brigade. They do not discriminate by race, mutation or belief. Most major nations of the planet allow the Brigade to battle evil on the lands. Even the diabolical Darth Viraxis has sent word for the Brigade to aid his people. Of course, the Godzilla mutant that was summoned was his fault, but his lands needed the protection.
The group has its headquarters in a massive flying castle that circuits that lands of Vanth. The castle is rumored to be the creation of a lost Vulkin/Elfin empire that created one last masterpiece before that Empire fell in a war with Rogue Transchangors. Whatever it’s origin, the Castle Brigade wanders of the skies of Vanth serving as a beacon of hope to the lands below.
The Vanthian Brigade is not the only super team on Vanth. God City has a contingent of the Power Cohort (a galactic order of superheroes), several vigilantes, and super cyborgs. Outside of the city proper is the Cockrum Institute for Phasic Research, a specialty school dealing with strange cases. It is also home to the amazing team of Mutants known of the Phasic Force.
Other countries have their own superhero and villains. Truly, the land of Vanth with superpowers added is truly a strange realm to behold. I may have to start working on this.
Everything else in your zine, RAEBNC.
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